Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Starting My Journey in Cybersecurity at CSN

Hello everyone, and welcome to my blog. My name is Gian Carlos Munoz Poey, and I am currently a student at the College of Southern Nevada pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computing and Information Technology with a focus on Cyber Security–Network Security. I am also working in a full-time job as a Barista at the Harry Reid International Airport. I'm really passionate about technology and problem-solving skills, and I am very excited to share my learning journey, experiences, and growth as I move forward in the IT field.

My first impression of IS101 course has been very positive. I like the way the classes are implemented, that you have multiple resources to learn from so it gives you an amazing learning environment. My professor is very demanding but in a good way, because it makes you think in every single step that you are taking, and focusing on the little details. The course is well planned and does a great job of introducing foundational concepts that are essential for anyone entering the world of information systems. IS101 has given me a better understanding of how technology supports organizations, users and everyday operations.

In Discussion 2, Part 2, the skill I worked on LabSim was 2.1.11 Checking System Requirements. This lab has helped me understand the importance of verifying system compatibility before installing software and running that software effectively or upgrading hardware. In this lab, I checked system specifications in Windows 11 by opening the Settings app, selecting System, and then clicking About. This allowed me to view important details such as the processor type, CPU speed, installed RAM, and operating system version. The lab helped me understand why each requirement is important. The CPU and its speed determine how quickly the system can process instructions, while RAM ensures that programs and simulations run smoothly without slowing down. I also learned that having a 64-bit operating system is essential for compatibility with modern software features. This activity showed me how checking system requirements is a critical skill in IT. Verifying compatibility before installing or running software helps prevent performance issues and errors, making it an essential skill for technicians and IT professionals.

Finally, something else I would like to share is that I feel very motivated about my academic journey. I am especially motivated to pass the MOS certification exams, as they represent an important steppingstone for building my IT career.

27 comments:

  1. I'm elated to hear you are motivated about your academic journey, Gian :-)

    Thinking every step of the way and focusing on details will help you succeed in the Information Technology field -- any field actually!

    Yes, checking system requirements are verifying compatibility are a must in troubleshooting in IT! Another source of things not working well is the human (i.e. end-user).

    I see you soaring not just in IS101-3005, Spring 2026 but in your future career in IT ^_^

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  2. Hey Gian, I respect you for taking on cybersecurity while working full-time as a barista. I liked how you explained that system requirements lab, you’re already thinking like someone in IT.

    Keep that same energy going into MOS, you’ve got this!

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  3. Hello Gian, your opinion about IS101 really resonates with me. I agree that the structure of the course creates a strong learning environment. Not to mention, having resources and a professor who pushes us to think through every detail really helps us build strong and good habits early on! I also agree with why you think 2.1.11 is important, troubleshooting is a HUGE part of IT and other similar fields or departments. This specific lab indeed helps us understand things under the hood better to be able to know, fix, avoid, or prevent issues that may arise or is already happening.

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  4. Hi Gian, Having a full time job at the airport while taking your classes must make you really busy. System requirements have always made my head spin because there is other knowledge that you have to know beforehand to really comprehend what the requirements actually mean for your computers compatibility with software. I know it's really important to know if you want to be fluent with computers.

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  5. Hey Gian. I really liked how you chose the topic regarding the importance of system requirements to your post, when i first started utilizing PC's I didn't realize how important it was to verify you could actually run the programs you wanted!
    I hope the airport is treating you well, I have no doubt the tourists keep you on your toes!

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  6. A fellow Cybersecurity enthusiast! I am getting my associates in cybersecurity-network security! More power to your journey and maybe we could talk about our interest in the degree sometime this semester.

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  7. Hi Gian! It’s impressive that you’re balancing a full-time job as a barista while studying. Your excitement about IS101 and learning system requirements is inspiring, and staying motivated for MOS certifications will definitely help you in your Computing and Information Technology career!

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  8. Gian Carlos, your pursuit of an Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security while managing full-time responsibilities at Harry Reid International Airport exemplifies a rigorous commitment to professional development, particularly through your technical mastery of system requirements and your strategic focus on obtaining MOS certifications as foundational milestones in your IT career.

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  9. Hey Gian, Cyber-Security is a great field, there's always room for people to work in IT, especially now that technology is getting more and more sophisticated and advanced. This course will definitely set you up for success because it teaches not just about Microsoft Word and Excel, but also a lot about attention to detail and problem solving. Have a fun journey and enjoy your career in IT!

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  10. Hello Gian, I love the format of your blog post as it really stands out from just the regular default. I find it cool to see how you work as a barista at an airport I couldn't imagine the stories you hear from all walks of life i'm sure it's an experience nonetheless. Best of luck!

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  11. Hey Gian I hope the path to obtaining a job into IT is going well and that you're actively working towards it. It is tough but first people wanted certifications, then degrees, then experience. It's nuts but hope you got a plan! I'm a huge gamer when I'm not knee deep in school and this LabSim is very relatable, I would need to download things, but sometimes disregard compatibility checks and it won't go through successfully. If it's not LabSim, friends come in clutch who may know a little more than I do. Thanks for sharing and really hope you come up!

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  12. Hello Gian, how is it like working at the airport? What kinds of people do you meet? Having a full-time job while going to school is not easy. Good luck with your work and studies!

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    1. It's a good job, has it high and lows but is good. You will talk with every kind of peole different places.

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  13. Hello Gian, I wish you well on your cyber security career journey. A barista job at the airport sounds very stressful having to balance that and also school must be difficult. I can imagine that your problem-solving skills come very handy when you are installing software and dealing with IT.

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  14. Hello there, Gian, glad to hear that you are very passionate about technology. I see that you are focusing on Cyber Security Network security. I really found this topic very interesting, even thought i don't know anything about cybersecurity. Hopefully, in the near future, I can learn at least the basics of cybersecurity. Yes, I agree that IS101 is a well-planned course and does a great job of introducing foundational concepts of IS101 for anyone.

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  15. Hello Gian, working full time while attending school isn't easy I hope all is going well and you're able to keep a good balance.

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  16. Hello Gian, I am glad that you are excited about the class and the benefits of it for your IT career!

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  17. Hey Gian, that's awesome that you're a barista—I heard it pays really well! And it's super cool that you want to pursue a degree in cybersecurity.

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  18. Hello Gian, working full time as a barista while balancing classes must be very difficult. I respect your dedication! I wish you luck with your IT career.

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  19. Hey Gian, I liked your post! It’s cool how you’re already working toward a career in cybersecurity. I also didn’t realize how important checking system requirements was until this class.

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  20. Hi Gian, I really admire that you’re studying while working full-time, that takes a lot of effort and discipline. I also liked how you explained system requirements, it shows you’re already developing a technical mindset. I agree that IS101 helps you focus on details. I wish you the best in passing your MOS certifications and in your career!

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  21. Hi Gian Carlos, your introduction is clear and well written and shows your focus on IT and cybersecurity. I liked your explanation of the LabSim activity and how you connected it to real-world use. Your motivation for MOS certifications is strong and positive.

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  22. Hey Gian, you mentioned about checking system requirements before installing software, ya it’s a key IT skill that helps prevent a lot of real-world issues.

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  23. Hi Gian! Very cool to hear about your aspirations! I am also very excited for the MOS certifications exams, they will be a very good addition to any resume!

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  24. Hi Gian! Your positive attitude towards learning is great! I enjoy having the multiple sources to learn from as well. It really helps with remembering what and how to approach a task.

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  25. Hi Gian.
    At first this class honestly felt a little scary, but I’ve grown to really enjoy it. Learning about the different parts of hardware and software has made everything start to make sense, and it’s actually pretty interesting once you get into it.

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  26. Hi Gian. I like that you are pursuing a degree in cybersecurity. That is an important field today, and I hope that you can make an impact.

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