M/1CL MEJIA, RABBI SOLOMON B.

07
FEB 2025
MERCURY SECTION

Activity 1:
a. Make a list of System Software and Application Software
System Software
1. Operating Systems (OS):
o Windows (e.g., Windows 11, Windows 10)

o macOS

o Linux (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian)

o Android

o iOS

o Unix

2. Device Drivers:
o Printer drivers

o Graphics card drivers (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD)

o Network adapter drivers

3. Firmware:
o BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

o UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)

4. Utility Software:
o Disk management tools (e.g., Disk Defragmenter)

o Antivirus software (e.g., Windows Defender)

o Backup tools (e.g., Time Machine for macOS)

o System monitoring tools (e.g., Task Manager, Activity Monitor)

5. Bootloaders:
o GRUB (Grand Unified Bootloader)

o Windows Boot Manager

6. Virtual Machine Managers:

 o VMware

o VirtualBox

o Hyper-V

Application Software
1. Productivity Software:
 Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
 Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
 LibreOffice
2. Web Browsers:
 Google Chrome
 Mozilla Firefox
 Safari
 Microsoft Edge
3. Media Players:
 VLC Media Player
 Windows Media Player
 Spotify
 iTunes
4. Graphics and Design Software:
 Adobe Photoshop
 CorelDRAW
 AutoCAD
 Canva
5. Communication Software:
 Zoom
 Skype
 Microsoft Teams
 Slack
6. Gaming Software:
 Steam
  Epic Games Launcher
 PlayStation Remote Play
7. Database Management Software:
 MySQL
 Oracle Database
 Microsoft SQL Server
8. Educational Software:
 Duolingo
 Khan Academy
 Moodle
9. Antivirus and Security Software:
 Norton Antivirus
 McAfee
 Malwarebytes
10. E-commerce Software:
 Shopify
 WooCommerce
 Magento
11. Social Media Applications:
 Facebook
 Instagram
 Twitter (X)
 LinkedIn
12. Cloud Storage and File Sharing:
 Google Drive
 Dropbox
 OneDrive

b. Make a list of Common Software Problems and Solution

1. Software Crashes
  Problem: The software unexpectedly closes or stops working.
 Solution: Update the software to the latest version, reinstall the software,
check for conflicting programs, or update drivers.
2. Slow Performance
 Problem: The software runs slower than usual.
 Solution: Clear cache and temporary files, close unnecessary background
applications, increase system memory, or defragment your hard drive.
3. Installation Errors
 Problem: Errors occur during software installation.
 Solution: Ensure you have enough disk space, check compatibility with your
operating system, disable antivirus software temporarily, or download the
installation file again.
4. Compatibility Issues
 Problem: The software is not compatible with your operating system or other
programs.
 Solution: Check for updates or patches from the software developer, run the
program in compatibility mode, or use a virtual machine.
5. Security Vulnerabilities
 Problem: The software has security weaknesses that could be exploited.
 Solution: Update the software regularly, use antivirus and anti-malware
programs, enable firewalls, and follow best security practices.
6. Licensing Problems
 Problem: Issues with software activation or licensing.
 Solution: Verify that you have a legitimate copy, re-enter the product key,
contact customer support, or check for licensing restrictions.
7. User Interface Issues
 Problem: Difficulty in navigating or using the software interface.
 Solution: Refer to the software’s user manual or help section, look for online
tutorials, or contact customer support for guidance.
8. Error Messages
 Problem: Unfamiliar error messages appear while using the software.
 Solution: Note down the error message, search for the error code online,
check the software’s official support page, or contact technical support.
Activity 2:
a. Make a list of the different hardware parts/components together with the
common problems and solution related to that component.
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 Problems: Overheating, slow performance, system crashes
 Solutions: Clean the heatsink and fan, apply new thermal paste, ensure
proper ventilation, and avoid overclocking if it's causing instability.
2. Random Access Memory (RAM)
 Problems: System crashes, blue screen of death (BSOD), memory errors
 Solutions: Reseat the RAM modules, run a memory diagnostic tool, replace
faulty RAM, and ensure compatibility with the motherboard.
 Hard Disk Drive (HDD) / Solid State Drive (SSD)
 Problems: Slow data access, read/write errors, drive failure
 Solutions: Run disk cleanup and defragmentation (for HDDs), update
firmware, use disk utility tools to check for errors, and back up data regularly.
3. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
 Problems: System not powering on, random shutdowns, power supply noise
 Solutions: Check power connections, ensure the PSU has adequate wattage
for the system, replace a faulty PSU, and use a surge protector.
4. Motherboard
 Problems: No POST (Power-On Self-Test), system not booting, connectivity
issues
 Solutions: Check for loose connections, update BIOS, reset CMOS, and
ensure all components are properly seated.
5. Graphics Card (GPU)
 Problems: Display artifacts, driver crashes, overheating
 Solutions: Update graphics drivers, clean the GPU and ensure proper
cooling, reseat the graphics card, and check for compatibility with the PSU.
6. Monitor
 Problems: No display, flickering, dead pixels
  Solutions: Check cable connections, update graphics drivers, adjust refresh
rate settings, and consider replacing the monitor if hardware issues persist.
7. Keyboard and Mouse
 Problems: Unresponsive keys/buttons, connection issues, input lag
 Solutions: Replace batteries (for wireless devices), check USB connections,
update drivers, and clean the keyboard and mouse.
8. Network Interface Card (NIC)
 Problems: No internet connection, slow network speeds, intermittent
connectivity
 Solutions: Update network drivers, check cable connections, reset the
router, and use a different port or network cable.
9. Optical Drive (CD/DVD/Blu-ray)
 Problems: Not reading discs, slow performance, drive not recognized
 Solutions: Clean the drive and discs, check connections, update firmware,
and replace the optical drive if it's faulty.

Activity 3:
a. Make a list of common network problems and their solution
1. Slow Network Speeds
o Problem: The network is running slower than expected.

o Solution: Restart your router and modem, check for bandwidth-

hogging applications, update firmware on networking devices, optimize
Wi-Fi placement, and consider upgrading your plan or hardware.
2. Network Connectivity Issues
o Problem: Devices cannot connect to the network.

o Solution: Check cable connections, restart network devices, verify

network settings, ensure the correct password is entered, and disable
and re-enable the network adapter.
3. IP Address Conflicts
o Problem: Two devices have the same IP address, causing connectivity
issues.
o Solution: Restart the devices, manually assign a unique IP address to
each device, or enable DHCP on the router.
4. Weak Wi-Fi Signal
o Problem: Wi-Fi signal strength is weak in certain areas.

o Solution: Reposition the router for better coverage, use Wi-Fi

extenders or mesh networks, reduce interference from other devices,
and consider upgrading to a stronger router.
5. DNS Issues
o Problem: Webpages are not loading due to DNS server issues.

o Solution: Change the DNS server settings to a public DNS like

Google's (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), restart the router, or flush the DNS
cache on your device.
6. Network Security Vulnerabilities
o Problem: Network is exposed to security threats.

o Solution: Use strong passwords, enable WPA3 or WPA2 encryption,

update firmware regularly, disable WPS, and set up a guest network for
visitors.
7. Limited Connectivity
o Problem: Devices show limited or no connectivity.

o Solution: Restart the router and modem, check for service outages
with your ISP, update network drivers, and verify that your account
with the ISP is active.
8. Dropped Connections
o Problem: Devices frequently lose connection to the network.

o Solution: Check for interference from other electronic devices, update

router firmware, ensure cables are securely connected, and reduce the
number of connected devices.
9. Network Configuration Issues
o Problem: Incorrect network settings prevent connection.

o Solution: Reset network settings to default, verify network

configurations, ensure the correct gateway and subnet mask, and
contact the ISP for assistance.
10.VPN Connection Problems
o Problem: VPN service is not connecting or is unstable.

o Solution: Ensure correct VPN credentials, try a different VPN server,

update VPN software, disable firewall temporarily, and check for
network restrictions.
Activity 4:
a. Research for the most notorious CYBERSECURITY ATTACK in the Philippines
One of the most notorious cybersecurity attacks in the Philippines was the
Comelec Data Breach in 2016. A month before the national elections, the
Commission on Elections (Comelec) suffered a large-scale attack where hackers
accessed and compromised data from roughly 70 million people—more than half
of the country's population. The stolen data included sensitive information such as
fingerprint data, passport information, email addresses, postal addresses,
birthplace, height and weight, gender, marital status, and parents' names1. The
hacker group Anonymous Philippines claimed responsibility for the attack, which
amounted to a data dump of 340 GB
b. Research for the most notorious CYBER SECURITY ATTACKS on ships
One of the most notorious cybersecurity attacks on ships was the Maersk
cyberattack in 2017. This attack was part of the Petya ransomware outbreak,
which affected numerous organizations worldwide. Maersk, one of the largest
shipping companies, suffered significant disruptions. The ransomware encrypted
data on their systems, leading to a complete shutdown of operations across multiple
terminals. The financial impact was estimated to be around $300 million

Activity 5: Answer the following questions:

a. As cadets, since shipping companies already have IT specialists, why is there a
need for you to study cybersecurity, computer troubleshooting and maintenance?
For Cybersecurity Awareness, Quick Response, Troubleshooting Skills, System
Reliability, Reduced Dependency, Preventive Maintenance, Versatile Skill Set,
Leadership and Responsibility, Effective Communication & Team Integration
b. The future of shipping includes autonomous ships. As cadets, what is your
viewpoint in anticipation that someday, cadets are no longer needed aboard?
While the future may bring more automation, the human element will always
be integral to the maritime industry. By focusing on continuous learning, upskilling
in technology, and adapting to new roles, cadets can ensure they remain
indispensable in the evolving world of shipping.

c. Comments, suggestions, message for your instructor in ICT.

Thank you, Sir, for your dedication and effort in teaching us. Your passion for
the subject is truly inspiring, and I appreciate how you make learning meaningful.