1) "IT...What is it Good For?"  Please respond to the following:

• a) Explain the importance of information technology and systems in businesses today. Include at least one (1) real-world industry example where you believe information technology has changed the way that business is performed in that industry.
• b)Read the article titled “Using Email Safely” https://blackboard.strayer.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/CIS/105/1152/Week1/CIS105_week1eActivity.pdf. Next, identify the greatest potential threat to computer users when people and businesses send emails to communicate. Then, imagine that you are to educate a group of people on the threat you have identified. Explicate one (1) way in which you would explain the threat and suggest one (1) security control strategy to mitigate the threat in question.

2) "Operating System and Office Options"  Please respond to the following:

• a)Compare and contrast at least two (2) operating systems that are available today for use on personal computers and / or mobile devices. If you were considering the purchase of a new computing device (i.e., desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet), explain which one you would select. Then, include three (3) reasons as to why you would choose that type.
• b)Read the article titled “Not ready for Office 2013? Here are five open alternatives.” http://www.pcworld.com/article/2026666/not-ready-for-office-2013-here-are-five-open-alternatives.html. Next, select one (1) application suite that could serve as an alternative to Microsoft Office 2013, and compare and contrast the main functionalities of each. Then, explain whether or not you would consider utilizing the selected alternative over Microsoft’s offering. Provide a rationale for your response

3)"Security Concerns and Best Practices"  Please respond to the following:

• a) Give your opinion on what you believe to be the greatest IT security concern facing businesses today and explain the main reason(s) why you believe such is the case. Additionally, propose at least one (1) security control that a business could consider implementing in order to protect against the IT security concern in question.
• b)Read the article titled “10 security best practice guidelines for consumers.” http://www.zdnet.com/article/10-security-best-practice-guidelines-for-consumers/ Next, identify the security practice guideline that you believe consumers should educate themselves with the most in order to keep their data private and job secure. Explain the key reasons why you believe the best practice you selected is important. Then, speculate on one (1) additional precaution (not listed in the article) that consumers could take in order to avoid potential security problems. Justify your response.