{"id":120,"date":"2026-03-30T01:01:46","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T01:01:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.odu.edu\/odupresentationtemplate\/?page_id=2"},"modified":"2026-05-01T03:29:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T03:29:54","slug":"sample-page-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/zahirwill-eportfolio\/","title":{"rendered":"About Me"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hello, my name is Zahir Williams, I am an 18-year-old freshman currently studying cybersecurity, and I’m working toward building a strong foundation for my future career. I’m highly motivated to grow both academically and personally, am I am always looking for opportunities to learn new skills. As I continue my education, I am interested in developing my knowledge in my field and I hope to gain some real-world experience that will help me in life before graduation. Through this ePortfolio, I aim to show my progress, my achievements, and the work I am most proud of while I continuously show improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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CYSE270 Linux Systems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working with Command Lines<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During my Linux lab work, I gained experience using the command line to navigate the system, manage files and directories, and I now understand how Linux operates at a deeper level. I learned key skills such as using commands like ls<\/code>, cd<\/code>, cp<\/code>, mv<\/code>, and grep<\/code>, as well as working with file paths, permissions, and basic system files. One of the biggest challenges I faced was remembering the correct syntax for commands, but working through those mistakes helped me better understand how the system responds to different inputs. Overall, this lab taught me the importance of precision and problem-solving when using the command line, and it gave me a solid foundation that I can build on for future work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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VI Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During my lab using the vi editor, I learned how to navigate and edit files directly from the command line, which helped me better understand how efficient terminal tools can be. I developed skills such as switching between insert and command mode, moving through a file, editing specific lines, and saving or quitting files using commands like :wq<\/code> and :q!<\/code>. One challenge I faced was getting used to the different modes and remembering the commands, but with practice I became more comfortable using it. Overall, this lab taught me patience and attention to detail, and it showed me how important it is to understand basic tools like vi for working in Linux, especially in cybersecurity environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Group and User Accounts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During my lab on group and user accounts, I learned how to create, modify, and manage users and groups. I learned key skills such as using commands to add users, assign them to groups, change their permissions, and I learned to understand how access control works within a Linux system. One challenge I faced was keeping track of the different commands and understanding how permissions and group memberships affect what users can and cannot do, but the more I worked with it the more I made sense of it. Overall, this lab helped me understand the importance of managing users securely, and it showed me how proper account and permission setup plays a big role in protecting systems in cybersecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Password Cracking<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During my lab on password cracking, I gained hands-on experience understanding how weak passwords can be exploited and understanding why strong security practices are important. I learned concepts such as how password hashes work, how tools like John the Ripper are used to test password strength, and the role of wordlists in cracking passwords. One challenge I faced was dealing with errors and unsupported hash formats, which made it difficult to crack the passwords at first, but after I kept working with it more it helped me understand the process better. Overall, this lab showed me how vulnerable weak passwords can be and it showed me the importance of creating strong passwords and using proper security measures in cybersecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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File Permissions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During my lab on file permissions, I learned how to control access to files and directories using permission settings, which is a key part of system security. I developed skills in reading and modifying permissions with commands like chmod<\/code>, chown<\/code>, and ls -l<\/code>, and I gained a better understanding of how read, write, and execute permissions apply to users, groups, and others. One challenge I faced was remembering how to correctly set permissions using both symbolic and numeric formats, but working with it more helped me understand how each change affects access. Overall, this lab taught me how important file permissions are for protecting data and it showed me how proper configuration helps prevent unauthorized access in a Linux system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Storage Management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During my lab on storage management, I gained experience working with disks, partitions, and file systems, and this helped me understand how data is stored and managed in a system. I learned how to identify drives, create and format partitions, mounting and unmounting file systems, and I learned commands to check disk usage and storage details. One challenge I faced was understanding the steps in the correct order and making sure I didn\u2019t accidentally misconfigure a partition, but reviewing the commands helped me get more comfortable with it. Overall, this lab taught me how important proper storage management is for a system’s performance and data organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shell Scripting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During my lab on shell scripting, I learned how to automate tasks by writing basic scripts, and this showed me how powerful the command line can be beyond just typing individual commands. I learned key skills such as creating script files, using variables, writing simple loops and condition statements, and I made scripts executable to run them. One challenge I faced was debugging my scripts when they didn\u2019t run correctly, especially with syntax errors or missing commands, but fixing those mistakes helped me understand how scripting works. Overall, this lab taught me how automation can save time and increase efficiency, and it gave me a strong introduction to scripting that will be useful in cybersecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Task Automation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During my lab on task automation, I learned how to schedule and how to automate system tasks, and this showed me how important automation is for managing systems efficiently. I developed skills such as using tools like crontab to schedule jobs, understanding timing syntax, and creating tasks that run automatically without any manual input. One challenge I faced was getting the timing format correct and making sure my scripts actually executed like I wanted them to, but testing it helped me figure it out. Overall, this lab taught me how automation can save time and reduce human error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Networking Basics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During my lab on networking basics, I learned how systems communicate over a network and I learned how to check and troubleshoot connectivity using different commands. I developed skills such as using tools like ifconfig, ping, netstat, and nslookup to view IP addresses, test connections, and perform basic DNS queries. One challenge I faced was understanding how all the network information connects, like IP addresses, subnet masks, and routing, but practicing the all the commands helped everything make sense. Overall, this lab gave me a strong foundation in networking, and it showed me how important these concepts are for identifying and solving issues in cybersecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Resume<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zahir Williams<\/strong>
<\/strong>Norfolk, VA
Email: mwill220@odu.edu
Phone: 7578079031<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Profile<\/strong>
<\/strong>I\u2019m a motivated student with a growing interest in cybersecurity and technology. I enjoy learning how systems work, solving problems, and staying organized in both school and in my personal life. I\u2019m reliable, calm under pressure, and always working toward long-term goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Education<\/strong>
<\/strong>Old Dominion University \u2014 Current Student<\/em>
<\/em>Major: Cybersecurity
Minor: Computer Science<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skills<\/strong>
<\/strong>\u2022 Basic cybersecurity concepts
\u2022 Problem-solving and critical thinking
\u2022 Research and writing
\u2022 Team communication
\u2022 Familiar with Windows, macOS, and basic networking
\u2022 Comfortable learning new tools and technologies<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience<\/strong>
<\/strong>\u2022 Coursework in cybersecurity fundamentals
\u2022 Hands-on projects exploring secure practices and cyber awareness
\u2022 Experience working with classmates on academic assignments and presentations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interests<\/strong>
<\/strong>\u2022 Cybersecurity and digital safety
\u2022 Technology and innovation
\u2022 Gaming and online communities
\u2022 Continuous self-improvement<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professional Goals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in cybersecurity where I can help protect systems, networks, and sensitive data from cyber threats. I am especially interested in becoming a cybersecurity specialist, focusing on areas like network security, threat analysis, and ethical hacking. My goal is to continue building my technical skills through hands-on experience, getting my certifications, and getting more real-world practice. I ultimately want to work in a role where I can actively defend organizations, solve complex security problems, and I also want to make a meaningful impact while doing my job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Overall Reflection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During this course, I learned the fundamentals of Kali Linux, which has given me a strong foundation. Over the semester, my skills have improved a lot, especially with using the command line, managing files and permissions, and understanding how security practices are applied in real systems. I also have become better at problem-solving and troubleshooting when things don’t work the first time. This course contributes directly to my future career in cybersecurity because it gave me real hands-on experience with Linux and it introduced me to the types of tools and concepts I will continue to use. This course has helped me feel more prepared for other advanced courses and future job opportunities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hello, my name is Zahir Williams, I am an 18-year-old freshman currently studying cybersecurity, and I’m working toward building a strong foundation for my future career. I’m highly motivated to grow both academically and personally, am I am always looking for opportunities to learn new skills. As I continue my education, I am interested in… <\/p>\n

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