Computer Science/ICT Notes
Phase 1: Introduction to Computer Science & ICT
1. Computer Basics
- What is a computer? Learn about hardware (CPU, RAM, storage devices) and software
(applications, operating systems).
- Operating Systems: Understand Windows, Linux, macOS. Basic functions like file management,
processes, and user interfaces.
- Computer Components: Learn about the CPU, memory, hard drives, and peripherals (keyboard,
mouse, printer, etc.).
- Basic Software: Word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers.
2. Introduction to Networking
- What is a network? Learn about LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), and
the internet.
- IP Addresses & DNS: Understand how devices communicate on a network.
- Basic Networking Protocols: HTTP, TCP/IP, and more.
Phase 2: Programming Basics
3. Introduction to Programming
- What is programming? Learn the basics of writing code.
- Programming Languages: Start with C++ (since you're already learning it).
- Variables: Data types (int, float, string).
- Control Structures: If/else, loops (for, while).
- Functions: How to organize code into reusable blocks.
- Basic Data Structures: Arrays and lists.
4. Introduction to Algorithms
- Learn basic algorithms like sorting (bubble sort, selection sort) and searching (linear search, binary
search).
Phase 3: Advanced Computer Science Topics
5. Data Structures and Algorithms
- Advanced Data Structures: Stacks, queues, linked lists, trees, and graphs.
- Algorithms: Learn more efficient algorithms for sorting and searching.
6. Databases
- What is a database? Learn about relational databases, tables, and SQL (Structured Query
Language).
- Basic SQL Commands: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE.
- Normalization: Organizing data to avoid redundancy.
7. Introduction to Web Development
- Front-end Basics: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Back-end Basics: Learn about servers, databases, and web applications.
Phase 4: Cybersecurity Basics
8. Cybersecurity Foundations
- What is Cybersecurity? Protecting information and systems from attacks.
- Common Threats: Malware, viruses, phishing, and hacking techniques.
- Basic Protection Measures: Encryption, firewalls, and secure coding.
9. Networking and Security
- Learn about secure communication protocols like SSL/TLS.
- Understand firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.
Phase 5: Exploring Computer Systems
10. Computer Architecture
- Learn about the CPU architecture, how data is processed, and memory management.
- Understand assembly language for low-level programming.
11. Operating System Fundamentals
- Learn about process management, memory management, and file systems.
Phase 6: Practice and Projects
- Build small projects: A simple calculator, a to-do app, or a basic webpage.
- Contribute to open-source: Help improve small open-source projects on GitHub.
- Work on cybersecurity challenges: Try Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges.
Suggested Resources
1. Books:
- "C++ Primer" for C++ programming.
- "Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach" for networking basics.
- "The Web Application Hacker's Handbook" for cybersecurity.
2. Online Platforms:
- Codecademy or freeCodeCamp for learning programming and web development.
- Udemy: Offers courses on computer science, programming, and cybersecurity.
- Khan Academy: For foundational subjects like math and computer science.
- Coursera: Offers courses from universities on computer science topics.
