Chapter 1
Functioning of the computer, programs and documents, the importance of the operating system
A basic chapter in which you learn how computers work. Fortunately, it's not too complicated, the basic principle of how computers work, valid for more than 70 years, comes from the cooperation of only three basic parts.
- 1.1 Basic (three) computer parts and their functions
- 1.2 Programs and documents, data storage. Computer operating principle
- 1.3 Composition of the current computer, terms HW, SW
- 1.4 Operating systems (OS)
- 1.5 Link of operating system control to the computer operating principle
- 1.6 Folder structure
Chapter 2
LOCAL AREA NETWORK AND INTERNET
A computer that is not connected to some kind of network today is more or less useless. Here you will learn how both local area networks (LANs) and worldwide networks (the Internet) work.
- 2.1 Types, services and importance of LANs
- 2.2 Technical operation of LANs, packet data transmission, IP address
- 2.3 Origin, composition and principles of the Internet
- 2.4 Extension: LAN to Internet routing, firewall
- 2.5 Datacenters, cloud
- 2.6 GSM and GPS networks
Chapter 3
WEB, BROWSERS, SECURITY AND PRIVACY
Not confusing the web and the Internet is a basic skill for anyone who understands how IT works.
- 3.1 The principles and origins of the web
- 3.2 Advanced use of web browsers
- 3.3 Security on the web
- 3.4 Privacy on the web (nonexistent)
Chapter 4
SEARCH ENGINES AND CLOUD SERVICES
Everyone uses a search engine nowadays and almost all the time. How does it work and what is behind the simple white page of a search engine (Google)?
- 4.1 Web search engine - the principle of operation
- 4.2 Search engine - usage, advanced querying
- 4.3 Cloud applications - how they work in general
- 4.4 Email - features, essentials, spam
- 4.5 Streaming audio and video
- 4.6 How the e-shop works
Chapter 5
SAFE COMPUTER
Computer viruses and hacker attacks cause billions of dollars in losses for companies. But attackers don't choose, they threaten us too. Knowledge is the key defence - this chapter will give you that.
- 5.1 Examples of attacks 1 - ransomware
- 5.2 Examples of attacks 2 - macro viruses and phishing
- 5.3 Attackers' targets and methods
- 5.4 Technical computer security
- 5.5 Data backup and archiving
- 5.6 System approach to computer security
Chapter 6
DATA ENCODING AND COMPRESSION, HARDWARE
A computer is a digital device, it uses a binary system... What this means and how computers encode data is the focus of this chapter.
- 6.1 Information, bits and bytes
- 6.2 Units and capacities
- 6.3 Encoding text
- 6.4 Simple and complex ciphers
- 6.5 Audio encoding, data compression
- 6.6 Pixels, resolution and colour depth
- 6.7 Image encoding, data compression
- 6.8 Video encoding, data compression
- 6.9 Self-correcting codes, checksums
- 6.10 HW: Ports and connectors - what to connect where
- 6.11 Current hardware
- 6.12 Solving technical problems
Chapter 7
BREAKTHROUGH MOMENTS IN HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Technology didn't suddenly appear in the year 2000; the first efforts at automated computing date back more than 150 years. The way technology has evolved also implies many important things for its current use.
- 7.1 Abacus, Analytical Engine, the first computers
- 7.2 JvN concepts, transistor, IO, IBM 360, UNIX
- 7.3 Microprocessor, Altair, Apple I and II, IBM PC + MS DOS
- 7.4 GUI, Xerox Alto, Apple MacIntosh, MS Windows, Linux
- 7.5 LCD panels, laptops, smart phones
Chapter 8
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Artificial intelligence has the potential to change the world beyond recognition in the next 20-30 years. We should know how it works ("thinks") and what it will bring us (and what it will take away).
- 8.1 Basic characteristics of AI
- 8.2 Basic principles of AI, neural networks
- 8.3 Selected applications of AI
- 8.4 AI expert systems in education
- 8.5 Autonomous vehicles
- 8.6 Train your own artificial intelligence
- 8.7 Benefits and risks of artificial intelligence
Chapter 9
THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF IT
New technologies will not only change the way IT works, but will fundamentally affect manufacturing, employment, healthcare... i.e. the whole of society.
- 9.1 Quantum computers
- 9.2 Blockchain, cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin)
- 9.3 Robotics and Industry 4.0
- 9.4 Virtual reality and augmented reality
- 9.5 3D printing
- 9.6 Internet of Things, Smart Home, Smart City
- 9.7 5G networks, E-health, E-government
- 9.8 The Future of IT
