Cybersecurity: Computer Basics

• Introduction to Cybersecurity is covered in Lecture 1 of the Computer Science Dept., Faculty of Computers & Information.

Course Contents

• The course covers a range of topics from computer basics to cybersecurity risk management.
• Overview includes introduction to computers, cybersecurity and cryptography basics, cyberattacks, malware, and network security.
• It also includes countermeasures for cyberattacks, E-Commerce Security & Cybersecurity standards, plus revision and exams.

Lecture Outline

• Lecture will be about the introduction of computers, the history of computers, components of modern computers, future machines, computer networks, and the internet.

Introduction to Computers

• A computer is an electronic device processing raw data through input components into meaningful information for efficient use.
• A modern computer system is composed of hardware and software components.

Software Components

• This includes the firmware, operating system (OS), device drivers, and application software.

Hardware Components

• This includes the Central Processing Unit (CPU), data storage, input devices, and output devices, which are often called I/O devices.

History of Computers

• Computers have evolved through five generations, each marked by significant technological advancements.
• First Generation (1940-1956): Computers used vacuum tubes and ENIAC was a machine produced during this era.
• Second Generation (1956-1964): Transistor technology was implemented and UNIVAC 1 was the first commercial computer.
• Third Generation (1964-1971): Integrated circuits (ICs) formed the base.
• Fourth Generation (1971-2010): Very large-scale integration (VLSI) microprocessors are used in PCs, laptops and PDAs.
• Fourth Generation (1971-2010): Windows, Linux, UNIX, and Macintosh operating systems were introduced.
• Fifth Generation (2010-Present): Machines are powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI).

Components of Modern Computer

Input Devices

• These are Keyboard, Barcode reader, Electronic pen, Wireless antenna and Scanner.
• Also Microphone, Camera, Joystick and USB port

Output Devices

• These include monitors, printers, speakers, headphones, projectors, and plotters.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The CPU is the computer's 'brain', controlling its functionalities to generate, display, or save meaningful information.
• Key components of the CPU are the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), and Control Unit (CU).

Storage Components

• Data storage components save data in a secondary location for easy access and management.
• Storage components include Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Flash Disk Drive (FDD), Optical Disk Drive (ODD), and magnetic tapes.

Software Components

• Hardware components rely on software to function.
• Key software components are OS software, component drivers, application software, utility software, and firmware.

Future Machines

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• AI is expected to make future computers smarter through augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), voice recognition, text interpretation, image processing, and motion detection.

Quantum Computing

• Quantum computing can improve secure information sharing, enhance radar capabilities for aircraft detection, and aid in environmental monitoring using chemical sensors.

Nanotechnology

• This will lead to an exponential decrease in the size of hardware, especially in electronics and computer technology.

Parallel Processing

• This involves distributing computer processing across multiple components to increase processing power.
• Examples of parallel processing are virtualization, cloud computing, and distributed processing systems.

Computer Networks

• A computer network is a system of two or more computers connected to share resources, communicate, and exchange data electronically using rules and protocols.
• Networks consist of networking devices, computer hosts, wired/wireless media, connectors, and software protocols.
• Multiple computers are connected through physical and logical configurations and are known as network topologies.

Network Topologies

• Network topology refers to the way computers or devices are interconnected to form a network, and the topologies are physical references of network connectivity.
• Common topologies include star, bus, ring, mesh, and tree topologies, and combinations of these.

Major Network Protocols

• Ethernet is used for physical and data link OSI layer.
• TCP/SPX (Transmission Control Protocol/Sequenced Packet Exchange) is used at the network OSI layer.
• IP (Internet Protocol) is used at the transport OSI layer.
• HTTP/FTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol/File Transfer Protocol) is used at the upper OSI layers.
• DNS (Domain Name System) and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) also operate at the upper OSI layers.

Components of Computer Networks

• Networks consist of hosts, routers, switches, hubs, firewalls, servers, cables/links, and protocols.

Types of Networks

• Networks are classified by coverage area as wired, wireless, or a combination.
• The types of networks are local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), and wide area network (WAN).

What is Internet ?

• The Internet connects networks globally.
• It uses IP addresses to identify nodes.
• The TCP/IP protocol suite enables data transmission across the network.

Internet Services

• The major services include voice/video calls, chats, fax, email, social media, instant messaging, financial services, bill payments, online shopping and TV streaming.
• The services also include live movies, gaming, file sharing, data transfer, e-banking, data storage, e-marketing, remote healthcare, remote working and e-learning.