Understanding ICT and Computer Networks

• Information Communication Technology (ICT) encompasses technologies providing information access via telecommunications.
• ICT includes the internet, wireless networks, cell phones, computers, software, middleware, and audio-visual systems.
• ICT focuses on unified communications, integrating telecommunications, computers, enterprise software, storage, and audio-visual systems.
• ICT enhances efficiency and information access across business, education, healthcare, and other sectors.

Networking

• Networking links computing devices for data and resource sharing.
• Networks are categorized by size: Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).
• LANs connect devices in limited areas like homes, schools, or offices.
• WANs span large geographical areas, connecting multiple LANs, often using the internet.
• MANs cover metropolitan areas, larger than LANs but smaller than WANs.
• Network topologies, such as bus, star, ring, and mesh, describe network connection layouts.
• The TCP/IP model is a protocol suite for interconnecting network devices on the internet.
• Key networking devices like routers, switches, hubs, and modems direct and manage network traffic.

Cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity protects computer systems, networks, and digital data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
• Common threats include malware (viruses, worms, Trojans), phishing, ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, and social engineering.
• Malware disrupts, damages, or gains unauthorized access to computer systems.
• Phishing fraudulently obtains sensitive information by impersonating trustworthy entities in electronic communications.
• Ransomware encrypts files and demands ransom for restoration.
• Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks flood systems, causing unavailability to legitimate users.
• Social engineering manipulates individuals into revealing confidential information.
• Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software, and encryption are important cybersecurity tools.
• Cybersecurity measures include user awareness training, strong password policies, regular software updates, and incident response plans.

Digital Communication

• Digital communication transmits information electronically using digital signals.
• Forms include email, instant messaging, social media, video conferencing, and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
• Email sends and receives messages electronically via networked computers.
• Instant messaging enables real-time text communication.
• Social media platforms facilitate content creation, sharing, and social networking.
• Video conferencing allows real-time audio-video communication between participants in different locations.
• VoIP converts analog voice signals into digital data packets for internet transmission.
• Key aspects include bandwidth, latency, and protocols like SMTP, HTTP, FTP.
• Quality is measured by clarity, reliability, and security.

Data Management

• Data management includes collecting, storing, organizing, maintaining, and retrieving data.
• Database management systems (DBMS) like MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server manage structured data.
• Data warehouses store large historical data volumes for analysis and reporting.
• Data mining discovers patterns and insights from large datasets.
• Data governance establishes data asset management policies and procedures.
• Data quality ensures accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness.
• Big data involves extremely large, complex datasets requiring specialized management techniques.
• Data security measures, including access controls and encryption, protect data from unauthorized access and breaches.

Software Development

• Software development creates computer programs/applications through coding, testing, and debugging.
• Software development life cycle (SDLC) models like Waterfall, Agile, and DevOps guide development.
• Programming languages like Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript write software code.
• Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) offer coding, debugging, and testing tools.
• Version control systems (e.g., Git) track source code changes and facilitate collaboration.
• Software testing ensures software meets requirements and is defect-free.
• Software deployment involves installing and configuring software on target environments.
• Software maintenance includes bug fixes, updates, and enhancements.

Introduction of IT

• Information Technology (IT) uses computers, storage, networking, and other devices/processes to create, process, store, secure, and exchange electronic data.
• IT includes hardware, software, data management, and services for essential functions in businesses/organizations.
• IT professionals manage and maintain computer systems, networks, and databases securely and efficiently.
• IT improves efficiency/productivity across business, healthcare, education, government, and other sectors.
• Key IT areas include systems administration, network engineering, database administration, and cybersecurity.
• Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and blockchain are transforming IT.

Network Security

• Wireless security protocols like WPA2/3 provide authentication and encryption for wireless networks.
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) create secure connections over public networks by encrypting data.
• Network segmentation divides networks into isolated segments to limit security breach impacts.
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) monitor traffic and automate actions against malicious activity.
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems collect/analyze security logs to identify/respond to incidents.
• Regular network security audits and penetration testing identify vulnerabilities and improve security.