Introduction to Computing

Instructor Eng. Mahmoud Khalil

Email makhalil@ucas.edu.ps

Course Code ISSE 1201

Credits 2 Credit Hours

Assessment Distribution

30%

Final Exam

Comprehensive examination

20%

Midterm Exam

Covers weeks 1-6

20%

Quizzes + Assignments

Continuous assessment

30%

Laboratory Work

Practical hands-on activities

Weekly Course Plan Overview

Week 1: Introduction to Computer Systems View Full Lecture

🎯 Learning Objectives:

Understand what a computer is and how it works
Differentiate between computer and computer system
Identify basic hardware and software components

🔍 Topics Covered:

Definition of computer and computer system
Hardware components (CPU, memory, storage, I/O devices)
Software types (operating systems, applications)
Data vs information
Users and their roles in computer systems

🛡️ Cybersecurity Connection:

How cyber attacks target different system components
Basic security concepts

Week 2: Data Representation in Computers View Full Lecture

🎯 Learning Objectives:

Understand binary system and data representation
Learn how text, images, and sounds are stored
Perform basic number system conversions

🔍 Topics Covered:

Bits and bytes
Binary number system
ASCII and Unicode text representation
Basic image and audio representation
Simple binary-decimal conversions

🛡️ Cybersecurity Connection:

Data hiding techniques (steganography)
Importance of encryption

Week 3: Computer Architecture and Processing View Full Lecture

🎯 Learning Objectives:

Understand CPU architecture and functions
Learn about memory types and hierarchy
Comprehend the machine cycle

🔍 Topics Covered:

Central Processing Unit (CPU) components
Memory types (RAM, ROM, cache)
System bus and data transfer
Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle
Processor speed and performance

🛡️ Cybersecurity Connection:

Processor vulnerabilities
Memory protection mechanisms

Week 4: Networks and the Internet View Full Lecture

🎯 Learning Objectives:

Understand network types, topologies, and interconnection devices
Explain communication models: Client/Server vs Peer-to-Peer
Comprehend IP addressing (IPv4/IPv6) and the Domain Name System (DNS)
Identify common Internet applications (Email, FTP, VoIP) and their protocols
Understand World Wide Web architecture, HTTP, URLs, and HTML basics
Recognize fundamental network security concepts and threats

🔍 Topics Covered:

Network classifications: LAN, MAN, WAN
Network topologies: Bus, Star
Interconnection devices: Repeater, Bridge, Switch, Router
Communication models: Client/Server, P2P
IP addressing (dotted decimal notation, IPv4, IPv6)
DNS and domain name hierarchy
Internet applications: Email (SMTP, MIME), FTP, VoIP
World Wide Web: HTTP/HTTPS, URL structure, HTML basics
Network security fundamentals (firewalls, spoofing, secure protocols)

🛡️ Cybersecurity Connection:

Network perimeter security and firewalls
DNS spoofing/poisoning and IP spoofing
Secure protocols: HTTPS, SFTP, TLS
Common network attacks: DDoS, man-in-the-middle
Wireless network security concerns

Week 5: Operating Systems and Processes View Full Lecture

🎯 Learning Objectives:

Understand operating system functions
Learn about process management
Differentiate between GUI and CLI

🔍 Topics Covered:

Operating system definition and functions
User interfaces (GUI vs CLI)
File and folder management
Process concept and management
Basic system monitoring

🛡️ Cybersecurity Connection:

Detecting malicious processes
User permissions and security
System monitoring for security

Week 6: Final Practical Project View Full Lecture

🎯 Learning Objectives:

Apply all course concepts in practical scenario
Conduct system security assessment
Present findings professionally

📋 Project Components:

System examination and documentation
Security analysis and risk assessment
Recommendations and improvement plan
Professional report and presentation

📊 Assessment Criteria:

Comprehensive system evaluation
Security risk analysis
Practical recommendations
Professional presentation skills

📚 Required Textbook

Computer Science: An Overview (12th Edition)
by Glenn Brookshear and Dennis Brylow
ISBN-13: 978-0133760064

💡 Teaching Approach

Interactive Lectures & Discussions

Hands-on Practical Exercises

Real-world Case Studies

Collaborative Learning

Continuous Assessment

University College of Applied Sciences