Computer science notes

I belive that current methods of teaching compter science do not encourage experimentation and independence and are not fun this causes computer science to have one of the largest univeristy dropout rates. However there is nothing more annoying than one who pokes holes in existing systems without providing and alternative. However on thinking I found that I could not think of an easy way to implement this so as a comprimise as i go through my current A level course i will attempt to make studying as fun and pracical as possible and compile my notes here.

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A STUDY GUIDE. THIS IS A COMPILATION OF STUDY METHODS THAT I HAVE USED. JAMES LAMB TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR STUDY METHOD OR EXAM RESULTS. BY USING THIS RESOURCE YOU TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY OF YOUR OWN STUDY METHODS

1. information-representation

Understanding binary, hexadecimal, ASCII, images, sound, and compression is essential.

2. Communication

Explore how networks, LANs, WANs, and cloud computing work to enable communication.

Simulate networks using Cisco Packet Tracer.
Watch a quick and engaging explanation on computer networks by CrashCourse.

3. Hardware

Learn about CPUs, memory, and components of a computer system.

Experience building your own PC with this simulator.
Understand the fetch-execute cycle with animated videos.

4. Processor Fundamentals

4. Logic Gates

Master how NOT, AND, OR, NAND, NOR, and XOR gates work.

Practice creating circuits with the Logic.ly simulator.
Solve truth table puzzles with interactive challenges.

5. System Software

Dive into the role of operating systems, utilities, and program libraries.

Experiment with operating system tasks using an online OS simulator.
Learn more about OS management from CrashCourse.

6. Security, Privacy, and Data Integrity

Understand how to protect data and computer systems from threats.

Practice RSA encryption using this encryption demo.
Test your cybersecurity knowledge with Cyberstart Go challenges.

7. Ethics and Ownership

Explore the importance of ethics, copyright, and software licensing in computing.

Engage in ethical dilemmas and debates using resources from CS50 Ethics.

8. Databases

9. Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving

10. Data Types and Structures

11. Programming

Learn the foundations of programming including pseudocode and constructs.

Watch real-world examples of OOP concepts on YouTube.

12. Software Development

Understand the program development life cycle and principles of design and testing.

Design and debug algorithms with Python Tutor.
Simulate program lifecycles with tools like Lucidchart.