Prerequisites of learning hacking

 

1. Introduction to Computer Science

Definition: The study of computers, algorithms, and computing principles.
Branches:

• Software Development
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Data Science
• Networking
• Computer Hardware

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2. Computer Hardware

Components of a Computer:

• Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner
• Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer
• Memory (RAM & ROM): Short-term and long-term storage
• Storage Devices: HDD, SSD, Flash Drives
• Output Devices: Monitor, Printer, Speakers

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3. Computer Software

Types of Software:

• System Software: Operating Systems (Windows, Linux, macOS)
• Application Software: Web Browsers, MS Office, Games
• Programming Software: Compilers, IDEs (Visual Studio Code, PyCharm)

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Basic Working of a Computer

1.A computer follows the IPO Cycle (Input – Process – Output):

1. Input: The user provides data using input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse).
2. Processing: The CPU processes the input based on instructions.
3. Storage: Data is temporarily stored in RAM and permanently in HDD/SSD.
4. Output: The processed result is displayed on an output device (e.g., monitor, printer).

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2. Key Components & Their Functions

(A) Input Devices

• Used to enter data into the computer.
• Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone.

(B) Central Processing Unit (CPU) – "The Brain of the Computer"

Executes instructions and processes data.
Three main parts:

1. Control Unit (CU): Directs the flow of data.
2. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs calculations and logical operations.
3. Registers: Temporary storage for quick access.

(C) Memory & Storage

• RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary memory used while programs run.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): Stores essential startup instructions (BIOS).
• Hard Drive (HDD/SSD): Permanent data storage.

(D) Output Devices

• Displays processed data.
• Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speaker.

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3. Step-by-Step Process of How a Computer Works

Power On & Booting

• The power supply sends electricity to all components.
• The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) initializes hardware.
• The OS (Windows, Linux, etc.) loads into RAM from storage.

Taking Input

• User enters commands via a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or touchscreen.

Processing Data

• The CPU fetches data from RAM, processes it, and executes instructions.

Storing Data

• The processed data is stored temporarily in RAM or permanently in HDD/SSD.

Generating Output

• The final result is sent to the monitor, printer, or speakers.

Shutting Down

• The OS saves all necessary data, and the power is turned off.

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4. Computer Functioning in Depth

The CPU follows the Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle:

1. Fetch: Retrieves instructions from memory.
2. Decode: Interprets the instructions.
3. Execute: Performs the required operation.

Operating System Role:

• Manages hardware and software.
• Controls file systems, applications, and user interfaces.

Software Execution:

• Applications like MS Word, Chrome, or Games run as instructions in RAM.
• The CPU processes the instructions and produces the required output.

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5. Real-World Example: How a Computer Runs a Program

Imagine you open a web browser:

1. You click the browser icon (Input).
2. The OS loads the program into RAM (Processing).
3. The CPU fetches instructions to display the browser (Execution).
4. The browser displays web content on the monitor (Output).
5. If you save a webpage, it’s stored in the hard drive (Storage).

4. Programming Fundamentals

Programming Languages: C, C++, Java, Python, JavaScript
Basic Concepts:Variables & Data Types

• Operators (Arithmetic, Logical, Bitwise)
• Control Structures (Loops, Conditional Statements)
• Functions & Modular Programming
• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

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5. Operating Systems

What is an OS? A system that manages hardware & software
Functions of an OS:

• Process Management
• Memory Management
• File System Management
• User Interface (GUI & CLI)

• Popular OS: Windows, Linux, macOS

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6. Data Structures & Algorithms

Common Data Structures:

• Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues
• Trees, Graphs, Hash Tables

Algorithms:

• Searching (Binary Search, Linear Search)
• Sorting (Bubble Sort, Quick Sort, Merge Sort)
• Recursion & Dynamic Programming

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7. Networking & Internet

Basic Concepts:

• IP Address, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS
• TCP/IP & OSI Models
• Networking Devices (Router, Switch, Firewall)
• Cybersecurity Basics

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8. Databases

Types of Databases:

• Relational (MySQL, PostgreSQL)
• NoSQL (MongoDB, Redis)

SQL Basics: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE

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9. Cybersecurity Basics

• Types of Threats: Malware, Phishing, Ransomware
• Ethical Hacking Concepts: Penetration Testing, Encryption
• Security Practices: Firewalls, Antivirus, VPNs

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10. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (Intro)

• AI: Making computers simulate human intelligence
• Machine Learning: Training computers to learn from data
• Common AI Applications: Chatbots, Image Recognition, Self-driving Cars