Computing Concepts - Online Course

This series examines several basic computing concepts. Security issues are discussed, including administrative, physical, logical, and network security, and how to plan for security risks. The basic concepts of database functionality and selection are also discussed. Data processing and management is examined in detail, including teleprocessing, data transmission, and messages.

This series is for anyone who is interested in learning about computer security. This online course contains 9 lessons and should take approximately 23 hours to complete.

Lesson 1: Types of Security (3.0) hours

Types of Security teaches you how to identify and understand the three classifications of computer security: administrative, physical and logical, explain how access controls are used to restrict the number of people who have access to computers and sensitive data, explain how access control software limits who can log onto computers and what information they may retrieve, and explain how networks and terminals communicate. This course provides an advanced look at computer security features. Topics include Choices in Security, Administrative Security, Physical Security, Environmental Threats, Logical Security, Network Security, and Microcomputer Security.

Lesson 2: Security Risks (3.0) hours

Security Risks teaches you how to apply the process of risk analysis, explain the function of a Contingency Planning Committee, describe the laws and principles of privacy used to cover computer crimes, describe the administrative, physical and logical controls used in the collection of data, and explain the purpose, process and tools used in EDP auditing. This course explains contingency planning and precautions against computer crime using the framework of administrative, physical and logical security. Topics include Contingency Planning, Planning Example, Computer Crimes, The Effect of Computer Laws, and EDP Auditing.

Lesson 3: Database Basics (3.0) hours

Database Basics teaches you how to use data management functions, explain paper based management, describe file oriented management, describe the database management system, define three database models, identify general principles, describe the general principles of the network model, and explain the general principles of the relational model. This course provides an introduction to the basics of databases. Topics include Data Management Systems, Paper-Based File System, File-Oriented Computer System, Database Models, The Hierarchical Model, The Network Model, and The Relational Model.

Lesson 4: Selecting Databases (3.0) hours

Selecting Databases teaches you how to distinguish the three models, understand the criteria for comparison, define transaction processing, explain information retrieval, identify change accommodation, and choose the appropriate model. This course introduces the principles of database management systems (DBMSs). Topics include Evalutating the Three Models, Evaluating The Hierarchical Model, Evaluating The Network Model, Evaluating The Relational Model, Evaluation Summary, and Selecting The Appropriate Model.

Lesson 5: Data Processing (2.0) hours

Data Processing teaches you how to describe the various components of a computer, define the terms bits and bytes, explain the various concepts related to data structures, explain the concepts related to processing of data, and explain the various concepts related to programming. This course provides an introduction to the concepts related to data processing. Topics include The Computer System, Data Structures, Datasets and Files, and Writing Programs.

Lesson 6: Managing Data (2.0) hours

Managing Data teaches you how to define basic concepts, explain an overview of JCL Statements, explain how to use libraries, and explain how job processing works. This course provides an overview of managing data. Topics include JCL Overview, JCL Statements, Libraries, and Job Processing.

Lesson 7: Teleprocessing (2.0) hours

Teleprocessing teaches you how to define a teleprocessing system, describe the functioning of various components of communication systems, describe the functions of data communication systems, distinguish between dumb and intelligent terminals, and describe the function of various network components. This course provides an overview of various computing concepts related to teleprocessing. Topics include Teleprocessing Systems, Communications Systems, Data Communications Systems, Terminals, and Networks.

Lesson 8: Transmitting Data (3.0) hours

Transmitting Data teaches you how to explain an overview of functions performed by a teleprocessing network, describe the control of a teleprocessing network, explain the steps of the conversion process, use software that edits the message content and checks for errors, use and understand modems, describe the flow of information paths in a telecommunications network, explain information on the flow of characteristics, direction, mode, and speed in a network, recognize and handle errors within a transmission channel, and recognize noise and how to correct noise errors. This course covers the functions performed by a teleprocessing network. Topics include The Teleprocessing Network, Assembling Data, Editing Software, Modems, Lines, Information Flow, and Errors.

Lesson 9: Messages (2.0) hours

Messages teaches you how to define the fourth component of telecommunications, describe some common data codes, explain data transmission structures, identify message protocols, use the INW to communicate, describe the cost of using the INW, and identify aspects of telecommunications history. This course explains the fourth element of telecommunications, the message. Topics include Coding Systems, Data Transmission Structures, Message Protocols, Using the INW, and Communications History.