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current topics on computing com 425

The document provides a comprehensive overview of emerging technologies, tracing their historical development from prehistoric tools to modern advancements like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and quantum computing. It highlights key technological eras, including the Industrial Revolution and the digital age, and discusses the implications of these technologies on society and industries. Additionally, it addresses specific topics such as machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud security, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and robust security measures in the evolving technological landscape.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
2 views

current topics on computing com 425

The document provides a comprehensive overview of emerging technologies, tracing their historical development from prehistoric tools to modern advancements like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and quantum computing. It highlights key technological eras, including the Industrial Revolution and the digital age, and discusses the implications of these technologies on society and industries. Additionally, it addresses specific topics such as machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud security, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and robust security measures in the evolving technological landscape.

Uploaded by

Paul Oshos
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DELTA CENTRAL POLYTECHNIC

AKA
DELTA CENTRAL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
(DECCBAMS)
UGHELLI, DELTA STATE.

LECTURE NOTES

ON

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
(COM 425)

BY

MR. PAUL APELEOKHA


CHAPTER ONE
BRIEF HISTORY OF NEW TECHNOLOGY
The history of new technology spans back thousands of years, with humans
continuously developing and adopting new tools, techniques, and inventions to
solve problems, improve their lives, and advance society. Here's a brief overview
of the history of new technology:
Prehistoric and Ancient Times: Humans developed basic tools, such as hand axes,
spears, and fire, which provided them with advantages in hunting, gathering, and
survival. Agriculture and domestication of animals emerged around 10,000 years
ago, leading to settled communities and the development of early civilizations.
Industrial Revolution (18th to 19th centuries): The Industrial Revolution brought
significant technological advancements, including the steam engine, textile
machinery, and mass production techniques, which revolutionized manufacturing,
transportation, and communication, leading to the rise of factories and
urbanization.
Electrification and Telecommunication (late 19th to early 20th centuries): The
development of electricity and telecommunication technologies, including the
electric power distribution system, telegraph, and telephone, transformed
society, enabling long-distance communication, widespread access to electricity,
and the development of modern infrastructure.
Information and Communication Technologies (mid-20th to late 20th centuries):
The invention of electronic computers, the development of the internet, and the
emergence of digital technologies revolutionized information and
communication, leading to the birth of the digital age. This period saw the rapid
development of computers, software, telecommunications, and the rise of the
internet, transforming communication, commerce, and entertainment.
Mobile and Wireless Technologies (late 20th to early 21st centuries): The
proliferation of mobile and wireless technologies, such as mobile phones, wireless
internet, and wireless sensor networks, brought about increased connectivity,
mobility, and accessibility. This led to the growth of mobile communication,
mobile computing, and the development of new applications and services.
Emerging Technologies (21st century): The 21st century has witnessed the rapid
emergence of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of
things (IoT), blockchain, quantum computing, and augmented reality (AR) and
virtual reality (VR). These technologies are shaping various industries, disrupting
traditional business models, and transforming how we live and work.
The history of new technology is characterized by constant innovation and
evolution, with each era building upon the advancements of the past. New
technologies have transformed society, economy, and culture, leading to new
opportunities, challenges, and changes in our way of life. As technology continues
to advance, it is expected to bring about further transformative changes in the
future, shaping our world in unprecedented ways.

New technologies are constantly emerging and shaping our world in profound
ways. Here are some examples of new technologies that have recently gained
attention and are making an impact:
CHAPTER TWO
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is a branch of computer science that deals with the
development of intelligent machines that can perform tasks without human
intervention. Some of the current topics in AI include machine learning, natural
language processing, computer vision, and robotics.
Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) that involves the
development of algorithms and models that enable computers to learn from and
make predictions or decisions based on data without explicit programming. In
other words, it allows computers to learn and improve from experience, just like
how humans learn from their past experiences.
Machine learning algorithms are designed to identify patterns in data, recognize
trends, and make predictions or decisions based on the patterns they discover.
These algorithms are trained on large datasets, which are typically labeled with
known outcomes or target values. During training, the algorithms learn to
recognize patterns in the data and adjust their parameters to minimize the
difference between their predictions and the actual outcomes.
There are various types of machine learning, including supervised learning,
unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, and reinforcement learning.
Supervised learning involves training the algorithm on labeled data, where both
input data and corresponding output or target values are known. Unsupervised
learning, on the other hand, involves training the algorithm on unlabeled data,
where only the input data is available, and the algorithm must identify patterns or
structures within the data. Semi-supervised learning combines elements of both
supervised and unsupervised learning. Reinforcement learning involves training
the algorithm to make decisions based on actions and feedback from the
environment, with the goal of maximizing a reward signal.
Machine learning has a wide range of applications, including image and speech
recognition, natural language processing, recommendation systems, fraud
detection, financial modeling, healthcare, and autonomous vehicles, among
others. It has the potential to revolutionize various industries and improve many
aspects of our daily lives. However, it also raises ethical and social concerns, such
as bias in algorithms, privacy issues, and the impact on the job market. Therefore,
responsible and ethical use of machine learning is critical to ensure its positive
impact on society.
Computer vision is a field of artificial intelligence (AI) that focuses on enabling
computers to interpret and understand visual information from the world, similar
to how humans perceive and process visual stimuli. It involves developing
algorithms, techniques, and models that allow computers to analyze, interpret,
and make sense of images or videos.
Computer vision has numerous applications across various industries, including
healthcare, automotive, retail, entertainment, surveillance, and more.

Cloud Computing: Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services


such as servers, storage, and software over the internet. Some of the current
topics in cloud computing include serverless computing, edge computing, hybrid
cloud, and multi-cloud management.

Serverless computing, also known as Function as a Service (FaaS), is a cloud


computing model where developers can write and deploy code in the form of
small, self-contained functions that run in the cloud without having to manage the
underlying infrastructure. In a serverless architecture, the cloud provider is
responsible for automatically scaling the resources, managing the execution
environment, and handling operational aspects such as patching and monitoring,
while developers focus solely on writing code for individual functions.
Hybrid cloud is a cloud computing model that combines the use of both public
cloud and private cloud environments, allowing organizations to utilize the
advantages of both cloud deployment models in a single architecture. In a hybrid
cloud setup, organizations can run applications and store data across multiple
cloud environments, typically consisting of a combination of on-premises private
cloud and one or more public cloud providers.

Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems and


networks from theft, damage, and unauthorized access. Some of the current
topics in cybersecurity include ransomware attacks, data breaches, threat
intelligence, and cloud security.
Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that encrypts or locks files
or data on a victim's computer or network, and then demands a ransom from the
victim in exchange for restoring access to the encrypted or locked data.
Ransomware is typically spread through various methods, including email
attachments, infected websites, social engineering, or through other malware
infections.
Ransomware attacks can have severe consequences for individuals, businesses,
and even governments. They can result in the loss of critical data, disruption of
operations, financial loss due to ransom payments, damage to reputation, and
legal or regulatory consequences.
There are several types of ransomware, including encrypting ransomware, which
encrypts files or data; locker ransomware, which locks the victim's screen or
system; and doxware, which threatens to publish or expose sensitive data unless
a ransom is paid. Some well-known examples of ransomware include WannaCry,
Petya, Ryuk, and REvil (also known as Sodinokibi).
Preventing ransomware attacks involves implementing robust cybersecurity
measures, such as keeping all software and systems up to date with the latest
patches, using strong and unique passwords, regularly backing up critical data,
educating users about safe browsing and email practices, using anti-malware
software, and implementing network security measures like firewalls and
intrusion detection/prevention systems. In the event of a ransomware attack, it is
generally not recommended to pay the ransom, as it may not guarantee the
return of data and may encourage further attacks. Instead, organizations should
report the attack to law enforcement agencies and work with cybersecurity
experts to attempt data recovery, restore from backups, and strengthen their
security posture to prevent future attacks.

ransomware attacks
Ransomware attacks are malicious activities carried out by cybercriminals with
the intention of encrypting or locking files or data on a victim's computer or
network, and then demanding a ransom for the release of the encrypted data.
Ransomware attacks can have serious consequences for individuals, businesses,
and organizations, resulting in data loss, financial loss, operational disruption, and
reputational damage. Here are some key aspects of ransomware attacks:
1. Infection: Ransomware typically infects a victim's system through various
methods, such as phishing emails, malicious attachments, infected websites, or
through other malware infections. Once the ransomware gains access to a
system, it begins encrypting or locking files or data, rendering them inaccessible
to the victim.
2. Encryption: Ransomware uses strong encryption algorithms to encrypt the
victim's data, making it unreadable without the decryption key, which is held by
the cybercriminals. The victim is usually presented with a ransom message,
demanding payment in cryptocurrency in exchange for the decryption key.
3. Ransom Demand: The ransom amount varies and can range from a few hundred
dollars to thousands or even millions of dollars, depending on the type of
ransomware and the value of the targeted data. The ransom demand is typically
accompanied by threats of data destruction, increased ransom amount over time,
or exposure of sensitive data.
4. Time Pressure: Ransomware attacks often create a sense of urgency, with a
deadline for ransom payment, typically within a short timeframe, to increase the
pressure on victims to comply with the ransom demand.
5. Impact: Ransomware attacks can result in significant impact, including data loss,
operational disruption, financial loss due to ransom payment, reputational
damage, legal and regulatory consequences, and loss of customer trust.
6. Evolving Tactics: Cybercriminals continually evolve ransomware tactics,
techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to evade detection and improve their chances
of success. This includes using ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platforms, which
allow cybercriminals to rent or buy ransomware tools and infrastructure, making
it easier for less skilled attackers to carry out ransomware attacks.
7. Mitigation: Mitigating ransomware attacks requires a multi-layered approach,
including implementing strong cybersecurity measures such as regular software
updates, strong and unique passwords, user education, network security
measures, and regular data backups. It is also important to have an incident
response plan in place to quickly respond and recover from a ransomware attack,
and to consider not paying the ransom, as there are no guarantees that the data
will be unlocked or that the attackers won't return for further attacks.
Ransomware attacks are a serious cybersecurity threat, and organizations should
take proactive measures to prevent and mitigate the risk of such attacks,
including robust cybersecurity practices, employee education, and incident
response planning.
CHAPTER THREE
CLOUD SECURITY
Cloud security refers to the practices and measures used to protect data,
applications, and infrastructure that are hosted in cloud computing environments.
Cloud computing allows organizations to store and access data, applications, and
computing resources remotely, using third-party service providers. Cloud security
is critical to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and
services in the cloud, and to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches,
and other cybersecurity threats. Here are some key aspects of cloud security:
1. Data protection: Cloud security involves protecting data stored in the cloud from
unauthorized access, data breaches, data loss, and data leakage. This includes
implementing strong authentication and access controls, encrypting data in
transit and at rest, and using data loss prevention (DLP) technologies to prevent
sensitive data from being leaked or exposed.
2. Identity and access management (IAM): IAM is a crucial aspect of cloud security,
as it involves managing and controlling user access to cloud resources.
Organizations should implement strong authentication mechanisms, such as
multi-factor authentication (MFA), to ensure that only authorized users can
access cloud resources. IAM also involves implementing proper user permissions,
roles, and access controls to limit access to least privilege, ensuring that users
only have access to the resources they need to perform their job duties.
3. Vulnerability management: Regularly scanning cloud environments for
vulnerabilities, applying patches and updates, and addressing security
vulnerabilities promptly is essential to protect against potential exploits and
attacks. This includes keeping all cloud-based systems and applications up to date
with the latest security patches and configurations, and continuously monitoring
for new vulnerabilities and risks.
4. Network security: Cloud security involves implementing strong network security
measures to protect against unauthorized access, network-based attacks, and
lateral movement within cloud environments. This includes using firewalls, virtual
private networks (VPNs), and virtual private clouds (VPCs) to segment and isolate
different cloud resources and networks, and implementing intrusion detection
and prevention systems (IDPS) to detect and respond to potential security
breaches.
5. Security monitoring and logging: Monitoring cloud environments for
security events, logging and analyzing system logs, and setting up alerts for
suspicious activities are critical to identifying and responding to security incidents
in a timely manner. This includes implementing security information and event
management (SIEM) systems, log analyzers, and security analytics tools to detect
and investigate potential security threats in the cloud.
6. Incident response: Having a well-defined incident response plan in place is crucial
to effectively respond to security incidents in the cloud. This includes establishing
roles and responsibilities, defining incident escalation procedures, and conducting
regular incident response drills and exercises. Organizations should also have
backup and disaster recovery plans in place to ensure business continuity in the
event of a security incident or data loss in the cloud.
7. Compliance and legal considerations: Cloud security also involves ensuring
compliance with relevant regulations, laws, and industry standards, such as GDPR,
HIPAA, PCI DSS, and others, depending on the nature of the data and industry
vertical. Organizations should understand the regulatory requirements and
contractual obligations associated with their cloud services, and implement
appropriate security controls and practices to meet these requirements.
Cloud security is a shared responsibility between the cloud service provider and
the customer, and organizations should carefully consider the security controls
and practices implemented by their cloud service provider, as well as implement
their own security measures to protect their data and resources in the cloud. It is
important to regularly assess and review cloud security practices to adapt to
changing threat landscapes and ensure the ongoing protection of cloud
environments.
CHAPTER FOUR
QUANTUM COMPUTING
Quantum computing is a field of computing that utilizes the principles of quantum
mechanics to perform computations that are fundamentally different from
classical computing. The history of quantum computing can be traced back to the
early 20th century when quantum mechanics, a branch of physics that describes
the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level, was first formulated.

Here's a brief overview of the history of quantum computing:

1920s-1930s: The foundations of quantum mechanics were established by


physicists such as Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger, and
Werner Heisenberg. Their groundbreaking work laid the groundwork for our
understanding of the quantum world, including the concept of superposition,
where a quantum system can exist in multiple states simultaneously.

1980s: Physicist Paul Benioff proposed the idea of using quantum mechanics to
build a quantum computer, which could potentially solve certain problems
exponentially faster than classical computers. His work sparked renewed interest
in the field of quantum computing.

1990s: Physicists Richard Feynman, David Deutsch, and Peter Shor made
significant contributions to the theoretical foundations of quantum computing.
Feynman proposed the concept of quantum simulators, while Deutsch and Shor
developed quantum algorithms, including Shor's algorithm for factoring large
numbers, which has implications for breaking many commonly used encryption
algorithms.
1994: Mathematician Peter Shor demonstrated that a quantum computer could
theoretically factor large numbers exponentially faster than classical computers
using his algorithm, which had profound implications for cryptography and
security.

1998: Researchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory implemented the first
working quantum computer using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology.
This early quantum computer was limited in terms of scalability and practicality,
but it marked a significant milestone in the history of quantum computing.

2000s: Research and development in quantum computing continued to advance


rapidly, with the development of new quantum computing technologies, including
superconducting qubits, trapped ions, and topological qubits, among others.
These technologies offered promising prospects for building practical quantum
computers with the potential for solving real-world problems.

2010s: Major advancements were made in quantum computing, including the


demonstration of quantum supremacy, a milestone where a quantum computer
performs a computation that is beyond the capabilities of classical computers.
This marked a significant breakthrough in the field and highlighted the potential
of quantum computing for solving complex problems in areas such as
optimization, simulation, and cryptography.

Present day: Quantum computing continues to be an active area of research and


development, with significant progress being made in building practical quantum
computers and developing quantum algorithms for various applications. Many
leading technology companies, academic institutions, and research organizations
are investing in quantum computing research, and quantum computing is
expected to have far-reaching implications for fields such as cryptography, drug
discovery, materials science, finance, and optimization, among others.

The history of quantum computing has seen significant advancements in our


understanding of quantum mechanics, the development of theoretical
foundations, and the practical implementation of quantum computing
technologies. While quantum computers are still in the early stages of
development and face various challenges, they hold tremendous promise for
revolutionizing computing and solving problems that are currently intractable for
classical computers.

Quantum Computing: Quantum computing is a type of computing that uses


quantum-mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to
perform operations on data. Some of the current topics in quantum computing
include quantum cryptography, quantum annealing, and quantum machine
learning.
Quantum cryptography, also known as quantum key distribution (QKD), is a form
of cryptography that uses principles of quantum mechanics to establish secure
communication channels. Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that
describes the behavior of particles at the quantum level, and it is known for its
unique properties, such as superposition and entanglement, which can be
exploited for secure communication.
In traditional cryptography, communication relies on mathematical algorithms
and keys to encrypt and decrypt data. However, these cryptographic methods are
based on complex mathematical problems that could potentially be solved by
quantum computers, which could break traditional cryptographic systems,
compromising the security of communication. Quantum cryptography, on the
other hand, takes advantage of the laws of quantum mechanics to provide secure
communication that is resistant to attacks from quantum computers.
The basic principle of quantum cryptography is to use quantum properties, such
as superposition and entanglement, to establish a shared secret key between two
parties that can be used for encryption and decryption of data. The key is
generated using quantum particles, such as photons, and the properties of these
particles are used to encode the key in a way that any attempt to intercept or
measure the particles would be detected, as per the Heisenberg Uncertainty
Principle.
Quantum cryptography offers several advantages over traditional cryptographic
methods:
1. Security against quantum computers: Quantum cryptography provides a level of
security that is resistant to attacks from quantum computers. Quantum
computers have the potential to break many of the commonly used encryption
algorithms in traditional cryptography, but quantum cryptographic methods can
provide secure communication even in the presence of powerful quantum
computers.
2. Detection of eavesdropping: Quantum cryptography allows for the detection of
any attempt to intercept or eavesdrop on the communication. Any attempt to
measure the quantum particles used for key distribution would disturb their
quantum properties, and this disturbance can be detected by the communicating
parties, providing a high level of assurance against eavesdropping.
3. Key distribution without a trusted channel: Quantum cryptography enables the
distribution of secret keys between two parties without the need for a pre-shared
secret or a trusted channel. This makes it particularly useful for scenarios where
secure communication needs to be established over potentially insecure
channels, such as the internet.
4. Provably secure: Quantum cryptography is based on the principles of quantum
mechanics, which are mathematically proven and widely accepted in the field of
physics. This provides a strong foundation for the security of quantum
cryptographic methods, making them highly reliable for secure communication.
However, quantum cryptography also has some limitations and challenges, such
as the need for specialized hardware and infrastructure, sensitivity to
environmental conditions, and limitations on the maximum distance of secure
communication due to factors such as photon loss in the communication channel.
In conclusion, quantum cryptography is an emerging field of cryptography that
utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to provide secure communication. It
has the potential to revolutionize the field of cryptography and offer robust
security against attacks from quantum computers. However, it is still an area of
active research and development, and further advancements and practical
implementations are needed to fully realize its potential in real-world
applications.

Quantum machine learning is an interdisciplinary field that combines quantum


computing and machine learning, two cutting-edge areas of technology, to
explore new ways of solving complex problems and leveraging the unique
properties of quantum systems for improved machine learning algorithms.
Quantum computers, which are still in the early stages of development, offer
vastly different computation capabilities compared to classical computers due to
their use of quantum bits or "qubits" as opposed to classical bits.
Quantum machine learning aims to harness the principles of quantum mechanics,
such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum interference, to improve the
performance of machine learning algorithms or develop entirely new approaches
to solving problems that are difficult for classical computers. Some of the key
concepts and techniques in quantum machine learning include:
1. Quantum data representation: Quantum machine learning explores the use of
quantum states to represent data, taking advantage of the superposition and
entanglement properties of quantum systems. For example, quantum feature
maps and quantum embeddings are used to transform classical data into
quantum states that can be processed on quantum computers.
2. Quantum algorithms for machine learning: Quantum machine learning
researchers are developing new quantum algorithms that can perform tasks such
as clustering, classification, regression, and recommendation on quantum
computers. Examples of quantum machine learning algorithms include quantum
support vector machines, quantum neural networks, and quantum k-means
clustering.
3. Quantum-enhanced classical machine learning: Quantum computers can also be
used to enhance classical machine learning algorithms by providing quantum-
inspired optimizations or speedups for certain computations. For instance,
quantum-inspired algorithms like Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm
(QAOA) and Variational Quantum Classifier (VQC) leverage quantum techniques
to improve classical machine learning performance.
4. Quantum data processing: Quantum machine learning can also benefit from
quantum data processing techniques such as quantum data compression,
quantum feature selection, and quantum dimensionality reduction, which exploit
the unique properties of quantum systems to reduce data size or complexity.
5. Quantum simulation for machine learning: Quantum computers can be used to
simulate physical systems and generate data for training machine learning
models. Quantum simulators can provide insights into quantum phenomena and
enable the development of quantum-inspired machine learning algorithms.
Quantum machine learning has the potential to revolutionize various fields, such
as drug discovery, optimization, finance, and materials science, by solving
problems that are currently intractable for classical computers. However, it is still
a rapidly evolving field, and there are significant challenges to overcome,
including the limited availability of large-scale and error-free quantum computers,
the development of robust quantum algorithms, and the need for specialized
expertise in both quantum computing and machine learning.
In summary, quantum machine learning is an exciting field that seeks to leverage
the unique properties of quantum systems to enhance machine learning
algorithms and solve complex problems. It is an area of active research and
development with the potential for significant advancements in the future.

Internet of Things (IoT): IoT refers to the network of physical devices, vehicles,
buildings, and other objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and
connectivity. Some of the current topics in IoT include edge computing, security
and privacy, and data management.
Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and
data storage closer to the source of data generation, rather than relying on a
centralized cloud-based infrastructure. In edge computing, data processing and
storage are performed at or near the "edge" of the network, typically in close
proximity to the devices or sensors that generate the data, instead of sending all
data to a central data center for processing. This allows for faster data processing,
reduced latency, improved security, and more efficient use of network
bandwidth.
Edge computing is becoming increasingly popular due to the growth of Internet of
Things (IoT) devices, which generate massive amounts of data that need to be
processed and analyzed in real-time. Some key features of edge computing
include:
1. Proximity to data sources: Edge computing allows for processing and storage of
data at or near the source of data generation, reducing the need to transmit all
data to a central location. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios where data
needs to be processed in real-time or near real-time, such as in autonomous
vehicles, industrial automation, and smart cities.
2. Reduced latency: Edge computing can significantly reduce the latency or the delay
in processing data, as data does not need to travel to a central data center for
processing. This is crucial in applications that require real-time or near real-time
data processing, such as remote monitoring, video analytics, and augmented
reality.
3. Bandwidth optimization: Edge computing can help optimize network bandwidth
usage by processing data locally at the edge, reducing the need to transfer large
amounts of data to a central data center. This can result in cost savings and more
efficient use of network resources.
4. Improved data privacy and security: Edge computing can enhance data privacy
and security by keeping sensitive data locally at the edge, reducing the risk of data
breaches or unauthorized access. This is particularly important in applications
where data privacy and security are critical, such as healthcare, finance, and
smart homes.
5. Scalability and resilience: Edge computing allows for distributed processing and
storage, which can enhance scalability and resilience. Edge nodes can be added or
removed dynamically as needed, providing flexibility and adaptability to changing
requirements.
6. Cloud integration: Edge computing can be integrated with cloud computing to
create a hybrid architecture, where some data processing and storage occur at
the edge, and more resource-intensive tasks are offloaded to the cloud. This
allows for a combination of local processing with the scalability and resources of
the cloud.
Edge computing is being adopted in various industries, including healthcare,
transportation, manufacturing, retail, and smart cities, to enable faster and more
efficient data processing and analysis. However, it also presents challenges such
as managing distributed infrastructure, ensuring data consistency, and addressing
interoperability and standardization issues. Nonetheless, edge computing is a
rapidly evolving field with significant potential to transform the way data is
processed and analyzed in the era of IoT and big data.

Security and privacy are critical concerns in the realm of edge computing. As data
is processed and stored closer to the source of generation in edge computing, it
raises potential security and privacy risks that need to be addressed to ensure the
integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data. Here are some key
considerations for security and privacy in edge computing:
1. Secure communication: Data transmitted between edge devices, edge nodes, and
the central cloud or data center should be encrypted to protect against
eavesdropping or interception. Secure communication protocols such as HTTPS,
TLS, and VPNs can be used to establish secure connections and ensure data
privacy.
2. Authentication and access control: Proper authentication and access control
mechanisms should be in place to ensure that only authorized users or devices
can access and manipulate data at the edge. This can include technologies such as
two-factor authentication, role-based access control (RBAC), and identity and
access management (IAM) solutions.
3. Data encryption: Data stored at the edge should be encrypted to protect against
unauthorized access. Techniques such as data-at-rest encryption and data-in-
transit encryption can be employed to ensure data confidentiality and integrity.
4. Intrusion detection and prevention: Edge devices and nodes should have intrusion
detection and prevention mechanisms in place to detect and prevent
unauthorized access or malicious activities. This can involve technologies such as
firewalls, antivirus software, and security monitoring tools to constantly monitor
for security threats.
5. Regular security updates and patches: Edge devices and nodes should be kept up-
to-date with the latest security updates and patches to address known
vulnerabilities and protect against potential security breaches.
6. Privacy by design: Privacy considerations should be built into the design and
architecture of edge computing systems from the outset. Data privacy regulations
and best practices, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), should
be adhered to, and data should be anonymized or pseudonymized whenever
possible to protect user privacy.
7. Data governance: Proper data governance practices should be implemented to
ensure that data is collected, processed, and stored in compliance with applicable
laws, regulations, and organizational policies. This includes data classification,
data retention policies, and data sharing agreements.
8. Physical security: Physical security measures should be in place to protect edge
devices and nodes from unauthorized physical access, tampering, or theft. This
can involve physical access controls, surveillance systems, and tamper-evident
mechanisms.
9. Monitoring and auditing: Robust monitoring and auditing mechanisms should be
in place to track and detect any security or privacy incidents in the edge
computing environment. This can involve logging, auditing, and security
information and event management (SIEM) solutions to enable timely detection
and response to security threats.
10.Vendor and supply chain security: Due diligence should be exercised when
selecting vendors and partners for edge computing solutions, and proper security
assessments should be conducted to ensure that their products and services meet
security and privacy requirements. Secure supply chain practices should also be
followed to prevent tampering or compromise of edge devices or components
during the manufacturing, distribution, or deployment process.
Overall, security and privacy are critical considerations in edge computing, and a
comprehensive approach that encompasses technical, organizational, and
procedural measures should be implemented to mitigate risks and ensure the
secure and privacy-preserving operation of edge computing systems.

Big Data: Big data refers to the large and complex data sets that cannot be
processed using traditional data processing techniques. Some of the current
topics in big data include data mining, data analytics, machine learning, and data
visualization.
Data mining is the process of discovering patterns, trends, and insights from large
and complex datasets. It involves extracting useful information and knowledge
from data to uncover hidden patterns or relationships that can be used for
decision-making, prediction, and optimization. Data mining techniques are widely
used in various fields, including business, finance, healthcare, marketing, and
scientific research, to extract valuable insights from data.
There are several key techniques commonly used in data mining, including:
1. Association Rule Mining: This technique identifies patterns of association or co-
occurrence in data. For example, identifying items that are often purchased
together in a retail dataset, or identifying symptoms that frequently occur
together in a medical dataset.
2. Clustering: Clustering is the process of grouping similar data points together
based on their similarity or proximity. This technique is used for segmentation,
pattern recognition, and anomaly detection. Examples of clustering algorithms
include k-means, hierarchical clustering, and DBSCAN.
3. Classification: Classification is the process of assigning predefined categories or
labels to data points based on their characteristics. This technique is commonly
used for prediction, classification, and decision-making. Examples of classification
algorithms include decision trees, logistic regression, and support vector
machines (SVM).
4. Regression: Regression is used to model the relationship between dependent and
independent variables, typically for prediction or forecasting. Linear regression,
polynomial regression, and multiple regression are common regression
techniques used in data mining.
5. Time Series Analysis: Time series analysis is used for data that is collected over
time, such as stock prices, weather data, or sensor data. Techniques such as
autoregression, moving average, and ARIMA (AutoRegressive Integrated Moving
Average) are commonly used for time series analysis.
6. Text Mining: Text mining involves extracting useful information from unstructured
text data, such as social media posts, customer reviews, or news articles.
Techniques such as text classification, sentiment analysis, and entity recognition
are used in text mining.
7. Anomaly Detection: Anomaly detection is used to identify unusual or anomalous
data points that deviate significantly from the norm. This technique is used for
fraud detection, network intrusion detection, and outlier detection in various
domains.
8. Dimensionality Reduction: Dimensionality reduction techniques are used to
reduce the complexity of data by reducing the number of features or variables
while retaining the most relevant information. Techniques such as principal
component analysis (PCA) and t-SNE (t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor
Embedding) are commonly used for dimensionality reduction.
9. Ensemble Techniques: Ensemble techniques combine multiple data mining
techniques or models to improve prediction accuracy or model performance.
Techniques such as bagging, boosting, and stacking are commonly used in
ensemble learning.
10.Visualization: Data visualization techniques are used to represent data in a visual
form, such as charts, graphs, or heatmaps, to gain insights from data and facilitate
data exploration.
It's important to note that data mining techniques should be used ethically and in
compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and data privacy policies. Proper
data preparation, data validation, and model evaluation should be conducted to
ensure the accuracy, reliability, and interpretability of data mining results.

Data analytics is the process of examining, cleaning, transforming, and modeling


data to extract useful information, draw conclusions, and support decision-
making. It involves various techniques and tools to analyze data and uncover
patterns, trends, correlations, and insights that can be used to derive meaningful
conclusions and make data-driven decisions.
Data analytics typically involves several key steps:
1. Data Collection: Data collection is the process of gathering data from various
sources, such as databases, spreadsheets, APIs, sensors, or external datasets. It
may involve data extraction, data cleaning, and data integration to prepare the
data for analysis.
2. Data Preparation: Data preparation involves cleaning, transforming, and
organizing data to ensure it is accurate, complete, and ready for analysis. This
step may involve data cleaning to remove errors, duplicates, or inconsistencies,
data transformation to convert data into a consistent format, and data integration
to combine data from different sources.
3. Data Exploration: Data exploration involves visually exploring and analyzing data
to identify patterns, trends, and correlations. This step may involve the use of
data visualization techniques, such as charts, graphs, or dashboards, to gain
insights from the data and identify areas of interest for further analysis.
4. Data Analysis: Data analysis involves applying various statistical, machine learning,
or other analytical techniques to the data to extract insights and uncover
patterns, trends, or relationships. This step may involve techniques such as
descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, machine learning algorithms, or
advanced analytics techniques, depending on the nature and complexity of the
data and the goals of the analysis.
5. Interpretation and Conclusion: After analyzing the data, the results are
interpreted and conclusions are drawn based on the insights obtained. This step
involves making sense of the findings, interpreting the results in the context of
the problem or question being addressed, and deriving actionable insights that
can inform decision-making.
6. Communication: The results of the data analytics process are typically
communicated to stakeholders in a clear and understandable manner. This may
involve creating reports, visualizations, or presentations to communicate the
findings to decision-makers, stakeholders, or other relevant parties.
Data analytics can be applied in various fields and industries, including business,
finance, healthcare, marketing, sports, social sciences, and many others. It can
provide valuable insights for decision-making, process optimization, prediction,
and strategic planning, among other applications. It is important to follow ethical
guidelines, data privacy regulations, and best practices in data analytics to ensure
the integrity, security, and privacy of data, and to make informed and responsible
decisions based on the results obtained from data analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
BLOCKCHAIN
Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions and stores
data in a secure and transparent manner. Some of the current topics in
blockchain include smart contracts, decentralized finance, and blockchain
interoperability.
Smart contracts are self-executing agreements that are encoded as computer
programs and run on blockchain platforms. They are designed to automatically
enforce the terms and conditions of an agreement without the need for
intermediaries, such as banks, lawyers, or other third-party entities. Smart
contracts are typically written in programming languages and are stored and
executed on a blockchain, which is a distributed, immutable, and transparent
ledger.
Blockchain technology is best known as the underlying technology behind
cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, it has the potential to
be used in many other applications beyond finance, such as supply chain
management, voting systems, and identity verification.
One of the key features of blockchain technology is its ability to provide a high
level of security and transparency. Since the ledger is distributed across a network
of computers, it is difficult for any one entity to manipulate the data. This makes it
highly resistant to fraud and hacking.
Overall, blockchain technology has the potential to transform many industries by
enabling secure and transparent transactions and data management."

Smart contracts can be used in various industries and applications, including


finance, supply chain management, real estate, insurance, and more. They are
typically used to automate and streamline business processes, reduce transaction
costs, increase transparency, and enhance security.
Here are some key features of smart contracts:
1. Autonomy: Smart contracts are self-executing and operate autonomously,
without the need for intermediaries. They automatically enforce the terms and
conditions of the contract based on predefined rules and logic embedded in the
code.
2. Transparency: Smart contracts are stored on a blockchain, which is a distributed
and transparent ledger. This means that the details of the contract, including the
terms, conditions, and outcomes, are visible to all parties involved in the
blockchain network.
3. Security: Smart contracts are typically built with robust encryption and
cryptographic techniques, making them secure and tamper-proof. Once a smart
contract is deployed on a blockchain, it cannot be altered or tampered with,
providing a high level of security and integrity.
4. Efficiency: Smart contracts eliminate the need for intermediaries, such as banks or
lawyers, which can streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
Transactions can be executed automatically and quickly, without the need for
manual intervention.
5. Trust: Smart contracts are based on blockchain technology, which is designed to
be decentralized and distributed. This means that no single entity has control over
the smart contract, and trust is established through the consensus of the
blockchain network.
6. Programmability: Smart contracts are programmable and can be customized to
meet specific business requirements. They can be written in various programming
languages, allowing for flexibility and customization.
However, it's important to note that smart contracts are not immune to
vulnerabilities, and proper security measures should be taken into consideration
to ensure the integrity and security of the smart contract code and the data it
processes. It's also essential to understand the legal implications and regulatory
frameworks surrounding smart contracts in different jurisdictions, as they may
vary depending on the location and application of smart contracts.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) refers to a rapidly emerging area of financial


applications that are built on blockchain platforms and operate in a decentralized
manner, without the need for intermediaries, such as banks or financial
institutions. DeFi aims to democratize access to financial services and provide an
open, transparent, and inclusive financial ecosystem that is accessible to anyone
with an internet connection.
DeFi applications typically leverage smart contracts, which are self-executing
agreements written in code and stored on blockchains, to automate and
streamline financial processes. These smart contracts enable various financial
activities, such as lending, borrowing, staking, trading, yield farming, insurance,
and more, to be executed in a decentralized and transparent manner.
Some key characteristics of DeFi include:
1. Decentralization: DeFi applications are built on blockchain platforms, which are
distributed and decentralized ledgers. This means that no single entity has control
over the financial system, and decisions are made through consensus among the
participants of the blockchain network.
2. Transparency: Transactions and activities on DeFi platforms are transparent and
verifiable on the blockchain. This provides visibility and accountability, as all
transactions are recorded and publicly accessible.
3. Accessibility: DeFi aims to provide financial services to anyone with an internet
connection, regardless of their location or background. DeFi applications are open
and permissionless, meaning that anyone can participate without the need for
approval or authorization.
4. Programmability: DeFi applications are highly programmable, leveraging smart
contracts to automate financial processes. This enables customization, flexibility,
and innovation in the development of new financial products and services.
5. Interoperability: DeFi applications are interoperable, allowing for seamless
interaction between different DeFi protocols and platforms. This enables
composability, where different DeFi applications can be combined to create new
financial products or services.
6. Security: DeFi applications rely on blockchain technology, which is secured by
advanced cryptographic techniques, making it resilient to fraud, censorship, and
other forms of attacks. However, it's important to note that DeFi applications are
not immune to vulnerabilities, and proper security measures should be
implemented to protect users' funds and data.
DeFi has gained significant attention and popularity in recent years due to its
potential to disrupt traditional financial systems, provide financial inclusion to
underserved populations, and offer innovative financial products and services.
However, it's important to note that DeFi is still a relatively new and rapidly
evolving space, and it carries risks, including regulatory and legal challenges,
smart contract vulnerabilities, market volatility, and potential loss of funds. It's
essential to understand the risks and conduct thorough research before
participating in DeFi applications.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): VR and AR are immersive
technologies that create virtual or augmented environments for users to interact
with. Some of the current topics in VR and AR include haptic feedback, social VR,
and AR in e-commerce and advertising."
Haptic feedback, also known as tactile feedback, is a type of technology that
provides physical sensations or vibrations to the user as a form of feedback or
interaction. Haptic feedback is commonly used in a wide range of devices,
including smartphones, gaming consoles, wearable devices, virtual reality (VR)
and augmented reality (AR) systems, medical devices, and more.
Haptic feedback can be used to enhance user experiences in various ways:
1. Touch Sensations: Haptic feedback can simulate the sense of touch, providing
users with physical sensations such as vibrations, pulses, or pressure. For
example, a smartphone may vibrate when receiving a call or a notification,
providing the user with a tactile cue.
2. Interaction Feedback: Haptic feedback can provide feedback to users when they
interact with a device or interface, such as pressing a button, swiping a screen, or
rotating a dial. This can help users confirm their actions and provide a more
intuitive and engaging experience.
3. Immersion in Virtual Environments: In VR and AR systems, haptic feedback can
provide users with a more immersive experience by simulating touch sensations,
such as the sensation of grabbing an object, feeling textures, or receiving
feedback from virtual interactions.
4. Accessibility: Haptic feedback can be used to improve accessibility for individuals
with visual or hearing impairments. For example, it can provide tactile cues for
navigation or alerts for important events.
5. Training and Rehabilitation: Haptic feedback can be used in medical and
rehabilitation devices to provide sensory feedback during training or therapy
sessions. For example, it can be used in prosthetics or rehabilitation devices to
provide feedback on movements or pressure.
6. Gaming and Entertainment: Haptic feedback is commonly used in gaming
consoles and controllers to enhance the gaming experience by providing tactile
feedback during gameplay, such as simulating weapon vibrations, impacts, or
other in-game events.
Haptic feedback technologies can vary in complexity and sophistication, ranging
from simple vibration motors to more advanced actuators that can provide a wide
range of tactile sensations. Haptic feedback can greatly enhance user experiences
by adding a physical dimension to digital interactions, providing feedback, and
improving accessibility in various applications and industries.

Augmented Reality (AR) has emerged as a powerful technology that can


revolutionize the e-commerce and advertising industries, providing immersive
and interactive experiences for customers. AR allows virtual objects to be overlaid
onto the real world, creating a blended reality that can enhance the online
shopping experience, engage customers, and drive sales.
In e-commerce, AR can offer several benefits:
1. Virtual Try-On: AR can enable customers to virtually try on products, such as
clothing, accessories, or cosmetics, using their smartphones or other AR-enabled
devices. This allows customers to see how products would look on them before
making a purchase, reducing the need for returns and increasing customer
satisfaction.
2. Product Visualization: AR can allow customers to visualize products in their own
environment, such as furniture in their living room or a new car in their driveway.
This helps customers make informed purchasing decisions and provides a more
interactive and engaging shopping experience.
3. Customization: AR can enable customers to customize products, such as
personalized jewelry, custom clothing, or custom-designed furniture. Customers
can use AR tools to see how their customizations would look in real-time, helping
them create unique products that meet their preferences and needs.
4. Interactive Advertisements: AR can be used in advertising to create interactive
and engaging experiences for customers. For example, AR ads can allow users to
interact with virtual objects, play games, or explore virtual environments,
providing a memorable and immersive advertising experience.
5. Brand Engagement: AR can help brands engage with customers in innovative
ways. For example, AR-powered apps or campaigns can offer interactive brand
experiences, such as virtual showrooms, virtual fashion shows, or virtual events,
allowing brands to connect with customers and create memorable brand
experiences.
6. Social Media Integration: AR can be integrated into social media platforms,
allowing users to create and share AR content, such as AR filters, stickers, or
effects. This can increase brand exposure, generate user-generated content, and
create buzz around products or campaigns.
AR in e-commerce and advertising is still a rapidly evolving field, with ongoing
developments in AR technologies, platforms, and applications. As AR continues to
advance, it has the potential to transform the way customers shop online,
interact with brands, and experience advertising, providing exciting opportunities
for e-commerce businesses and advertisers to enhance customer experiences and
drive business growth.

Web3, also known as Web 3.0 or the decentralized web, refers to the next
generation of the internet that is being built using blockchain technology. Unlike
the current centralized web, where data is controlled and stored by large
corporations, the decentralized web allows for peer-to-peer transactions and
interactions without the need for intermediaries.
In the Web3 ecosystem, blockchain technology is used to create decentralized
applications (dApps) that are hosted on a distributed network of computers
rather than on centralized servers. These dApps can facilitate a range of activities,
from financial transactions and data storage to social networking and gaming,
with the aim of giving users greater control over their data and digital identity.

Some of the key features of Web3 include:


Decentralization: Data is distributed across multiple nodes, rather than being
stored in a single location.
 Interoperability: Different blockchain networks can communicate with each
other, allowing for seamless transfer of data and value across different
platforms.

 Security: Transactions on Web3 are secured through encryption and


cryptographic protocols, making it more difficult for malicious actors to
exploit vulnerabilities.

 Transparency: The use of blockchain technology ensures that all


transactions are recorded on a public ledger, making the network more
transparent and trustworthy.

Overall, Web3 is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to
revolutionize the way we interact with the internet, giving users more control
over their data and facilitating new forms of decentralized commerce and
communication."
Web3, also known as the decentralized web, refers to a vision of the internet that
is built on top of blockchain technology and is characterized by decentralized,
open, and transparent applications. Web3 aims to move away from the
traditional model of the internet, where centralized entities control data and user
interactions, towards a more user-centric and decentralized model where users
have greater control over their data and interactions.
Decentralized blockchain applications, also known as dApps (decentralized
applications), are a key component of the Web3 ecosystem. These applications
are built on blockchain platforms, such as Ethereum, and leverage the
decentralized and distributed nature of blockchains to enable new use cases and
functionalities that are not possible in traditional centralized applications.
Some key characteristics of decentralized blockchain applications include:
1. Decentralization: dApps are not owned or controlled by any single entity. They
are typically open-source and run on a decentralized network of nodes, where
data and transactions are stored across multiple nodes, making them resistant to
censorship, single points of failure, and tampering.
2. Transparency: dApps are transparent, with all transactions and data recorded on
the blockchain, which is a public and immutable ledger. This provides
transparency and accountability, as all parties can verify transactions and data
without relying on trust in a central entity.
3. User Control and Privacy: dApps give users greater control over their data and
privacy. Users typically have ownership and control of their own data, and they
can interact with dApps without the need for intermediaries or third-party trust.
4. Cryptographic Security: dApps rely on cryptographic techniques for securing
transactions and data. Transactions on the blockchain are secured through
consensus algorithms, and data is encrypted to ensure privacy and security.
5. Tokenization and Incentives: dApps often use tokens, which are native digital
assets on the blockchain, as a means of value exchange and incentives. Tokens
can be used for various purposes, such as access to services, voting, governance,
and rewards, and can create new economic models within the dApp ecosystem.
6. Interoperability: dApps can interact with each other and share data across
different blockchains, enabling interoperability and seamless integration between
different applications and platforms.
Decentralized blockchain applications have the potential to disrupt traditional
industries and enable new use cases in areas such as finance, supply chain
management, gaming, social media, identity verification, and more. However,
they also face challenges such as scalability, usability, and regulatory frameworks.
Nevertheless, the growing adoption of Web3 and decentralized blockchain
applications is driving innovation and creating new opportunities for developers,
entrepreneurs, and users alike in the rapidly evolving landscape of the
decentralized internet.

Virtual universe, Metaverse.


Metaverse
The Metaverse is a term used to describe a virtual world that is shared by a large
number of people in real-time. It is an interconnected universe of virtual worlds
and augmented reality, where users can interact with each other, conduct
business, and engage in a variety of activities.
The concept of the Metaverse has been popularized in science fiction literature
and movies, such as the novel "Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson and the movie
"The Matrix." However, the idea is becoming more and more real as virtual reality
and augmented reality technologies continue to advance.
The Metaverse is envisioned as a fully immersive and interactive virtual world,
where users can create their own avatars, engage in social activities, attend
virtual events, and even conduct business transactions. It is expected to
revolutionize the way we live, work, and play, offering a new way for people to
connect and interact with each other in a digital world.

Several companies, including Facebook, are investing heavily in the development


of the Metaverse. However, there are also concerns about issues such as privacy,
security, and the potential for addiction in such an immersive digital
environment." The metaverse is seen as having vast potential in various domains,
including gaming, entertainment, social networking, education, commerce, and
virtual collaboration, among others. Some of the key elements that are often
associated with the metaverse include:

1. Immersive Virtual Reality: The metaverse is expected to provide immersive and


realistic virtual reality experiences, where users can feel like they are physically
present in the virtual world.
2. Shared Virtual Spaces: The metaverse is envisioned as a shared virtual space
where users can interact with each other, collaborate, and participate in virtual
events and activities.
3. Virtual Avatars: Users can create and customize their virtual avatars, which are
digital representations of themselves, to navigate and interact in the metaverse.
4. Digital Objects and Assets: The metaverse is expected to have a wide range of
digital objects, assets, and virtual goods that users can buy, sell, trade, and use
within the virtual world.
5. Virtual Economy: The metaverse is expected to have its own virtual economy,
where users can engage in virtual commerce, trade virtual goods and services,
and participate in virtual marketplaces.
6. Decentralization and Interoperability: Some envision the metaverse to be built on
decentralized technologies like blockchain, allowing for open and interoperable
virtual worlds that are not controlled by a single entity.
7. Social Interactions: Social interactions are a key aspect of the metaverse, allowing
users to connect, communicate, and collaborate with other users from around the
world.

The development of the metaverse is still in its early stages, and there are many
challenges that need to be addressed, including technical, ethical, legal, and
societal concerns. Privacy, security, digital ownership, identity, and accessibility
are some of the key issues that need to be considered as the metaverse evolves.
Despite the challenges, the metaverse is viewed as a potentially transformative
technology with the potential to revolutionize how we interact, work, learn,
socialize, and experience digital content. As technology continues to advance, the
metaverse is expected to be a significant area of innovation and exploration,
shaping the future of digital experiences and human-computer interaction.

"Smart Contracts Explanation

Smart contract
A smart contract is a self-executing computer program that automatically
executes the terms of a contract when certain pre-defined conditions are met.
The smart contract is stored on a decentralized blockchain network, which allows
for transparency, security, and immutability.
Smart contracts can be used to automate various types of agreements, such as
financial transactions, real estate transfers, supply chain management, and more.
They are designed to eliminate the need for intermediaries, such as banks or
lawyers, and can reduce transaction costs and improve efficiency.
Smart contracts operate on a set of rules and conditions, which are written into
the code by developers. Once these conditions are met, the contract executes
automatically and the outcome is recorded on the blockchain. This eliminates the
need for trust between parties, as the contract itself ensures that the agreed-
upon terms are met.

Smart contracts are still a relatively new technology, but they have the potential
to revolutionize a wide range of industries by making transactions faster, cheaper,
and more secure.
REFERENCE
A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence Elliott & Thompson
(January 1, 2022)
Natasa Zivic, University of Siegen, Germany; Matevz Pustisek, Andrej
Kos, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
(November 22, 2021)

Cyber Security: Issues and Current Trends (Studies in Computational Intelligence,


995) 1st ed. 2022 Edition

Tech Panic: Why We Shouldn't Fear Facebook and the Future


Threshold Editions (September 28, 2021)

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