Category: Education

Open source is a broad term that means publicly accessible. In a general sense, it could include lots of things like open source products, projects, websites, etc. But, in reality, open source refers to some different things.  Open source represents open source software (OSS) actually. Anyone can view, modify, and enhance OSS for individual and organizational purposes.

Below, we’ll discuss how open source software works, examples, and its pros and cons. Let’s start with what open-source software means.

What Is Open Source Software?

Open source software (OSS) is a special type of software that allows accessing its source code. Not only that, but you can also edit and develop the OSS. So, it differs from traditional proprietary software.

In closed proprietary software, the source code is kept secret and only the developers can access it. But OSS makes the source code accessible to any programmers. One important thing to mention here is that open source software can be either free or you may pay for it.

What Are Open Source Software Examples?

There are lots of open source software. It includes browsers, OS and utilities, programming, CMS, design software, etc.

Some of the common OSS are-

• Python
• Mozilla Firefox
• OpenOffice
• Linux/GNU
• jQuery
• Zimbra
• GIMP
• VNC
• Apache web server
• VLC media player
• Asterix
• SugarCRM
• LibreOffice

How Does An Open Source Software Development Model Work?

Usually, OSS works in a collaborative way where anyone from the developers’ community around the world can contribute. This makes the software more reliable, secure, and rich in features compared to proprietary software, due to the contributions of many expert programmers.

Developers or programmers around the world can contribute to the project of the OSS by doing changes to the source code, fixing bugs, and adding new features there. There is also a core group of maintainers who oversee the project as well as approve or decline if someone edits any code.

The source code of the OSS is available to the public, but there are some terms and conditions for using and modifying the software. Whoever agrees with the terms and conditions can get the license to use, modify, and enhance the software.

Open Source Software Licenses

There are many open source licenses available. Before using any OSS, you should know about its license to be sure it meets your standard or not. Open source initiative (OSI) listed numerous OSS licenses.

Some of the popular OSS licenses include-

• Apache License 2.0
• MIT License
• Mozilla Public License 2.0
• BSD License 2.0 (3-clause, new or revised)
• GNU General Public License (GPL) 2.0
• GNU General Public License (GPL) 3.0

Advantages Of Open Source Software

There are lots of advantages of open source software. Here are some of the key advantages of open-source software.

Free Or Low Cost

Most open source software is often free to use, modify, and distribute. So, individuals and organizations with limited budgets will find OSS handy to use without incurring high costs. But some software may ask you to pay a small amount of money.

Better Security And More Reliable

In general, OSS offers better security than proprietary software. As the source code is open thus developers around the world can edit and fix bugs there instantly. In this way, if there are any bugs or issues that are addressed and fixed quickly. It reduces the risk of malicious attacks profoundly and makes it more reliable.

Flexibility And Customization

As the source code is accessible to developers in OSS thus anyone can modify the software to meet their individual or organizational needs.

Increased Collaboration

The open source model encourages collaboration between developers around the world. So, anyone can contribute to the project and share their knowledge and expertise.

Effective Tool For Learning

OSS is a good tool for learners who want to become programmers. As they can discover programming languages and they work in real life. Moreover, they may practice and submit their work and get feedback from experts that help to improve their skills.

Disadvantages Of Open Source Software

Besides many advantages, OSS has some disadvantages too. Some of them are discussed below-

Lack Of Support

As open source software is developed by a community of volunteers, you might experience a lack of support if any issues arise or need assistance.

Compatibility issues

Sometimes OSS might be incompatible with proprietary software or other systems. This could be challenging for organizations or individuals that need to integrate multiple software solutions.

Complexity

As the source code is available, thus OSS seems more complex sometimes than proprietary software, especially for non-technical users.

Fragmentation

The community of the open source can be divided, with multiple competing projects working on similar software solutions. This will confuse the users and can be challenging for developers to coordinate their efforts.

Conclusion

Open source software brings revolutionary changes in the software industry due to the contributions of thousands of developers. OSS is beneficial both for developers and users and has led to the creation of some of the most widely used software products in the world.  There are also website platforms that use the concept of open source, such as WordPress, but the platform itself is a Contact Management System.

You may not be a website developer or have any knowledge of how to write source code, but it takes little expertise to be a content contributor. The same is true of Wikipedia.  It’s is an open source encyclopedia that anyone can add information to edit exisiting pages.

As the open source movement continues to grow, it is likely to play a vital role in the development of new and innovative software solutions.

A research paper is an academic paper where scientists, scholars, and even students present their research on a specific topic. It compromises analyzing the results of experimental evidence with citations. This is one of the most powerful ways to share the knowledge of researchers around the world.

The research paper shows the expertise of the researcher that also helps other researchers in the future. So, have you wondered how to write a research paper successfully? Well, this article will give you an ultimate guide on writing a research paper step-by-step. Let’s reveal the hacks.

The Steps to Writing a Research Paper

1. Get familiar with the research paper
2. Choose a suitable topic
3. Do your research
4. Form a thesis statement
5. Construct an outline
6. Write the draft
7. Add proper citations and references
8. Revise it

After knowing the key steps of research paper writing, let’s discuss them in detail.

Step 1: Get Familiar With The Research Paper

The first thing you need to do it read several research papers that have been published by experts.  This will get you familiarized with the style and format of the research paper. This will help you get an overall idea about the contents of the research paper. The more you read, the deeper your idea will be.

While reading different research papers, note down the important things like formatting, spacing, font, length of a paragraph, rules to adding figures or charts, word limit, essential points to cover, citations, and so on. If you have any doubts, clarify them with your teacher or professor.

Step 2: Choose A Suitable Topic

After getting an overall idea about the research paper, now figure out a good topic that you will work with. To do it, consult with your professor and experts in the field you are interested to research in. You can either work on a new topic or improve any preexisting research.

The previously peer reviewed and published research papers are found in the-

• Central library of your college or university
• Google Scholar
• Online publications like Zotero, Academic journals, Scientific Research Publications, Science and Education Publishing, etc.
• Your professor’s recommended research papers

Study a lot to find out a unique topic in your field to research. Your instructor may help you to pick a trendy topic for your research. But try to reveal it on your own.

Step 3: Do Your Research

When you get a topic, start your research sincerely. Read several related research papers and inspect how the researchers did these. You may work in the lab or software to get more precise results from the research. Also, consult with the experts on this topic to get more precise answers. Clarify your doubts by asking yourself why, how, what, … etc, in every step for deep research.

You’ll find lots of resources on your topic but not all of them are reliable to use in the research paper. For example, Wikipedia is an open source resource for any topic, but you can’t accredit them in your research paper. Find out worthwhile sources before using any scientific formula or theory in your research.

Learned advanced search functions on Google also assist you in refining your search results to find specilized resources in your area paper’s area of focus.

After the preliminary research, if you find this topic good for you proceed with it otherwise choose a new topic that suits you. Note down all the important analyses, and calculations of your research.

Step 4: Form A Thesis Statement

After doing primary research, it’s time to make a thesis statement (introduction) that summarizes succinctly what you’ll cover in your research paper. This statement is important and helps you to make a good research paper. It also states how other researchers will get benefitted from your research.

If you can’t make a good statement starts with a question like ‘Does the internet bad for your children’ and then answer it. But don’t put any fluff words there. Sometimes arguable topic makes the thesis statement interesting.

When your teacher or instructor will say the thesis statement is okay then plan how to prepare the other sections of the research paper.

Step 5: Construct An Outline

When you’ve completed your research, now form a format for your research paper. The necessary sections of the research paper include-

• Title Page
• Abstract
• Acknowledgments
• Author Page
• Dedication
• Table of Contents
• List of Figures
• List of Tables
• Abbreviation/Keywords
• Introduction (Thesis Statement)
• Main Points of the Body (like Forming a Formula, Analysis, Calculation, etc.)
• Conclusion
• References

Each main points or headings include paragraphs, figures, charts, data, and so on.

Step 6: Write The Draft

Now start writing a draft copy of your research paper that you’ve gotten from your research. Keep in mind, you may need to write several drafts to finalize the copy. While writing the research paper describe all the points and avoid jargon and unnecessary things. Consider the right spacing, font, and style of writing the research paper after completing the writing. Include proper headings and subheadings so anyone can understand easily what you may discuss there.

It can also be invaluable to hire an editor to get an external perspective on your writing.  A professional editor proofreads your work to ensure that your arguments are clear and your presentation is polished.

Step 7: Add Proper Citations and References

After compiling the draft copy, add the necessary citations and references to the research paper from which sources you use the scientific formulas. While quoting any points or formulas, include the publication name, year of publication, research paper title, author, page number, etc.

Usually, an academic research paper has two formats for citing;

• APA (American Psychological Association)
• MLA (Modern Language Association)

Sometimes you may also follow other citing rules like AMA (American Medical Association), CMOS (The Chicago Manual of Style), and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers).

Step 8: Finalize It

After completing a draft copy and editing accordingly, now recheck the entire writing several times.

• Review the format of the research paper. Make necessary corrections.
• Check the grammatical errors using Grammarly, or other similar tools.
• To make the copy unique and plagiarism free check it using plagiarism checker tools like Copyscape, Quetex, Smallseotools, or any other reliable tools.

To make the research paper better, take suggestions from your professor, mentor or peers so you can submit an original academic research paper. If they offer changes or suggestions to improve its quality, keep an open mind with the main goal being accuracy. There a many steps that go into writing a research paper, when you are confident everything is polished and okay, submit it for your instructor or peers for their review and approval.

Increased cyber attacks are a direct outcome of increased digitization. What is the solution? The answer is more cyber security experts. If you’re considering a career in cyber security, let us introduce you to the various opportunities available. One of the sectors with the strongest growth rates, this one offers a variety of rewarding occupations.

In this article we will strive equip you with the knowledge of how to begin a successful cybersecurity career.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity entails defending digital assets from harmful attackers and their owners. The phrase “digital asset” refers to anything that exists in digital form and has considerable monetary value. Personal information, documentation, websites, servers, and networks are all considered digital assets.

To be a superb cybersecurity expert, you require technical skills like risk assessment, intrusion detection, programming language fluency, and familiarity with Linux OS.

Cyber Security Career:  Prerequisites

The number of knowledgeable cybersecurity experts who can handle common cybersecurity concerns is noticeably lacking. Consequently, a career in cybersecurity is both challenging and rewarding. Many businesses are looking for qualified cybersecurity specialists. These include GE, Siemens, Microsoft, Google, and Philips.

• To pursue a profession in cybersecurity, a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, cybersecurity, or a closely related field, with two to three years of experience as an incident analyst. The ability to use forensic tools like Encase, FTK, Sleuth Kit, and others is a need.

• You might be wondering how to develop your cybersecurity skills without first getting a job in the field. Start by thinking about internships. Through an internship, you can network with companies and likeminded colleagues in the field while leaning relevant skills that businesses are looking for. When you do start looking for jobs, it also gives you a competitive advantage over other applicants. Depending on the company, internships in cybersecurity may be paid or unpaid. Working on independent cybersecurity projects and contributing to open-source projects are additional ways to acquire relevant experience.

• Whatever route you choose, be sure to keep a record of your development and experiences. To increase your opportunity of landing a job, include this record information in your coding portfolio.

• For your cybersecurity profession to succeed, you’ll also need to have a few additional skills, such as networking and operating system expertise.

Entry-level positions in cybersecurity can range from senior management to everything in between. Today, there are numerous employment options in cyber security. The best strategy is to start at the entry-level and advance to the following tier with the aid of the necessary experience and credentials.

Why Choose Cyber Security?

Cyber security is a field where job titles are frequently listed high on lists of the best careers. Here are some factors supporting the choice of a profession in cyber security, including low unemployment and financial benefits:

High Employment Rate

One of the most important advantages of having cyber security expertise is that you will be in great demand from businesses. As diverse companies battle the ongoing growth in data breaches, there is still a considerable demand for roles in cyber security. In 2022, the unemployment rate for this profession fell to 0%, where it has stayed ever since. As a result, you will acquire a skill set for preparing for this vocation that will make it simple and reliable for you to get employment.

Flexible Career Options

There are several job options available in cyber security, so you can pick the one that best suits your interests. If you appreciate thinking logically and solving problems, becoming a cybersecurity architect would be your perfect career choice. Or you might become a chief information security officer if you want to guide people and help in securing systems. There are many other job titles available, including cryptographer, consultant, engineer, information security analyst, and many more.

An Evergreen Industry

Cybersecurity has gradually evolved into an evergreen industry. Similar to how air pollution is a by-product of the industrial revolution, cyberattacks are a by-product of the digital revolution. It is simple to conclude that cybersecurity is a feasible career option going forward in light of the current scenario and the progress our society has achieved since the birth of the internet. While the field of cybersecurity provides a wide range of opportunities in several functional domains, security analysts and experts work in a remarkable variety of jobs. So enrolling in the cyber security master’s program is undoubtedly a fantastic decision if you want to learn cybersecurity in the modern world.

High Job Security

With so many opportunities available, cybersecurity is one of the industries that is rapidly expanding and providing employment to job seekers all around the world. The ever-expanding scope of the technological world ensures that this occupation will continue to be in great demand in the future. Thus, security experts need not fear losing their jobs. This reality is especially comforting given the rapidly evolving nature of the work market, where new positions and functional tasks are gradually replacing traditional formats.

Cybersecurity skills

Cybersecurity analysts evaluate vulnerabilities and respond to security issues using a combination of technical and professional skills. Many workplace skills can be transferred from a wide range of occupations, so if you have experience in information technology (IT), you may already possess some of the technical skills.

• Making a program do something by using scripting is a type of coding. Coding is static, whereas scripts can move text and graphics around. You can become a more effective analyst by learning how to create tools and automate repetitive work using languages like Python or PowerShell.

• You must be knowledgeable in coding languages, including PHP, HTML, Java, and Python.

• You must be familiar with networking, routing protocols, and encryption methods.

• Everybody working in cybersecurity should understand the ideal practices for Identity and Access Management.

Cyber Security Job Roles

There are numerous job titles in cyber security, some of which are covered below:

Network Security Engineer

Most firms employ some type of network security engineer. This is an educated person in the field that works to protect the company with the proper security systems designed to prevent cyber threats. Their duties include stopping attached as they happen. Vulnerability detection, system maintenance, and automation are a key part of their duties.

Computer forensic analyst

A computer forensic analyst’s main responsibilities include evaluating systems and devices and finding strategies for data recovery. They are able to gather data and learn more about the device users. When conducting a criminal investigation into a cybercrime, the authorities frequently enlist the assistance of a computer forensic analyst to help acquire the data they need.

Security consultant

The security consultant is adaptable and tech-savvy, ensuring the company’s assets and data remain safe. They comprehend and assess different security techniques across all industries. The security expert selects the vulnerability test along with other tests to protect the network, computer, and data. Depending on the firm’s requirements, consultants could recommend particular security solutions or products.

Vulnerability Assessor

Individuals who conduct several tests on the systems are known as vulnerability assessors or analysts. Finding the significant security system faults is their primary objective, and they also prioritize issues that have the most impact on the firm.

Cryptographer

Cryptographers are security system professionals who are in charge of creating code that hackers cannot decrypt. Cybersecurity tasks involve encrypting and decrypting data to keep it secure and away from hackers using cryptographic methods. If you enjoy coding, you will enjoy this mid-senior-level position. They are more in demand and quite important.

Penetration Tester

Penetration testers are people who are permitted to hack the system and look for a way in. They behave as though they are trying to hack the security system.

Security Auditor

The security auditors are in charge of identifying system vulnerabilities before anyone else. They examine the effectiveness of the firewalls and other security measures that are currently in place.

Conclusion

Cyber security is one of the most crucial elements in the rapidly expanding digital world. Its threats are difficult to overlook. Therefore, it is critical to learn how to guard against them and teach others how to do so as well. You can choose an online hacking course to learn more about cyber security and how to deal with cyber criminals so you can save the day on digital platforms.

FAQs

Is cybersecurity analytics a difficult task?

The fast-paced work environment and numerous technical skills required for cybersecurity might be difficult. However, it is possible to learn the necessary skills and information with some time and effort. Set aside some time each day to learn cybersecurity, and think about creating your own virtual space to practice such skills.

Does cybersecurity involve a lot of math?

No, a lot of math is not necessary for cybersecurity. But as it falls under the category of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), proficiency in arithmetic can certainly help you advance in your job.

How can I become a cybersecurity expert on my own?

When it comes to cybersecurity training, it is critical to pick a genuine and reliable provider. Online courses on the fundamentals of cyber security are widely available.

You can learn at your own pace when you enrols in an online course or a boot camp. Furthermore, you can meet them by working around their flexible hours. A Bootcamp offers a one to a three-month-long specialized program that typically includes a final exam.

Explore other career paths. Read about an AWS DevOps Career.

Web3 is said to be the next generation of the internet. This innovation has led to various developments in how people learn and access information. One of the pioneers of Web3-based education is Metaschool, a platform that teaches people fundamental skills to become Web3 developers.

The platform is designed to help users understand the basics of Web3 so they can navigate this emerging technology.

What Is the Metaschool?

Metaschool is a social learning platform that allows you to connect with different people and learn the fundamentals of Web3. It’s designed to help you understand the basics of coding, blockchain technology, and decentralized applications. You can also access a wide range of resources, including tutorials, videos, and articles, to help you build your own D’apps or become a Web3 developer.

According to their website, Metaschool is a fun, free, and trusted source for Web3. You can choose different independent courses to learn at your own pace. This way, you can learn the basics of Web3 and increase your chances of becoming a successful Web3 developer.

What Are the Benefits of Metaschool?

Here are some of the benefits of the Metaschool:

1) Simplified Learning

The Metaschool simplifies learning by providing users with easy-to-follow tutorials and videos. This makes it easier for beginners to understand the concepts of Web3. The platform offers different courses, and you can choose the one that best suits your interests. With user-friendly tutorials and videos, Metaschool can help you understand the basics of Web3 without any prior knowledge.

Their website also has different articles that can help you understand the fundamentals of Web3. You can read more about blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, NFTs, and more. This will deepen your knowledge of Web3, helping you become a more skilled developer.

2) Powerful Community

Another benefit of the Metaschool is the powerful community behind it. The platform is composed of a driven group of builders elevating the state of the internet. With this community, you can connect to people from all over the world, learn from each other’s experiences, and access resources to help you grow.

Over time, you can become part of the thriving community and help build the future of Web3. Learning from a powerful community allows you to broaden your knowledge and increase your chances of becoming a successful developer.

3) Affordable Cost

The Metaschool is a free platform that allows you to learn the fundamentals of Web3 without any cost. The low cost makes Metaschool an ideal resource for anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of Web3. It’s accessible to people from all walks of life who don’t have the budget to access traditional and expensive education platforms.

For instance, if you want to build a start-up on Web3, you can choose one of the many courses on their website. You’ll learn the basics about different Web3 technologies. The course is free and can help you understand how to use the different technologies for your start-up.

4) Coding Camps and Activities

The Metaschool also offers coding camps and activities to help you understand different Web3 concepts. Some camps include learning about smart contracts, building a D’app, and more.

You can also join their Discord server, where you can find different activities and challenges that can help you improve at coding. Camps also help you connect with other like-minded people, allowing you to gain knowledge and become part of the powerful Metaschool community.

Independent Courses on the Metaschool

If you’re interested in taking one of the independent courses on the Metaschool, here are some of the topics they offer:

1) Understand and Setup MetaMask Account

This course teaches you how to set up and create your own MetaMask wallet for storing, swapping, and trading tokens. It supports different Ethereum-based tokens. It’s also an easy-to-use wallet for someone new to Web3.

2) Introduction to Polygon and Its Architecture

In this course, you’ll get an introduction to Polygon and its architecture. Polygon is a cryptocurrency and blockchain scaling platform. This course teaches you about the different components of Polygon and how it works. It also teaches you how to use the tools provided by Polygon to gain a deeper understanding of blockchain technology.

3) Learn Everything About NFTs

NFTs are another important component of Web3. This course provides an introduction to NFTs, their use cases, and how to use them. You’ll also learn about the different platforms for creating and exchanging NFTs. By the end of this course, you’ll better understand how NFTs work and their potential.

The Bottom Line

The Metaschool is a great platform for anyone who wants to learn more about Web3 and become an expert. It makes learning easier and more accessible because it offers courses and camps at an affordable cost.

With the Metaschool, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in Web3 development. Learn more about the Metaschool.