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ICT & Computing in Education

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Review: Understanding the digital world: What You Need to Know about Computers, the Internet, Privacy, and Security

August 25, 2026

I have been reading the 2017 edition. Since then, a second edition has been published, but I don’t have that. I am assuming that as this edition is very readable and good value for money, the second edition will be too.

Although the subject matter sounds as dry as dust, the author has managed to make it really interesting. Everything is described and explained in plain English.

I especially liked the sections explaining how computer programs sort items, the process of developing software, and the various kinds of malware and how they can get into computer systems.

The physical quality of the book is delightful too.

This would make a great addition to your departmental library (I assume you have one?1) , and would also be useful for a teacher of computing looking for straightforward explanations to pass on to their students.

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In Backlist, Back Catalogue, Bookshelf, Reviews, Using and Teaching Computing & ICT Tags reviews, computing, digital, security
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