Resources
last updated 14 APR 2025.
From OSSU computer science:
How can I review the math prerequisites?
Many OSSU students choose to review math topics that they have not studied recently. OSSU recommends to use a few resources for such a review: Professor Leonard for lectures, OpenStax for textbooks, and Khan Academy for assessments. After taking an assessment, you should have a clear idea of what topics to study and where you should start with the resources below.
Courses | Lectures | Textbooks | Tutoring & Assessments |
---|---|---|---|
Prealgebra | Prealgebra | OpenStax Prealgebra 2e (PDF) | Prealgebra Course Challenge |
Algebra 1 | To The Point Math | OpenStax Elementary Algebra 2e (PDF) | Algebra 1 Course Challenge |
Algebra 2 | Intermediate Algebra | OpenStax Intermedia Algebra 2e (PDF) | Algebra 2 Course Challenge |
Precalculus | Precalculus - College Algebra/Trigonometry | OpenStax Precalulus 2e (PDF) | Precalculus Course Challenge |
When watching the lectures it is important that you pause before each question and work it out yourself, or try again after you understand the process. After you complete a chapters worth of lectures, you should complete the chapter review exercises found at the end of each chapter in your textbook. Use your grade to determine what you need to review. OpenStax orders their review exercises by chapter section, allowing you to hone in on what you need to practice. Practice what you have not mastered by:
- Going to the proper section in your textbook and working on the examples as they have full answer explanations.
- Rewatching Professor Leonardβs video on the subject, working through the examples with him.
- Searching YouTube for another POV on the topic, again working through the examples with them. Khan Academy & Organic Chemistry Tutor are great resources for this.
- Doing the section exercises in your textbook.
- Asking for help in the relevant Discord channel.
Platforms
- pwn.college (free)
- TryHackMe (free/paid)
- HackTheBox (free/paid)
- HackTheBox Academy
- AttackIQ (free)
CTFs and Wargames
- zaratec CTF Practice links
- wargame-nexus
Home Lab Guide
Foundations
Networking
- π Computer Networks: A Systems Approach
- π« Cisco Skills for All / Networking Academy
- Network Technician Path
- Packet Tracer - network simulation tool
- π§° GN3S - virtual networking software
Linux
- π UNIX and Linux System Administration Handbook
- π The Linux Command Line book
- π Linux Essentials - Linux Professional Institute
- π« Linux From Scratch - Build your own linux system from source code.
- π« Linux Journey
- π« Terminal Tutor - interactive command line tutorial
- π Linux Command Library - cheat sheet
- π Linux Bash Shell Scripting Tutorial
- π Linux Command Line for Beginners
Python
- π Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition by Eric Matthes
- π Automate the Boring Stuff with Python by Al Sweigart
- π« Udemy course
- π The Hitchhikerβs Guide to Python
- π Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science (Fourth Edition) by John M. Zelle
- π« Codecademy - Learn Python 3
- π« Python Tutor - visualize how the code works
- π« CS50βs Introduction to Programming with Python
- π« Programming with Python - University of Helsinki
- Exercism
SQL
- π« PostgreSQL Exercises
- π« W3Schools - SQL
- π« SQLBolt - interactive exercises
- π« Stanford Online: Databases: Relational Databases and SQL
- π« SQL Murder Mystery - whodunnit?
- π SQL Queries for Mere Mortals by John Viescas
CTF
Free courses
- π« Mosse Institute- MICS - Introduction to Cyber Security
- π« Cyber Security Base - University of Helsinki
- π« Roppers
- π« Fortinet Training Institute - Free Cybersecurity Training
- π« PortSwigger Web Security Academy
- π« Metasploit Unleashed by OffSec
- π« Trailhead - Cybersecurity Career Path - Fortinet / Salesforce / WEF / World Cyber Alliance
- π« ISC2 - Certified in Cybersecurity
Other resources:
- TCM Security Academy
- National Institute for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS)
- USAJOBS - use keyword cybersecurity to search for what employers are looking for
- Canadian Cyber Centre - Cyber security career guide
- Cyber Seek Career Pathway
- NIST - NICE - Free and Low Cost Online Cybersecurity Learning Content
Math
- π Openstax
- π CK-12
- π My post for high school math resources. Follows the Ontario math curriculum
- π Real Not Complex - great math resources from the basics onwards
- π Calculus Made Easy - a classic textbook, updated for use online