BSc Computer Science Books: The Top Picks for Success

Computer Science

Jun 24, 2023 • 9 min read

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Books represent gateways to new worlds, allowing us to gain valuable knowledge on virtually any topic. Those interested in exploring computer science books face two challenges. First, just like you can’t build a good house without a proper foundation, you can’t expand your knowledge if you don’t understand basic concepts. Secondly, technology is always evolving, so besides understanding how things work, you need to stay current with the latest trends.

Finding books that help you build a good foundation and follow innovations isn’t easy. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through hundreds of titles to find the good ones. Here, we’ll introduce you to the best BSc Computer Science books that will set you up for success.

Top BSc Computer Science Books

These BSc Computer Science books can “program” your mind and help you absorb knowledge.

Introduction to Computer Science

Many people are eager to learn how to program and immerse themselves in the IT world. But the first step toward that is adopting fundamentals. Before jumping into the IT industry, you need to learn more about computer science and the basic concepts behind it.

Computer Science Illuminated by Nell Dale and John Lewis

This student-friendly book sheds light on computer science. It explores operating systems, hardware, software, and networks from “neutral ground” (without focusing on particular programming languages). Therefore, if you don’t “speak” programming languages just yet, this book will be your best friend.

Intro to Python for Computer Science and Data Science: Learning to Program With AI, Big Data, and the Cloud by Paul Deitel and Harvey Deitel

If you want to be a programming expert, you may need to speak Python, a universal language with a wide array of applications. This book teaches you how to use Python in computer science and offers the perfect balance between theoretical and practical knowledge. It transforms complex information into comprehensive and engaging data.

Data Structures and Algorithms

Finding the best BSc Computer Science book on data structures and algorithms can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. We found the needle for you and offer the best options.

Data Structures and Algorithms Made Easy by Narasimha Karumanchi

This book is a winner in the data structures and algorithms game. It’s the perfect option for beginners interested in learning the topic from scratch and building a solid foundation for more advanced levels. It covers basic concepts and moves on to more complex stuff without overwhelming the readers.

Data Structures and Algorithms in Java by Robert Lafore

If you’re familiar with Java and want to start with data structures and algorithms, this book is the gold standard. It will guide you on a journey from basic Arrays and Strings to advanced structures like Hash-Tables and Graphs.

Computer Networks

Computer networks are grids through which computing devices “talk to” each other and share data. Here are the books you can use to improve your knowledge and get ahead in your career.

Computer Networks by Andrew S. Tanenbaum

If you want to understand the nitty-gritty behind computer networks, this book is the way to go. Hop on a journey through email, the world wide web, video conferencing, and much more, to understand how the networks work and how to use them to your advantage.

Every chapter follows the same, easy-to-follow structure containing basic principles and real-life examples.

Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach by James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross

This beginner-friendly book takes a somewhat unusual approach. It first introduces students to applications and uses them to explain fundamental concepts. That way, students are exposed to the “real world” early on and can understand how networking works with ease.

Operating Systems

An operating system for a computer is like oxygen for a human; it can’t live without it. Operating systems are interfaces that support everything computers do. Here are the best books about them.

Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces by Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau and Andrea Arpaci-Dusseau

How do operating systems work? What are the three basic concepts hiding behind every OS? Find the answers to these questions and learn everything OS-related in this book. While beginner-friendly, this amazing study can be combined with more advanced materials and offer a deeper understanding of modern OSs.

Guide to Operating Systems by Greg Tomsho

This book represents a detailed guide on installing, updating, maintaining, and configuring operating systems and everything related to them. Besides offering general info, the book explores specific OSs and allows you to peek into this world without feeling overwhelmed.

Database Systems

Database systems are like virtual warehouses where you can keep your data secure. They’re the ones we can “thank” for easy information retrieval, browsing, and organization. If you want to learn the ins and outs of database systems, these books can help.

Database Systems: The Complete Book by Hector Garcia-Molina, Jeffrey D. Ullman, and Jennifer Widom

This book is the holy grail for many computer science students. It offers a comprehensive approach and detailed explanations of everything related to database system design, use, and implementation. The book is extensive, but it’s written in an engaging way, so reading through it is a breeze.

Database Systems: Design, Implementation, & Management by Carlos Colonel and Steven Morris

Building your virtual warehouses for storing data may seem impossible. But it can become your reality thanks to this excellent book. It contains clear and comprehensive instructions on building database systems, offers concrete examples, but also focuses on the bigger picture and latest industry trends.

Software Engineering

Designing and constructing software is no walk in the park. If you’re interested in this industry, you need to build your skills meticulously. Books that can help you on this exciting (and sometimes frustrating) journey are reviewed below.

Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship by Robert C. Martin

In this book, Robert C. Martin, a software engineering legend, discusses the seemingly insignificant differences between bad and poorly-written codes. He explains which “symptoms” bad codes manifest and how to clean them.

Code Complete: A Practical Handbook of Software Construction by Steve McConnell

One of the first (and smartest) steps toward building quality code is getting this book. Here, the author summarized everything there is to know about constructing software. Since the book contains both the basics and the more advanced construction practices, everyone finds it useful, both beginners and pros.

Additional Resources for BSc Computer Science Students

BSc Computer Science books aren’t the only spring you should drink water from if you’re thirsty for knowledge on the subject.

Online Platforms and Courses

Online platforms and courses are great resources for those who want to expand their knowledge and learn how to cash it in. The internet is overflowing with great courses focusing on various aspects of computer science. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) – The institute offers a comprehensive online BSc in Computer Science. Throughout the program, students get acquainted with everything computer science-related. After completing their studies, they’ll be able to land high-paying jobs.

Udemy and Coursera – Although not “official” institutes and universities, these platforms deserve a seat at the table. Both Udemy and Coursera offer quality computer science courses held by some of the most respected names in the industry.

Coding Practice Websites

You’ve read books, attended courses, and feel like you know everything there is to know about the theoretical part. But is there a way to put this theory into practice and see whether your codes work? The answer is yes! Practice makes perfect, and coding practice websites will become your best friends and help you conquer programming.

Coderbyte – Solve real-life coding issues and drive your skills to perfection. With over a dozen available programming languages, you can try out as many ideas as you’d like.
HackerRank – HackerRank is home to hundreds of coding challenges. Plus, it has leaderboards, so you can see how you compare to other coders. It’s also home to useful tutorials, and since the website is popular, you may even be able to land your dream job.

Computer Science Forums and Communities

Is there a better place for like-minded people to meet and discuss the topics they’re passionate about? Computer science forums and communities should be an important stop on your way to becoming an expert on the subject.

Tips for Success in BSc Computer Science

Success doesn’t happen overnight (at least for most people). If computer science is your true passion, here’s how to master it:

Focus on the basics to create a good foundation.
Put your thinking cap on and practice problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Participate in group projects and collaborations (teamwork makes the dream work).
Keep up with the latest industry trends.
Gain valuable hands-on experience through internships.

Acquire Computer Science Knowledge Effectively

Although books don’t offer practical knowledge, they can be invaluable allies in setting a great theoretical foundation. By carefully choosing the best books and putting effort into developing your skills, you’ll become a pro in a jiff.

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From the same author
Il Sole 24 Ore: Integrating Artificial Intelligence into the Enterprise – Challenges and Opportunities for CEOs and Management
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology

April 14, 2025
Source:
- Il Sole 24 Ore, published on April 14th, 2025
Expert Pierluigi Casale analyzes the adoption of AI by companies, the ethical and regulatory challenges and the differentiated approach between large companies and SMEs

By Gianni Rusconi

Easier said than done: to paraphrase the well-known proverb, and to place it in the increasingly large collection of critical issues and opportunities related to artificial intelligence, the task that CEOs and management have to adequately integrate this technology into the company is indeed difficult. Pierluigi Casale, professor at OPIT (Open Institute of Technology, an academic institution founded two years ago and specialized in the field of Computer Science) and technical consultant to the European Parliament for the implementation and regulation of AI, is among those who contributed to the definition of the AI Act, providing advice on aspects of safety and civil liability. His task, in short, is to ensure that the adoption of artificial intelligence (primarily within the parliamentary committees operating in Brussels) is not only efficient, but also ethical and compliant with regulations. And, obviously, his is not an easy task.

The experience gained over the last 15 years in the field of machine learning and the role played in organizations such as Europol and in leading technology companies are the requirements that Casale brings to the table to balance the needs of EU bodies with the pressure exerted by American Big Tech and to preserve an independent approach to the regulation of artificial intelligence. A technology, it is worth remembering, that implies broad and diversified knowledge, ranging from the regulatory/application spectrum to geopolitical issues, from computational limitations (common to European companies and public institutions) to the challenges related to training large-format language models.

CEOs and AI

When we specifically asked how CEOs and C-suites are “digesting” AI in terms of ethics, safety and responsibility, Casale did not shy away, framing the topic based on his own professional career. “I have noticed two trends in particular: the first concerns companies that started using artificial intelligence before the AI Act and that today have the need, as well as the obligation, to adapt to the new ethical framework to be compliant and avoid sanctions; the second concerns companies, like the Italian ones, that are only now approaching this topic, often in terms of experimental and incomplete projects (the expression used literally is “proof of concept”, ed.) and without these having produced value. In this case, the ethical and regulatory component is integrated into the adoption process.”

In general, according to Casale, there is still a lot to do even from a purely regulatory perspective, due to the fact that there is not a total coherence of vision among the different countries and there is not the same speed in implementing the indications. Spain, in this regard, is setting an example, having established (with a royal decree of 8 November 2023) a dedicated “sandbox”, i.e. a regulatory experimentation space for artificial intelligence through the creation of a controlled test environment in the development and pre-marketing phase of some artificial intelligence systems, in order to verify compliance with the requirements and obligations set out in the AI Act and to guide companies towards a path of regulated adoption of the technology.

“CEOs who already work with AI – explains the OPIT expert – see the investment in compliance as necessary, the latter as an opportunity: and the latter, on paper, have the advantage of being able to define a strategy also in terms of ethics and civil responsibility”

SMEs in greater difficulty

There is a further theme that accompanies the diffusion of AI in the European corporate fabric and that is the difference in “approach” between large companies and SMEs. The top executives of enterprise-class organizations, as Casale confirms, have budgets and resources to adequately address and manage the challenge of compliance. Small and medium-sized businesses, on the other hand, are in a waiting position to understand how to carry forward the development process and the risk that many may slow down in the innovation path, and that a conservative attitude towards the use of artificial intelligence prevails, is clear.

Lastly, no less important is the issue of skills, which is very much felt in both the technical and legal fields. “The skills and requirements of AI Engineers and Data Scientists, with all their variations on the theme, are now defined and it is clear – Casale assures – that there is a strong increase in demand. However, I am of the opinion that there cannot be training that is only engineering-based or focused solely on regulatory aspects: instead, we need paths that combine the two dimensions and that lead to preparing the new Chief AI Officers, that is, high-level responsibility figures called to govern all activities related to the use of artificial intelligence”. Nonetheless, according to the expert, we need a layer of specialists who study the impacts and implications of technology on society, anticipating possible risks.

Old universities are not enough

In conclusion, it remains to be asked whether Italy is up to speed in meeting this need, and in this regard Casale’s answer is once again precise and transparent: “Old-style universities can no longer be functional for this purpose, because we need to understand how to teach a new mindset and not a technology as such, given the speed of its evolution. We are in the midst of a phase of great change and evolution towards dynamic study paths, and in other European countries this transformation has already begun”. In the meantime, artificial intelligence continues on its course and suggests that it will not be a passing fad. On the contrary. “AI – concludes the OPIT professor – exists and is here to remain a protagonist: to teach it and bring it to the ground in an adequate way, correct governance of the technology is necessary and the AI Act is an important first step in this direction. But there is still a lot of work to do”.

Read the full article below (in Italian):
- Il Sole 24 Ore
Check out OPIT degrees

BSc in Digital Business MSc in Digital Business and Innovation MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence MSc in Applied Data Science and AI MSc in Data Science & AI MSc in Data Science & AI MSc in Data Science & AI MSc in Data Science & AI MSc in Data Science & AI MSc in Data Science & AI
- Career aligned
- Fully Online
- EU-accredited institution
Read the article
CCN: Australia Tightens Crypto Oversight as Exchanges Expand, Testing Industry’s Appetite for Regulation
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology

March 31, 2025
Source:
- CCN, published on March 29th, 2025
By Kurt Robson

Over the past few months, Australia’s crypto industry has undergone a rapid transformation following the government’s proposal to establish a stricter set of digital asset regulations.

A series of recent enforcement measures and exchange launches highlight the growing maturation of Australia’s crypto landscape.

Experts remain divided on how the new rules will impact the country’s burgeoning digital asset industry.

New Crypto Regulation

On March 21, the Treasury Department said that crypto exchanges and custody services will now be classified under similar rules as other financial services in the country.

“Our legislative reforms will extend existing financial services laws to key digital asset platforms, but not to all of the digital asset ecosystem,” the Treasury said in a statement.

The rules impose similar regulations as other financial services in the country, such as obtaining a financial license, meeting minimum capital requirements, and safeguarding customer assets.

The proposal comes as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s center-left Labor government prepares for a federal election on May 17.

Australia’s opposition party, led by Peter Dutton, has also vowed to make crypto regulation a top priority of the government’s agenda if it wins.

Australia’s Crypto Growth

Triple-A data shows that 9.6% of Australians already own digital assets, with some experts believing new rules will push further adoption.

Europe’s largest crypto exchange, WhiteBIT, announced it was entering the Australian market on Wednesday, March 26.

The company said that Australia was “an attractive landscape for crypto businesses” despite its complexity.

In March, Australia’s Swyftx announced it was acquiring New Zealand’s largest cryptocurrency exchange for an undisclosed sum.

According to the parties, the merger will create the second-largest platform in Australia by trading volume.

“Australia’s new regulatory framework is akin to rolling out the welcome mat for cryptocurrency exchanges,” Alexander Jader, professor of Digital Business at the Open Institute of Technology, told CCN.

“The clarity provided by these regulations is set to attract a wave of new entrants,” he added.

Jader said regulatory clarity was “the lifeblood of innovation.” He added that the new laws can expect an uptick “in both local and international exchanges looking to establish a foothold in the market.”

However, Zoe Wyatt, partner and head of Web3 and Disruptive Technology at Andersen LLP, believes that while the new rules will benefit more extensive exchanges looking for more precise guidelines, they will not “suddenly turn Australia into a global crypto hub.”

“The Web3 community is still largely looking to the U.S. in anticipation of a more crypto-friendly stance from the Trump administration,” Wyatt added.

Read the full article below:
- CCN
Check out OPIT degrees

BSc in Digital Business MSc in Digital Business and Innovation MSc in Data Science & AI MSc in Data Science & AI MSc in Data Science & AI MSc in Data Science & AI MSc in Data Science & AI MSc in Data Science & AI MSc in Data Science & AI MSc in Data Science & AI
- Career aligned
- Fully Online
- EU-accredited institution
Read the article
Categories
Authors

Francesco Profumo

John Loewen

Professor @OPIT, PhD in Computer Science, Former Professor @Chulalongkorn University and @Vancouver Island University. Location: Italy Teaches Computer Architectures (BSc).

Karim Bouzoubaa

Professor @ OPIT, Professor of Data Science & AI @ Mohammed V University in Rabat, PhD @ Laval University. Location: Canada, Morocco. Teaches Programming courses (BSc).

Khaled Elbehiery

Professor @ OPIT, Senior Director & Network Engineer @ Charter Communications, Professor @ DeVry University and @ Park University. Location: USA. Teaches: Computer Networks (BSc).

Lokesh Vij

Professor @ OPIT, Software Engineer @ Symantec, Faculty @ Seneca College. Location: Canada. Teaches Cloud Computing courses (BSc), Big Data and Cloud Computing Infrastructure (MSc).

Go to all authors

Il Sole 24 Ore: Integrating Artificial Intelligence into the Enterprise – Challenges and Opportunities for CEOs and Management

OPIT - Open Institute of Technology

Apr 14, 2025 • 6 min read

Source:

Il Sole 24 Ore, published on April 14th, 2025

Expert Pierluigi Casale analyzes the adoption of AI by companies, the ethical and regulatory challenges and the differentiated approach between large companies and SMEs

By Gianni Rusconi

Easier said than done: to paraphrase the well-known proverb, and to place it in the increasingly large collection of critical issues and opportunities related to artificial intelligence, the task that CEOs and management have to adequately integrate this technology into the company is indeed difficult. Pierluigi Casale, professor at OPIT (Open Institute of Technology, an academic institution founded two years ago and specialized in the field of Computer Science) and technical consultant to the European Parliament for the implementation and regulation of AI, is among those who contributed to the definition of the AI Act, providing advice on aspects of safety and civil liability. His task, in short, is to ensure that the adoption of artificial intelligence (primarily within the parliamentary committees operating in Brussels) is not only efficient, but also ethical and compliant with regulations. And, obviously, his is not an easy task.

The experience gained over the last 15 years in the field of machine learning and the role played in organizations such as Europol and in leading technology companies are the requirements that Casale brings to the table to balance the needs of EU bodies with the pressure exerted by American Big Tech and to preserve an independent approach to the regulation of artificial intelligence. A technology, it is worth remembering, that implies broad and diversified knowledge, ranging from the regulatory/application spectrum to geopolitical issues, from computational limitations (common to European companies and public institutions) to the challenges related to training large-format language models.

CEOs and AI

When we specifically asked how CEOs and C-suites are “digesting” AI in terms of ethics, safety and responsibility, Casale did not shy away, framing the topic based on his own professional career. “I have noticed two trends in particular: the first concerns companies that started using artificial intelligence before the AI Act and that today have the need, as well as the obligation, to adapt to the new ethical framework to be compliant and avoid sanctions; the second concerns companies, like the Italian ones, that are only now approaching this topic, often in terms of experimental and incomplete projects (the expression used literally is “proof of concept”, ed.) and without these having produced value. In this case, the ethical and regulatory component is integrated into the adoption process.”

In general, according to Casale, there is still a lot to do even from a purely regulatory perspective, due to the fact that there is not a total coherence of vision among the different countries and there is not the same speed in implementing the indications. Spain, in this regard, is setting an example, having established (with a royal decree of 8 November 2023) a dedicated “sandbox”, i.e. a regulatory experimentation space for artificial intelligence through the creation of a controlled test environment in the development and pre-marketing phase of some artificial intelligence systems, in order to verify compliance with the requirements and obligations set out in the AI Act and to guide companies towards a path of regulated adoption of the technology.

“CEOs who already work with AI – explains the OPIT expert – see the investment in compliance as necessary, the latter as an opportunity: and the latter, on paper, have the advantage of being able to define a strategy also in terms of ethics and civil responsibility”

SMEs in greater difficulty

There is a further theme that accompanies the diffusion of AI in the European corporate fabric and that is the difference in “approach” between large companies and SMEs. The top executives of enterprise-class organizations, as Casale confirms, have budgets and resources to adequately address and manage the challenge of compliance. Small and medium-sized businesses, on the other hand, are in a waiting position to understand how to carry forward the development process and the risk that many may slow down in the innovation path, and that a conservative attitude towards the use of artificial intelligence prevails, is clear.

Lastly, no less important is the issue of skills, which is very much felt in both the technical and legal fields. “The skills and requirements of AI Engineers and Data Scientists, with all their variations on the theme, are now defined and it is clear – Casale assures – that there is a strong increase in demand. However, I am of the opinion that there cannot be training that is only engineering-based or focused solely on regulatory aspects: instead, we need paths that combine the two dimensions and that lead to preparing the new Chief AI Officers, that is, high-level responsibility figures called to govern all activities related to the use of artificial intelligence”. Nonetheless, according to the expert, we need a layer of specialists who study the impacts and implications of technology on society, anticipating possible risks.

Old universities are not enough

In conclusion, it remains to be asked whether Italy is up to speed in meeting this need, and in this regard Casale’s answer is once again precise and transparent: “Old-style universities can no longer be functional for this purpose, because we need to understand how to teach a new mindset and not a technology as such, given the speed of its evolution. We are in the midst of a phase of great change and evolution towards dynamic study paths, and in other European countries this transformation has already begun”. In the meantime, artificial intelligence continues on its course and suggests that it will not be a passing fad. On the contrary. “AI – concludes the OPIT professor – exists and is here to remain a protagonist: to teach it and bring it to the ground in an adequate way, correct governance of the technology is necessary and the AI Act is an important first step in this direction. But there is still a lot of work to do”.

Read the full article below (in Italian):

Il Sole 24 Ore

Read the article

CCN: Australia Tightens Crypto Oversight as Exchanges Expand, Testing Industry’s Appetite for Regulation

OPIT - Open Institute of Technology

Mar 31, 2025 • 3 min read

Source:

CCN, published on March 29th, 2025

By Kurt Robson

Over the past few months, Australia’s crypto industry has undergone a rapid transformation following the government’s proposal to establish a stricter set of digital asset regulations.

A series of recent enforcement measures and exchange launches highlight the growing maturation of Australia’s crypto landscape.

Experts remain divided on how the new rules will impact the country’s burgeoning digital asset industry.

New Crypto Regulation

On March 21, the Treasury Department said that crypto exchanges and custody services will now be classified under similar rules as other financial services in the country.

“Our legislative reforms will extend existing financial services laws to key digital asset platforms, but not to all of the digital asset ecosystem,” the Treasury said in a statement.

The rules impose similar regulations as other financial services in the country, such as obtaining a financial license, meeting minimum capital requirements, and safeguarding customer assets.

The proposal comes as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s center-left Labor government prepares for a federal election on May 17.

Australia’s opposition party, led by Peter Dutton, has also vowed to make crypto regulation a top priority of the government’s agenda if it wins.

Australia’s Crypto Growth

Triple-A data shows that 9.6% of Australians already own digital assets, with some experts believing new rules will push further adoption.

Europe’s largest crypto exchange, WhiteBIT, announced it was entering the Australian market on Wednesday, March 26.

The company said that Australia was “an attractive landscape for crypto businesses” despite its complexity.

In March, Australia’s Swyftx announced it was acquiring New Zealand’s largest cryptocurrency exchange for an undisclosed sum.

According to the parties, the merger will create the second-largest platform in Australia by trading volume.

“Australia’s new regulatory framework is akin to rolling out the welcome mat for cryptocurrency exchanges,” Alexander Jader, professor of Digital Business at the Open Institute of Technology, told CCN.

“The clarity provided by these regulations is set to attract a wave of new entrants,” he added.

Jader said regulatory clarity was “the lifeblood of innovation.” He added that the new laws can expect an uptick “in both local and international exchanges looking to establish a foothold in the market.”

However, Zoe Wyatt, partner and head of Web3 and Disruptive Technology at Andersen LLP, believes that while the new rules will benefit more extensive exchanges looking for more precise guidelines, they will not “suddenly turn Australia into a global crypto hub.”

“The Web3 community is still largely looking to the U.S. in anticipation of a more crypto-friendly stance from the Trump administration,” Wyatt added.

Read the full article below: