CPT101
portable media player
.mp4, .qmv, .mpc are all file extensions that can be played
twisted-pair cable
copper wires twisted around each other. EX: normal telephone cable
Formats for digital music
-MP3, AAC, and WMA are file formats used to store digital music -DivX, MPEG-4 have mp4 extensions -WMV and XviD hold video and audio information
Names of formats for digital video
-Quiktime format .qt or .mov -Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) .mpg, .mpeg, .mp4 -Windows Media Video .wmv -Microsoft Video for Windows .avi -Real Media .rm Adobe Flash Video .flv
2 ways to secure data on a mobile device:
-alarm software that detects motion and sets off an alarm until a disable code is entered -encrypting data
File Naming conventions of Apple OSX
-as many as 255 characters -case sensitive -forbidden character is a colon -no file extensions needed
File Naming conventions of Windows
-as many as 255 characters -not case sensitive -forbidden characters are " /\ * ? <> |: -file extensions are needed
How to make sure a website is appropriate for research
-authority -bias -relevance -audience -links
Tips for a great presentation
-be careful with collor -use bullets for key points -use images -consider font size and style -only use 1 or 2 font styles per presentation -keep animations and/or background audio to a minimum
3 ways to prevent spam:
-create a free email address that you use only to fill out forms or buy online items -spam filters -purchase a third party program that provides control of spam
How are network architectures classified?
-distance between nodes -the way in which the network is managed or administered -the set of rules (protocol) used to exchange data between network nodes -communications medium used to transport the data
Name popular phone OS
-iOS (Apple) -Windows Phone 8 (Microsoft) -Android (HTC, Samsung) -Blackberry OS (Blackberry)
smartphone capabilities:
-internet access -personal information management (PIM) -voice recording features -play and organize music files -Gps services -digital image and video capture -computing power to run programs like word processors or even video-editing software
3 main places for storing file backups
-online (cloud service) -external hard drives (i.e. flash drive) -NAS-network-attached storage devices and home servers (large hard drives connected to a network of computers instead of just one, so that they can be used to back up multiple computers simultaneously)
Factors to determine the image quality of digital cameras
-quality of the lenses used -image sensor size -file format and compression used -color management software included -camera's resolution or the number of data points it records for each image captured
parts of a URL: 1. protocol 2. domain name 3. top level domain 4. path or subdirectory
1. (http:) 2. (www.nytimes.com) 3. (.com) 4. (/pages/crosswords)
Units of CPU
1. Arithmetic Logic Unity (ALU)-responsible for performing all the arithmetic calculations and makes logic/comparison decisions 2. control unit-coordinates activities of all the other computer components
who developed 1.) Windows 8 2.) OS C 10.9 3.) iOS7 4.) Android 5.)Linus
1. Microsoft (available on laptops, desktops, tablets, all in ones, cell phones 2. Apple; laptops, desktops, all in ones 3. Apple; tablets, iphones, ipod touches 4. Google; cellphones, tablets 5. Open source; laptops, desktops
The Four Computer Generations
1. UNIVAC 2. computers that used transistors 3. early integrated-circuit generation- integrated circuits are small chips capable of containing thousands of transistors 4. computers that use a microprocessor chip; contains millions of transistors and refined computer's speed, accuracy and efficiency
Boot Process
1. activating Basic input/output system (BIOS) 2. performing the power-on self-test 3. loading the OS 4. checking further configurations and customizations
5 procedures to improve system reliability
1. clear out unnecessary files 2. install a reliable antivirus package 3.run spyware and adware removal programs 4.run the Disk Defragmenter utility on your hard drive 5. automate the key utilities
factors of determining CPU processing power
1. clock speed 2. whether it has multiple cores 3. amount of cache memory
1.software suite 2. advantages
1. collection of software programs that have been bundled together as a package 2. cheaper, individual programs within a suite work well together because they share common features /can integrate
5 functions of the OS
1. manages computer hardware and peripherals 2. provides a user interface 3. provides a consistent interaction between apps and the CPU 4. manages memory and storage 5. manages the processor
1.How to search for a phrase 2.how to search within a website 3. How to use a wildcard
1. place quotation marks around it 2.use the search keyword, then ":" followed by the website's URL 3. use an asterisk; helpful when you need to research with unknown terms
1.)bit 2.)byte 3.)kilobyte 4.)megabyte 5.)gigabyte 6.)terabyte
1. short for "binary digit" (each 0 and 1 is a binary digit) 2.eight binary digits 3.approximately 1,000 bytes 4.about 1 million bytes 5.1 billion bytes 6.1 trillion bytes
3 components of a search engine
1. spider-constantly collects data on the web, following links in websites and reading web pages 2. Indexer program-organizes data into a large database 3. search engine software-searches the indexed data and pulls out relevant information according to your research
3 ways to know a site is secure
1.check that the beginning of the URL changes from http to https 2.look for padlock icon in the toolbar 3. green colored address bar
5 factors to select the best printer
1.speed 2.resolution 3.color output 4.cost of consumables 5.decide what your primary printing need is
ABC-Atanasoff-Berry Computer
1939-first electronically powered digital computer. Used vacuum tubes, contained a mile of wire and took 15 sec. for each calculation. Was the first computer to use binary system and have a memory that repowered itself upon booting
Apple II
1977-included a color monitor, sound, and game paddles. It's OS was stored in ROM, when before, the operating system had to be rewritten each time the computer was turned on
VisiCalc
1978-Dan Bricklin; first electronic spreadsheet application which led to the development of other spreadsheet programs (Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft Excel)
floppy disk
1978-designed by Steve Wozniak for personal computers, so that programs could be saved easily and operating systems could be developed. Also a convenient way to distribute software
IBM PC
1980-IBM's first personal computer (the PC)
Mosaic
1993-web browser that allowed users to view multimedia on the web (led to internet boom which increased internet traffic by 350%)
Windows 95
1995-the first Microsoft OS designed to be principally a GUI OS
network
2 or more computers that are connected via software and hardware so they can communicate with each other
GPS(Global Positions System)
21 satellites (plus 3 working spares) built and operated by the military and constantly orbit the earth. Satellites provide info to GPS-capable devices to pinpoint locations on earth
extension or file type
3 letters in a file name that follow the user-supplied file name after the dot. Ex: .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .accdb
ethernet network standard
802.3 is the standard for wired ethernet networks -wireless ethernet networks (WiFi) is 802.11 -current versions/faster and better signal range for wireless ethernet is 802.11ac
network navigation devices
A device on a network (either a router or switch) that moves data signals around the network
data transfer rate
AKA bandwidth-maximum speed at which data can be transmitted between 2 nodes on a network. Measure in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps)
packet analyzer
AKA sniffer-program deployed by hackers that looks at each packet as it travels on the internet, not just those addressed to a particular computer, but all packets coming across a particular network
Dial-up
AKA switched lines-pertains to a telephone connection in a system of many lines shared by many users. Has a maximum transmission speed of 56 Kbps (kilobits per second)
SaaS-Software as a Service
AKA web-based app/web-based software; vendor hosts the software online and your access and use it over the internet without having to install it on computer
BASIC
Beginner's All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code-the key language of the PC. Became popular because it was easy for beginning programming students to learn
How did Microsoft begin?
Bill Gates and Paul Allen wrote the BASIC program (compiling program that translates users commands into commands the computer can understand), Altair bought the program and began Microsoft
contents
CPU socket, storage ports, expansion slots, memory slots
Why was the Internet created?
During Cold War the US Dept. of Defense needed a computer network that wouldn't disrupt easily in the event of an attack; to get different computers to work with each other using a common communications method
Hollerith Tabulating Machine
Herman Hollerith; machine automatically read data that was punched onto small punch cards and sped up tabulation process
4 major functions of a computer
Input-gather/enter data process-manipulates, calculates, and organizes data into information Output-displays data and information in a suitable form for the user storage-saves data and information for later use
examples of accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks, Sage Peachtree
GUI
Mac OS was the first commercially available OS to use a GUI with user-friendly point-and-click technology
Time Machine
Mac OSX 's backup utility that automatically backs up files to a specified location
MS-DOS
Microsoft Disk-Operating System; IBM asked Bill Gates to write an OS program for the IBM PC which led to MS-DOS being the OS for IBM computers (nearly all PCs running on the intel chip used it as their OS)
How can digital cameras transfer pictures wirelessly?
Most have a built in USB port that can be used to copy image files to your computer. Some cameras support wireless network connections
Can computers process activities simultaneously
No; the computer's OS assigns a slice of its time to each activity that requires its attention
alternatives to PowerPoint
Prezi, HaikuDeck, Powtoon, Zoho Show
where is a phone OS stored?
ROM
rewriteable CDs
RW discs; let you write and rewrite data to them many times
RTOS
Real-Time Operating System-AKA embedded systems; used in machinery that performs repetitive series of specific tasks in an exact amount of time. Minimal user interaction
RTF
Rich Text Format-a format that any text program can read
UNIVAC
Universal Automatic Computer-first commercially successful electronic computer. Unlike competitors, it operated on magnetic tape instead of punch cards. Considered first-generation computer and was the last to use vacuum tubes
wireless medium
WiFi; uses radio waves to connect computing devices to wireless networks and the internet
examples of cloud computing
Windows 8, OS X Mavericks, Google Chrome OS
task manager
Windows utility that shows programs currently running and permits you to exit non-responsive programs when you click End Task; Ctrl + alt +Del or right click the taskbar at the bottom of the desktop
webcast
[usually live] broadcast of audio or video content over the internet. Most are distributed in real time
motherboard
a circuit board in the system unity that contains the CPU, the ram chips and slots for expansion cards. All other boards connect to it to receive power and to communicate
Internet2
a consortium that develops new technologies and applications that are faster and more efficient separate data lines that support high-speed communications through the internet itself
field (database)
a data category
transistor
a means to store data; was smaller and more powerful than vacuum tubes. Computers that used them were referred to as second-generation computers
Codec
a rule, implemented in either software or hardware, which squeezes a given amount of audio and video information into less space
GDDR5(Graphics Double Data Rate 5)
a standard of video memory
Digital Rights Management
a system of access control that allows only limited use of material that's been legally purchased (it may be a song that can only run on certain devices or a movie that can only be viewed a certain number of times)
MP3(MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3)
a type of audio compression format and is the most common compressed digital format
firefox
a type of pinned tab that makes it easier to navigate your favorite sites
accessibility utilities
access tools that help users with disabilities; ex: magnifier, narrator, speech recognition, on-screen keyboard, high contrast
Displayport
adapters with a newer style port that can connect to digital monitors or projectors
GUI-Graphical User Interface
allowed users to interact with the computer more easily when before, users had to use complicated command or menu-driven interfaces
disk defragmenter
allows OS to work more efficiently by grouping together related pieces of files on the hard drive (enables faster retrieval of data)
NFC (near field communication) chip
allows technology to communicate with another NFC device with a single touch. Only a 1.5 inch range
Windows explorer/file explorer
allows you to see the contents of your computer; main tool for finding, viewing, and managing contents by showing the location and contents of every drive, folder, and file. Was called Windows Explorer prior to Windows 8
software license
an agreement between the user and the software developer that must be accepted before installing the software on a computer
peer-to-peer network
an example of LAN; each node connected on the network can communicate directly with every other node on the network, therefore all nodes on this type of network are peers, or equals
client-server network
an example of a centrally administered network. A "client" is a computer on which users accomplish tasks and make requests. The "server" is the computer that provides info/resources to the client computers as well as central administration for network functions such as printing. Most networks have 10+ nodes
NIC
an expansion card that enables a computer to connect other computers or to a cable modem to facilitate a high-speed internet connection (INSIDE of the device, EX: smartphones, tablets, and other peripherals)
3D sound card
an expansion card that enables a computer to produce omnidirectional or 3D sounds *Dolby standard 7.1 has 8 speakers (7 regular and a subwoofer)
program
an instruction set that allows interaction with the computer to do a specific task
tethering
approach which makes sure that as long as you have a 3G signal, your computer can access the internet even when it tells you there are no available wireless networks (offered by several smartphones)
Blu-Ray players
backward-compatible; can read and write CDs and DVDs and is the fastest optical
BIOS
basic input/output system-manages the exchange of data between the OS and all the input and output devices attached to the system. Stored on a ROM chip on the motherboard
CAPTCHA(Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart)
because bots cant yet be programmed to read distorted text and most people can, the program can verify that a human is performing the task
live bookmark
bookmark that delivers updates as soon as they become available using RSS
session restore
brings back all your active web pages if the browser or system unexpectedly shuts down
notebook computer
built in input devices; AKA a laptop. Portable computer that has a monitor and keyboard
smart screen filter
built in protection against phishing, malware, etc.
enterprise resource planning (ERP) system
business intelligence system that accumulates in a central location all information relevant to running a business and makes it readily available to whoever needs it to make decisions
UTP cable
cable used for home networks
CD player
can only read and write CDs
DVD player
can read and write CDs
optical storage devices
can read from and sometimes write to CDs, DVDs, or Blu-Ray. Blu-Ray holds the most
ROM CDs
cannot save any data onto them; pre-recorded discs that are read-only
Problem Steps Recorder
captures the exact steps that lead to a software problem; goes through exact actions that create a problem you're having
mobile switching center
central location that receives cell phone requests for service from a base station
expansion card
circuit board with specific functions that augment the computer's basic functions/provide connections to other devices. ex: sound card or video card
Web 2.0
collaborative user-created web content that was made for the purpose of sharing and collaborating on users' personal web content to be shared with others
platform
combination of an OS and a specific processor
HDMI port
compact audio-video interface that allows HD video and uncompressed digital audio to be carried on one cable; most common video port on computing devices
ISP(internet service provider)
company that specializes in providing Internet access. ISPs may be specialized providers, like Juno or companies that provide other services in addition to Internet access (like phone or cable TV)
kernel (supervisor program)
component of OS that's responsible for managing the processor and all other components of the computer system. Stays in RAM memory the entire time computer is powered on, so it is called "memory resident"
zombie
computer that's controlled by a hacker who uses it to launch attacks on other computer systems
logical port blocking
condition in which a firewall is configured to ignore all incoming packets that request access to a certain port so that no unwanted requests will get through to the computer
thrashing
condition of excessive paging in which the operating system becomes sluggish
mobile broadband
connects user to the internet through the same cellular network cells use to get 3G or 4G internet access when a wifi hotspot is not available
[multiple] cores
contains the parts of the CPU required for processing; multiple-core technology is 2 or more complete processors living on the same chip. Enables the independent execution of 2 sets of instructions at the same time
analog wave
continuous waves of changing intensity of light and sound waves. Illustrates the loudness of a sound or the brightness of colors in an image at a given moment in time
analog-to-digital converter chip
converts your voice's sound waves into digital signals (sound waves are digitized so the cell phone's processor can understand)
full installation("typical installation")
copies all the most commonly used programs from the distribution disc to your computer's hard drive
word processing software
creates and edits documents, such as research papers, resumes, class notes etc.; and is the most popular word processing program
digital formats
describe data signals as long strings of numbers; gives a simple way to describe sound and light waves exactly so sounds and images can be perfectly reproduced any time they're wanted
Analytical Engine
designed by Charles Babbage; first automatic calculator. Was never developed but his drawings and certain components of the machine are similar to today's computers. "father of computing"
user interface
desktop, icons, and menus that let you communicate with your computer
switch
device for transmitting data on a network. A switch makes decisions, based on the media access control address of the data, as to where the data is to be sent
peripheral device
device such as monitor, printer, or keyboard that connects to the system unit through a data port
network adapter
device that enables the computer, or peripheral, to communicate with the network using a common data communication language, or protocol
surge protector
device that protects computers and other electronic devices from power surges
biometric authentication device
device that reads a unique personal characteristic such as a finger print, or the iris pattern in your eye, and converts its pattern to a digital code
router
device that routes packets of data between 2 or more networks. Can handle both wired and wireless and contains integrated switches. In order to share an internet connection with more than one computer, a router must be plugged into the modem
GUI-interface
displays graphics and uses point-and-click technology of the mouse and cursor (or finger) which is more user friendly than menu-driven, or command-driven interfaces
pinned tabs
docked to the taskbar for easier navigation. ex: chrome, firefox
node
each device connected to a network ( can be a computer, printer, game console, or router)
examples of financial planning software
electronic checkbooks, Mint.com, automatic bill payment, etc.
hyperthreading
enables a new set of instructions to start executing before the previous set has finished; allows 2 different programs to be processed at one time while sharing the computing resources of the chip
Machine Cycle
every time a CPU performs a program instruction it goes through these steps: 1. fetches required pieces of data/instruction from RAM 2. decodes the instruction into something the computer can understand 3. executes the instruction 4. stores the result to RAM before fetching the next instruction
file path
exact location of file starting with the drive it is located in, including all folders, subfolders, file name and the extension
uncompressed audio files
examples: WAV, AIFF; haven't had any data removed so the quality is a perfect representation of the audio as it was recorded
sound card
expansion card that attaches to the motherboard inside the system unit and enables computer to produce sounds by providing a connection for the speakers and mic
NIC card(network interface card)
expansion card that enables a computer to connect other computers to a cable modem to facilitate a high-speed internet connection
video card/video adapter
expansion card that's installed inside the system unite to translate binary data into images you view on your monitor
Advantages of Web-based email accounts
fast and asynchronous, so users don't need to be on at the same and and can respond at their own convenience. Makes it easy to collaborate and exchange documents
JPEG(Joint Photographic Experts Group)
files can be compressed just a bit, keeping most of the details, or compressed greatly and lose some detail
podcast
form of digital media comprised of a series of audio or video files that are distributed over the internet
flash memory/flash card
form of portable storage; is a removable memory card
flash memory card
form of portable storage; removable. ex: SD card
RSS (Really Simple Syndication)
format that sends the latest content of the podcast series automatically to an aggregator-i.e. itunes or feedspot
function
formulas preprogrammed into spreadsheet software that performs calculations without the user having to know the exact formula
open source software
free software available with few licensing or copyright restrictions. Users can continue to make changes and keep it current without needing to wait for periodic updates. Disadvantage is lack of formal support
file management
function of OS that provides organization structure to the computer's contents (makes computer more organized and efficient)
what agency funded the early form of the internet?
funded by US government-Advanced Research Projects Agency
input device
hardware device used to enter (input) data and instructions, user responses and commands into a computer. EX: mouse, keyboard, microphone
directory structure
hierarchial structure used to create a more organized, efficient computer. Composed of drives, libraries, folders, subfolders, and files.
Broadband internet access
high-speed internet; refers to a type of connection that offers a means to connect to the internet with faster throughput. EX: fiber optic service
Turing Machine
hypothetical model created by Alan Turing; mathematically defined algorithms, and his concept also described a process where machines could read/write/erase symbols written on an infinite tape (precursor for RAM)
smartphone OS
iOS by Apple; Android by Google; Blackberry, Windows Phone, Android, and iOS are most prevalent
IP address(internet protocol address)
identification number used every time a computer connects to the internet; used to exchange data between computers (data gets sent to the correct computers)
tab isolation tabs
independent of each other, so if one crashes, it doesn't affect another
Audio MIDI Interface box
interface technology that allows users to connect guitars and microphones to their computer
library
introduced with Windows 7; folder that's used to display files from different locations as if they were all saved in a single folder, regardless of where they are actually stored in the file hierarchy
incremental backup/partial backup
involves backing up only files that have changed or have been created since the last backup was performed
Moore's Law
refers to the number of transistors inside a CPU chip and describes the pace at which CPUs improve
base transceiver station
large communications tower with antennas, amplifiers, receivers, and transmitters; station picks up request for service whenever you place a call
mainframe
large, expensive computer that supports hundreds/thousands of users simultaneously and executes many different programs at the same time
system restore/system restore point
let's you roll your system settings back to a specific date when everything was working properly. System restore point is a snapshot of your entire system's settings and is generated prior to certain events, i.e. installing/updating software. Can be created manually at any time
privacy browsing
lets you browse without retaining a history trail
Levels of processing speed of cache memory
level 1-built on actual CPU chip for data storage and commands that have just been used level 2- slightly farther away on CPU chip so it takes a little longer to process than level 1 level 3-slower for CPU to reach but larger in size than level 2 cache
fiber-optic cable
made of plastic or glass fibers that transmit data at extremely fast speeds
encryption virus
malicious program that searches for common data files and compresses them into a file using a complex encryption key, thereby rendering files unusable
Tim Berners-Lee
man who created the system that became the prototype for the World Wide Web
Core Family from Intel
manufacturer of most processors for desktops and laptops; Inten i5 and i7 CPU chips
image backup/system backuup
means that all system application and data files are backed up, not just the changed files. Ensures you capture changes to app files such as automatic software updates that incremental backup might not capture
clock speed
measured in Hertz (Hz); the steady and constant pace at which a computer goes through machine cycles. Most processors have at least 4 gHz
What is RAM measured in
megabytes or gigabytes; amount is found on System Properties window. DDR3 (double data rate 3) DDR5 (double data rate 5); faster data transfer rate and seen in video graphics cards
SuperFetch
memory management technique used by Windows 7; monitors the applications you use the most and preloads them into your system memory so that they'll be ready to go
synchronizing
mobile device files can be synchronized by connecting to your computer wirelessly, wired via a USB, or using a Cloud service
tablet
most common OS-iOs, Android, and Windows
details view
most interactive view; files and folders are displayed in list form and the additional file information is displayed in columns alongside the name of the file. Folder contents can be sorted and displayed by any of the column headings
satellite broadband
mostly used in rural or mountain areas that can't get DSL or fiber-optic service
Network Operating System
multiuser operating system; lets more than one user access the computer system at a time by handling and prioritizing requests from multiple users. Ex: Windows server, Linus, UNIX
UNIX
multiuser, multitasking OS that is used as a network OS but is often found on PCs. Developed by Ken Thompson and Dennis Richie of AT&Ts Bell Labs
network architecture
network designs; the design of a computer network, including both physical and logical design
packet
network in bundles that sends data. Each packet contains the address of the computer or peripheral device to which it's being sent
transmission media
networks that can be wired or wireless and establish a communications channel between the nodes on a network
hard drive
non-volatile; computer's primary device for permanent storage of software and documents
ROM(Read Only Memory)
nonvolatile (permanent) storage; stores data and instructions that can't be changed or erased (holds all the instructions the computer needs to start up)
identity theft
occurs when a thief steals personal information such as your name, address, social security number, birth date, bank account number and credit card information and runs up debts in your name
Denial-of-service attack(DoS attack)
occurs when legitimate users are denied access to a computer system because a hacker is repeatedly making requests of that computer system that tie up its resources and deny legitimate users access
stand-alone utility programs
offer more features for an easier user interface [for backup, security, diagnostic, or recovery]
Linux
open source OS designed for use on personal computers and as a network OS. Open source software is freely available for anyone to use or modify as he/she wishes
MAC(media access control)
physical address; is the unique number assigned to a network adapter by the manufacturer. Similar to a serial number
bookmark
place markers of websites in an easily retrievable list
pharming
planting malicious code on a computer that alters the browser's ability to find web addresses and that directs users to bogus websites
flash drive
plug's into a computer's USB port and stores memory onto an internal memory chip
host program
portion of a domain name that identifies who maintains a given website
virus signature
portion of the virus code that's unique to a particular computer virus
DVI
ports for digital LCD monitors
HDMI
ports for high-definition TVs, Blu-Ray players, or gaming consoles
database software
powerful applications that let your store and organize data; manages larger and more complicated data in more than one table and generates reports
thumbnail previews
previews of all open web pages in open tabs
system evaluation
process of looking at a computer's subsystems, what they do, and how they perform to determine whether the computer system has the right hardware components to do what the user ultimately wants it to do
phishing
process of sending emails to lure users into reveal personal information such as credit card or SS numbers, that could lead to identity theft
NAT(Network Address Translation)
process that firewalls use to assign internal internet protocol addresses on a network. Many routers sold for home use are configured as firewalls and feature NAT
Personal Information Management Software(PIMS)
productivity suite that helps you manage email, contacts, calendars, and tasks in one place (ex: Microsoft Outlook)
device driver
program attached to your computer that facilitates communication between the device and the OS
desktop publishing(DTP software)
programs for incorporating and arranging graphics and text to produce creative documents. Ex: Microsoft Publisher, Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress
rootkit/backdoor programs
programs that allow hackers to gain access to your computer and take almost complete control of it without your knowledge (designed to subvert normal login procedures and hide their operations from normal detection methods)
multimedia software
programs that include image, video, and audio-editing software, animation software and other specialty software required to produce computer games, animations, and movies
productivity software
programs that let you perform various tasks required at home, school and business. Includes word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database
HTTP(Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
protocol that allows files to be transferred from a web server
seven-layer overwrite
provides a "secure erase"; means that you fill your hard drive 7 times over with a random series of 1s and 0s
supercomputer
rapidly performs complex calculations;designed to execute a few programs as quickly as possible (ex: weather or atomic energy research)
writeable CDs
recordable formats allow you to write data but only once
3G and 4G access
refers to third and fourth generations of cell phone networks. Basically works as mobile wifi; if a device does not have built in capabilities, a USB modem can be bought. (*Modems are needed to have a broadband connection)
OS for mainframes and supercomputers
require multiuser operating systems. Most supercomputers use Linus; most mainframes use UNIX , Linus on System z, and IBM's z/OS
RAID 0
runs 2 hard drives in one system; cuts the time it takes to write a file in half
HTML(Hypertext Markup Language)
series of tags that define how elements on a website should be displayed in a browser
software
set of computer programs/instructions that tells the computer what to do and enables it to perform tasks
application software
set of programs on a computer that helps a user carry out, tasks like word-processing, sending e-mail, balancing a budget, creating presentations, editing photos, and playing games
system software
set of programs that enables a computer's hardware devices and application software to work together; includes OS and utility programs
search engine
set of programs that searches the web for keywords and then returns a list of sites on which those keywords are found
application programming interface
set of software routines that allows one software system to work with another. Prevents redundancies in software code and makes it easier for software developers to respond to changes in the OS
RAID(Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
set of strategies for using more than one drive in a system
breadcrumb trail
shows users the path they've taken to get to a web page (navigation aid). Usually appears at the top of a page
copyleft
simplified licensing scheme that enables copyright holders to grant certain rights to a work while retaining other rights
coaxial cable
single copper wire surround by layers of plastic. EX: TV or cable box
cache memory
small blocks of memory located directly on CPU chip, acts as holding places for recently or frequently used instructions or data that the CPU assesses the most. Cache memory allows CPU to retrieve data and instructions faster than if it were in RAM
macro
small program that groups a series of commands so that they will run as a single command
add-ons
small programs that customize and increase the functionality of the browser
plug and play
software and hardware standard designed to facilitate the installation of new hardware in PCs by including in the OS, the drivers these devices need in order to run
plug-in player
software component that adds a specific feature to an existing software. ex: Quiktime, Adobe, Shockwave Windows Media Player, Flashplayer
web browser
software installed on a computer system that allows individuals to locate, view and navigate the web
bloatware
software on new computers provided by the manufacturer that you don't want or need; can slow down your computer and degrade its performance
firewall
software program or hardware device designed to protect computers from hackers
NOS(network operating system)
software that handles requests for info, internet access, and the use of peripherals for the rest of the network node, providing services necessary for the computers on the network to communicate. EX: Windows, OSX, Linux
malware
software with malicious intent. 3 primary forms are adware, spyware and viruses
proprietary software
software you buy (i.e. Microsoft Office). Custom software that is controlled and owned by the company that created it
virtual memory
space on the hard drive where the OS stores data if there isn't enough RAM to hold all the programs you're currently trying to run
digital signal processor
specialized chip that handles compression work; digital data is compressed into the smallest possible space so that it will transmit more quickly to another phone
NAS(network-attached-storage)
specialized devices designed to store and manage all network data; provide centralized data storage and access
home network server
specialized devices designed to store files, share files across the network and back up files on computers connected to the network. All computers connected to the network can access the server
graphics processing unit
specialized logic chip that's dedicate to quickly displaying and calculating visual data such as shadows, textures, and luminosity
hyperlink
specially coded text that enables a user to jump from one web page to another website, or web pages, within a site when clicked
sampling rate
specifies the number of times the analog wave is measured each second. The higher the sampling rate, the more accurately the original wave can be created
determinants of processor performance
speed, number of cores (processing paths), virus protection software, OS
HD-high definition
standard of digital television signal that guarantees a specific level of resolution and a specific aspect ratio, which is the rectangular shape of the image
mechanical hard drive
storage device that has the largest capacity; capacities exceed 4 terabytes
RAID 1
strategy of mirroring all the data written on one hard drive to a second hard drive, providing instant backup of all data
top-level domain
suffix in the domain name after the dot (com)
operating system
system software that controls the way a computer system functions, including management of hardware, peripherals, and software. (examples of PC OS-DOS, MS-DOS)
centrally administered network
tasks performed from one computer can affect the other computers on a network
VOIP(Voice Over Internet Protocol)
technology that facilitates making calls across the internet instead of using conventional telephone lines (popular provider is Skype)
swap file/page file
temporary storage area on the hard drive where the operating system swaps out the data or instructions from RAM that haven't recently been used. Process takes place when more RAM space is needed
define RAM(random access memory)
temporary storage space/short term memory; located in a set of chips on the system unit's motherboard and its capacity is measured in mega or gigabytes
volatile storage
temporary storage such as in RAM; when the power is off, the data in volatile storage is cleared out
WiFi
the 802.11 standard for wireless data transmissions established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
pretexting
the act of creating an invented scenario to convince someone to divulge information
throughput
the actual speed of data transfer that is achieved; usually less than or equal to the data transfer rate and is measured in Mbps
physical memory
the amount of RAM installed on a computer
inoculation
the antivirus software records key attributes about your computer files, such as file size and data created, and keeps these statistics in a safe place on your hard drive. Compares old and current qualities of files to detect viral activity
local network administration
the configuration and maintenance of the network must be performed on each individual computer attached to the network
Gigabit Ethernet standard
the most commonly used wired Ethernet standard deployed in devices designed for home networks; provides bandwidth of up to 1 Gbps
CPU usage
the percentage of time your CPU is working
Access time
the time it takes a storage device to locate its stored data and make it available for processing; faster than optical drives. Usually takes 12-13 milliseconds
drive-by download
the use of malicious software to attack a computer by downloading harmful programs onto a computer without the user's knowledge while they're surfing the web
root directory
top level of the filing structure in a computer system. In Windows computers, the root directory of the hard drive is represented as C:\
modem
translates the broadband signal into digital data and back again
digital convergence
use of a single unifying device to handle media, internet, entertainment, and telephony needs. Expressed in the range of devices now on the market
unshielded twisted-pair cable
used for networks and is composed of 4 wires twisted around each other to reduce electrical interference
presentation software
used to create slideshows for high-quality presentations without a lot of training
SSD(solid sate drive)
uses electronic memory and has no mechanical motors or moving parts. Offers fast access times and reaching data in a tenth of a millisecond (100 times faster than mechanical drives)
ethernet network
uses ethernet protocol as the means, or standard, by which the nodes on the network communicate
Optic fiber
uses fiber-optic lines arranged in bundles called optical cables, and transmits data via light signals over long distances
mesh network
uses small radio transmitters instead of wireless routers as its network nodes. Only one node needs to physically connect to a network connection, then all other nodes can share wirelessly with each other
DSL(digital subscriber line)
uses twisted-pair cable to connect your computer to the internet
logical port
virtual communications gateways or paths that allow a computer to organize requests for information
Macro virus
virus that attaches itself to a document that uses macros (macros are a short series of commands that usually automate repetitive tasks)
logic bomb
virus triggered when certain logical conditions are met, such as opening a file or starting a program a certain number of times
tab browser
web pages are loaded in tabs within the same browser window rather than having to switch among pages in several open windows
data breach
when sensitive or confidential information is copied, transmitted, or viewed by an individual who is not authorizes to hand the data
file history
windows utility that automatically creates a duplicate of your libraries, desktop, contact, and favorites, and copies it to another storage device (like an external hard drive)
tagging/social bookmarking
works like bookmarking except instead of saving website to your browser, you save it to a social bookmarking site and share it with others
custom installation
you can decide which features you want installed on your hard drive
menu-driven interface
you choose commands from menus displayed on the screen
command-driven interface
you enter commands to communicate with the computer system