Terms and Definitions from Course 1

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• Error message for websites that have been moved or deleted

Key Concepts

A

• Abstraction: Simplifying complex systems for usability
• Address bus: Connects CPU to MCC, sends data location
• Algorithm: Steps to solve specific problems
• Android: Mobile OS based on Linux
• Application: Specific use computer program
• Application software: Software for specific needs (e.g., text editors, web browsers)
• ARPANET: Early Internet version by US government (1960s)
• ASCII: Oldest character encoding standard for English
• Assembly language: Human-readable instructions for machine code
• ATA: Common hard drive interface
• ATX: Common motherboard form factor
• Automation: Processes functioning automatically

B

• Backward compatible: Older hardware works with newer hardware
• Binary system: Computer communication; base-2 numeral system
• BIOS: Software initializing computer hardware
• BIOS/UEFI: Low-level software for hardware initialization
• Block storage: Data stored in blocks for faster access
• Boot: Starting up a computer
• Bootloader: Loads the operating system
• Browser: Interface for web page interaction
• BYOD: Use of personal devices for work
• Byte: Group of 8 bits

C

• Cache: Storage for frequently accessed data
• Character encoding: Assigns binary values to characters
• Charge cycle: Full battery charge and discharge
• COPPA: Regulates children's online privacy
• Chipset: Manages component communication
• Chrome OS: Google-designed Linux-based OS
• Clients: Devices receiving data from servers
• Clock cycle: Voltage to clock wire signals CPU start
• Clock speed: Max clock cycles in given time
• Coding: Language translation
• CLI: Text command shell for OS interaction
• Compiled programming language: Instructions compiled for machine
• Computer: Data processing device
• CPU: Central processing unit
• Cryptography: Coding and hiding messages

D

• DARPA: US project created early Internet
• Data blocks: Divided data pieces on hard disk
• Data sizes: Bit, byte, kilobyte, etc.
• DDR SDRAM: Fast, low-power RAM
• Decimal form: Base-10 numeral system
• Desktop: Main screen for navigation
• Digital divide: Skills gap in digital literacy
• DIMM: Dual inline memory module
• Display port: Audio and video output port
• Domain name: Website URL name

E

• Electrostatic discharge: Electric current flow between charged objects
• Error message: Indicators for problem-solving
• Ethernet cable: Physical network connection
• .exe: Windows executable file extension
• Expansion slots: Increase computer functionality

F

• Factory reset: Returns device to factory settings
• Fiber optic cable: Uses light pulses for data
• File extension: Tells file type
• File system: Manages files
• Finder: Mac file manager
• Firmware: Permanent software on a component

G

• GIT: Version control system for files
• Globalization: International communication and integration

H

• Hard drive: Long-term data storage
• Hardware: Devices for computer functions
• HDD: Hard disk drive using mechanical parts
• HDMI: Cable for video/audio output

I

• Information technology: Digital technology for data processing
• Input/Output device: Devices for data input/output
• Internet: Worldwide network system
• IPv4 & IPv6: Internet Protocol versions

K

• Kernel: Core of the operating system

L

• Linux OS: Open-source operating system

M

• MAC address: Network interface identifier
• Mb/s: Data transfer rate unit

N

• Network: Interconnected computers
• Networking protocols: Data transfer rules

O

• Operating system: Manages computer resources

P

• PC: Personal computer
• Peripherals: External devices for functionality
• Programming: Writing computer instructions

R

• RAM: Random Access Memory
• Remote connection: Accessing a network remotely

S

• SATA: Drive for data transfers
• Scalability: System performance adaptability

T

• Terminal: Text-based computer interface
• Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving problems

U

• Ubuntu: Popular Linux distribution
• USB: Peripheral connection standard

V

• VPN: Secure network connection method

W

• Wireless networking (Wi-Fi): Radio-based network connection
• WWW: System for web resource access over the Internet

Conclusion

• This glossary covers key terms and definitions relevant to computer systems and networks, providing a foundational understanding of the concepts and technologies used in modern computing.