Introduction to Computing DSST
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Shareware
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Software available at no cost on a trial basis.
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Utilities
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Programs that help users monitor and configure the settings for computer hardware, application software, and the operating system. Includes setup wizards and antivirus software.
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Microprocessor
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The CPU of most computers.
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DDR-SDRAM
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The newest and most popular RAM chip. Other types of memory chips include ROM, CMOS, and Flash memory.
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ROM
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Memory chips which contain fixed start-up instructions, are non-volatile and non-rewritable.
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Booting
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Loading an operating system into the main memory of the computer.
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Device Driver
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A specialized software program that enables peripheral devices to communicate with a computer system.
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Spreadsheets
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Software that enables users to enter numerical data and formulas into rows and columns.
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SQL
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A set of command words to instruct the computer to locate, sort or modify data.
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Pseudocode
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An outline of a program written in a human language for the programmer to understand.
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COBOL
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The oldest high-level programming language, still used in business, finance and administrative systems.
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ARPANET
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The starting point for today's Internet, created in 1969 by the US Department of Defense.
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Node
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Any device attached to a network, such as a PC, storage device, or scanner.
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Protocol
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A set of rules that govern the exchange of data between hardware and software components.
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HTTP
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The communication rules enabling browsers to connect to Web servers.
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Spoofing
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Forging the name of an e-mail sender.
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Adware
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Also known as a pop-up generator; type of spyware that tracks Web surfing and online purchases in order to provide the user with relevant ads.
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Cracker
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A malicious hacker.
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Biometrics
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Use of physical attributes like fingerprints, voices, eyes or faces to confirm identity.
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P2P
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A network where all workstations connect with each other without depending on the server.
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Ethernet
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A popular network architecture where nodes are connected by wire or cable, which prevents messages from colliding along the transmission line.
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Wireless Fidelity
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An Ethernet-compatible network that transmits data as radio waves.
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URL
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A unique website address. It consists of four elements: Web protocol, domain name, directory name, and file name and extension.
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Third Generation
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Procedural languages that allow the programmers to write in human language rather than abbreviations and numbers. Includes programs like FORTRAN, COBOL and Java.
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Fourth Generation
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Problem-oriented languages that allow programmers to write programs with fewer commands, includes SQL and NOMAD.
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Fifth Generation
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Natural languages that allow programmers to phrase questions and commands in conversational ways, and are associated with artificial intelligence. Prolog and Mercury are two examples.
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OOP
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A method in which data and processing instructions are combined into objects, modules of programming code that can be used in other programs.
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Machine Language
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The basic language of any computer as represented by binary digits, the first generation of computer languages.
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Compiler
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A language which translates high-level languages into low-level languages which a computer can process. Needed for any third-generation language and beyond.
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Second Generation
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Assembly languages, which are a set of abbreviations to use in place of binary code.
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Switch
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A full-duplex device that connects computers to a network.
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Gateway
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An interface that allows different types of networks to communicate.
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Groupware
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Free software intended for collective use, a type of productivity software.
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Malware
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Any kind of harmful computer program, including viruses, Trojan Horses, browser hijackers, key loggers, Denial-of Service attacks and worms.
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Algorithm
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A step-by-step procedure for calculations.
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Byte
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8 bits. There are 1024 bytes in a kilobyte (usually rounded to 1000), 1024 kilobytes in a megabyte, and so on through gigabytes and terabytes.
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PAN
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The most geographically limited network, provides service for only one person. Between this and WAN (Wide Area Network) are, in increasing size, HAN, LAN, MAN and NAN.
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Router
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Special computer that joins several networks together and directs communicating messages.
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Packet-Switching
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The usual method of electronic data transfer across a network.
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Software Life Cycle
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The steps taken by an organization when analyzing and designing a system. Typically, they include analysis, design, development, implementation and maintenance.
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SRAM
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Static memory chip, the only one which is not dynamic: it does not need to be refreshed by the CPU to retain its contents.
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Vacuum Tubes
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One of the first components of the digital computer, later replaced by transistors and integrated circuits.
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Data Representation
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The format in which data is stored, processed and transmitted.
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Phishing
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Sending forged e-mail with the intention of fooling users into revealing private information.
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Pharming
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Redirecting users to fake Web sites.
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Firewall
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System of hardware and/or software that shields a computer or network from intruders by analyzing, controlling, and filtering incoming and outgoing packets.
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Domain Name
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The \"nickname\" for a Web site's Internet location. The type is indicated by the last three letters: .gov (government), .com (commercial), .net (network), .org (nonprofit), .edu (educational), .mil (military), or .int (international organization).
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Topology
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The arrangement of a network. Most have a central hub from which information is broadcast.
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Bandwidth
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The data transmission capacity of a communications channel. High-capacity channels like DSL are called Broadband.
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Modularization
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A step in program design. One develops and tests each sub-program or sub-routine separately.
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Direct Implementation
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A step in the Software Life Cycle. User stops using old system and immediately begins with the new. Other types include parallel (both systems used until new is deemed reliable), phased (parts are used gradually), and pilot (a few users test the entire system before general use).
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Open Source
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Proprietary software that includes source codes, so programmers can modify and improve it. Do not confuse this with public domain software, which is available to the public with no restrictions.
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Cell
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A single \"box\" in a spreadsheet. Rows are horizontal, columns are vertical, ranges are clusters, and values are dates entered into cells.
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User Interface
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The hardware and software which enable users and computers to interact.
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Operating System
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The most important program on a computer; it manages booting, CPU, Files, tasks and security.
