Comp Sci Theory

*Refers to content that is required only for the higher-level course

Abstraction*

hides certain details from users and applications, so users only see the hardware through the operating system

Abstract data types

a data structure that defines a data type purely in terms of its behaviour from the point of view of a user, specifically the operations that can be performed on it

Accessibility

refers to the design of products, devices, services or environments for people with disabilities or specific needs

ADC*

analogue to digital converter

ALU

arithmetic and logic unit. Performs all mathematical calculations and makes all logical decisions within the CPU

Alpha stage

an internal release delivered to a testing group containing a partially complete build

Applications

a type of software

ASCII

american standard code for information interchange, using 8 bits

Automatic updates

a strategy where software automatically checks for and installs updates without user action

Autonomous agents*

software entities that carry out some set operations on behalf of a user or another program with some degree of independence or autonomy, and in doing, employ some knowledge of representation of the user’s goals or desires

Autonomy*

the capability of a system, whether hardware of software, to perform tasks, solve problems, or operate in its environment within direct, continuous human intervention

Bandwidth

the maximum capacity for data flow

Beta stage

the first product release for outside testing, containing all features but known issues

BIOS

basic input/output system. A set of computer instructions in firmware which control input and output operations

Binary tree*

a rooted tree in which each node has at most two children, consisting of a root and two disjoint binary trees known as the left subtree and right subtree

Blocking*

a process can declare itself blocked (unable to proceed) until a condition is met

Bridge

an outdated level 2 device that connects two or more similar network segments, such as VLANs, allowing them to function as a single network

Buffers*

a temporary, designated region of physical memory used to store data while it is being moved between two locations, such as between processes or between a computer and external device

Busses (N17 P1)

physical connections, typically built into the motherboard, that connect the CPU to other devices, carrying instructions to/from components

CAD (M25 P1)

Computer aided design
Software used by designers to create models of physical components;
Software to simulate hand-drawn sketches of the component parts of an entity;
Software that is used to modify a design

Cache memory (N19 P1)

a type of memory that a computer microprocessor can access more quickly than it can access regular RAM and stores frequently used data only until a computer is powered up
A small-sized type of volatile computer memory that provides high-speed data access to a processor and stores frequently used computer programs, applications and data

Central server*

offers computation, storage and control within a centralised system

Centralised system* (N17 P1)

A system that revolves around a single central server, cluster of servers or computer that hold the primary authority and control over the all the parts of a system.
This central entity is responsible for managing data, processing requests, and delivering services to all connected client devices

Child node* (M22 P1) - a node that has up to two references to other nodes and only one predecessor (parent) node

Client (N17 P1)

a piece of computer hardware / software that accesses a service made available by a server by sending a request for service

Client*

peripheral entities in a centralised system that depend on the central sever for resources and services, often attached by a terminal

Clock speed*

processor speed

Closed feedback loop*

a feedback loop where the input affects the output

Coaxial cable

consists of two copper wires that are concentric, allowing it to carry more bits much faster than other mediums, such as twisted pair, due to its construction, shielding, and insulation

Command interface

a text-based interface used to interact with software and operating systems by typing specific commands into a terminal or console

Communication links*

high-speed connections that enable nodes in a distributed system to communicate and collaborate effectively

Components

the internal hardware devices of a computer

Concurrency*

the ability of a system to manage multiple tasks by executing them in overlapping time frames, making progress on each without necessarily running them at the exact same moment
Concurrent programming

Congestion

refers to a network state where a node or link carries so much data that it may deteriorate network service quality

Context switching*

when a time slice expires, the CPU moves to the next process in the queue

Control bus

the part of the bus that carries all the signals that control activities in the CPU

Control system

a device, or set of devices, that manages, commands, directs or regulates the behaviour of systems or other devices

CPU

the core engine of a computing system that performs the fetch-execute cycle

Data bus

the part of the bus which carries the actual information

Data compression

taking data and packaging it to a smaller size

Data encryption (N19 P1)

algorithms that transfer plaintext into a form that is non-readable to unauthorised parties because they need a key to decipher the ciphertext

Data flow diagram

a diagram that maps out the flow of information/data using symbols

Data integrity

refers to the overall completeness, accuracy and consistency of data

Data link layer

defines the format of data on the network

Data migration (N22 P1)

the process of transferring / transporting data between computers / storage devices

Data packet

a small unit of data used in network communication

DBMS

database management systems. A system software for creating and managing databases. It provides users and programmers with a systematic way to create, retrieve and manage data

Deadlock

a situation where two nodes or processes are trying to access the same node at the same moment, or are blocked on each other, meaning neither can proceed

Dedicated OS*

a specialised system software tailored to manage a device designed for a single purpose or a limited set of specific tasks

Device configuration*

controls peripheral devices connected to the computer

Digital camera*

an input device that captures images or videos and stores then in a digital format on a memory card

Disabilities

refers to a visual, auditory, mobility, dexterity or cognitive condition that limits the person’s abilities

Directory structure*

folder structure

Distributed system* (N17 P1)

a system with several dedicated microprocessors with memory to control one of the parts of a system

DNS server (M25 P1)

contains a database of public IP addresses and their associated domain names, the server translates these website host names to their corresponding IP addresses;
Translates human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses, allows users to access websites by using meaningful names;
Acts like a directory of web servers on the internet and lets web browsers connect to the web servers;
Converts human-readable domain names into IP addresses and ensures that internet traffic reaches the correct destination based on the domain name

Doubly linked list*

a linked data structure that consists of a set of sequentially linked records called nodes. Each node contains two pointers (to the previous and the next node in the sequence) and one data field

Drive letter*

single alphabetic character A through Z that has been assigned to a physical drive or drive partition in a computer

Drivers*

a specialised, low-level software components that acts as a translator, enabling an operating system to communicate with and control specific hardware devices

Dynamic data structure*

a data structure where the size/length is determined by contents and can change during execution

DTR

data transfer rate is the amount of digital data that is moved from one place to another in a given time

Efficiency*

data collection rate and power consumption with regard to evaluating input devices

Embedded system (M25 P1)

a microprocessor / controller-based system within a larger system / device which is designed to perform a specific task / can be programmable / have a fixed functionality

Email server

computerised system that facilitates the sending, receiving, and storage or electronic mail

Ergonomics

the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimise human well-being and overall system performance

Error checking

refers to the techniques used to detect noise or other impairments introduced into data while it is transmitted from source to destination

Ethical issue

a problem that requires a person or organisation to choose between alternatives, such as computer crime, computer failure, privacy, and personal data

Extranet

a controlled private network that can be partially accessed by authorised outside users, enabling businesses to exchange information over the internet in a secure way

External hardware devices

includes monitors, keyboards, mice, printers and scanners

Feedback*

the modification or control of a process or system by its results or effects

Fetch-execute cycle

the basic operation of a computer, where the CPU fetches instructions from the main memory, converts to binary, stores the binary data, processes, and executes

Fibre optic

a thin, flexible medium which conducts quick pulses of light which each represent one bit. It can transmit hundreds of gigabytes per second, withstanding electromagnetic interference, making it a popular choice for long-haul transmission

File management*

transfers files between main memory and secondary storage, manages file folders, allocates the secondary storage space an provides file protection and recovery

Firewall

a network security device that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on an organisation’s previously established security policies

Firmware

permanent software programmed into a read-only memory (ROM)

Flow control

mechanism that ensures the rate at which a sender is transmitting is in proportion with the receiver’s receiving capabilities

Folder structure*

a hierarchial arrangement of folders (directories) and files on a storage device, such as a hard drive or SSD

Formal classes

structured, in-person training sessions led by a trainer

Gateway

a layer 3+ hardware device or software that acts as an entry/exit point, connecting two different networks that use different communication protocols, translating data between them to allow communication. A gateway is often performed by a router

General availability

a stable release that is relatively bug-free and meets client expectations

Graphic processing software

a program or collection of programs that enable a person to manipulate visual images on a computer

Graphics processor*

a specialised electronic circuit designed to rapidly manipulate memory and accelerate the creation of images, videos, and animations for display

GUI

a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through visual elements like icons, menus, windows, and buttons, rather than typing text-based commands

H.264

a format for compressing videos

Hard driver*

a non-volatile, magnetic, secondary storage device that permanently stores and retrieves digital data using rapidly rotating, magnetic-coated platters and a read/write head

Hardware

refers to the physical parts of a computer and related devices

Head*

a pointer to the first node of a linked list

Hub

a basic central point in a network used to connect all devices in a LAN

Human resources

used to describe both the people who work for a company and the department responsible for managing resources related to the employees

I/O devices

computer peripherals

Input device*

a device that enables the user to input data and commands into a computer by translating user actions or environmental parameters into data that a computer system can interpret

Input peripherals

devices such as keyboards and mice that provide input for the computer

Intellectual property

something unique that you physically create. You own intellectual property if you created it, bought intellectual property rights from the creator or previous owner, or have a brand that could be a trademark

Interface

a shared, formal boundary or contract across two or more separate components of a computer system exchange information

Interface platform*

allows the computer to run other applications

Internal hardware devices

includes motherboards, hard drives and RAM

Internet

a globally connected network system that uses TCP/IP protocols to transmit data via various types of media

Interrupt* (M23 P1, M21 P1, N17 P1)

a signal sent to the processor that halts the current process so the urgent tasks required by parts of the system may be executed

Interrupt handing*

execution triggered by the reception of an interrupt

Interviews

an in person discussion that allows for follow-up questions

Inorder traversal*

a method of tree traversal that first visits the subtree, then the root node, and finally the right subtree