IST Midterm vocab

Internet

A global network of connected computers that share information with each other.

Router

A device that decides the best path for data (packets) to travel across networks.

Packet

A small piece of data that is sent across the Internet; many of these make up a full message.

Redundancy

Extra paths on the Internet so data can still move even if one path fails.

IP address

A computer’s “home address” on the Internet that helps information find the right device.

DNS(Domain Name System)

The Internet’s phonebook that turns website names into IP addresses.

Server

A computer that stores websites, files, or data and sends them to users when requested.

Client

The device requesting information from a server (e.g., your laptop or phone).

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

A protocol that makes sure every packet arrives and reorders them correctly.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

The rules for requesting and loading webpages.

HTTPS

A secure version of HTTP that uses encryption to protect data.

SSL Certificate

A digital certificate that confirms a website is secure and encrypts data

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

The code structure of a webpage that tells the browser what to display.

Browser

A program like Chrome or Safari that loads and displays websites.

Digital Footprint

All the information about you online—posts, pictures, comments, etc.

Netiquette

Rules for polite and respectful behavior on the Internet.

Cyberbullying

Using digital platforms to hurt, harass, or embarrass someone.

Binary

A number system made of only 0s and 1s used by computers.

Bit

The smallest unit of data: a single 0 or 1.

Byte

Eight bits grouped together.

ASCII

A system that represents letters and symbols using binary numbers.

Compression

Reducing the size of a file so it loads faster and uses less space.

Lossless Compression

Compression that reduces file size without losing any data.

Lossy Compression

Compression that removes some details to make a file much smaller.

RGB (Red, Green, Blue)

The color model used by screens to create every color from combinations of light.

Machine Learning (ML)

A type of AI where a computer learns patterns from data.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Computers performing tasks that normally require human thinking.

Model

A computer’s learned system that predicts or recognizes things based on training data.

Training Data

The examples used to teach an AI model what something looks like.

Testing Data

New data used to check if a model learned correctly.

Algorithm

A step-by-step process a computer follows to solve a problem.

Phishing

A scam where someone tries to steal information by pretending to be a real organization

Encryption

Scrambling data so only authorized people can read it.

Firewall

A security system that blocks harmful traffic from entering a network.

Cookie

Small files stored by websites to remember your preferences or login info.

Cache

Temporary storage that helps websites load faster the next time you visit.

Cloud Storage

Saving files online (Google Drive, OneDrive) instead of on a device.

Physical Internet:

Is like a global shipping network where goods are transported seamlessly, akin to how information moves on the internet.

IP (Internet Protocol)

A unique address assigned to each device in a network, allowing them to communicate and share information.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

Is like a faster, but less secure, way of sending data between devices, suitable for real-time applications.

Fiber Optic Cable

A high-speed, thin strand of glass or plastic that transmits data using light signals, allowing for fast and reliable communication over long distances.

Copper Wire

A traditional medium for transmitting electrical signals, commonly used in networking for slower but reliable data transfer.

WiFi

Enables wireless communication by using radio waves, allowing devices to connect to the internet without physical cables.

Path

The route or way that data takes from one point to another in a network, determining the journey it follows.

Direct Connection

Involves linking two devices without intermediary devices, providing a dedicated and faster link.

Bandwidth

The capacity of a network to transmit data, representing the amount of information that can be sent in a given time.

Packet Metadata

Contains additional information about data packets, such as source and destination details, aiding in efficient routing and delivery.

Dynamic Routing

Involves automatic adjustments of network paths based on real-time conditions, optimizing data flow and adapting to changes.

Web Pages

Digital documents containing content such as text, images, and multimedia that can be accessed through a web browser.

Domain

A human-readable address that represents a unique location on the internet, making it easier for users to access websites.

WWW (World Wide Web)

A system of interconnected web pages and resources accessed via the internet, allowing users to navigate and share information globally.

Fault Tolerance

The ability of a system to maintain functionality and data integrity despite encountering hardware or software failures.

Scalability:

A system's capability to handle increased workload or demands by expanding resources without compromising performance.

Open Protocols

Communication standards openly available for implementation, fostering interoperability and reducing dependency on proprietary technologies.