APCSP Unit 1 vocab

Binary

A number system that uses only 0 and 1. Computers use binary to represent data.

Decimal

The base-10 number system that uses the digits 0–9.

Bit

The smallest unit of data in a computer. It can be either 0 or 1

Byte

A group of 8 bits.

Overflow error

An error that happens when a number is too large to be represented with the available number of bits.

Round-off error

An error caused when a computer cannot represent a number exactly and uses a close approximation instead.

Analog data

Data represented by continuous values, such as sound waves or the hands on a clock

Digital Data

Data represented using discrete values, usually 0s and 1s.

Sampling

The process of measuring an analog signal at regular intervals to convert it into digital data.

Lossless Compression

Compression that reduces file size without losing any information. The original data can be perfectly restored.

Lossy Compression

Compression that removes some data to make a file smaller. The original data cannot be perfectly restored.

Intellectual Property

An original creation, such as writing, music, art, inventions, or software, that can be legally protected.

Creative Commons

A set of licenses that allows creators to choose how other people can use and share their work.