Computer Architecture and Cyber Security

Computer

A programmable machine, an electronic device that manipulates information, or data.

Supercomputers

High-capacity computers that cost millions of dollars, occupy special air-conditioned rooms, and are used for research.

Mainframe computers

Fast, large-capacity computers less powerful than supercomputers, occupying specially wired, air-conditioned rooms.

Minicomputers

Refrigerator-size machines that are essentially scaled-down mainframes.

Microcomputers

Small computers that can fit on a desktop or in a briefcase.

Personal Computers

Desktop or portable computers that can run easy-to-use programs such as word processing and spreadsheets.

Workstations

Expensive, powerful desktop machines used mainly by engineers and scientists for sophisticated purposes.

Data

Raw facts and figures that are processed into information.

Information

Data that has been summarized or otherwise transformed for use in decision making.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The principal execution engine that processes instructions and manages arithmetic and logic operations.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile primary memory that temporarily stores active operating system files, program data, and user processes.

Solid State Drives (SSDs)

Non-volatile secondary storage utilizing flash memory for high-speed read/write performance.

Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)

Non-volatile secondary storage using magnetic platters for cost-effective bulk storage.

Motherboard & Bus Infrastructure

The primary circuit board that routes power and data communication between CPU, memory, and peripherals.

System Software

Software run by the computer to manage or control the hardware (e.g., OS, BIOS, device drivers).

Application Software

Software related to a specific real-life situation in accomplishing a specific task, commonly called 'apps'.

Cybercrime

A crime in which a computer is the object of the crime or is used as a tool to commit an offense.

Copyright Infringement

The violation, piracy or theft of a copyright holder's exclusive rights through unauthorized use.

Plagiarism

An act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization.

Virtual Self

The persona you create about yourself virtually.

Hacking

Unauthorized access of or interference with computer systems, servers, or communication systems.

Identity Theft

An attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.

Electronic Theft

Illegal downloading and obtaining files that you do not have the right to use from the internet.

Cyberbullying

The use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending intimidating or threatening messages.

Cybersex

Willful engagement or operation of any lascivious exhibition of sexual organs with the aid of a computer system.

Child Pornography

A form of child sexual exploitation committed through a computer system, punishable by Republic Act No. 9775.

Cyber Defamation

An unprivileged false statement of fact which tends to harm the reputation of a person or company.

Malware

Malicious software used to infiltrate or damage your computer.

Pharming

An online fraud means to point you to a malicious website by redirecting the legitimate URL.

Phishing

A deceptive technique used by cybercriminals to easily acquire sensitive information with little effort.

Ransomware

Malware that restricts access to your computer or files and demands payment to remove the restriction.

Spam

A common method of sending information out and collecting it from unsuspecting people.

Spyware & Adware

Software that collects personal information about you without your knowledge, often bundled in free downloads.

Trojan Horse

A malicious program that is disguised as, or embedded within, legitimate software.

Viruses

Malicious computer programs sent as email attachments or downloads with the intent of infecting computers.

Wi-Fi Eavesdropping

Virtual 'listening in' on information shared over an unsecure, unencrypted Wi-Fi network.

Worms

Self-replicating malicious programs that live in computer memory and propagate across a network without attaching to files.

tech-smart

Refers not just only on computer proficiency, but also knowledge in computer specifications and computer hygiene.

Lock Screen Ransomware

Displays an image that prevents you from accessing your computer.

Encryption Ransomware

Encrypts files on your system’s hard drive and other storage spaces (online or offline) that prevents you on opening them.

Spyware

It is where your computer activity is monitored by keyboard tracking, camera hacking, screen recording, etc.

Adware

It is where spontaneous, annoying advertisements pop up on the computer without consent or need to connect to the internet.

Republic Act 9775 or Anti Child Pornography Act of 2009

The Republic Act aimed to protect those who are victims of child pornography.

Offline Addiction

Refers to excessive gaming behavior which can be practiced offline and online.

Online Addiction

Also knows as “Internet Addiction”, mostly related to excessive use of internet.

Processing Power (Clock Speed & Core Count)

Multi-core Processors enable efficient multi-tasking, computational data modelling, and media renderring.

Memory Capacity (RAM)

Adequate RAM prevents system bottlenecking when running heavy application suites or handling large datasets simultaneously.

Graphics Processing Units (GPU)

Specialized hardware acceleration essential for spatial rendering, data visualization, machine learning models, and video production.