Common ICT Tools, Hardware, and Software Vocabulary

Thirty vocabulary flashcards summarizing essential hardware and software terms from the lecture on ICT tools, telecommunications, visual arts technology, and computer programming.

Modem

A hardware device that modulates and demodulates signals so data can travel over telephone or cable lines; examples include DSL and cable modems.

Router

Network hardware that directs data packets between devices or networks and often provides wireless connectivity in homes and offices.

Internet Switch

A networking device that connects multiple devices within a local network and forwards data only to the intended destination port.

Network Hub

A basic networking device that connects multiple devices in a LAN but broadcasts incoming data to all ports, not just the intended recipient.

Repeater

Hardware that amplifies or regenerates a network signal to extend its transmission distance.

Wi-Fi Extender

A type of repeater that boosts wireless signals to expand the coverage area of a Wi-Fi network.

Antenna

A device that transmits or receives radio waves for wireless communication; examples include Yagi, parabolic, and dipole antennas.

Base Station

Equipment such as cell towers, microcells, or femtocells that connect mobile devices to a cellular or radio network.

Network Management Software

Tools used to monitor, manage, and troubleshoot network performance and connectivity, e.g., SolarWinds NPM, PRTG, Nagios.

Communication Protocol

A set of software rules that govern data exchange over a network; examples include TCP/IP, VoIP, and SIP.

Telephony Software

Applications that handle voice communication over networks, such as Asterisk, FreeSWITCH, and Skype for Business.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)

The foundational suite of protocols that enables communication across the internet and most private networks.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

A protocol family that delivers voice communications over IP networks instead of traditional telephone lines.

SIP (Session Initiation Protocol)

A signaling protocol used to establish, modify, and terminate multimedia sessions such as VoIP calls.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Comprehensive software that combines code editing, debugging, and compilation in one place, e.g., Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA.

Code Editor

A text editor optimized for writing and editing source code, such as Sublime Text, Atom, or Notepad++.

Version Control System (VCS)

Software that tracks changes to files over time, enabling collaboration and rollback; examples include Git, SVN, and Mercurial.

Repository

A centralized storage location where project files and their version history are kept under version control.

Collaboration Platform

An online service that hosts repositories and supports team workflows and communication, e.g., GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket.

Compiler

A tool that translates source code into machine code before execution; examples include GCC and Clang.

Interpreter

Software that reads and executes source code line-by-line at runtime; examples include the Python and Node.js interpreters.

Debugger

Software that helps programmers find and fix errors in code during execution; examples include GDB and LLDB.

Package Manager

A system that automates installing, upgrading, configuring, and removing software libraries, e.g., npm, pip, Maven, Gradle, NuGet.

Build Automation Tool

Software that automates tasks like compiling code, running tests, and packaging applications, e.g., Jenkins, Travis CI, CircleCI.

Graphic Design Software

Programs used to create or manipulate digital images and graphics, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Drawing Tablet

Hardware input device that lets artists create digital illustrations with a stylus on a pressure-sensitive surface.

3D Modeling Software

Applications used to build and animate three-dimensional objects, e.g., Blender or Autodesk Maya.

Cable Tester

A diagnostic tool that checks the integrity and connectivity of network or electrical cables.

Multimeter

An electronic measuring instrument that combines functions such as voltage, current, and resistance measurement.

Anti-static Wristband

A wearable grounding device that prevents electrostatic discharge when servicing computer hardware.