unit 2 comsci

Computing Device

A machine that can run a program, like a phone, computer, router, or sensor.

Computing System

A group of computing devices and programs working together for a common purpose.

Computing Network

A group of interconnected computing devices capable of sending or receiving data.

Path

The route data takes across a network from sender to receiver.

Bandwidth

The maximum amount of data that can be sent in a fixed time, usually measured in bits per second.

Protocol

An agreed-upon set of rules that defines how devices communicate.

Internet Protocol (IP)

A protocol that assigns unique numbers (IP addresses) to each device on the Internet.

IP Address

A unique number identifying each device connected to the Internet.

Router

A computer that forwards data packets between networks.

Redundancy

Having extra paths or components so the network still works if part of it fails.

Fault Tolerance

The ability of a system to keep working even when some parts fail.

Packet

A small chunk of data sent over a network; larger messages are split into packets.

Packet Metadata

Information inside a packet that helps route it and reassemble the original message.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

A reliable protocol that checks for errors and reorders packets; slower but accurate.

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

A fast but less reliable protocol that skips error checking and packet resending.

Datastream

Information that travels across the Internet as a sequence of packets.

Domain Name System (DNS)

A system that translates domain names (like example.com) into IP addresses.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

The protocol used for requesting and sending web pages across the Internet.

World Wide Web

A collection of linked pages and files that run on top of the Internet.

Scalability

The ability of a system to handle growth or increased demand without breaking.

SSL/TLS/HTTPS

Security protocols that encrypt communication between a user and a website.

Certificate Authorities

Trusted organizations that issue digital certificates to verify website identity.

Digital Divide

The gap in access to technology and the Internet between different groups of people.