AP Cyber Prerequiste Vocab

Binary

A way of representing information using only two options.

Decimal

A way of representing information using ten options.

Bit

A contraction of 'Binary Digit'; the single unit of information in a computer, typically represented as a 0 or 1.

Byte

8 bits.

Overflow Error

Error from attempting to represent a number that is too large.

Round-off Error

Error from attempting to represent a number that is too precise, resulting in rounding the value.

Analog Data

Data with values that change continuously over time; examples include music, colors of a painting, or a sprinter's position during a race.

Digital Data

Data that changes discretely through a finite set of possible values.

Sampling

A process for creating a digital representation of analog data by measuring it at regular intervals called samples.

Lossless Compression

A process for reducing the number of bits needed to represent something without losing any information; this process is reversible.

Lossy Compression

A process for reducing the number of bits needed to represent something where some information is lost; this process is not reversible.

Intellectual Property

A work or invention resulting from creativity, to which one has rights and may apply for a patent, copyright, trademark, etc.

Computing Device

A machine that can run a program, including computers, tablets, servers, routers, and smart sensors.

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 series of connections between computing devices on a network starting with a sender and ending with a receiver.

Bandwidth

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

Protocol

An agreed-upon set of rules that specify the behavior of some system.

IP Address

The unique number assigned to each device on the Internet.

Internet Protocol (IP)

A protocol for sending data across the Internet that assigns unique numbers (IP addresses) to each connected device.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

A reliable protocol that establishes a connection and ensures all data packets arrive in correct order and without errors.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

A faster but unreliable protocol that sends data packets without establishing a connection or guaranteeing delivery.

Router

A type of computer that forwards data across a network.

Packet

A chunk of data sent over a network, which may arrive in order, out-of-order, or not at all.

Redundancy

The inclusion of extra components so that a system can continue to work even if individual components fail.

Fault Tolerant

Can continue to function even in the event of individual component failures.

HTTP

HyperText Transfer Protocol; the protocol used for transmitting web pages over the Internet.

Domain Name System (DNS)

The system responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses.

Internet

A computer network consisting of interconnected networks that use standardized, open communication protocols.

World Wide Web

A system of linked pages, programs, and files.

Metadata

Data about data.

Crowdsourcing

The practice of obtaining input or information from a large number of people via the Internet.

Procedural Abstraction

A process that allows a procedure to be used by knowing what it does, not how it does it.

Library

A group of functions (procedures) that may be used in creating new programs.

API

Application Program Interface; specifications for how functions in a library behave and can be used.

Modularity

The subdivision of a computer program into separate subprograms.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

Information about an individual that identifies, links, relates, or describes them.

Phishing

A technique that attempts to trick a user into providing personal information.

Keylogging

The use of a program to record every keystroke made by a computer user to gain fraudulent access to confidential information.

Malware

Software intended to damage a computing system or take partial control over its operation.

Rogue Access Point

A wireless access point that gives unauthorized access to secure networks.

Encryption

A process of encoding messages to keep them secret, so only authorized parties can read them.

Decryption

A process that reverses encryption, reproducing the original plain text.

Symmetric Key Encryption

Involves one key for both encryption and decryption.

Public Key Encryption

Pairs a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.

Multi-factor Authentication

A system that requires at least two steps to unlock protected information.

Computer Virus Scanning Software

Protects a computing system against infection.