Computer Studies Complete Revision: Fundamentals to Applications

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the complete Computer Studies syllabus: hardware, software, operating systems, applications, data representation, processing, programming, system development, networking, and ICT impacts.

Computer

An electronic device operating under the control of programs stored in its memory that accepts data as input, processes it, and produces information as output.

Data

A collection of raw, unrefined facts, figures, or instructions that do not have meaningful context to the user.

Information

Data that has been processed, refined, and summarized into a meaningful form suitable for decision-making.

Hardware

The tangible, physical components of a computer system, including system units, input devices, output devices, and storage media.

Software

The programs and sets of instructions that direct the computer hardware on how to execute operations and perform specific tasks.

Liveware

The human personnel who design, program, operate, and maintain computer systems to carry out information processing tasks.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The component of the Central Processing Unit that performs arithmetic computations and logical comparison operations.

Control Unit (CU)

The CPU component that fetches, interprets instructions sequentially, and issues signals to coordinate all system processing activities.

Ergonomic Keyboard

A keyboard specially contoured and curved to provide typing comfort and alleviate wrist strain.

Trackball

A pointing device featuring an exposed rotating sphere that controls cursor movement without requiring additional physical desk space.

Flash Disk

A compact, portable solid-state secondary storage device that interfaces with a computer through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

Turnaround Document

A document produced as output by a computer system that can subsequently be read directly back into the system as input.

Static RAM (SRAM)

A fast, high-performance primary memory that retains its stored data continuously as long as electrical power is provided without requiring refreshing.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

A high-density primary memory that holds data for only a brief period and requires periodic electrical refreshing to maintain its stored contents.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

A non-volatile internal memory storing permanent manufacturer instructions and firmware that can be read but not modified during normal operation.

Computer Bus

A parallel pathway of conductors inside the computer that carries data, memory addresses, and control timing signals among components.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

A power conditioning device that regulates fluctuating voltage levels, supplies temporary battery power during blackouts, and allows safe system shutdown.

Cold Booting

The complete start-up sequence initiated when powering on a computer that was previously completely turned off.

Warm Booting

The process of restarting an already powered-on computer using a reset button or the key combination $CTRL + ALT + DEL$.

Operating System

A master set of software programs residing in memory that directly manages computer hardware resources, file storage, input/output, and application execution.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A visual human-computer interface that allows users to interact with software using graphical icons, menus, windows, and a pointing device.

Deadlock

A operating system state in which a process holds a required resource while waiting for another, resulting in an indefinite stall of system operations.

Disk Defragmenter

A disk utility that reorganizes non-contiguous, fragmented file segments on a storage disk into contiguous blocks to improve read/write speed.

Disk Partitioning

The division of a single physical hard drive into multiple distinct, independent logical volumes or drives.

Directory Tree

A hierarchical, branching structure that represents how root directories, subfolders, and files are organized on a storage medium.

Word Processor

An application package designed specifically for typing, editing, formatting, storing, and printing text documents.

Word Wrap

A word processing capability that automatically pushes a word that exceeds the right margin to the beginning of the subsequent line.

Mail Merging

The automated process of combining a standard main document with a structured recipient data source to generate personalized individual letters or labels.

Spreadsheet

An electronic ledger software divided into a grid of rows and columns used for calculating, managing, and analyzing numerical data with formulas.

'What If' Analysis

A spreadsheet modeling method that tests scenarios by altering input values in formulas to observe their immediate effect on calculated outcomes.

Database

A structured repository of logically related data tables and records designed to ensure controlled access, consistency, and easy retrieval.

Normalization

A database design process that decomposes complex multi-theme tables into smaller, well-structured relations to eliminate duplicate data and redundancy.

Primary Key

A unique attribute or combination of fields within a database table that uniquely differentiates every single record from all others.

Foreign Key

A field in a child database table that references the primary key of a parent table to establish a relational link between them.

Desktop Publishing (DTP)

The use of specialized page layout software to integrate text, fonts, and graphics for producing high-quality printed publications.

Kerning

The DTP adjustment process of altering the horizontal spacing between specific pairs of adjacent characters.

Tracking

A desktop publishing formatting feature that expands or contracts the overall letter spacing across an entire block or line of text.

Internet

A vast global network of interconnected computer networks utilizing standardized protocols to exchange data and communication services.

Intranet

A secure, private network restricted to members or employees within an individual organization utilizing Internet technologies.

Protocol

A strict set of technical rules and communication standards governing how data packets are formatted, transmitted, and received across networks.

Data Security

The protective measures and policies designed to guard electronic data against unauthorized access, theft, modification, or accidental exposure.

Data Integrity

The measure of accuracy, completeness, validity, and trustworthiness of data stored in an information system.

Computer Virus

A malicious, self-replicating program code created to alter or destroy computer operations, system files, and stored data without user consent.

Audit Trail

A chronological record of system activities and user actions maintained to detect security breaches and trace operations within an information system.

Bit

The smallest elemental unit of binary data in computing, representing either an electrical state of $0$ (off) or $1$ (on).

Byte

A fixed-size sequence of eight consecutive binary bits representing a single alphanumeric character or symbol.

Nibble

A binary data unit consisting of exactly four bits, equivalent to half of a byte.

Two's Complement (2c Method)

A binary arithmetic method for signed integer representation where bits are inverted (one's complement) and $1$ is added to the least significant bit.

Master File

A comprehensive, permanent or semi-permanent computer file containing primary reference data and current balance records of an entity.

Transaction File

A temporary processing file containing input records of daily events used to periodically update corresponding master files.

Batch Processing

A data processing mode in which transactions are gathered into batches over time and processed together in a single run without manual intervention.

Real-Time Processing

An immediate processing mode where input data is handled as it occurs, instantaneously updating records and providing rapid output feedback.

Distributed Data Processing (DDP)

A system architecture where computing hardware, storage, and processing tasks are dispersed across several distinct network locations.

Compiler

A language translator that converts the complete high-level source program into machine code object files all at once prior to execution.

Interpreter

A language translator that reads, converts, and executes a source code program line by line each time the application is run.

Algorithm

An unambiguous, finite sequence of step-by-step instructions designed to solve a specific computational problem.

Pseudocode

A semi-formal algorithm representation that outlines computational steps using structured, readable English keywords without strict language syntax.

Program Flowchart

A standardized diagrammatic representation that maps the sequential flow of program control and decision logic using geometric symbols.

Feasibility Study

A preliminary analysis undertaken during system development to establish the technical, operational, schedule, and economic viability of a project.

Direct Changeover

An abrupt system implementation approach where the existing legacy system is stopped completely and replaced by the new system immediately.

Parallel Changeover

A system changeover strategy in which the old system and the new system operate concurrently until the new system is confirmed dependable.

Network Topology

The specific physical or logical geometrical layout according to which nodes, devices, and connecting links are arranged on a computer network.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A computer network restricted to a small geographic area, such as a room, office floor, or school campus, providing high data transfer speeds.

Fiber Optic Cable

A high-speed bounded communication transmission medium made of a glass or plastic core that propagates data signals as pulses of light.

Satellite Communication

A wireless microwave telecommunications link utilizing an earth uplink transmitter, an orbiting transponder satellite, and a downlink receiving station.

Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS)

A computerized retail checkout station consisting of input/output devices like barcode readers, monitors, and receipt printers for automated sales transactions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

A branch of computer science focused on developing hardware and software capable of simulating human-like reasoning, perception, and learning.

Expert System

An artificial intelligence program that models the knowledge base and reasoning ability of a human specialist to solve complex problems in a specialized field.

Telecommuting

A work arrangement enabling an employee to perform company tasks remotely from home using computing and telecommunication connections.

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)

Cumulative physical disorders of the muscles, nerves, and tendons caused by continuous, repetitive computer motions and improper ergonomic posture.

System Analyst

An ICT professional who examines organizational workflows, assesses operational requirements, and designs specifications for new information systems.