Fundamentals of Computers: Software, Digital Information, and Cybersecurity

Flashcards covering fundamentals of computers, including software, digital information, computer languages, programming terms, and cybersecurity issues.

What is System Software?

Software that includes the operating system and utilities for maintaining a computer and its performance.

What does an Operating System provide to the user?

An interface to work with the computer hardware and applications.

Which company developed Windows OS, and what is its latest version mentioned?

Microsoft; Windows 10.

What is Cortana in Windows 10?

An intelligent assistant and search tool.

Which company produces the Mac operating system?

Apple.

What is unique about Linux as an operating system?

It is an open-source operating system, meaning its source code is freely available for anyone to use or modify.

What is the purpose of a Network Operating System?

Programs that control the flow of data among clients, restrict access to resources, and manage individual user accounts.

What is Unix primarily used for?

It is primarily a server operating system designed to run servers that support many users.

What is Android?

An open-source operating system initially developed by Google that runs mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and netbooks.

What is a computer language?

An encoded form of communication used to give commands or instructions to a device.

Why are Machine Language and Assembly Language considered 'Low-level' languages?

They need to be broken down into simple commands and electrical currents, and they are built into the hardware of specific devices.

What is a characteristic of a 'High-level' language?

It is more user-friendly and usually used to perform advanced calculations that can be used to organize data and execute functions over the internet.

How do computers communicate the state of electricity (on or off)?

Using 0 (for off) and 1 (for on), also known as Binary.

What is an assembly language?

A written language that gives names to binary code, making it easier to read, and helps translate advanced languages into binary.

How many bits are in 1 Byte?

8 Bits.

What is an Algorithm in programming?

A process or set of rules to be followed.

What is a 'Bug' in computing?

A computer error.

What does it mean to 'Debug'?

To find and correct a computer error.

What is a Virus in the context of computer programs?

A computer program that overwrites or modifies existing codes so they work incorrectly.

What is Data?

Information, often digital information broken down into 0s and 1s.

What is 'Hacking'?

To gain unauthorized access.

What is a Cyber Attack?

An offensive action that targets computer information systems, infrastructures, computer networks, or personal computer devices, using various methods to steal, alter, or destroy data or information systems.

What is Cybersecurity?

The protection of internet-connected systems such as hardware, software, and data from cyber-threats.

What is Phishing?

Carefully targeted digital messages transmitted to fool people into clicking on a link that can then install malware or expose sensitive data.

What is Ransomware?

Technologies that enable cybercriminals to kidnap an individual or organization's databases and hold all the information for ransom.

What is Cryptojacking?

Hijacking third-party home or work computers to 'mine' for cryptocurrency.

What are Cyber-Physical Attacks?

Hacks targeting electrical grids, transportation systems, water treatment facilities, etc.

What does DoS or DDoS Attack involve?

Overwhelming a system's resources so it cannot respond to service requests; a DDoS attack uses a large number of infected host machines.

What is a Malware Attack?

An attack involving unwanted software that is installed in your system.