Introduction to Information and Communication Technology

Fundamental concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), including web evolution, web trends, online safety, and internet threats.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

An array of technologies and applications that integrate telecommunications and computer networks to enable the transmission, processing, and storage of data.

Digital Native

A person born or brought up during the age of digital technology and therefore familiar with computers and the Internet from an early age.

Hashtag (#)

A symbol used to categorize posts on websites.

Online Platform

Technologies grouped as a base upon which other applications, processes, or technologies are developed.

Online Content

The textual, visual, or aural content encountered as part of the user experience on websites, including text, images, sounds, videos, and animations.

Online Websites

A collection of related web pages, including multimedia content, typically identified with a common domain name and published on at least one web server.

Netiquette

Short for network etiquette; it refers to the online manners or the proper manner of communication in the online environment.

Incognito

A browser feature for private browsing that hides search history but does not completely hide the user from web trackers.

World Wide Web (WWW)

The system proposed by Tim Berners-Lee in $1989$ that enables access to hypertext documents and other files over the internet.

Static Web Page

Also known as a flat or stationary page; it is a web page that is as is and cannot be manipulated by the user, providing the same content to all users.

Web 2.0

The evolution of Web 1.0 that includes dynamic web pages, allowing users to interact, comment, and create accounts.

Semantic Web

A movement led by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that encourages inclusion of semantic content to help machines understand user preferences for faster content delivery.

Technological Convergence

The synergy of technological advancements to work on a similar goal or task.

Social Media

Websites, applications, or online channels that enable users to create, co-create, discuss, modify, and exchange user-generated content.

Social Networks

Sites like Facebook or Google+ that allow users to connect with others sharing similar interests or backgrounds.

Bookmarking Sites

Sites that allow users to store and manage links to various websites and resources, such as Pinterest.

Social News

Sites that allow users to post their own news items or links to other sources, such as Reddit, Digg, or Quora.

Media Sharing

Sites like YouTube, Instagram, and Flickr that allow users to upload and share images, music, and video.

Microblogging

Sites focusing on short updates from the user, such as Twitter and Tumblr.

Blogs and Forums

Websites that allow users to post their own content, such as WordPress, Medium, or Blogger.

Mobile Technologies

Devices like smartphones and tablets capable of high-speed internet using $4G-LTE$ or $5G$ networking.

Assistive Media

A nonprofit service designed to help people with visual and reading impairments through a database of audio recordings.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

A method of making a computer, robot, or software think intelligently by studying human brain patterns and cognitive processes.

Robotics

The design, construction, and use of machines to perform tasks traditionally done by humans, especially in repetitive or hazardous environments.

Metaverse

An immersive, persistent three-dimensional virtual realm merging the physical and digital worlds where users can interact in real time.

Malware

Short for malicious software; a category of software intended to damage or disable computers.

Virus

A malicious program designed to replicate itself and transfer between computers through the Internet or data storage like flash drives.

Worm

A malicious program that spreads across computer networks independently, such as the ILOVEYOU (Love Bug) worm.

Trojan

A malicious program disguised as a useful program that leaves a PC unprotected for hackers once installed.

Rogue Security Software

A type of Trojan that tricks users into paying for security software that does not actually protect the computer.

Spyware

A program that runs in the background to monitor user activity and typing, often using keylogging.

Keyloggers

Tools used to record the keystrokes of users to steal information like emails and messages.

Adware

A program designed to send advertisements to users, usually in the form of pop-ups.

Spam

Unwanted email mostly from bots or advertisers that can be used to send malware.

Phishing

An attempt to acquire sensitive personal information like passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an email.

Pharming

A complicated way of phishing that exploits the Domain Name Service (DNS) system.