Information Technology Lecture Notes Practice Flashcards

Flashcards covering introductory Information Technology concepts including hardware, software, networking, ethics, and digital transformation.

Information Technology (IT)

The application of digital technologies to create, process, store, secure, and exchange electronic information.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system that can be seen and touched.

Software

A collection of instructions that enables computer hardware to perform specific tasks.

System Software

Software primarily responsible for managing the computer's resources and providing a platform for applications.

Microsoft Word

A specific example of application software used for creating documents.

Networking

The interconnection of devices to facilitate communication and resource sharing.

Database

An organized collection of data that can be efficiently stored, managed, and retrieved.

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

Systems that exist to organize, manipulate, and retrieve stored data.

IT Services

The professional activity of supporting, maintaining, securing, and troubleshooting technology systems.

Role of Information Technology

Supports the management and exchange of information across numerous industries in modern society.

Major Advantage of IT

Faster processing and increased productivity.

Digital Divide

A limitation of Information Technology referring to unequal access to digital resources and internet connectivity.

Over-dependence

A limitation occurring when individuals rely excessively on technology, reducing independent thinking and problem-solving.

Cybersecurity Threats

A classification including phishing, ransomware, malware, and hacking.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The simulation of human intelligence by machines capable of learning and reasoning.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Everyday physical devices connected to the internet through embedded sensors and software.

Cloud Computing

Accessing computing resources and data over the internet instead of relying solely on local devices.

Big Data

Extremely large collections of data analyzed to identify meaningful trends and patterns.

Cybersecurity

The practice of protecting systems, networks, and data against unauthorized access and attacks.

Respect for Privacy

The ethical principle requiring permission before sharing another person's personal information online.

Software Piracy

The unauthorized copying, distribution, or use of copyrighted software.

Science

The organized study of natural and physical phenomena through observation and experimentation.

Technology

The practical application of knowledge to develop products, systems, and solutions.

Scientific Inquiry

The process associated with asking 'Why does this phenomenon occur?'

Technological Inquiry

The process associated with asking 'How can existing knowledge be applied to solve a problem?'

Output of Science

Theories and discoveries resulting from scientific activity.

Output of Technology

Products, processes, and practical applications.

Relationship of Science and Technology

Scientific discoveries generate knowledge that technology applies, while technological advances further scientific investigation.

Culture

The collection of shared beliefs, customs, values, behaviors, and traditions of a group of people.

Influence of Tech on Culture

The transformation of communication, work, education, social interaction, and everyday life aspects.

Ethics

A set of accepted principles that guide what is considered proper or improper behavior within a group.

Morals

Individual beliefs about what is right and wrong.

Morality

Socially accepted standards of right and wrong shared within a community.

Law

Legally enforceable rules established by the government.

Integrity

Consistently acting according to ethical principles regardless of whether anyone is watching.

Virtue

Habits and qualities that promote morally good conduct.

Vice

Behaviors considered morally wrong or harmful.

Code of Ethics

A document outlining the expected ethical standards of IT professionals.

Professional Certifications

Credentials used to verify an individual's knowledge and skills in a particular field.

Malpractice

Harm caused through negligence, incompetence, or unethical professional conduct in IT.

Inappropriate Use of IT Resources

The ethical issue of using company computers for excessive personal activities during work hours.

Inappropriate Information Sharing

Unauthorized disclosure of confidential organizational information.

Cyberbullying

Using digital platforms to intimidate, threaten, or harass others.

Data Manipulation

Altering records or information dishonestly for personal or organizational benefit.

Computer

A programmable electronic device that accepts data, processes it according to instructions, and produces meaningful output.

Computare

The Latin word meaning 'to calculate or count' from which the term 'computer' originates.

Processing

The stage of the information processing cycle that occurs after data entry.

Input Devices

Devices primarily used to enter data and instructions into a computer system.

Keyboard

A common type of input device.

Output Devices

Devices designed to present processed information in a usable form.

Projector

A device classified as an output device.

CPU

The component commonly referred to as the 'brain' of the computer.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The CPU component responsible for performing calculations and logical operations.

Control Unit (CU)

The CPU component responsible for coordinating and directing the activities of the computer's components.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A component specializing in graphics, video rendering, and visual computation.

RAM

Temporary memory that loses its contents when power is removed.

Secondary Storage

Memory that retains stored information even when electrical power is removed.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A storage device providing faster data access because it contains no moving mechanical parts.

Motherboard

The primary circuit board that interconnects the computer's major components.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

A unit that converts and distributes electrical power to the computer's internal components.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A device that enables a computer to communicate with other computers over a network.

NIC Function

Providing a hardware interface for network communication.

Networking (Transmission)

The process through which data travels from a source to its destination.

Communication (Meaning)

The process of giving meaning to information that has been received.

Computer Network

A group of interconnected computers that share resources and exchange information.

Efficient Sharing

The network advantage of sharing hardware, software, and information.

Remote Information Access

A network use that allows a student to check grades from home.

Person-to-Person Communication

A network use exemplified by video conferencing and email.

Interactive Entertainment

A network use exemplified by online multiplayer gaming.

Communication Channel

The pathway through which information travels between a sender and receiver.

Source

The origin or transmitter of information in a communication system.

Simplex

A transmission type that allows information to travel in only one direction.

Television Broadcasting

A common example of simplex transmission.

Half-Duplex

Two-way communication where only one side transmits at any given time.

Walkie-talkie

A device that commonly operates using half-duplex communication.

Full-Duplex

Two-way communication occurring simultaneously.

Telephone Call

A common representation of full-duplex communication.

Point-to-Point Technology

Direct communication between two connected devices.

Broadcast Technology

A communication method in which all devices share a common transmission channel.

Network Topology

The physical or logical arrangement of devices and connections within a network.

Bus Topology

A topology that connects every device to a single shared backbone cable.

Terminators

Components installed in a bus topology to prevent signal reflection along the cable.

Star Topology

A topology that connects every device directly to a central hub or switch.

Central Connecting Device

The component through which all devices communicate in a star topology.

Ring Topology

A topology arranging computers in a circular path where data travels in one direction.

Receiver and Transmitter

The dual function of each device in a ring topology.

Tree Topology

A topology described as 'stars of stars' because of its hierarchical structure.

Mesh Topology

A topology where many devices are directly interconnected, generally making it the most expensive.

Hybrid Topology

A network that combines two or more basic topologies.

Daisy Chain

Connecting devices one after another in sequence.

Centralized Data Processing (CDP)

A system in which processing and control are performed primarily by one central computer.

Distributed Data Processing (DDP)

A system where data manipulation is performed across multiple interconnected systems.

Client/Server Model

A model where one or more servers provide resources or services to requesting client devices.

Client Device

A device, such as a smartphone, that requests services in a network model.

Server

A computer that exists to provide resources, services, or information to multiple clients.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A network connecting devices within a limited geographical area such as a home, office, or school.

Smallest Geographical Area

The primary distinguishing characteristic of a LAN.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A network connecting computers across a city or metropolitan area.

Largest Geographical Area

The distinguishing characteristic of a Wide Area Network (WAN).

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network spanning large geographical distances and connecting multiple LANs.