Computer Science and Networking Fundamentals Vocabulary

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards extracted from lecture notes covering topics in number systems, hardware architecture, storage types, networking protocols, web technologies, big data, cybersecurity, search operators, and technology ethics.

Binary

A base-$2$ number system using digits $0$ and $1$.

Octal

A base-$8$ number system using digits $0$ through $7$.

Decimal

A base-$10$ number system using digits $0$ through $9$.

Hexadecimal (Hex)

A base-$16$ number system using digits $0$–$9$ and letters A–F.

Byte

A group of data consisting of $8$ bits.

Bit Value Capacity

For $n$ bits, there are $2^n$ values, ranging from $0$ to $2^n-1$.

Binary to Octal Conversion

Conversion performed by grouping binary bits into sets of $3$.

Binary to Hex Conversion

Conversion performed by grouping binary bits into sets of $4$.

Two's Complement

A method to represent signed integers where you flip the bits and add $1$.

AND Operation

A logical operation that outputs true ($1$) only if both inputs are $1$.

OR Operation

A logical operation that outputs true ($1$) if either input is $1$.

XOR Operation

A logical operation that outputs true ($1$) if inputs are different.

NOT Operation

A logical operation that flips bits ($0$ to $1$, or $1$ to $0$).

ASCII

A $7\text{-bit}$ character encoding standard representing $128$ characters.

IPv4 Address

A network address comprised of $32$ bits organized into $4$ octets, each ranging from $0$ to $255$.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The primary component of a computer that executes instructions, composed of the ALU, Control Unit, and Registers.

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

The part of the CPU responsible for arithmetic and logic operations.

Control Unit (CU)

The component of the CPU that controls system operation and decodes instructions.

PC (Program Counter)

A CPU register that holds the address of the next instruction to be executed.

IR (Instruction Register)

A CPU register that holds the current instruction being executed.

MAR (Memory Address Register)

A CPU register that holds the memory address currently being accessed.

MDR (Memory Data Register)

A CPU register that holds the data currently being transferred to or from memory.

Machine Cycle

The sequence of steps executed by the CPU: Fetch $\rightarrow$ Decode $\rightarrow$ Execute $\rightarrow$ Store.

Address Bus

The bus that specifies WHERE data is going or being retrieved from.

Data Bus

The bus that carries WHAT actual data is being transferred.

Control Bus

The bus that carries signals specifying WHAT TO DO.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Main primary memory that is volatile, losing content when power is lost.

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Non-volatile memory used to store permanent instructions.

SRAM (Static RAM)

Fast memory type commonly used as cache memory.

DRAM (Dynamic RAM)

Main memory type that requires constant refreshing to maintain data.

Cache Memory

Very fast, high-speed memory located near or on the CPU.

Virtual Memory

Secondary storage space utilized as temporary memory when physical RAM is insufficient.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

Magnetic storage hardware used for long-term data retention.

SSD (Solid-State Drive)

Faster, non-magnetic storage technology utilizing solid-state memory.

Optical Storage

Storage media written and read by lasers, such as CD, DVD, and Blu-ray.

Cloud Storage

Remote storage accessible via the Internet.

Internet

The global physical network of interconnected networks.

Web (World Wide Web)

An information service operating on top of the Internet.

ARPANET

An early packet-switching network that served as the foundational precursor to the Internet.

Bandwidth

The volume of data that can be transmitted over a network in a specific amount of time.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

A company or organization providing individuals and businesses access to the Internet.

Server

A computer program or device that provides services or resources to client computers.

Node

Any device connected to a computer network.

Hotspot

A physical location offering wireless Internet access.

Tethering

The act of sharing a mobile phone's Internet connection with other devices.

Static Web Page

A web page displaying identical content to all users without interactive changes.

Dynamic Web Page

A web page that responds to user input or context and changes content dynamically.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language)

The standard markup language defining the structure of web pages.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)

A style sheet language defining the visual styling and layout of web pages.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

The global web address pointing to a specific web resource.

DNS (Domain Name System)

A service translating human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses.

Cookie

A small file saved on a client device storing specific website information and state.

IP (Internet Protocol)

The primary protocol governing addressing and routing of data packets across networks.

Packets

Small discrete blocks of data into which larger network communications are divided.

Router

A networking device connecting multiple distinct networks.

Switch

A networking device connecting individual devices on the same local network segment.

Hub

A simple networking device broadcasting received data to all connected devices.

Modem

A device enabling computer network communication over standard communication channels.

NIC (Network Interface Card)

Hardware component providing physical network connection capabilities.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

A network protocol ensuring reliable and orderly delivery of data packets.

4 V's of Big Data

Four key dimensions defining Big Data: Volume (amount), Velocity (speed), Variety (formats), and Veracity (accuracy).

IoT (Internet of Things)

A network of physical devices embedded with software and sensors connected to the Internet.

Embedded System

A specialized computer designed for specific dedicated functions within larger systems.

Digital Divide

The socioeconomic gap between individuals with access to modern technology and the Internet and those without.

HTTPS

A secure version of HTTP that uses encryption for privacy and protection.

Phishing

A fraudulent attempt to trick users into providing sensitive information.

Spider / Crawler

An automated search engine bot that systematically scans and reads web pages across the Web.

Index

An organized, searchable database of web information collected by crawlers.

CARS Criteria

A framework for evaluating information credibility comprising Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, and Support.

Plagiarism

The act of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own without credit.

Creative Commons

A system of flexible copyright licenses allowing creators to grant standardized usage permissions.

DRM (Digital Rights Management)

Technologies used to restrict and control the access and usage of digital media content.

Doxing

The malicious publication of an individual's private personal information online.

Ergonomics

The practice of designing equipment safely and effectively to reduce user physical strain.

RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)

Physical injury caused by repetitive movement or poor ergonomic practices over time.

E-waste

Discarded electronic devices and equipment that require specialized disposal methods like recycling.