IT Fundamentals & Cloud Computing Lecture Notes

These 59 vocabulary flashcards cover malware, networking, hardware, cloud computing, virtualization, licensing, security, and command-line concepts discussed in the lecture notes.

Computer Worm

Malware that replicates and spreads between computers autonomously without attaching itself to another file.

Software Delivery Methods

Ways software can be installed: user-downloaded, from a USB drive, from an optical disc, or over a network.

Scanner

Input device that converts physical documents or images into digital form.

Biometric Authentication (Fingerprint)

Security technique that verifies identity using a person’s unique fingerprint.

SSD Transfer-Speed Advantage

Solid-state drives offer significantly faster data-transfer speeds than mechanical hard drives (HDDs).

ipconfig Command

Windows command-line tool that displays basic network configuration information.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)

Attack in which a botnet of compromised hosts floods a service with traffic to overwhelm it.

FAT File System

Legacy file system that lacks built-in security features such as permissions and encryption.

Virtualization

Creating virtual versions of computing resources such as servers, storage, or networks.

Social Engineering

Manipulative technique (in person, email, phone) used to deceive individuals into divulging confidential information.

Broad Network Access

Cloud-computing feature that makes services available to standard client devices (PCs, tablets, phones) over the network.

Private Cloud

Cloud infrastructure dedicated solely to users within a single organization.

Application Tier

Middle tier in a three-tier architecture where business logic and processing run.

Sharing Passwords (Poor Practice)

Giving passwords to family or friends is NOT a recommended malware or security protection strategy.

Hypervisor

Also called a Virtual Machine Manager; software that creates and manages virtual machines.

Batch File Automation

Using .bat scripts to speed up and repeat routine or repetitive tasks.

VGA

Legacy analog video connection standard now considered out-of-date.

Motherboard Form Factor

Design classification (size, shape, mounting) that dictates compatibility with cases and components.

Router

Network device that uses IP addresses to decide where to forward data packets between networks.

ATX Power Supply

Standard power-supply and motherboard form factor for most desktop/workstation computers.

USB Drive

Removable flash-memory device primarily used for data storage.

Active Liquid Cooling

Cooling system that circulates liquid through a radiator to dissipate heat from computer components.

start calc

Batch-file command that launches Windows Calculator.

Asymmetric Encryption

Cryptography that uses a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.

Phishing

Email-based social-engineering attack that masquerades as a trusted source to steal information.

Cost Reduction via Virtualization

Running multiple virtual machines on one physical server lowers hardware and operational expenses.

dir Command

Windows command-prompt instruction that lists the contents of a directory.

Username (Identification)

Credential that uniquely identifies a user to a system during the log-in process.

Type 2 Hypervisor

Virtualization software that runs on top of a host operating system.

Task Manager

Windows utility that shows running processes, services, and resource usage.

Freeware License

Software that is completely free to use without cost or modification restrictions.

Conferencing Software

Application enabling real-time audio-video meetings between multiple users over the internet.

.png File Extension

Indicates an image file in the Portable Network Graphics format.

Vishing

Voice-based social engineering attack conducted over phone or VoIP to obtain information.

Single-Use License

Commercial software license that restricts installation to a single machine or user.

Windows "About" Screen RAM Info

System settings page that shows the amount of installed system memory (RAM).

Chipset

Mainboard component that controls communication between the CPU, memory, and peripherals.

Pin Grid Array (PGA)

CPU packaging style featuring an array of pins that insert into a socket on the motherboard.

Hardware Interface (OS Function)

Core operating-system role: managing and interfacing with computer hardware resources.

Ctrl + V

Keyboard shortcut used to paste copied or cut content.

Password Length Security

Each added character exponentially increases the time required for a brute-force password attack.

End-User License Agreement (EULA)

Legal contract granting the user defined rights to use a software application.

Binary 11 → Decimal 3

The binary number 11 equals the decimal number 3.

(Append Operator)

Shell symbol that appends command output to the end of an existing text file.

Browser Updates

Keeping a web browser current is essential for safe internet browsing and security.

Knowledge-Based Authentication

Verification method that relies on something the user knows, such as a password.

Misdirection (Non-Tactic)

Unlike authority, consensus, or scarcity, misdirection is NOT a common social-engineering tactic described in the lecture.

Network Hardware Utilization (Non-Cloud Feature)

Using specific physical network hardware is NOT considered a defining characteristic of cloud computing.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Primary component that performs most of a computer’s processing instructions.

Wireless Access Point (WAP)

Device that implements IEEE 802.11 wireless networking services on a local network.

Hybrid Cloud

Cloud environment combining two or more distinct cloud infrastructures (public, private, or community).

Touchpad

Flat pointing device on laptops used to move the on-screen cursor via finger movement.

Virtualization Flexibility

Ability to quickly add or remove virtual machines on one physical host as business needs change.

EMR Software

Electronic Medical Records application categorized as business software for healthcare management.

Microsoft Edge

Web browser developed by Microsoft.

IPv4 Address

32-bit numerical IP address format, e.g., 192.168.1.1.

Microsoft Windows (Not a VMM)

Operating system, not a virtualization platform like VirtualBox, VMware, or Parallels.

MAC Address Assignment

Hardware manufacturer programs a NIC’s unique Media Access Control address at production.

Digital Privacy

Principle concerning how a user’s data is stored, used, and protected by an organization.