Information Systems

S1

Digital Literacy

Broad understanding of computer and information Tech, along with the ability to use it effectively in daily life, education and business

Computer

An electronic device that accepts input, processes data, and produces output or stores the results.

4 operations performed by Information processing Cycle

1) Input

2) Output

3) Processing

4) Storage

Data

Raw, unorganised, individual facts or pieces of information that serves as input for processing

Information

Data that has been organised, structured, or processed into a meaningful and useful form

Hardware

The physical, tangible components and electronic machinery that make up a computer system

Software

Organised set of instructions, programs, or code packaged together for unified operational purposes

Computer Program

Structured set of sequential instructions that directs computer hardware to perform specific tasks

Network

Collection of interconnected computers and devices that communicate and share data, hardware, and software resources

Wireless Network / Wi-Fi

Networks utilising radio waves for communication. Wi-Fi serves as the standard for wireless local networking and internet connectivity

Internet

World's largest global, decentralised network of interconnected computer networks

World Wide Web WWW

Global system of linked hypertext documents hosted on web servers and accessed via the Internet

Electronic Mail - Email

Digital transmission service for sending written messages and attachments instantly to electronic mailboxes

Cloud Computing

Delivery of computing services - including servers, storage, databases, networking and software - over the Internet on demand

Social Media

Online platforms and tools that allow users to create, share content and interact socially

Personal Computer (PC)/ Microcomputer

Single user computer designed for individual everyday use

Desktop computer

Traditional PC designed to remain stationary on a desk with a separate system unit and peripherals

All-in-One Computer

A desktop integrating processing hardware directly behind the monitor screen.

Laptop / Notebook Computer

a thin, lightweight mobile computer with a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base

Netbook

A small, low-cost laptop with reduced processing power and no optical drive.

Chromebook

A lightweight laptop running Chrome OS, relying heavily on web and cloud applications.

2-in-1 PC

A laptop with a swiveling or detachable touchscreen operating as a tablet.

Network Server

A centralized computer managing network resources, services, and data.

Mainframe Computer

is a large computer that has access to billions of characters of data and is capable of processing data very quickly.

Supercomputer

The fastest class of computers, designed for complex mathematical and scientific calculations.

Embedded System

A dedicated computer built into non-computer machinery to perform specific control functions.

Internet of Things (IoT)

a world where interconnected, Internet-enabled devices or "things" can collect and share data without human intervention

Tablet

A handheld mobile computer typically measuring 7 to 10 inches diagonally.

Smartphone

A cellular phone integrated with mobile computing and Internet connectivity.

Phablet

A hybrid device bridging the size gap between smartphones and tablets.

Wearable Technology

Computing devices worn on the body, such as smartwatches or smart glasses.

Location-Based Services (LBS)

Applications using GPS, cell towers, or Wi-Fi to identify location.

Crowdsourcing

Gathering information, ideas, or work online from a large group of people.

Short Message Service (SMS)

A protocol for plain text messaging up to 160 characters.

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)

A messaging protocol supporting attached photos, audio, and video clips.

Streaming Media

Continuous audio/video delivery over the Internet without full file downloads.

Motherboard

The main printed circuit board connecting all internal computer components.

Bus

Wiring pathways on the motherboard through which digital data travels.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Brain of the computer that performs instructions defined by software

Control Unit (CU)

CPU component directing instruction execution and internal data flow.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

CPU component performing arithmetic operations and logical evaluations.

Clock Rate

Processor speed measured in gigahertz (GHz), indicating cycles per second.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile, temporary memory holding active software and open files.

Cache Memory

Small, ultra-fast memory near the CPU storing frequently used instructions.

Virtual Memory

Secondary storage space used by the OS to simulate extra RAM.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile memory containing permanent startup instructions (firmware).

Bit

The smallest unit of binary data, representing a 0 or 1 state.

Byte

A group of eight bits.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A magnetic storage device using spinning platters and read/write heads.

Solid-State Drive (SSD)

High-speed storage hardware utilizing non-volatile flash memory microchips.

Operating System (OS)

Core system software managing hardware, files, user interfaces, and applications.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

An interface using visual icons, windows, and pointer controls.

Command-Line Interface (CLI)

A text-only interface requiring typed commands to execute operations.

Device Driver

a piece of software that allows the computer to talk to the hardware devices such as the printer and the mouse.

TCP/IP

The foundational communications protocol suite used across the Internet.

IP Address

A unique numerical identifier assigned to each network-connected device.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A network connecting computers across a small local physical area.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network connecting multiple LANs over broad geographical distances.

Router

A network device routing data packets between different networks.

Switch

A network device directing data exclusively to a target MAC address.

Computer Virus

Malicious code attaching to a host file that replicates upon execution.

Computer Worm

Standalone malware that self-replicates and spreads independently across networks.

Phishing

Deceptive emails designed to trick users into revealing sensitive credentials.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Security process requiring two distinct verification methods before granting access.

Public Domain

Works free of copyright restrictions that anyone can use freely.

Fair Use

Legal exemption allowing limited use of copyrighted material for education or news.

Application Software

Software created to enable users to complete specific work, school, creative, or entertainment tasks.

Drawing & Graphics Programs

Software used to construct visual graphics from scratch.

Graphics / Photo Editing Software

Bitmap-based applications used primarily to edit and retouch photos and images.

Video Editing Software

Software used to compile, edit, and produce video content.

Desktop Publishing Software

Software designed for creating professional publications requiring complex layouts with mixed text and graphics.

Web Development Software

Programs used to design, publish, and manage complex websites.

Accounting Software

Programs that help businesses manage sales, expenses, and financial health.

Personal Finance & Tax Software

Applications that assist individuals with home budgeting or preparing and e-filing income taxes.

Vertical Market Software

Custom application software created for a specific industry, such as healthcare or insurance.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Large-scale software systems that integrate diverse business functions across an organization into a single solution.

Education & Entertainment Software

Interactive software used for learning, training, or gaming, including virtual reality (VR) simulations.

End-User License Agreement (EULA)

A legal contract specifying the rules and terms for using a software program.

Volume License

A multi-seat license purchased by businesses to install software across many computers.

Subscription Model

A software purchasing model where users pay a recurring fee for continuous access.

Shareware (Trial Software)

Software that can be downloaded and used for free during a limited trial period before purchase.

Freeware

Permanently free software that has no time restrictions.

GNU General Public License (GPL) / Open Source

Software whose source code is open for anyone to inspect, modify, and redistribute freely.

Web-Based Applications

Applications that run directly inside a web browser without requiring local installation.

Security Utilities

System software including antivirus, firewalls, encryption, password management, and parental controls.

Storage Utilities

Tools for drive formatting, partitioning, file management, disk defragmentation, cleanup, and file compression.

Virtualization Software

Software used to create a Virtual Machine (VM), allowing one OS to run inside another.