Computing Basics and Security Fundamentals

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering computer hardware, measurements, networking, programming, and security concepts based on lecture notes.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system.

Software

The programs and applications that run on a computer.

RAM

Temporary working memory used to store data currently in use.

Storage

Components used for long-term data retention, such as saving files and data.

CPU

The component that processes and executes instructions.

Bit

The smallest unit of data measurement.

Byte

A unit of data consisting of $8\,bits$.

KB (Kilobyte)

A unit of data equivalent to $1,024\,bytes$.

MB (Megabyte)

A unit of data equivalent to $1,024\,KB$.

GB (Gigabyte)

A unit of data equivalent to $1,024\,MB$.

TB (Terabyte)

A unit of data equivalent to $1,024\,GB$.

Hz (Hertz)

A unit of measure used for computer speed, often expressed in MHz or GHz.

Motherboard

The main circuit board that connects all internal components of a computer.

PSU

The Power Supply Unit which supplies power to the computer.

GPU

A specialized component for graphics processing.

Virtualization

The process of running multiple virtual machines on a single physical system.

Hypervisor

The software that manages and runs virtual machines (VMs).

SaaS

Software as a Service; software provided online.

PaaS

Platform as a Service; a cloud model providing a platform for development.

IaaS

Infrastructure as a Service; a cloud model providing virtual infrastructure.

IP address

A unique numerical label assigned to each device on a network.

MAC address

A unique physical address for a network interface.

DNS

Domain Name System; translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses.

HTTP

Network protocol assigned to port $80$.

HTTPS

Secure network protocol assigned to port $443$, often used for secure websites.

SMTP

Email protocol assigned to port $25$.

SSID

Service Set Identifier; the unique name assigned to a wireless network.

Low-level language

Programming languages close to machine code, such as Assembly.

High-level language

Human-readable programming languages, such as Python.

Algorithm

A step-by-step logic or procedure for solving a problem.

Primary key

A unique identifier for a record within a database table.

CIA Triad

Core security framework consisting of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

Phishing

A security threat where fraudulent messages are used to steal sensitive data.

MFA

Multi-Factor Authentication; a security practice requiring multiple forms of verification.

Symmetric encryption

A type of encryption where the same key is used for both encryption and decryption.