Computer Science Terms and Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards generated from Model School Cadet College Larkana Class VIII computer science notes covering software, storage units, networking, web navigation, cybersecurity, and hardware.

Software

A set of programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do.

System Software

Programs that manage hardware and basic computer operations (e.g., Windows, MAC OS, Linux).

Application Software

Programs designed to help users perform specific tasks (e.g., MS Word, Google Chrome, media players).

Utility Software

Maintenance programs that optimize or safeguard system performance (e.g., Antivirus, File Compression tools).

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

A visual interface allowing interaction via icons, buttons, and menus using a mouse or touch screen.

Bit (Binary Digit)

The smallest unit of digital data, representing either a $0$ or a $1$.

Byte

A group of $8$ bits, capable of storing a single character (e.g., the letter 'A').

Kilobyte (KB)

$$1\text{ KB} = 1,024\text{ Bytes}$$

Megabytes (MB)

$$1\text{ MB} = 1,024\text{ KBs}$$

Gigabyte (GB)

$$1\text{ GB} = 1,024\text{ MB}$$

Cloud Storage

Storing and accessing data over the internet instead of on a local hard drive (e.g., Google Drive, One Drive).

Network

Two or more interconnected computers sharing data, resources, or devices.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A network connecting computers across a small local area, like a school or home.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A network spanning large geographical areas, such as cities or entire countries (the Internet is the largest WAN).

IP Address (Internet Protocol Address)

A unique numerical address assigned to every device connected to a network.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

The complete web address used to locate a specific webpage (e.g., https://www.example.com).

Modem

A device that converts digital data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over cables, and vice versa.

Bandwidth

The maximum amount of data transmitted over an internet connection in a given timeframe.

Malware

Malicious software designed to damage, exploit, or disrupt computer systems.

Virus

A self-replicating program that attaches to files to spread across systems and corrupt data.

Phishing

Fraudulent attempts to trick users into revealing sensitive information, like passwords or bank details.

Firewall

A security barrier that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic.

Spam

Unsolicited, bulk emails sent over the internet, often containing promotions or malware.

Cyber bullying

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying conducted through digital devices, social media, or messaging platforms.

Digital Footprint

The trail of data left behind when using the internet, including visited websites, social media posts, and online activity.

Netiquette

Rules of acceptable behavior and courtesy while communicating on the internet.

Identity Theft

The illegal acquisition and deliberate misuse of another person's personal details, usually for financial gain.

Copyright Infringement

Unauthorized use, copying, or distribution of copyrighted material (such as images, software, or articles) without permission.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems (e.g., voice assistants, image generation).

Cloud Computing

Accessing servers, storage, databases, and software applications directly over the internet rather than running them locally.

IoT (Internet of Things)

A network of physical objects embedded with sensors and connectivity that allow them to exchange data with other devices (e.g., smart home appliances).

Web Browser

Software used to access, navigate, and view web pages on the internet (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox).

Search Engine

A web-based tool that indexes web content and searches the internet using keywords (e.g., Google, Bing).

Hyperlink

An element (text, button, or image) in a digital document or webpage that opens a new URL or page when clicked.

Download

The process of receiving and saving files from a remote server or internet site onto a local device.

Upload

The process of sending a file from a local device over a network to a central server or online platform.

Primary Memory

Fast, temporary memory directly accessible by the CPU.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Temporary work memory that holds active programs; data is erased when power turns off (volatile memory).

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Permanent memory containing startup instructions; data is kept when power turns off (non-volatile memory).

Secondary Storage

Permanent storage used for long-term data preservation.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) / Solid State Drive (SSD)

The main internal storage drive inside a computer.

Pen Drive (USB Flash Drive)

A portable storage device used to transfer files.