System Technologies and Network Fundamentals Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts in system technologies, computer hardware, operating system functions, network types, file management, and emerging digital technologies from the prelim study notes.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

A hardware component responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations, making it essential for high-quality displays and graphic-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

System memory that directly impacts how smoothly a computer runs multiple applications at once by allowing it to handle more tasks simultaneously.

SSD (Solid-State Drive)

A storage device that is significantly faster than a traditional HDD, resulting in quicker boot times, faster file transfers, and higher overall system responsiveness.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The brain of the computer that carries out instructions and processes tasks, with higher-end models performing demanding applications like 3D rendering faster.

Operating System (OS)

The core software backbone responsible for managing hardware and software resources, process execution, memory, file systems, and user interfaces.

Process Management

An operating system function that manages the execution of processes, ensuring each receives adequate resources while preventing conflicts between them.

Memory Management

An operating system function that allocates physical memory to processes and manages virtual memory and swap space to optimize system performance.

File System Management

An operating system function that organizes files and directories on storage devices, providing access controls and ensuring safe, quick retrieval.

Minimum Requirements

The baseline system hardware specifications necessary to run a software program, though performance may be sluggish or limited.

Recommended Requirements

The suggested system specifications that ensure a software application runs smoothly with all features available and without performance issues.

Spooling

The process of temporarily storing print jobs on a computer's hard drive or memory before sending them to the printer, enabling the computer to perform other tasks while printing.

Queueing

The arrangement of print jobs in sequential order while they wait for a busy printer to become ready.

Home Area Network (HAN)

A localized network that connects various household devices—such as smartphones, computers, smart TVs, and IoT devices—allowing them to communicate and share resources.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A network covering a small geographical area, such as a home, school, or office, characterized by high transfer speeds, low latency, and localized security.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A network spanning large geographical areas by connecting multiple LANs across cities or globally, such as the internet.

Wi-Fi Access Point

A networking device that connects wireless client devices to a wired network, extending the overall network coverage area.

Switch

A hardware device that connects multiple devices on the same local network, facilitating internal communication within a LAN.

Cloud Storage

Online storage services that offer data redundancy across multiple locations, accessibility from any internet-connected device, and scalable storage capacity.

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

A policy permitting employees to use personal devices for work purposes, offering flexibility and cost savings but requiring strong security measures to protect company data.

Software Piracy

The unauthorized use, copying, or distribution of software, which can result in severe legal penalties such as fines and imprisonment.

File Compression (Zipping)

The process of reducing file size to optimize bandwidth usage and facilitate quicker transfer across networks or email.

Real-Time Clock

A hardware component that continuously maintains the current date and time even when the computer system is powered off.

Task Manager

An operating system utility used to monitor system performance and control running applications and processes.

Screen Readers

Assistive software tools that translate on-screen text into synthesized speech or braille displays for visually impaired users.

Internet of Things (IoT)

A network of interconnected smart devices that connect to the internet to monitor, control, and automate operations using real-time data collection.

Big Data

Large, complex datasets analyzed to extract meaningful insights, optimize operational processes, and predict future trends.