ICAS Year 7 Digital Technologies Revision

Algorithm

A step-by-step procedure used to solve a problem or complete a task.

Pseudocode

A plain-English way of describing an algorithm using code-like structure without real programming syntax.

Variable

A named container in code that stores data which can change during a program.

IF statement

A decision-making command that runs different code depending on whether a condition is true or false.

FOR loop

A command that repeats a set of instructions a fixed number of times.

WHILE loop

A loop that continues repeating instructions as long as a condition remains true.

MOD operator

Returns the remainder after division, useful for checking even/odd numbers.

Debugging

Finding and fixing errors or bugs in a computer program.

Flowchart

A diagram that shows the steps in an algorithm using arrows and shapes.

Data

Raw facts or information that can be collected, stored, and analysed.

Binary

Base-2 number system using only 0 and 1, used by all computers.

Bit

The smallest unit of data in computing, either 0 or 1.

Byte

A group of 8 bits; one ASCII character is usually stored in one byte.

ASCII

A character encoding system where letters, numbers, and symbols are given a binary value (e.g. A = 65).

Padding

Adding leading zeros to binary numbers to make them a fixed width (like 8-bit).

Two’s complement

A method for representing negative binary numbers by flipping bits and adding 1.

Bit shifting

Moving binary digits left (×2) or right (÷2); useful for fast calculations.

Fixed-width binary

All binary numbers are represented with the same number of bits using padding.

Encryption

Converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access.

2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)

Requires a password and a second unique code to log in for extra security.

Phishing

A scam that tricks people into giving away private info through fake emails or sites.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Encrypts your internet traffic to keep it private, especially on public Wi-Fi.

HTTPS

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure; encrypts data between browser and website.

Spam

Unwanted or irrelevant messages, often in email, sometimes with scams or malware.

Digital footprint

The trail of data you leave behind when using the internet.

Cloud storage

Storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet (e.g., Google Drive).

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Permanent memory in a computer that stores startup instructions.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Temporary memory that stores data while the computer is running.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

Traditional storage device with moving parts; stores large amounts of data.

SSD (Solid State Drive)

Faster storage device with no moving parts; uses flash memory.

Input device

Hardware that sends information into a computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse).

Output device

Hardware that gets information out of a computer (e.g., monitor, printer).

Touchscreen

A device that serves as both input and output by detecting touch and showing display.

Monitor

An output device that visually displays information.

Keyboard

An input device used for typing.

Mouse

An input device used to navigate and click.

Printer

An output device that creates hard copies of documents.

Speakers

An output device that plays sound.

Scanner

An input device that turns physical images into digital form.

Spreadsheet

A grid used for calculations, graphs, and data analysis.

Formula

An instruction in a spreadsheet that calculates something (e.g., =SUM(A1:A5)).

Absolute reference

A cell reference that does not change when copied ($A$1).

Relative reference

A cell reference that changes depending on where it's moved (A1).

Filter

A tool in spreadsheets that hides rows that don’t meet a condition.

Chart/graph

A visual representation of data in spreadsheets (e.g., bar, pie, line).

Table

A structure with rows and columns for organizing data.

Slide

One page in a presentation, like PowerPoint.

Hyperlink

A clickable link to a website, document, or slide.

HTML

Hypertext Markup Language; used to create the structure of web pages.

tag <a>

Creates a hyperlink in HTML.

tag <img>

Displays an image in HTML using a file source.

tag <div>

A block container in HTML used to group elements.

Collaborative platform

A tool (e.g., Google Docs) that lets multiple users edit content at the same time online.

Email etiquette

Proper use of subject lines, greetings, grammar, and signatures in professional emails.

CC vs BCC

In emails, CC shows recipients to all; BCC hides recipients from each other.

Intranet

A private network only accessible by authorized users in an organisation.

Internet

A global network that connects millions of computers and devices.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A network within a small area (e.g., school or home).

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A network spread across a large area, such as the internet.

Operating system

Software that manages hardware and runs programs (e.g., Windows, macOS).

Software

Programs or applications run by a computer.

Hardware

Physical components of a computer (e.g., CPU, RAM, keyboard).