IT Final Boss Game Deck

Vocabulary-style study cards covering IT Infrastructure, Software, Networking, Databases, cloud computing, and Cybersecurity based on the IT Final Boss Game Deck.

Hardware

A component of IT Infrastructure representing physical parts.

Software

A component of IT Infrastructure representing programs and applications.

Networks

A component of IT Infrastructure consisting of connected systems to share data.

Data centers

A component of IT Infrastructure that houses computing facilities.

Cloud services

A component of IT Infrastructure that provides computing resources over the internet.

Operating systems

A component of IT Infrastructure that manages hardware and software resources.

Databases

A component of IT Infrastructure for the organized collection of data.

Security systems

A component of IT Infrastructure designed to protect assets and data.

On-premises infrastructure

Computing resources located physically inside an organization’s building and managed by its own staff.

Cloud computing

Delivering computing services (storage, servers, software) over the internet instead of local machines.

Single-user computer

Personal computer used by one person at a time.

Servers

Provide resources/services to other computers.

Mainframes

Large powerful systems handling massive data for organizations.

Supercomputers

Extremely fast systems used for complex scientific calculations.

Quantum computers

Use quantum physics to process information much faster for specific problems.

Cache

Very fast small memory close to CPU for quick access.

CPU

Brain of the computer that processes instructions.

HDD

Mechanical storage device using spinning disks.

Motherboard

Main circuit board connecting all components.

RAM

Temporary memory used while programs are running.

SSD

Fast storage with no moving parts.

Storage device

Hardware that stores data permanently.

Input devices

Tools used to enter data such as keyboard and mouse.

Memory

Temporary storage for active data/instructions.

Output devices

Show results such as a monitor or printer.

OS Type (Operating System)

Controls hardware and software resources and provides a user interface.

Application Software

Programs designed to help users complete tasks.

Business software

Software used for tasks like accounting and payroll systems.

Communication software

Software used for email and messaging apps.

Design software

Software used for tasks like Photoshop and AutoCAD.

Productivity software

Software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Compiler

Converts code into machine language all at once.

IDE

Software for writing, testing, and debugging code.

Machine language

Binary code computers understand directly.

High-level language

Human-readable programming languages such as Python and Java.

Assembly language

Low-level symbolic code close to machine language.

Agile

Flexible development with continuous updates.

DevOps

Combines development + operations for faster delivery.

Off-the-shelf

Ready-made software sold commercially.

Open-source

Free software with public code access.

Proprietary

Owned software with restricted code.

SaaS

Software accessed over the internet (subscription).

Software development

Process of creating software.

SDLC

Step-by-step process of building software.

Waterfall

Linear development process (step-by-step, no looping).

Analysis

SDLC step to identify requirements.

Design

SDLC step to plan system structure.

Testing

SDLC step to check for errors and bugs.

Modem

Connects your network to the internet.

NIC

Hardware that connects device to network.

Router

Directs traffic between networks.

Switch

Connects devices within same network.

Star topology

All devices connect to a central hub.

Mesh topology

Every device connects to many others.

Point-to-point

Direct connection between two devices.

Bus topology

All devices share one main cable.

Ring topology

Devices connected in a circle.

Tree topology

Hierarchical structure of networks.

LAN

Network covering a small area like a home or school.

WAN

Network covering a large area such as countries or global.

VLAN

Virtual separated network inside LAN.

VPN

Secure encrypted connection over internet.

Satellite

Network that uses satellites for communication.

Cellular

Mobile network system.

FTP

Transfers files between computers.

HTTP

Web communication protocol.

Internet

Global network of connected systems.

IP

Address system for devices.

OSI model

Framework for network communication layers.

SMTP

Sends emails.

TCP

Ensures reliable data transmission.

Transmission media

Path data travels through network.

Data creation

First step of the internet process where user creates data.

Packetization

Step in the internet process where data is split into packets.

Routing

Step in the internet process where packets travel through network paths.

Reassembly

Step in the internet process where packets are rebuilt at destination.

Final delivery

Step in the internet process where the user receives data.

Wired

Physical cables such as Ethernet and fiber.

Wireless

Transmission without cables such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular.

Data analytics

Analyzing data to find patterns.

DIKW

Data $\rightarrow$ Information $\rightarrow$ Knowledge $\rightarrow$ Wisdom.

Database

Organized data collection.

DBMS

Software to manage databases.

Data tables

Rows and columns storing data.

Metadata

Data about data.

Relational database

Data stored in related tables.

Alphanumeric

A data type consisting of letters and numbers.

Audio

A data type consisting of sound data.

Image

A data type consisting of picture data.

Video

A data type consisting of moving images and sound.

DaaS

Desktop delivered via cloud.

Hybrid cloud

Mix of private and public cloud.

IaaS

Rent infrastructure such as servers and storage.

PaaS

Platform for developers.

Private cloud

Cloud services exclusive to one organization.

Public cloud

Shared cloud services.

Confidentiality

Component of the CIA Triad ensuring only authorized users access data.

Integrity

Component of the CIA Triad ensuring data is accurate and not altered.

Availability

Component of the CIA Triad ensuring systems are accessible when needed.

Authentication

Verifying identity before access is granted.