Internet Fundamentals Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the fundamentals of the Internet and computing systems.

Computing Device

A machine that can run a program, including computers, tablets, servers, routers, and smart sensors.

Computing System

A group of computing devices and programs working together for a common purpose.

Computing Network

A group of interconnected computing devices capable of sending or receiving data.

Path

The series of connections between computing devices on a network starting with a sender and ending with a receiver.

Bandwidth

The maximum amount of data that can be sent in a fixed amount of time, usually measured in bits per second.

Protocol

An agreed-upon set of rules that specify the behavior of some system.

IP Address

The unique number assigned to each device on the Internet.

Internet Protocol (IP)

A protocol for sending data across the Internet that assigns unique numbers (IP addresses) to each connected device.

Router

A type of computer that forwards data across a network.

Redundancy

The inclusion of extra components so that a system can continue to work even if individual components fail.

Fault Tolerant

Can continue to function even in the event of individual component failures.

Datastream

Information passed through the internet in packets.

Packet

A chunk of data sent over a network.

Packet Metadata

Data added to packets to help route them through the network and reassemble the original message.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

A protocol for sending packets that does error-checking to ensure all packets are received and properly ordered.

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

A protocol for sending packets quickly with minimal error-checking and no resending of dropped packets.

Scalability

The capacity for the system to change in size and scale to meet new demands.

The Domain Name System (DNS)

The system responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses.

World Wide Web

A system of linked pages, programs, and files.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

A protocol for computers to request and share the pages that make up the world wide web on the internet.

Digital Divide

Differing access to computing devices and the Internet, based on socioeconomic, geographic, or demographic characteristics.