Computers Final: Web, Hardware, Software & Cybersecurity Key Concepts

What is the difference between the Internet and the Web?

Internet = global network; Web = collection of websites on the Internet.

What is the difference between a webpage and a website?

Webpage = single page; Website = collection of webpages.

What is a browser? Give 3 examples.

Software to access web. Examples: Chrome, Safari, Firefox.

What is a URL?

Web address; includes protocol, domain, TLD, path.

What is the difference between a domain name and a URL?

Domain = website name; URL = full address including path.

What is a TLD? Give examples.

Domain ending (.com, .org, .net).

What is a secure website?

A site using HTTPS + encryption.

What are signs of a secure site?

Padlock, HTTPS, valid certificate.

What is a digital certificate?

Proof website is legitimate.

What is encryption?

Scrambling data for protection.

What is computer hardware?

Physical parts: CPU, RAM, keyboard, screen.

What is a multi-core processor?

CPU with multiple processing cores.

What is cache memory?

Fast memory built into CPU.

What does the Control Unit do?

Directs operations in the CPU.

What is the ALU?

Performs math and logic.

What are three types of memory?

RAM, ROM, Cache.

What is the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory?

Volatile loses power (RAM); non-volatile stores permanently (SSD).

Name three input and output devices.

Input: keyboard, mouse, scanner. Output: printer, speakers, monitor.

What is ASCII?

Code representing characters using numbers.

What is the difference between a bit and a byte?

Bit = 1 or 0; Byte = 8 bits.

What is the difference between HDD and SSD?

HDD = mechanical, slower. SSD = faster, no moving parts.

Name two cloud storage services.

Google Drive, iCloud.

What are two major computer platforms?

Windows, macOS.

What is system software?

Software managing hardware. Example: Operating System.

What are six functions of an operating system?

File management, memory management, security, multitasking, device handling, UI.

What is a GUI?

Visual interface with icons, windows, menus.

What is SaaS? Give an example.

Software delivered over the internet; example: Google Docs.

What are the three main operating systems?

Windows, macOS, Linux.

What is virtualization?

Running multiple OS on one computer.

What is the core of the OS?

Kernel.

What are common office file extensions?

.docx, .xlsx, .pptx.

What are mobile operating systems?

iOS, Android.

What is the difference between open source and closed source?

Open: editable by public. Closed: proprietary.

What are script kiddies?

Unskilled attackers using prebuilt tools.

What are hacktivists?

Hackers motivated by political causes.

What are cyberterrorists?

Attackers causing fear or disruption.

What are nation-state actors?

Government-sponsored hackers.

Who are insiders in cybersecurity?

Employees with harmful access.

What is the difference between cyberbullying and cyberstalking?

Bullying = repeated harassment; stalking = persistent monitoring.

Name two addictive social apps.

TikTok, Instagram.

What is malware?

Software designed to cause harm.

What is a virus?

Attaches to files and spreads.

What is a worm?

Self-replicates without user action.

What is a Trojan?

Disguised as a safe program.

What is ransomware?

Locks data until ransom is paid.

What is social engineering? Give an example.

Manipulating people; example: phishing.

What are five principles of social engineering?

Authority, intimidation, consensus, scarcity, urgency.

What is authentication?

Proving identity. Example: password + text code (2FA).

What are biometrics? Give examples.

Using physical traits: fingerprint, face ID.

What is the difference between encryption and decryption?

Encryption = scramble data. Decryption = decode data.

What is identity theft?

Stealing personal info; leads to financial loss.

How is information stolen?

Phishing, malware, breaches.

What are some protections against information theft?

Strong passwords, secure sites, 2FA.