IB Digital Society K-O

Knowledge base

Facts and rules in an expert system.

Knowledge

Meaning can be derived from information and applied to achieve a set goal.

Light pollution

Excessive light in the environment.

Local area network (LAN)

A group of computers or devices that are connected on a single site.

Loot box

A virtual consumable that contains a random/ mystery item. These can be purchased or won in games/apps.

MAC address

A unique identifier assigned to every piece of hardware.

Machine code

Sometimes called object code, machine code is written in binary (Os and 1s) or hexadecimal instructions that the computer can respond to directly. Each type of computer has its own machine language.

Mainframe

A large computer used by businesses to host databases, servers used for transactions and business applications. Mainframe computers require high-level security measures.

Malicious software (malware)

Software designed to steal data or damage computers/IT systems.

Massive open online course (MOOC)

An online course that available for a nearly unlimited number of students to participate in.

Medical diagnostics

The equipment, tools and processes that professional medical personnel use to make a diagnosis.

Meme

An image, video, piece of text - typically humorous in nature - that it copied and spread rapidly by internet users, often with slight variations.

Metadata

A set of data that describes and gives information about other data.

Metropolitan area network (MAN)

A network that covers a larger geographical area, such as a city.

Microchip implant

Implanting an RFID transponder under the skin.

Microtargeting

The strategy of using consumer data and information to create personalised content and advertisements.

Micro-transactions (mtx)

The purchase of virtual goods for small sums of money in games/apps.

Microwork

Short-term projects completed quickly for payment.

Misinformation

False or inaccurate information that is mistakenly or inadvertently created or spread; the intent is not to deceive.

Mixed reality (MR)

Blending the real world and digital world to create new experiences.

Mobile service provider (MSP)

A company that offers cellular connection to mobile phone subscribers.

Modem

A device that converts digital data into analogue data so that it can be transmitted over a telephone line.

Moderation

A system designed to ensure messages posted online comply with the rules set by the online community.

Moore's Law

The number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit doubles every two years.

Motherboard

A circuit board that allows data to travel to the different components in a computer.

Multi-factor authentication

The use of multiple methods of authentication to verify a user's identity.

Multiplicity

A future in which artificial intelligence and robots are developed to work alongside people, rather than to replace them.

Nearsourcing

The practice of establishing operations as close to where the end-products are sold as possible.

Net neutrality

The concept that all data requests on the internet should be treated equally by the internet service providers (ISPs).

Netiquette

Rules that apply to your online behaviour to ensure the proper use of data, apps and programs.

Netizen

A person who uses the internet in a socially responsible way.

Network

A series of interconnected nodes (connection points) that are able to transmit, receive and exchange data. The data may have various formats including text, sound, images and video. Examples of nodes include computers, servers and routers.

Network interface card

Device responsible for converting data into a digital signal and communicating this data to a network.

Network protocol

A set of agreed rules that state how to format, send and receive data.

Noise pollution

Excessive noise in the environment.

Non-fungible token (NFT)

A unique digital artefact (usually drawings, music or art) combined with blockchain technology to allow a unique identification and authentication of the artefact.

Non-governmental organisation (NGO)

Transnational organisation that operates independently of government agencies.

Office automation system

A system designed to centralise and organise data, improve communication between workers and departments, manage calendars and facilitate collaboration in businesses.

Office design

The functional and decorative components of the working environment.

Offshoring

The practice of moving corporate operations overseas.

Online community

A group of people united by a shared interest or purpose who use digital tools to communicate with each other.

Online exhibition

An exhibition in a virtual venue (cyberspace).

Online forum

Any platform where people can post and discuss messages.

Online marketplace

A digital platform that allows individual sellers and buyers to trade.

Online voting

A systems that allows voters to cast their ballot online.

Open innovation

When an organisation incorporates external sources into their research and development strategy.

Open-source software

Is free of charge and free of copyright, allowing the source code to be modified, often by an open-source community. However, there is no guarantee that the software will be bug free or support readily available.

Operating system

Software that manages the hardware, software and memory of a computer as well as providing a user interface.

Organ printing

The 3D printing of organs using a combination of cells, proteins or biocompatible plastic that simulates the skeleton.

Outsourcing

The practice of moving corporate operations to another local company.