CGS EXAM

Computer Hardware

The physical components of a computer that can be touched and seen.

Augmented Reality (AR)

An interactive experience where real-world environments are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside the computer.

Desktop vs Laptop Computer

Desktops are stationary computers, while laptops are portable, compact, and include integrated components.

Hardware Definition

The tangible components of a computer system that include the machine itself and peripheral devices.

Input vs Output

Input devices feed data into a computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse), while output devices present data from a computer (e.g., monitor, printer).

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Temporary storage that provides space for your computer to read and write data to be accessed quickly.

Screen Resolution

The number of pixels displayed on a screen, affecting visual clarity.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

A standard for connecting peripherals to a computer and transferring data.

Virtual Reality (VR)

A simulated experience that can mimic or differ from the real world, often using special headsets.

Computer Storage

The components and devices that store data in a computer, such as hard drives and SSDs.

Cloud Storage

Storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet.

Hard Drive

A traditional storage device that uses spinning magnetic disks to read and write data.

Optical Drive

A hardware component used to read and write data from optical disks like CDs and DVDs.

SSD (Solid State Drive)

A storage device that uses flash memory to store data, offering faster performance than traditional hard drives.

Storage Units: Bit, Byte, KB, MB, GB, TB

Spectrums of data measurement ranging from a single binary digit (bit) to terabytes (TB), encompassing various sizes of data.

Computer Software

Programs and operating information used by a computer to perform tasks.

Algorithm

A step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem.

Common Programming Languages

Languages such as Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript used to write software and applications.

Compiler

A program that translates code written in a programming language into machine language.

Copyright

A legal right that grants the creator of original work exclusive rights to its use and distribution.

Creative Commons

A licensing system that allows creators to specify how their work can be used by others.

Debugging

The process of identifying and removing errors from computer software.

Open Source

Software for which the original source code is made freely available for anyone to use, modify, or distribute.

Operating System

Software that manages computer hardware and provides services for computer programs. Examples include Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux.

Programming Definition

The process of designing and building executable computer software to accomplish a specific task.

Software Definition

A set of instructions or programs that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks.

Software License

A legal instrument governing the use or redistribution of software.

Mobile Devices

Portable computing devices that often have multifunctional capabilities, including smartphones and tablets.

Android

An open-source operating system used primarily for mobile devices, developed by Google.

Crowdsourcing

The practice of obtaining services, ideas, or content by soliciting contributions from a large group of people.

Health and Safety: Best Practices

Recommended guidelines to maintain safety and well-being while using technology.

iOS

A mobile operating system created by Apple, used for its iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.

Location-based Services

Services that use geographic information to provide information relevant to a user's location.

Lock Screen Security

Features on mobile devices that protect the user's data by requiring authentication to access the device.

Real-time Information

Data that is delivered immediately after collection.

SMS (Short Message Service)

A text messaging service component of mobile communication systems.

Smartphone Definition

A mobile phone that includes advanced features like internet access, applications, and high-resolution cameras.

Tablet Definition

A mobile device with a touchscreen display, larger than a smartphone and with capabilities similar to a computer.

Tethering

Connecting a mobile device to a computer or another device to share its internet connection.

Virtual / Digital Voice Assistant

A software agent that can interpret voice commands and perform tasks for users.

Bandwidth

The maximum rate of data transfer across a network.

Bluetooth

A wireless technology standard used for exchanging data between devices over short distances.

Broadband

High-speed internet access that is always on.

Client vs Server

A client is a device that requests services, while a server is a device that provides those services.

Cloud Computing - Definition

The delivery of various services over the internet, including data storage, servers, databases, networking, software, and analytics.

Cloud Computing - Benefits for Businesses

Cost efficiency, scalability, and flexibility.

IoT (Internet of Things)

The interconnection of everyday devices to the internet, allowing them to send and receive data.

Network Definition

A collection of computers and devices interconnected for sharing resources and data.

NFC (Near Field Communication)

A set of communication protocols used for communication between devices close to each other.

Router

A device that forwards data packets between computer networks.

Wi-Fi

A technology that allows devices to connect to a local area network using radio waves.

BitTorrent

A communication protocol for peer-to-peer file sharing.

Common Web Browsers

Software applications used to access information on the World Wide Web, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

Credible vs Noncredible Sources

Credible sources are reliable and trustworthy; noncredible sources often lack verification or authority.

E-Commerce

Buying and selling goods or services using the internet, including B2B, B2C, and C2C models.

Email Components: To, From, CC, BCC, Subject, Body, Attachment

Essential elements that make up an email message.

Gig Economy

A labor market characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work instead of permanent jobs.

Internet Definition

A global system of interconnected computer networks that use the TCP/IP protocol to link devices worldwide.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

A company that provides individuals and organizations access to the internet.

Social Media Definition and Example Services

Websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or participate in social networking. Examples include Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Streaming

The continuous transmission of audio and video files over the internet.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

The address used to access a resource on the internet, composed of protocol, domain, subdomain, TLD, and path.

Web Browser

Software for accessing the World Wide Web, which includes features like cache, cookies, and history.

World Wide Web

The system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the internet.

Acceptable Use Policy

Set of rules applied by the owner of a network to regulate the way in which the network may be used.

Authentication vs Authorization

Authentication is verifying who a user is, while authorization is determining what a user can do.

Biometrics

Technological measurement and statistical analysis of biological data, often used for identification.

Black Hat vs White Hat Hacker

Black hat hackers violate computer security for malicious reasons, whereas white hat hackers use their skills for defensive purposes.

Blockchain and Cryptocurrency

A distributed ledger technology that records transactions securely, often used in digital currencies.

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service)

A malicious attempt to disrupt the normal functioning of a targeted server, service, or network.

Digital Footprints

The trail of data you leave online, including websites visited and interactions made.

Email Etiquette in Business

The set of conventions and practices that govern the professional use of email.

Encryption

The process of encoding information to prevent unauthorized access.

Ergonomics

The study of people's efficiency in their working environment, aimed at minimizing discomfort.

Firewall

A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.

Information Security: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability

Principles ensuring that data is accessible only to authorized users, is accurate, and is available when needed.

Malware

Malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise a computer system.

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

A security system that requires more than one form of verification to gain access.

Netiquette

The correct or acceptable way of communicating on the internet.

Phishing

A fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity.

Piracy - Software / Internet

The unauthorized use or distribution of software.

Ransomware

A type of malware that encrypts files and demands payment for decryption.

Spam

Unwanted or irrelevant messages sent over the internet, typically to promote products or services.

Trojan

A type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software.

UPS and Surge Protectors

Uninterruptible Power Supplies and surge protectors safeguard devices from power surges and outages.

Virus

A type of malicious software that, when executed, replicates by inserting copies into other computer programs.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A service that encrypts your internet connection for privacy and security.

Big Data

Large volumes of data that can be analyzed for insights and information.

DBMS (Database Management System)

Software that interacts with users, applications, and databases to capture and analyze data. Examples include MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MongoDB, and PostgreSQL.

Database Definition

An organized collection of structured information or data.

Field vs Record

A field is a single piece of data; a record is a complete set of fields.

Primary Key

A unique identifier for a database record.

Query

A request for data or information from a database.

Table

A structured format of data organized in rows and columns.

Data Analytics

The science of analyzing raw data to make conclusions about that information.

Benefits of Data Analytics in Business

Improved decision-making, operational efficiency, and increased profitability.

Data Analytics Definition

The process of examining data sets to draw conclusions about the information they contain.

Data Visualization

The representation of data through visual elements like charts and graphs.

Data Anonymization and PII

The process of removing personally identifiable information from datasets to protect privacy.