Digital Information and Computing Concepts

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions from the Digital Information course and related computing concepts.

Binary

A way of representing information using only two options.

Bit

A contraction of 'Binary Digit'; the single unit of information in a computer, typically represented as a 0 or 1.

Byte

8 bits.

Decimal

A way of representing information using ten options.

Overflow Error

Error from attempting to represent a number that is too large.

Round-off Error

Error from attempting to represent a number that is too precise; the value is rounded.

Analog Data

Data with values that change continuously over time, such as music or colors.

Digital Data

Data that changes discretely through a finite set of possible values.

Sampling

A process for creating a digital representation of analog data by measuring at regular intervals.

Lossless Compression

A process for reducing bits needed without losing any information; reversible.

Lossy Compression

A process for reducing bits needed where some information is lost; not reversible.

Creative Commons

Public copyright licenses enabling free distribution of copyrighted work.

Intellectual Property

A work or invention resulting from creativity, to which one has rights.

Bandwidth

Maximum amount of data that can be sent in a fixed amount of time.

Computing Device

A machine that can run a program, including computers and tablets.

Computing Network

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

Computing System

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

IP Address

The unique number assigned to each device on the Internet.

Protocol

An agreed-upon set of rules specifying behavior of a system.

Fault Tolerant

Can continue functioning even amid individual component failures.

Redundancy

Inclusion of extra components to continue function if others fail.

Router

A type of computer that forwards data across a network.

Packet

A chunk of data sent over a network.

Domain Name System (DNS)

The system responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses.

HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

Protocol used for transmitting web pages over the Internet.

Digital Divide

Differing access to computing devices and the Internet based on various characteristics.

Input

Data sent to a computer for processing by a program.

Output

Any data sent from a program to a device.

User Interface

The inputs and outputs allowing a user to interact with software.

Event Driven Programming

Program statements that run when triggered by events.

Program

A collection of program statements that run one command at a time.

Variable

A named reference to a value that can be used throughout a program.

Boolean Value

A data type that is either true or false.

Function

A named group of programming instructions.

Return

Used to return to the point where a procedure was called.

Library

A group of functions (procedures) for creating new programs.

Cybersecurity

The practice of protecting systems from digital attacks.

Keylogging

Recording keystrokes to gain unauthorized access.

Malware

Software intended to damage a computing system.

Phishing

Technique attempting to trick users into giving personal information.

Encryption

A process of encoding messages to keep them secret.

Algorithm

A finite set of instructions that accomplish a task.

Iteration

Repeating a portion of an algorithm until a condition is met.

Heuristic

Provides a 'good enough' solution to impractical problems.

Distributed Computing

A model where programs run on multiple devices.

Sequential Computing

A model where programs run in order, one command at a time.