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Key vocabulary terms and concise definitions drawn from the Grade 9 ICT textbook, covering operating systems, spreadsheets, presentations, word processing, networking, ethics, programming and databases.
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Operating System (OS)
System software that controls hardware and enables user–computer communication.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Visual interface that lets users interact through icons, windows and menus.
Memory Management
OS function that allocates, tracks and frees computer RAM for programs and data.
Processor Management
OS task of distributing CPU time slices among simultaneous processes.
File Management
OS service that organises, stores, retrieves and transfers data files.
Peripheral / Hardware Management
OS control of input, output and storage devices attached to the computer.
System Security Management
OS monitoring of login, passwords and access rights to protect data.
Error Handling
OS action that detects, reports and sometimes corrects run-time faults.
Single-User System
Operating system that supports only one user at a time.
Multi-User System
Operating system allowing several users to access resources simultaneously.
Multi-Processing System
Operating system capable of using more than one CPU.
Multi-Tasking System
Operating system that runs several programs concurrently.
Troubleshooting
Process of identifying and resolving computer hardware or software problems.
Conditional Formatting
Excel feature that changes cell appearance when specified criteria are met.
Cell Style
Preset combination of font, colour and formatting applied to worksheet cells.
Table Style
Pre-built design that formats an entire Excel table consistently.
IF Statement (Excel)
Formula that returns one value if a condition is true and another if false.
COUNTIF Function
Excel function that counts cells within a range that meet given criteria.
Slide Master
Top slide in PowerPoint that stores theme, fonts and placeholders for all layouts.
Design Template (PowerPoint)
Saved .potx file containing preset layouts, colours, fonts and effects.
Mail Merge
Word process that combines a main document with a data source to create personalised copies.
Table of Contents (TOC)
Automatically generated list of document headings and corresponding page numbers.
Table of Figures
Auto-generated list of captions for tables or images with their page numbers.
Heading Style
Pre-defined Word format (e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2) used to structure documents.
Personal Area Network (PAN)
Very small network (room range) connecting devices of one person, often via Bluetooth or USB.
Local Area Network (LAN)
Network covering a limited area such as a building, using cables or Wi-Fi.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Network that links LANs across a town or city.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Network that spans a country or the globe, often using public telecommunication links.
Storage Area Network (SAN)
Specialised high-speed network connecting multiple servers to a pool of storage devices.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Secure encrypted tunnel over the Internet that links users to a private network.
Bus Topology
Network layout where all devices share a single backbone cable.
Ring Topology
Network arrangement in which each node connects to exactly two others forming a loop.
Star Topology
Network design where each node connects to a central hub or switch.
Mesh Topology
Network structure with nodes interconnected to many others, providing multiple paths.
Tree (Hierarchical) Topology
Network that combines star groups onto a bus, arranged like branches of a tree.
Intranet
Private network accessible only to an organisation’s members.
Extranet
Extension of an intranet that grants controlled access to external partners.
Wi-Fi
Wireless networking technology using radio waves for high-speed Internet access.
Modem
Device that converts digital signals to analogue (and back) for communication over cables or phone lines.
Router
Networking device that forwards data packets between different networks.
Firewall
Hardware or software that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic.
Ownership (Digital)
Legal right of the creator or purchaser to possess a work or item.
Copyright ©
Law granting creators exclusive rights to copy, distribute and modify their works.
Plagiarism
Presenting someone else’s work or ideas as one’s own without proper credit.
Ergonomics
Science of designing equipment and workspace to fit the user and reduce strain.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Pain in muscles, nerves or tendons due to repeated movements such as typing.
Eye Strain
Tired or painful eyes from prolonged screen use, glare or poor lighting.
Back & Neck Pain
Musculoskeletal discomfort caused by poor posture or unsuitable furniture while computing.
Hacking
Gaining unauthorised access to computer systems or data.
Computer Virus
Malicious self-replicating program that can damage files or systems.
Cyberbullying
Use of digital media to harass, threaten or humiliate someone repeatedly.
Podcast
Series of downloadable audio recordings distributed via the Internet.
Vodcast
Podcast that delivers video files instead of audio only.
Wiki
Collaborative website that allows users to add, edit and delete content (e.g., Wikipedia).
Blog
Online journal or informational website displaying posts in reverse chronological order.
Social Networking
Online platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) for building social relationships and sharing content.
Videoconferencing
Live visual communication between people in different locations via networked devices.
Trace Table
Grid used to record variable values while dry-running a flowchart or algorithm.
Variable
Named memory location whose stored value can change during program execution.
Flowchart
Diagram that uses symbols and arrows to represent steps in a problem-solving process.
Sequence (Algorithm)
Construct where instructions are executed one after another in order.
Selection
Algorithmic construct that chooses between alternative actions based on a condition.
Loop / Iteration
Construct that repeats a set of instructions until a condition is met.
Structured English
Plain-language method that mixes English phrases with programming logic to describe algorithms.
Python
High-level, easy-to-read programming language used for general-purpose coding.
print() Statement
Python command that outputs text, numbers or variables to the screen.
input() Statement
Python command that reads user input as a string and stores it in a variable.
Form Wizard (Access)
Tool that guides users through steps to create data-entry forms automatically.
Query (Access)
Database object that retrieves specific records based on set criteria.
Report (Access)
Formatted output of database information, often summarised and ready for printing.
Datasheet View
Access table or query view that shows data in rows and columns, similar to a spreadsheet.
Design View
Access view that lets users define or modify the structure of tables, queries, forms or reports.