Computer Concepts - Hardware, Processors, Cybersecurity & Safety

Vocabulary flashcards covering computer hardware, CPU architecture, memory types, cybersecurity threats, authentication, and ergonomic guidelines based on Module 3 and 6 notes.

Binary System

A system where binary electrical states represent all digital data; a value of 0 indicates the complete absence of an electronic charge, while a value of 1 indicates the presence of an electronic charge.

Bit

A binary digit (0 or 1) representing the absolute smallest unit of data a computer system can process.

Byte

A standardized group of 8 bits representing single characters, symbols, or numbers.

ASCII

An 8-bit coding scheme capable of representing $2^8 = 256$ distinct characters.

Unicode

A 16-bit universal coding scheme capable of representing $2^{16} = 65,536$ characters, acting as a global language extension of ASCII.

Address/Data Bus

Electronic circuit pathways routing instructions, data addresses, and control signals between system components.

RAM vs. ROM

RAM is volatile working memory that holds active OS components and applications and allows data to be read, erased, or modified; ROM is nonvolatile memory permanently on the motherboard that can only be read and stores the BIOS.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

An integrated circuit mounted directly onto the main motherboard containing millions of microscopic transistors responsible for executing program instructions and transforming raw data into meaningful information.

Multi-Core Processor

Circuitry housing multiple independent physical processor units ("cores") on a single chip to execute parallel processing.

Processor Cache

High-speed specialized memory built directly into the CPU die that stores frequently accessed data to eliminate operational bottlenecks with main RAM memory.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Internal CPU calculator executing all mathematical operations (addition, subtraction) and logical evaluations (AND, OR, NOT).

Control Unit

Internal CPU controller managing instruction execution using the standardized Machine Cycle.

Machine Cycle

The four-step processor cycle consisting of Fetch (retrieves instruction from system memory), Decode (translates instruction into micro-commands), Execute (commands ALU to perform operation), and Store (writes execution results back to memory registers).

Virtual Memory

Memory allocated on the hard drive as a swap file (or paging file) by the operating system when physical RAM memory becomes exhausted.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

Nonvolatile firmware contained in ROM that initializes boot sequences, communicates between hardware and OS, and conducts the Power-On Self Test (POST).

Peripheral Devices

Any external component connected outside the CPU and primary memory, such as USB flash drives, external hard drives, VR headsets, or expansion cards.

Universal Peripheral Rule

The structural rule stating that all input and output devices are peripheral devices, but not all peripherals are strictly input or output devices.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Traditional magnetic mechanical storage drive.

Solid-State Drive (SSD)

High-speed storage drive utilizing nonvolatile flash memory chips.

Zero Trust

An enterprise security architecture broadly adopted by modern organizations to enforce strict access controls.

Threat Actor

Any entity or individual responsible for launching unauthorized cyberattacks.

Cybercriminal

An attacker who targets systems primarily for financial profit and monetary extortion.

Script Kiddies

Unskilled attackers who use automated, pre-packaged attack software written by others.

Broker

Security researchers or attackers who discover zero-day vulnerabilities and sell them to third parties.

Cyberterrorist

Ideologically motivated attackers seeking to cause public panic and infrastructure disruption.

Hacktivist

Attackers who deface or disable organizational systems to express political or social disagreement.

State Actor

Advanced government-sponsored actors launching sophisticated cyber operations against political adversaries.

Ransomware

Malware that encrypts system files, rendering devices unusable until a ransom fee is paid.

Keylogger

Malware that secretly records user keystrokes, clipboard contents, and screen grabs.

Trojan

Malicious code hidden inside an apparently useful, benign program.

Virus

Malicious code that replicates by inserting copies of itself into other executable programs.

Phishing

Fraudulent communications impersonating legitimate entities to trick users into revealing credentials.

Typo Squatting

Registering intentionally misspelled domain names matching popular websites to catch users who commit typos.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

A physical hazard caused by prolonged device usage, bad posture, and lack of breaks.

E-Waste

Electronic waste generating over 40 million tons globally per year containing toxic heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

An authentication method combining two independent factors: something you know (password) plus something you have (such as a smartphone receiving an out-of-band verification code).

Biometrics

An authentication technique using unique biological traits, such as fingerprints, facial recognition (measuring landmark points to form faceprints), and eye/iris pattern scanning.

CIA Security Triad

A foundational cybersecurity framework focused on establishing Confidentiality (preventing unauthorized access), Integrity (preventing unauthorized modification), and Availability (ensuring operational uptime).

Multi-Layered Security Architecture

A defensive architecture that secures organizational assets across four distinct rings: Organizational Level, Network, Application, and End user.

Ergonomic Workstation Setup

Workspace setup guidelines requiring a fully adjustable chair with 4 or 5 legs, feet flat on the floor, elbows at approximately $90^\times$, keyboard height between 23 to 28 inches, and screen viewing distance between 18 to 28 inches.

Sustainable Electronics Management (SEM)

A three-step approach for managing electronics throughout their life cycle: Step 1: Buy Green, Step 2: Donate, and Step 3: Recycle.