Grade 10 Information Technology: Basic Concepts of Computing

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering basic computing concepts, hardware, software types, computer classifications, impacts of computer use, and data management from Chapter 1.

ICT (Information and Communication Technologies)

All technologies that capture, transmit, and display data and information electronically, encompassing devices, applications, and networking that enable digital connection.

ICT System

The overall set-up of hardware, software, data, and users that relies on five components to function: People, Hardware, Software, Data, and Procedures.

Computer

A programmable electronic device that accepts data, performs mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and displays results.

IT (Information Technology)

A subset of ICT involving the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems, software, and networks for processing and communicating data.

IPOS Model

The general model representing the four primary functions of all computers: Input, Processing, Output, and Storage.

Data

Raw, unprocessed facts, numbers, or materials entered into a computer that are meaningless without processing.

Information

Facts and numbers that have been processed and organized so that they become useful, meaningful, and easy for humans to interpret.

RAM (Random-access memory)

Fast, temporary, and volatile memory where all data currently being executed is held; it is erased when the computer is powered off.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

A primary processing device used by every application to collect, decode, and execute general instructions.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

A processing device specifically designed to process pictures on the screen, particularly critical for 3D games.

System Software

Software that manages data flow on a computer and coordinates hardware tasks, with the Operating System (OS) being the most important example.

Application Software

Software designed for a specific purpose (such as typing, browsing, or sending messages) that allows users to create content or perform tasks.

Application Suite

A collection of multiple application software programs bundled and packaged together, such as Microsoft Office.

Shareware

Copyrighted software offered free for a trial period (often with limited features or a built-in expiration such as $30$ days) before prompting the user to pay.

Freeware

Software available free of charge where the distributing company retains full copyright and ownership rights.

Free Open Source Software (FOSS)

Software whose source code is open to the public, allowing users to modify, collaborate on, and redistribute the code for any purpose.

Proprietary Software

Software whose source code is kept secret by the distributor or developer and is not accessible or modifiable by the public or user.

Source Code

The original technical design or programming blueprint used by software developers to build a program.

General-purpose Computer

A computer capable of performing a wide range of different tasks rather than being limited to a single task, though not operating at super speed.

Specific-purpose Computer

A computer designed to handle a dedicated task or problem with high accuracy and efficiency, such as an ATM or an embedded device.

Super Computer

An extremely powerful computer engineered for specialized, data-intensive tasks such as weather forecasting.

Server

A non-mobile computer with high processing power built to manage networks, host websites, store files, and process large amounts of data.

Embedded Computer

A low-processing-power device designed for a fixed function within a larger apparatus, such as in an alarm clock, refrigerator, or anti-lock braking system.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

A painful medical inflammation of the tendons caused by repetitive physical overuse of muscles.

Tendon

The bodily tissue responsible for attaching muscle to bone.

Ergonomics

The study of human interaction with fabricated objects, with the goal of designing an environment suited to users' physical needs to minimize health risks.

Malware

Bad software created to attack computer systems, delete files, steal private data, or grant unauthorized access to attackers.

Barcode

A pattern of narrow and wide stripes readable by an optical scanner that encodes product information like availability, quantities, and orders.

Point of Sale (POS) System

An organizational ICT system used by supermarkets and stores that receives, stores, conveys, and manipulates product transaction data at checkout.