Grade 10 Exploring IT – Computer Networks & System Software Vocabulary

Key vocabulary terms and concise definitions drawn from the Grade 10 Exploring IT lecture on computer networks, system software, security, cabling, and related concepts.

Computer Network

Two or more connected devices (nodes) that share resources and data via a communication channel.

Node

Any device connected to a network, such as a computer, printer or mobile device.

Stand-Alone Computer

A computer that is not connected to any other device or network.

Client-Server Network

Network model where dedicated server(s) provide resources or services to client computers.

Client (in networking)

A local computer or device that requests and uses services from a server.

Server

A powerful computer that manages network resources and provides services to clients.

File Server

Server that stores and manages files for network users.

Print Server

Server that controls one or more printers and manages printing jobs across a network.

Web Server

Hardware-software combination that stores website files and delivers web pages to clients on request.

Email Server

Server that stores incoming mail, sends outgoing messages and manages user mailboxes.

Proxy Server

Intermediary server that filters, caches and controls web traffic between clients and the Internet.

Local Server

Server physically located on-site within an organisation’s premises.

Cloud Server

Virtual server hosted on the Internet, providing on-demand resources and scalable storage.

Bandwidth

Maximum data transfer capacity of a network connection, usually measured in bits per second.

Data Transfer Rate

Amount of data that can be moved across a network in a given time period.

LAN (Local Area Network)

Network covering a limited area such as a home, school or office building.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

Network that interconnects LANs across a city or large campus.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

Network that spans broad geographic areas, linking multiple LANs/MANs over long distances.

GAN (Global Area Network)

Worldwide wide-area network; the Internet is a prime example.

HAN (Home Area Network)

Network within a home connecting personal and household digital devices.

PAN (Personal Area Network)

Short-range network for a single user’s devices, often using Bluetooth or USB.

Router

Device that joins multiple networks and routes data packets between them.

Switch

Network device that connects nodes within a LAN and forwards frames based on MAC addresses.

Firewall

Hardware or software system that controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules.

Network Access Control (NAC)

Security process that authenticates users/devices and enforces policies before granting network access.

Bandwidth Bottleneck

Point in a network where limited bandwidth slows overall data transfer.

Centralisation (in networking)

Storing applications or data on a central server for easier management and access.

Cloud Storage

Online service that stores data on remote servers accessible via the Internet.

Remote Access

Ability to reach a computer or network from a distant location through a network connection.

Productivity (network context)

Improved efficiency achieved by fast communication, shared resources and collaborative tools on a network.

Malware

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

Virus

Self-replicating malware that attaches to files or programs and spreads to other computers.

Worm

Malware that replicates itself over networks without needing to attach to files.

Trojan

Malware disguised as legitimate software that performs malicious actions once executed.

Adware

Software that automatically displays or downloads unwanted advertising.

Spam

Unsolicited bulk electronic messages, typically email.

Anti-Virus Software

Program that detects, removes and prevents computer viruses and other malware.

Signature (virus)

Unique piece of code used by anti-virus programs to identify a specific malware instance.

Patch/Update

Software fix or enhancement released to correct bugs or improve security/features.

Task Scheduler

Utility that runs programs or scripts automatically at predefined times or events.

Compression

Process of reducing file size for storage or transfer, e.g., creating ZIP archives.

Decompression

Restoring compressed data to its original form.

Backup

Copy of data stored separately to protect against loss or corruption.

Archive

Long-term storage of infrequently used data, often compressed to save space.

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)

Common copper network cabling consisting of twisted wire pairs without shielding.

STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)

Twisted-pair cable with additional shielding to reduce interference and crosstalk.

Fibre Optic Cable

High-speed cabling that transmits data as pulses of light through glass or plastic fibres.

Attenuation

Loss of signal strength over distance in a transmission medium.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

External electromagnetic energy that disrupts signal transmission in cables.

Crosstalk

Interference caused by signals in adjacent wires corrupting each other.

Repeater

Device that regenerates and strengthens signals to extend cable length limitations.

Backbone Cable

Main high-capacity cable that interconnects segments of a network, often fibre optic.

Microwave Transmission

Wireless communication using high-frequency radio waves for long-distance line-of-sight links.

Satellite Communication

Data transmission that uses orbiting satellites to relay signals between distant points on Earth.

Geo-Stationary Satellite

Satellite that orbits Earth at the equator and appears stationary relative to the surface.

Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) Satellite

Satellite orbiting close to Earth (400–1600 miles) offering low-latency communications.

Bluetooth

Short-range wireless technology for PAN connectivity between devices.

Wi-Fi Router

Device that provides wireless network access and routes traffic to the Internet.

Bandwidth Dependency

Reliance on sufficient bandwidth; low speeds hinder large data transfer or cloud use.

Dependency on Servers

Risk that network functionality fails if a critical server becomes unavailable.

File Sharing

Distributing or granting access to digital files over a network.

Network Application

Software that relies on network connectivity and often runs partly on a server.

Google Docs / MS Office 365

Examples of cloud-based office suites allowing online creation, sharing and collaboration.

NAC Authentication

Verification of user credentials before granting network privileges.

Permissions (network)

Rights assigned to users defining which resources they can access or actions they may perform.

Stand-Alone License (EULA)

Proprietary software licence allowing use on a single machine under defined terms.

Open Source Licence

Software licence granting access to source code and permission to modify and redistribute it.

Creative Commons Licence

Licence that lets creators share work freely while retaining copyright and requiring attribution.

Freeware

Proprietary software distributed at no monetary cost but without available source code.

Freemium Software

Model offering basic features free while charging for advanced or additional functions.