AP CSP Semester 1 – Key Terms

Computing device

Any device that can process data (phone, laptop, server, smartwatch).

Computing network

A group of computing devices connected to share data and resources.

Path

The route data packets take from sender to receiver.

Routing

The process of selecting paths for data to travel across a network.

Bandwidth

The maximum amount of data that can be sent over a network in a given time (speed ≠ bandwidth).

Protocol

A set of rules for how data is sent and received.

Scalability

A system's ability to grow and handle more users or data without breaking.

Packets

Small chunks of data sent independently across the internet.

World Wide Web (WWW)

A collection of linked web pages accessed via the internet (the web ≠ the internet).

Fault tolerance

A system's ability to continue working even when parts fail.

Redundancy

Having extra components or paths so the system still works if one fails.

Digital Divide

The gap between people who have access to technology and those who don't.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

Data that can identify someone (name, address, SSN, email, IP address).

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Using two or more verification methods (password + phone code).

Encryption

Symmetric encryption: same key to encrypt/decrypt; Asymmetric encryption: public key + private key.

Virus

Malware that spreads by attaching to files.

Malware

Any harmful software.

Phishing

Fake messages designed to trick users into giving information.

Keylogging

Recording keystrokes to steal information.

Rogue access point

A fake Wi-Fi network used to spy on users.

Binary digit (bit)

A single 0 or 1.

Analog data

Continuous data (sound waves, temperature).

Digital data

Discrete data represented in binary.

Compression

Lossy: smaller size, loses some data (JPEG, MP3) Lossless: no data lost (PNG, ZIP)