Digital Literacy and Introduction to Computer Systems Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining key terms, components, SDLC phases, and digital tools covered in Lecture 1.

Digital Literacy

The ability to access, manage, evaluate, create, and share content effectively, which plays a key role in workplace competency, social engagement, and informed decision making.

Accessing Information

A digital literacy skill focused on searching and finding resources across online libraries and digital sources.

Managing and Evaluating Information

A digital literacy skill that involves verifying whether online sources are reliable and organizing verified information for use.

Email

A digital communication tool used for sending official documents, formal proposals, and professional correspondence.

Cloud Storage

A collaboration technology that allows multiple users to open and edit the same online document simultaneously from different locations.

Project Management Tool

A collaboration tool used to create task lists, assign tasks, set deadlines, and track project progress.

Plagiarism and Copyright

An ethical issue involving the copying of paragraphs or content from an online article into work without acknowledging or citing the original author or source.

Cybersecurity

Responsible technology practices such as verifying email senders, using strong passwords, and applying two-factor authentication to protect digital systems.

Digital Footprint

The trail of personal information and photos publicly uploaded or left behind on social media and internet platforms that may continue to exist online.

First Generation Computers

Early computers that used vacuum tubes, making them extremely large, expensive, and unreliable compared with later systems.

Second Generation Computers

Computers that used transistors instead of vacuum tubes, resulting in smaller, faster, and more reliable systems.

Third Generation Computers

Computers constructed using Integrated Circuits (ICs).

Fourth Generation Computers

Computers developed using VLSI microprocessors and designed for personal use.

Fifth Generation Computers

Modern computer systems designed around Artificial Intelligence (AI) that provide powerful, portable, and internet-enabled computing.

Input Unit

The computer structure component that receives signals from input devices (like a keyboard), converts them into a computer-acceptable form, and sends them for processing.

Output Unit

The computer structure component that converts coded calculation results into a human-understandable form and displays them.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The component of the CPU that executes mathematical operations such as addition and multiplication as well as logical evaluations.

Control Unit

The CPU component that reads and interprets instructions, determines what actions should happen next, and sends control signals to coordinate other hardware components.

Primary Storage

Fast, small-capacity, expensive, and volatile memory used to hold active programs, instructions, and intermediate results while power is supplied.

Secondary Storage

Slower, large-capacity, cheaper, non-volatile storage used to preserve completed files, data, and programs after the computer is switched off.

Analysis Phase (SDLC)

The initial SDLC phase focused on gathering requirements, defining project scope, and identifying stakeholder expectations.

Design Phase (SDLC)

The SDLC phase where developers define software architecture, plan data flows and modules, and design user interfaces.

Development & Testing Phase (SDLC)

The SDLC phase where front-end and back-end developers build features to turn designs into working software and testers inspect for bugs.

Deployment Phase (SDLC)

The SDLC phase where finished software is installed, configured, released to users, and monitored for initial performance.

Maintenance Phase (SDLC)

The SDLC phase that occurs after software release where the team fixes reported bugs and implements requested features or updates.

Application Software

End-user programs designed to accomplish specific tasks, such as Microsoft Word for document creation or Google Chrome for web browsing.

System Software

Software such as operating systems (e.g., Windows) and device drivers that control hardware functions and supply a platform for other programs.

Utility Software

System-support software such as antivirus programs, file compressors, and backup tools used to protect and maintain a computer.

Programming Software

Tools used by developers to write, translate, and test software, including IDEs, compilers, and debuggers.