VT Exam 1 Study Guide Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the VT Exam 1 Study Guide covering Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, and Chapter 5.

Binary Code

A system of representing data using ON/OFF, 1/0, or YES/NO states.

Bit (b)

Represented by a lowercase 'b', a bit is a single binary digit used to measure data transfer rates such as upload and download speeds.

Byte (B)

Represented by an uppercase 'B', a byte equals 8 bits and is used to measure file size and storage capacity.

Powers of Two

The mathematical progression where each binary position doubles from the previous one, generating powers of two such as $2^1$, $2^2$, and $2^3$.

Microprocessor

An integrated circuit containing the CPU that allows modern computers to be smaller, more powerful, and multi-purpose.

Gordon Moore

The founder of Intel.

Quantum Computing

A computing technology that uses qubits to process complex data much faster than traditional computers.

Qubit

A quantum bit used in quantum computing that can represent both 0 and 1 at the same time, unlike traditional bits.

Ergonomics

The study of designing a proper workspace (including posture, monitor placement below eye level, frequent breaks, and elbows at a 90-degree angle) to optimize health, comfort, and productivity.

Business Productivity Software

Application software designed to enable collaboration with colleagues and improve workflow.

Word Processing Software

An application (such as Word or Pages) used to format text, check spelling and grammar, insert graphics, organize text, and adjust page layouts.

Spreadsheet Application

An application that creates electronic worksheets composed of rows and columns to sort, filter, rearrange, and display data in charts or graphs.

Cell

The intersection of a row and a column within a spreadsheet application.

Presentation Software

Software used to create, edit, and rearrange electronic presentations to display facts and ideas on slides using design templates.

Database Application

Software (such as Microsoft Access) used to create and manage a collection of related records organized into one or more tables.

Record

A component in a database table that contains information about a single entry.

Field

A single piece of information within a database record.

Personal Information Manager (PIM)

Software (such as Outlook or Google) that manages email, calendar, contacts, and tasks all in one place.

Financial Software

Software used to track expenses, taxes, invoicing, payroll, and inventory, as well as generate reports and graphs.

Document Management System (DMS)

A system where files are stored on a server or the web to make them more secure and accessible.

Project Management Software

Software designed to help users complete projects while staying within budget, staying on schedule, and collaborating effectively.

Customer Relations Management (CRM)

A system for maintaining customer information and connections that can be cloud-based or locally hosted.

Commercial Software

Expensive software sold as suites or individual applications under proprietary licenses.

Open-Source Software

Software with published source code available to the public without fees, allowing anyone to copy, modify, and redistribute it.

End-User License Agreement (EULA)

A legal agreement between the software user and the software publisher.

Proprietary License

A software license that grants a user permission to use the software while retaining ownership with the publisher.

Open-Source License

A license that grants software ownership and modification rights to the user.

Cloud Computing

A computing paradigm that moves storage and processing tasks from a local desktop to internet-based servers (the cloud).

Folder

A container used within a file system to organize files.

Path

The specific sequence of folders leading to a file.

Library

A tool that helps organize content by gathering files from different locations into aggregated views like Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos.

File Explorer

A file management program used to navigate a file system, containing a search box, ribbon, address bar, navigation pane, and file list area.

File Extension

The suffix attached to a file name that determines its file format and default opening program; total file names can be up to 260 characters long.

Lossy Compression

A compression algorithm where extracted files are not identical to the original but are considered 'good enough'.

Lossless Compression

A compression algorithm that compresses files less than lossy compression, but restores 100% of original data upon extraction.

Spotlight

A search feature in macOS accessed by clicking the magnifying glass to search files, folders, contacts, and other system data.

Boolean Operators

Logical operators used to refine searches, including AND (requires both words), OR (requires either word), and NOT (includes the first word but excludes the second).

Operating System (OS)

The primary system software that provides an interface between hardware and software, managing users, files, applications, and hardware resources.

Task Manager / Activity Monitor

System monitoring tools (Task Manager on Windows, Activity Monitor on Mac) that display CPU and RAM usage per app and enable force-quitting problematic applications.

Linux

An open-source operating system developed in 1991 with publicly available source code and multiple distributions (distros) used mostly by developers.

Beta Software

A pre-release, incomplete, and potentially buggy version of software used exclusively for testing.

Administrator Account

A user account type that grants full access and complete control over a computer device.

Embedded OS

A specialized operating system built into single-purpose hardware devices such as GPS units, ATMs, and car entertainment systems (e.g., CarPlay).

Client-Server Network

A centralized network structure utilizing single sign-on (SSO) systems, such as university networks like LSU.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network

A decentralized network where computers share resources directly with one another without a central server.

Firewall

A security software utility designed to block unauthorized access to or from a network.

Malware

Harmful software programs designed to damage or disrupt computer systems, including viruses and spyware.

Safe Mode

A diagnostic operating mode used to troubleshoot system issues, intended only for diagnostic purposes rather than regular system use.