comp literacy

CIS 105 Midterm Study Guide – Spring 2025

Module 1: Impact of Digital Technology

History of Computers

• First Generation: Used vacuum tubes.

• Next Generation: Replaced vacuum tubes with transistors.

• 1960s: Introduction of integrated circuits.

• 1971: Development of the microprocessor.

• 1970s-1980s: Rise of the Personal Computer (PC).

Preparing for a Career in Technology

• Professional Online Presence:

  • Keep social profiles professional.

  • Upload and proofread resumes.

  • Use professional networks (LinkedIn, GitHub, etc.).

• Certifications:

  • Demonstrates expertise in software, hardware, operating systems.

  • Requires time and financial commitment.

Module 2: The Web

Keep Track of Web Pages Browsing Terms

• URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

  • HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

  • Server address 

  • Pathname 

  • File name 

• Web server 

  • Domain Name & IP Address

• Navigate the Web:

  • Address bar

  • Cache 

  • Breadcrumbs 

  • Navigation bar

Top-Level Domains (TLDs)

• .com: most commercial sites that sell products and services 

• .edu academic and research sites such as schools and universities 

• .gov US government organizations 

• .net network providers, isps, and other internet administrative organizations 

• .org organizations such as political or not for profit 

Pros and Cons of Web Applications

• Pros: Accessibility, automatic updates, cross-platform, collaboration with others, access anywhere, save storage 

• Cons: Security risks, requires internet access, might not be able to access, can lose files, may move slower

Secure vs. Insecure Websites

• Secure Websites:

  • Use encryption 

  • Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)

  • Require digital certificates (lock icon).

  • Login authentication for sensitive info.

• Insecure Websites:

  • Lack of encryption.

  • Susceptible to data breaches.

E-Commerce

• B2C (Business to Consumer) / E-Retail

  • Electronic storefront: 

  • Tracks selected items using cookies 

  • Secure payment methods: TLS, 3D Secure, Online Payment Services.

How Search Engines Work

• Complies a database of information about webpages 

• Uses spiders/crawlers to build an index of terms and their location.

• When one enters a query, the search engine refers to its index lists & pages based on how closely they are the query.

• Search results ranked by relevance, frequency, and links.

Effective Search Strategies

• Identify the keywords or phrases that could answer the question 

• Use a word stem to help broaden results 

Refine Web Searches 

• List the most relevant results, or hits, on the first page 

• Results labeled as an “Ad” or “Sponsored link” are from advertisers 

• Use Boolean Operators (AND, OR, NOT).

• Refine searches: Use filters, word stems, and specialized search engines.

Online Content & Copyright

• Copyright photos might violate intellectual property rights 

• A copyright gives authors & artists the legal right to sell, publish or distribute an original work

• Some material is in the public domain and can be used without permission 

• Intellectual Property: Copyright laws protect online content.

• Fair Use: Allows limited use with proper citation.

• Creative Commons (CC): Licensing system for sharing content.

• A citation is a formal reference to a source 

Module 3: Computer Hardware

Key Components

• CPU (Central Processing Unit):

  • Complex integrated circuit consisting of millions of electronic parts and is primarily responsible for converting data into meaningful information 

  • Data travels in and out though a bus

  • Processes data through the Machine Cycle.

• Memory Types:

  • RAM (Random Access Memory) – Temporary storage, virtual memory, swap file/paging file.

  • ROM (Read-Only Memory) – Stores firmware.

• Storage Options:

  • Cloud Storage storing electronic files on the internet instead of a local computer

  • Ex: Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox

Installing & Maintaining Hardware

• Installation Steps:

  • Check for location, components,damage, power connections, turn on and  software installation.

• Maintenance Tips:

  • Regularly clean the display, keyboard, and vents.

  • Use UPS( uninterruptible power supply)  & surge protectors for power safety.

  • Backup important files.

Module 6: Security & Safety

Types of Security Risks

1. Information Risks (Data theft, malware).

2. Environmental Risks (Electronic waste, heat damage).

3. Health Risks (Eye strain, bad posture).

The Risks to Computer Security & Safety 

• Attackers 

  • Script kittles/kiddies 

  • Hactivists 

  • Cyberterrorisits 

  • Nation state actors 

  • Insiders 

• Online Risks 

  • Online banking 

  • E-commerce shopping 

  • Fake websites 

  • Data mining 

  • Social media 

• Protecting Personal Information

  • Give only necessary information when completing an online form 

Common Cybersecurity Threats

• Malware

  • Viruses, worms, Trojans, 

  • Ransomware (blocker & encrypting ransomware)

  • Address spoofing 

• Social Engineering: Attackers manipulate victims by tricking them into giving valuable information. 

  • Phishing: Fake emails trick users into providing data.

  • Hoax

  • Spam 

Protecting Personal Information

• Use Strong Passwords:

  • At least 15-20 characters.(combination of letters, numbers & symbols)

  • A longer password is always more secure than a shorter password, regardless of complexity 

  • Do not repeat characters or use sequences 

  • Avoid dictionary words and personal info.

  • Use a password manager.

• Encryption:

  • The process of “scrambling” information so it can’t be read unless the user possess the “key” to unlock it

  • Digital certificate: a technology used to verify a users identity and key that has been “signed” by a trusted third party 

  • Protects data-at-rest(harddrive) and data-in-transit (internet).

  • Digital certificates verify identities.

Preventing Identity Theft

• Safeguarding information

  • Shred sensitive documents.

  • Monitor financial statements.

  • Check credit reports.

Safe Online Browsing

• Configure browser settings (disable pop-ups, clear cache).

• Avoid logging in through social media credentials.