Untitled Flashcards Set

Networking and Connecting to the Internet

• Internet: A vast computer network of interconnected networks using the TCP/IP protocol suite.

• Packet Switching: A method for transferring information by breaking data into packets that are independently routed.

• Circuit Switching: A method where a dedicated physical path is established for communication.

• ARPANet: A research network developed by ARPA to connect multiple computer networks.

• ISP (Internet Service Provider): A company that provides Internet access for a fee.

• Net Neutrality: The principle that ISPs should treat all data equally without throttling or blocking content.

• Transmission Media: The wired or wireless means of carrying an Internet signal.

• Bandwidth: The volume of data that can be carried in a specific amount of time, usually measured in Mbps.

• Broadband: High-speed Internet access, typically 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.

• Fiber-Optic Cable: A high-speed transmission medium using light waves.

• Coaxial Cable: A transmission medium using a single copper wire with shielding.

• Twisted Pair: A transmission medium with two or four copper wires twisted to cancel interference.

• Ethernet Cable: A wired networking cable used to connect computers.

• Wi-Fi: A wireless Internet technology using radio waves.

• IP Address: A unique identifier assigned to a network device.

• Firewall: A security system that separates networks and protects against threats.

• SSID (Service Set Identifier): The name of a Wi-Fi network.

• WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): An outdated Wi-Fi security protocol.

• WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access): A more secure Wi-Fi encryption standard.

• WPA2: The current Wi-Fi security encryption standard.

Social Media and Your Digital Identity

• Digital Identity: The online presence of an individual or organization.

• Internet Privacy: The right to control personal data online.

• Copyright: Legal protection for original works of authorship.

• Intellectual Property: Legally protected human knowledge and ideas.

• E-Commerce: The buying and selling of goods and services online.

• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Technology that uses radio waves to identify objects.

• Software Piracy: The illegal copying or distribution of software.

• BitTorrent: A peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol.

• Social Media: Internet-based applications that allow interaction and sharing.

• Facebook: The largest social networking site.

• Twitter: A microblogging platform using short messages called tweets.

• Instagram: A photo and video sharing social media platform.

Computer Hardware

• Computer: A digital device that accepts input, processes data, stores data, and provides output.

• Hardware: The physical components of a computer.

• CPU (Central Processing Unit): The main processor of a computer.

• RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary memory used for processing data.

• ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent memory storing essential system instructions.

• SSD (Solid-State Drive): A storage device using flash memory for fast access.

• Hard Drive: A storage device using magnetic disks.

• Ports: Physical connections for input/output devices.

• USB (Universal Serial Bus): A standard port for connecting peripherals.

• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): A port for transmitting high-definition video and audio.

• Ethernet: A wired network connection standard.

• Laptop: A portable computer with an integrated keyboard and screen.

• Tablet: A mobile computing device with a touchscreen.

• Smartphone: A handheld device with computing and communication capabilities.

• Server: A computer that provides services to other devices on a network.

Computer Software and Buying a Computer

• Operating System (OS): Software that manages hardware and software resources.

• Utility Software: Programs that maintain and optimize a computer.

• Windows OS: The most widely used OS for personal computers.

• macOS: Apple's operating system for Mac computers.

• Linux OS: A free, open-source operating system.

• Application Software: Programs designed for specific tasks, such as word processing.

• Spreadsheet Software: Software used for organizing and analyzing data in tabular form.

• Database Software: Programs that manage structured data.

• Cloud Computing: Internet-based computing services.

• Software License: A legal agreement governing software use.

• EULA (End-User License Agreement): A contract between the software user and the provider.

• Site License: A software license allowing use on multiple devices within an organization.

• App Store: A marketplace for downloading applications.

• System Preferences (macOS): A tool for managing macOS settings.

• Control Panel (Windows): A tool for managing Windows settings.