CSC 120 Midterm

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

📝 Definition: AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, allowing them to perform tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
🔹 Types: Weak AI (task-specific) vs. Strong AI (human-like intelligence)
🔹 Examples: Chatbots, self-driving cars, recommendation systems
🔹 Key Concepts: Machine learning, deep learning, neural networks

Antivirus Programs

📝 Definition: Software designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware) from a computer system.
🔹 Functions: Scanning files, detecting viruses, quarantining threats, removing malware
🔹 Examples: Norton, McAfee, Windows Defender
🔹 Types of Malware: Viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, ransomware

Authentication

📝 Definition: The process of verifying a user's identity before granting access to a system or resource.
🔹 Methods: Passwords, biometrics, two-factor authentication (2FA), security tokens
🔹 Importance: Prevents unauthorized access and protects sensitive information

Binary Numbering System

📝 Definition: A base-2 numeral system used by computers, consisting only of 0s and 1s.
🔹 Why Important? Computers store and process all data using binary
🔹 Example: The decimal number 5 in binary is 101
🔹 Basic Operations: Addition, subtraction, AND/OR gates

Bluetooth

📝 Definition: A wireless communication technology that allows devices to exchange data over short distances.
🔹 Range: Typically up to 10 meters (33 feet)
🔹 Uses: Wireless headphones, file sharing, smart home devices
🔹 Security Risks: Unauthorized access, data interception

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

📝 Definition: The brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations.
🔹 Components: Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Registers
🔹 Types: Single-core, multi-core processors
🔹 Performance Factors: Clock speed, number of cores, cache size

Computer Booting

📝 Definition: The process of starting a computer and loading the operating system.
🔹 Types: Cold Boot (turning on from power-off) vs. Warm Boot (restart)
🔹 Boot Process: Power-On Self-Test (POST) → Load Bootloader → Load OS

Computer Viruses

📝 Definition: Malicious software designed to replicate and spread, often causing damage to data or systems.
🔹 Types: Trojan horse, worms, ransomware
🔹 Prevention: Antivirus software, firewalls, avoiding suspicious links

Cryptography

📝 Definition: The practice of securing communication and data through encryption and decryption.
🔹 Types: Symmetric (same key) vs. Asymmetric (public/private keys)
🔹 Uses: Online banking, secure messaging, digital signatures

Cyberharassment / Cyberbullying

📝 Definition: The use of digital technology to harass, threaten, or humiliate individuals.
🔹 Examples: Hate speech, doxxing, revenge porn
🔹 Legal Consequences: Varies by jurisdiction, but can involve fines or imprisonment

Data Storage and Storage Devices

📝 Definition: Methods of storing digital information for short-term or long-term use.
🔹 Types: Primary (RAM), Secondary (HDD/SSD), Cloud Storage
🔹 Examples: USB drives, external hard drives, memory cards

Cloud Storage

📝 Definition: A data storage service that allows users to store and access files online.
🔹 Examples: Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive
🔹 Benefits: Accessibility, scalability, backup security

Domain Names

📝 Definition: The human-readable address of a website, mapped to an IP address.
🔹 Examples: google.com, amazon.com
🔹 Structure: Top-Level Domain (TLD) → Second-Level Domain

Email

📝 Definition: A method of exchanging digital messages over the Internet.
🔹 Protocols: SMTP (sending), IMAP/POP3 (receiving)
🔹 Common Providers: Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

📝 Definition: A visual way of interacting with computers using icons, windows, and menus.
🔹 Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux GUI environments

Hardcopy

📝 Definition: A physical printed version of digital documents.
🔹 Examples: Printed emails, reports, receipts

Digital Display Copy

📝 Definition: A digital version of a document displayed on a screen.
🔹 Examples: PDFs, PowerPoint presentations

Hyperlinks

📝 Definition: Clickable links that connect web pages or files.
🔹 Types: Internal (same website), External (different website)

Internet

📝 Definition: A global network connecting millions of computers for communication and information sharing.
🔹 Key Components: IP addresses, servers, routers

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

📝 Definition: Companies that provide internet access to users.
🔹 Examples: Comcast, Verizon, AT&T

Networks

📝 Definition: A collection of connected computers that share resources.
🔹 Types: LAN, WAN, MAN, VPN

Neural Networking

📝 Definition: A type of machine learning that mimics the human brain's neural networks.
🔹 Uses: AI, image recognition, speech processing

Operating System (OS)

📝 Definition: Software that manages computer hardware and software resources.
🔹 Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android

Passwords

📝 Definition: A security measure used for authentication.
🔹 Best Practices: Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols

Peripheral Devices

📝 Definition: External devices connected to a computer to enhance functionality.
🔹 Examples: Mouse, keyboard, printers

Physical Security

📝 Definition: Measures taken to protect hardware and infrastructure from theft or damage.
🔹 Examples: Security cameras, biometric scanners

Portable Computers

📝 Definition: Computers that can be easily moved and used in different locations.
🔹 Examples: Laptops, tablets, 2-in-1 devices

Primary Functions of a Computer

📝 Definition: The fundamental operations performed by a computer.
🔹 Functions: Input, Processing, Storage, Output

Security

📝 Definition: Protection of computer systems from threats.
🔹 Types: Cybersecurity, Physical security

Software Applications

📝 Definition: Programs that perform specific tasks on a computer.
🔹 Examples: Microsoft Word, Photoshop, Spotify

Software Piracy

📝 Definition: Unauthorized copying or distribution of software.
🔹 Consequences: Legal penalties, security risks

Websites

📝 Definition: A collection of related web pages hosted under a domain name.
🔹 Examples: Wikipedia, YouTube

Website Pages and Documents

📝 Definition: Individual pages within a website, containing content and links.

Website Browsers and Products

📝 Definition: Software used to access and navigate the internet.
🔹 Examples: Chrome, Firefox, Edge

Wireless Broadband

📝 Definition: High-speed internet access using wireless technology.
🔹 Examples: Wi-Fi, 4G/5G