INfo tech final

Time Value of Money (TVM) – The idea that money today is worth more than the same amount later because it can earn interest; used for valuing loans and investments.

PMT Function – Excel function that calculates the constant periodic payment needed to repay a loan or reach a savings goal.

FV Function – Excel function that calculates the future value of an investment or loan after a set number of periods.

NPV (Net Present Value) – Excel function that discounts future cash flows into today’s dollars; used to decide if an investment is financially good (NPV > 0).

IFERROR – Excel function that returns an alternate value if a formula results in an error; used to hide or handle errors.

ISERROR – Excel logical function that returns TRUE if a value is any error type; used to detect errors in formulas.

Data Validation – Excel feature that restricts what users can type into a cell (e.g., list, number range, dates); used to prevent bad data.

Macros – Recorded or coded sequences of steps in Excel that can be replayed; used to automate repetitive tasks (with “disable all macros with notification” as the safe setting).

Worksheet Protection – Excel feature that locks a sheet so only certain cells can be edited; cells must be unlocked before applying Protect Sheet if they should stay editable.

RAND – Excel function that returns a random number between 0 and 1; used for simulations and random sampling.

Trace Dependents – Excel auditing tool that shows which cells depend on the selected cell; used to see where a value is used.

Trace Precedents – Excel auditing tool that shows which cells feed into the selected cell; used to troubleshoot formulas.

Forecast Sheet – Excel tool that builds a new sheet with forecasted values and a chart based on historical data, often with seasonality.

Business Intelligence (BI) – Tools and processes for turning data into useful information that answers “what happened?” for business decisions.

Database – A structured collection of data organized into tables; used to store and manage large amounts of related information.

Data Model – Excel’s relational structure that connects multiple tables via relationships so PivotTables can pull from more than one table.

Relationship – A defined connection between tables using key fields (like IDs) to link related records.

Query Connection – A link created (often with Power Query) that loads data from an external source into Excel and must be refreshed when source data changes.

PivotTable Cache – The compressed, in-memory copy of the source data that a PivotTable uses; allows fast recalculation without re-reading the original data.

Pivot Table Grouping – Feature that groups items (especially dates) into groups such as Days, Months, Quarters, Years (but not Decades); used for time-based summaries.

Pivot Table Display (% of Column Total) – Show Values As setting that displays each value as a percentage of its column total; used for market share or contribution analysis.

GETPIVOTDATA – Excel function that returns a specific summarized value from a PivotTable; used in formulas that reference PivotTable results.

Database Functions (Dfunctions) – Excel functions like DSUM, DAVERAGE, DCOUNT that calculate summary statistics using a database range, a field, and a criteria range.

Conditional Formatting (PivotTables) – Applying heat maps (color scales) and icon sets inside PivotTables to visually highlight high, low, or extreme values.

RFM Analysis – Customer scoring method based on Recency (how recently they bought), Frequency (how often), and Monetary (how much they spend per order).

RFM Interpretation – Reading RFM scores to target customers, e.g., high R score and low M score → low priority; high M but poor recency → valuable but at risk and should be contacted.

Bandwidth – The capacity or width of a communication path (how much data per second can be sent); higher bandwidth means more data throughput.

Latency – The time delay between sending and receiving data; lower latency means faster response, important for real-time apps.

TCP/IP – Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol; the fundamental communication system of the internet where TCP ensures reliable delivery and IP handles addressing/routing.

Physical Media – The physical cables or materials used to carry network signals, such as fiber-optic cable which uses light for highest speed and longest distance.

Firewall – Network security device or software that inspects incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks or allows packets based on security rules.

Net Neutrality – Principle that internet service providers should treat all data equally without blocking or slowing content based on source, destination, or type.

RFID Tags – Radio-frequency identification tags for tracking objects; passive tags have no power source, active tags have their own power and transmitter, semipassive tags use a battery for circuitry but draw power from the reader for communication.

GPS – Global Positioning System used for location-based services like asset tracking, navigation, and monitoring movement or traffic.

Metadata – Data about data (e.g., where and when a photo was taken), which services like Facebook use to organize and tag content.

Data Analytics – The science of analyzing raw data to draw conclusions and find patterns; used in things like credit card fraud detection.

Natural Language Processing (NLP) – AI technology that lets computers understand and process human language (e.g., Siri handling a spoken route request).

Cloud Service Models – Categories of cloud offerings: SaaS (Software as a Service) for apps like Zoom, PaaS (Platform as a Service) for building and deploying software, IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) for basic computing resources like servers and storage.

Cloud Providers – Major companies that offer cloud platforms like AWS (Amazon Web Services), Azure (Microsoft), and GCP (Google Cloud Platform).

Cloud Characteristics (Broad Network Access) – Cloud systems are reachable from many types of devices (smartphones, laptops, etc.) over the network; supports remote access.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) – Document defining how an organization’s IT resources (internet, email, hardware) may be used; users must agree to follow it for access.

Nonrepudiation – Security principle ensuring a party cannot later deny the authenticity of their online actions or transactions.

Workplace Monitoring Policy – Policy stating when and what employee activities (email, web, etc.) may be monitored and that the company has the right to do so.

Email Privacy – The idea that work email is generally not fully private like postal mail; employers may be able to read it under an email privacy policy.

Netiquette – Internet etiquette that encourages polite behavior online and discourages arguing and harassment; assumes emails and posts can be forwarded or shared.

Digital Literacy – Ability to use digital technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information (e.g., knowing how to format a resume or search effectively).

Fair Use Doctrine – Legal principle allowing limited use of copyrighted material without permission (e.g., short quotes for education or research) under specific conditions.

Digital Divide – The gap between people with regular computer/internet access and those without, leading to disadvantages for those lacking access.

IF Function – Excel function that tests one condition and returns one value if TRUE and another if FALSE; used for basic decision logic.

Nested IF – Multiple IF functions placed inside each other to handle more than two possible outcomes (e.g., A/B/C grading logic).

AND Function – Excel logical function that returns TRUE only if all supplied conditions are TRUE; used when multiple criteria must all be met.

OR Function – Excel logical function that returns TRUE if at least one supplied condition is TRUE; used when any one of several criteria is enough.

COUNTIF – Excel function that counts how many cells meet one specific condition (e.g., values greater than 500).

SUMIFS – Excel function that sums values only when multiple criteria are met (e.g., sales in a specific region and month).

AVERAGEIF – Excel function that averages values that meet a single condition (e.g., average score over 90).

VLOOKUP – Excel function that searches for a value in the first column of a table and returns a value from another column in the same row.

XLOOKUP – Newer Excel lookup function that can search in any direction and returns more flexible results than VLOOKUP (including errors handling).

Alternative to Nested IFs – Using a lookup table with VLOOKUP or XLOOKUP instead of many nested IFs to simplify and scale conditional logic.

Goal Seek – Excel What-If tool that changes a single input to force a formula to reach a target value (e.g., find sales needed to break even).

Scenario Manager – Excel What-If tool that stores sets of input values (e.g., Best Case, Worst Case) and compares their outcomes.

Data Table – Excel What-If tool that shows how changing one or two inputs affects a formula result across many combinations.

Named Range – A name assigned to a cell or range (e.g., TaxRate) that can be used in formulas instead of cell references; improves readability.

Structured Reference – Reference style that uses Excel Table names and column headers instead of A1-style addresses (e.g., [@Sales]).

Excel Table – A structured range with headers, filters, and automatic formatting, formulas, and structured references; used to manage tabular data.

Record (Excel Table) – A single row of related data in a table; often represents one transaction or person.

MATCH Function – Excel function that returns the position of a lookup value within a one-dimensional range; often used with INDEX.

PivotTable – Excel tool that summarizes, groups, and analyzes large datasets by categories, allowing drag-and-drop arrangements of rows, columns, filters, and values.

Values Area (PivotTable) – Area of a PivotTable where numeric fields are placed for calculations like sum, count, or average.

Slicer – Visual filtering control with clickable buttons that filters PivotTables or Excel Tables by category.

Refresh (PivotTable) – Command that recalculates and updates the PivotTable based on the current source data.

Entity Requirements (Database Tables) – Rules that each table must have a unique name, each column must have a unique field name, and row/column order does not affect the data meaning.

Primary Key – A field in a table that uniquely identifies each record and cannot be null; used to ensure uniqueness.

Foreign Key – A field in one table that references a primary key in another table to create a relationship between the tables.

Referential Integrity – A rule that every foreign key value must match a valid primary key, preventing orphan records and maintaining consistent relationships.

N:M Relationship (Many-to-Many) – Relationship where many records in one table relate to many records in another; implemented via a junction table.

Biometric Scanning – Authentication method that uses physical traits such as fingerprints or iris scans to verify identity.

Native App – Application built specifically for a particular operating system (e.g., iOS or Android) and installed directly on the device.

Ransomware – Malicious software that encrypts files and demands payment to restore access.

Digital Certificate – Digital document that verifies the identity of a website or server for secure HTTPS connections.

Insecure Password – Weak, easily guessed or cracked password; increases security risk.

Database – Structured collection of data organized for easy access, retrieval, and reporting.

Relational Database – Database that organizes data into related tables with rows and columns, using keys and relationships; uses SQL.

Nonrelational Database – Database (NoSQL) that stores unstructured or semi-structured data with flexible schemas (like key-value or document stores); useful for Big Data.

DBMS – Database Management System software used to create, manage, and query databases (e.g., Access, MySQL, Oracle).

RDBMS – Relational Database Management System that supports tables, relationships, and SQL.

Front-End Database – Interface used by users to interact with the data (forms, web UI) without directly touching the back-end structure.

Back-End Database – The underlying data storage and structure, usually on a server or separate file.

DBA (Database Administrator) – Person responsible for maintaining, securing, and tuning databases.

Table (Database) – Structure holding data in rows (records) and columns (fields).

Field (Database) – Single column in a table that stores one kind of data (e.g., Name, Salary).

Data Type – Field setting that defines what kind of data can be stored (text, number, date, etc.).

Data Validation (Database) – Rules that ensure data entered obeys constraints (e.g., valid date, not null).

Index – Data structure that speeds up searching and sorting on a field or combination of fields.

Relationship – Connection between records in two tables represented by primary keys and foreign keys.

One-to-One Relationship – Each record in Table A matches at most one record in Table B.

One-to-Many Relationship – One record in Table A can be related to many records in Table B.

Many-to-Many Relationship – Multiple records in Table A relate to multiple records in Table B via a junction table.

Query – Database object that retrieves data using criteria; like a powerful filter.

SQL (Structured Query Language) – Standard language for working with relational databases (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).

Form (Database) – User interface object for viewing or entering one record at a time.

Report (Database) – Format for printing or presenting summarized or detailed data.

Input Mask – Field property that forces data to be entered in a specific pattern (like phone numbers).

Data Warehouse – Large, centralized storage of structured data from multiple sources for reporting and analysis.

Data Lake – Repository that stores raw or unstructured data in its original format for future analysis.

Business Intelligence – Use of tools and techniques to analyze data and support business decision-making (similar to BI above).

Data Analytics – Process of examining datasets to draw conclusions and identify trends or patterns.

CIA Triad – Security model with three goals: Confidentiality (data secrecy), Integrity (data accuracy), Availability (data accessible when needed).

Database Security Practices – Methods like long passwords, encryption, backups, and access control to protect databases.

Big Data – Extremely large datasets characterized by high volume, variety, and velocity; used for advanced analytics and personalization.

Key-Value Database – Type of NoSQL database that stores data as key-value pairs; simple and highly scalable.

Open Source Program – Software whose source code is publicly available and can be used/modified by anyone (e.g., MySQL).

DBaaS (Database as a Service) – Cloud-based database service managed by a provider; users don’t manage hardware or low-level setup.

Splitting Panes – Excel feature that splits the window into sections so you can scroll different areas of a worksheet independently.

Freeze Panes – Excel feature that keeps specific rows/columns visible while scrolling.

Conditional Formatting – Excel feature that changes cell formatting based on rules (e.g., highlight duplicates or values above average).

Ascending Sort – Sorting data from smallest to largest or oldest to newest.

Primary vs Secondary Sort – Sorting first by one column (primary) then by another (secondary) to organize data on multiple levels.

Subtotals – Excel feature that automatically inserts subtotal rows for groups after the data is sorted.

Filter Buttons – Small dropdown arrows in column headers used to filter data in Excel tables or ranges.

Advanced Filter – Excel filter option that uses a separate criteria range for complex AND/OR filtering.

Histogram Chart – Chart that shows frequency distribution of numeric data using bins.

KPI (Key Performance Indicator) – Measurable value that shows how effectively a company is achieving key objectives.

Dashboard – Combined view of KPIs, charts, and slicers that presents high-level insights in one place.

Worksheet Group – Multiple worksheets that are selected together so actions apply to all at once.

3-D Reference – Excel reference that refers to the same cell or range across multiple worksheets (e.g., =SUM(Jan:Dec!C10)).

External Reference – Excel reference to a cell or range in another workbook (e.g., ‘[File.xlsx]Sheet’!A1).

Name Manager – Excel tool used to create, edit, and delete named ranges.

Template – A pre-formatted workbook (.xltx) used as a starting point for similar projects.

Paste Link – Paste option that creates a linked formula to the original cells instead of static values.

Hyperlink – Clickable text or object that opens a file, webpage, or email.

VLOOKUP – Vertical lookup function in Excel (repeated; kept here because it’s explicitly on the study sheet).

XLOOKUP – Flexible replacement for VLOOKUP that can search in any direction and handle errors.

COUNTIF – Function that counts cells meeting a single condition (repeated; kept because test loves it).

AVERAGEIF – Function that averages cells meeting a single condition.

SUMIFS – Function that sums cells based on multiple conditions.

PivotChart – Chart linked to a PivotTable for visualizing summary data.

Timeline Slicer – Date-based slicer used with PivotTables to filter data by time periods.

Drill Down – In PivotTables, double-clicking a value to see the underlying detailed data records.

Risk – The possibility of loss or damage to data, systems, or business operations.

Attacker Types – Categories of cyberattackers such as script kiddies, hacktivists, cyberterrorists, and nation-state actors.

E-waste – Discarded electronic equipment that can harm the environment if not disposed of properly.

RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) – Injury caused by repetitive movement; prevented with proper ergonomics.

Malware – Any malicious software (virus, worm, ransomware, etc.) designed to harm systems or data.

Worm – Self-replicating malware that spreads via networks without user action.

Social Engineering – Psychological manipulation to trick people into revealing information or performing risky actions.

Surge Protector – Device that protects electronics from voltage spikes.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) – Backup power device that prevents data loss during short power outages.

Wi-Fi Risks – Security issues with wireless networks like data theft; mitigated with encryption (WPA2/WPA3).

Strong Password – Long, complex password that is hard to guess or crack.

2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) – Requires two forms of identity (e.g., password + code) for login, improving security.

Biometrics – Authentication using physical traits like fingerprints or face scans.

Encryption – Turning readable data into coded form to protect it.

Decryption – Turning coded data back into readable form.

Cookies – Small files stored by websites on a user’s device to remember preferences or track activity.

Productivity Apps – Software used to create, edit, and share content (documents, spreadsheets, presentations).

Word Processing Software – Used to write and format text documents (e.g., Word).

Spreadsheet Software – Used to organize and analyze numeric data (e.g., Excel).

Presentation Software – Used to build visual slide shows (e.g., PowerPoint).

Database Software – Used to store and manage structured data (e.g., Access).

Graphics and Media Apps – Used to create or edit images, audio, and video content.

Desktop App – Installed on a computer; usually full-featured and can often work offline.

Web App – Runs in a browser; accessed over the internet and often requires no installation.

Mobile App – Designed for smartphones and tablets using touch input.

Mobile-First Design – Designing software primarily for mobile screens, then adapting to larger screens.

Transition (Presentation) – Effect applied when moving from one slide to another.

Animation (Presentation) – Effect applied to text or objects on a slide to control how they appear or move.

Suite – Collection of related productivity programs sold together (e.g., Microsoft 365).

Big Data – Very large, complex datasets used for analytics and personalization (repeated; test likes it).