Glossary of Terms

A document that outlines the rules for the use of a company's computers and networks.

The ability of a computer to perform calculations with 100% accuracy, which is critical for financial tasks

Software that detects and removes viruses and other malware.

A set of instructions that tells a computer how to perform a specific task. The word “app” is more common for software on smartphones and modern computers.

A program designed for a user to perform a specific task, like writing a document or browsing the internet.

A broad field of computer science focused on creating machines and software that can perform tasks requiring human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and understanding language.

The process of verifying a user's identity to ensure they are who they claim to be.

The use of technology to perform tasks with reduced human assistance.

A copy of files made for safety in case the originals are lost or damaged.

The measure of how much data can be transferred over a connection in a specific amount of time, usually measured in Mbps.

Extremely large and complex data sets that can be analyzed computationally to reveal patterns, trends, and associations, especially relating to human behaviour and interactions.

The use of a unique personal characteristic, like a fingerprint or facial scan, for identification.

The smallest unit of data in a computer, represented as either ON (1) or OFF (0).

A secure, decentralized, and distributed digital ledger technology that records transactions in a way that is highly resistant to modification.

A short-range wireless technology for connecting personal devices together over a range of about 10 meters.

The software application used to access and view webpages on the World Wide Web (e.g., Google Chrome, Safari).

A unit of digital information that consists of 8 bits. A group of 8 bits is called a byte, which can represent a single character.

Figure 3.4: A Mobile User Interface. The screen of a smartphone provides a clear example of a modern Graphical User Interface (GUI). The grid of small pictures, or icons, allows the user to launch applications with a simple touch.
(Image generated with AI assistance.)

A computer or device that requests information from a server.

An internet service for storing data on remote servers as backup.

The delivery of on-demand computing services—including servers, storage, databases, and software—over the internet from a cloud provider.

A service that stores your data on internet servers, allowing you to access it from any device with an internet connection.

An electronic device that operates under the control of instructions to process raw items and produce a useful result. It processes data based on a set of instructions.

The ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons.

A digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security, with Bitcoin being the most well-known example.

An illegal act involving a computer.

The practice of protecting computers, networks, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access.

The raw details you provide to the computer. They are raw, unprocessed facts and figures.

The process of examining large data sets to find trends, draw conclusions, and make informed decisions.

The process of using computer-analyzed information to make smarter business choices.

A computer designed to stay in one location, which is often more powerful and easier to upgrade than portable models.

The gap between people who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not.

Any event or action that could cause loss or damage to a computer system or its data

The difference between the digital skills that employers need and the skills that the current workforce possesses.

The most common output device, which visually presents text, graphics, and video on a screen.

The internet's phonebook, which translates human-readable domain names (like google.com) into computer-readable IP addresses.

Discarded electronic equipment, such as old computers, smartphones, and printers.

A special-purpose computer that functions as one component within a larger product, such as a rice cooker or a car's braking system.

The process of converting readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable, scrambled code (ciphertext) to protect it.

An employee who works for a large organisation on a managed company network, often using specialized, custom-built software.

The science of designing a workspace and its equipment to be safe, comfortable, and efficient for human use.

To carry out the instructions of a computer program.

A named collection of stored data, which can be thought of as a single digital item.

A utility that helps users manage their files and folders.

Hardware or software that acts as a security guard to protect a network from unauthorized access.

A digital container used to organise files.

The state of a file being stored in separate, non-contiguous parts on a disk.

A unit of data measurement approximately equal to 1 billion bytes.

The practice of using computing resources in a more environmentally responsible and sustainable way.

A traditional storage device that uses magnetism and spinning platters to store data permanently.

The physical, touchable parts of a computer system.

A device that combines headphones (output) and a microphone (input) into a single unit, commonly used for online calls.

A person who uses a computer for personal activities at home, such as managing personal life, entertainment, and learning.

A physical location where you can get wireless internet access. A mobile hotspot uses a smartphone's data connection.

A protocol that indicates a secure and encrypted connection to a website, often shown by a padlock icon in the browser.

The final, organized result that the computer shows you. It is processed data that is meaningful and useful.

The act of providing data and instructions to the computer.

Any piece of hardware used to enter data and instructions into a computer, such as a keyboard or mouse.

A set of specific rules a computer follows to perform any task.

The massive, worldwide collection of interconnected computer networks that share information.

A vast network of physical devices (not just computers) that are embedded with sensors and connected to the internet, allowing them to collect and share data.

A business that provides access to the internet (e.g., TM Unifi, Maxis).

A unique number that identifies each computer or device connected to the internet.

The four-step cycle of Input, Process, Output, and Storage.

The most common input device, used for typing text, numbers, and symbols.

A unit of data measurement approximately equal to 1,000 bytes.

A portable, all-in-one computer that combines the screen, keyboard, and internal parts into a single unit for mobility.

Short for "malicious software," it is any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer or steal data.

A unit of data measurement approximately equal to 1 million bytes.

A small, flat storage card that uses flash memory, commonly used in portable devices like digital cameras and smartphones.

An input device that captures sound waves and converts them into a digital format.

A native application designed specifically to be installed and run on a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet.

A professional who works while on the move, relying on portable devices like smartphones and tablets to stay connected and productive.

The most common pointing device for desktop computers, used to control the cursor on the screen.

The ability of an operating system to run multiple applications at the same time, sharing the computer's resources among them.

A program that is installed directly onto a specific computer or mobile device.

The code of acceptable and polite behavior for online communication.

A collection of computers and devices connected together, which allows them to share resources.

A very short-range wireless technology (4 cm or less) that powers "tap-to-pay" systems.

Software where the source code is made available for free, allowing anyone to view, modify, and share it.

The main system software that manages all the computer's hardware and software resources.

The main system software that manages a computer's hardware and software resources.

The result that a computer shows after processing data.

Any hardware component that presents the processed information from a computer to a user, such as a monitor or printer.

A common cyberattack where hackers send fake emails, pretending to be from a legitimate company, to trick people into revealing personal information or downloading malware.

A connection point or interface on a computer where you can connect an external device.

A user who requires a high-performance computer for demanding and specialized tasks, such as 3D modelling or scientific calculations.

An output device that produces a physical copy ("hard copy") of text and graphics.

The action of the computer taking raw data and following instructions to work on it.

A set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. It is also known as software.

A formal language used to write instructions for a computer.

The computer's high-speed, temporary, and volatile workspace that holds data and instructions the CPU is actively using.

Temporary storage for data and programs that are currently in use. It is volatile.

A type of malware that encrypts a user's files and demands a ransom payment to unlock them.

The ability of a business to connect with customers and partners globally through the internet.

The number of individual dots, or pixels, used to create the image on a screen, which determines the sharpness and clarity.

The process of copying files from a backup back to their original location.

Mass-produced software that is available for purchase in a store or online.

An input device that converts printed material, such as text and pictures, into a digital format.

A powerful computer that provides services to other computers over a network.

A set of instructions (a program) that tells the hardware what to do.

A group of people who write computer programs.

A structured process that professionals follow for planning, creating, testing, and maintaining software.

A legal agreement that defines how a piece of software can be used and distributed.

The illegal and unauthorized copying, distribution, or use of copyrighted software

A new version of a program that can fix errors, improve security, and add new features.

An individual who runs a business from home or a small office, using a computer as their primary tool for earning an income.

A modern and fast storage device that stores data on flash memory chips and has no moving parts.

The ability of a computer to process millions of instructions every second, which translates into business efficiency and better customer service.

Software that secretly collects information about a user's activities.

The act of saving data or information for future use.

A device that protects computer equipment against electrical power spikes.

The set of programs that operates and controls the computer's hardware and provides a platform for applications to run.

A highly portable mobile computer with a large touch screen as its main feature.

A unit of data measurement approximately equal to 1 trillion bytes.

Destructive software that is disguised as a legitimate, useful program.

A security method that requires two different forms of identification to log in.

A device that contains a battery and provides temporary power during a blackout, allowing for a safe shutdown.

A webpage's unique address.

A small, ultra-portable storage device that plugs into a USB port, also known as a thumb drive or pendrive.

Anyone who interacts with a computer or mobile device.

The visual part of a program or device that a user interacts with.

The visual part of an operating system or software that a user interacts with, including the desktop, icons, and menus.

A program that performs a specific task related to managing or maintaining a computer.

A type of system software that performs a specific maintenance task to help manage, protect, or improve the computer.

A service that provides a secure, encrypted connection over a public network like the internet.

A malicious program that attaches itself to a file to spread.

A technology that allows you to make voice calls over the internet instead of a traditional phone line.

An application that runs on a remote server and is accessed through a web browser, so nothing needs to be installed on the user's computer.

A small digital video camera used to capture video for online meetings, classes, or video calls.

A wireless technology that uses radio signals to provide high-speed internet and network connections over a large area.

A system of public, interlinked documents and other web resources that are accessed via the internet.

A malicious program that can copy itself to spread across a network without human interaction.