Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Computer Science Vocabulary
Education
125
Computer Science
Advanced
03/16/2017

Additional Computer Science Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
PDF
Definition

Portable Document Format

This is a file format developed by Adobe Systems in 1992. PDF captures formatting information from a variety of desktop publishing applications, making it possible to send formatted documents and have them appear on the recipient’s monitor or printer as they were intended. This is because a PDF will maintain the original fonts, images, graphics as well as the exact layout of the file.


Term
Innovation
Definition
A novel or improved idea, device, product, etc, or the development thereof.
Term
Computer
Definition
A computer is a programmable machine. A computer responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner and executes pre recorded  instructions.
Term
Server
Definition

A computer. A computer that awaits and responds to requests for data.

Example: a DNS server awaits and responds to requests for urls to be translated to IP addresses

Term
Internet
Definition
A groups of computers and servers that are connected to each other.
Term
ISP: Internet service provider
Definition

An ISP is your gateway to the Internet and everything else you can do online; a company that provides subscribers access to the Internet.

ISP.    Examples:Verizon, ATT, Comcast, Time Warner, Cox

Term
Client
Definition

A computer that requests data stored on a server.

Example: When you type an address into your browser, your computer is the client and it sends the request to the DNS server.

Term
File server
Definition

A computer and storage device dedicated in storing files. Any user on the network can store files on the server.

 

Term
Proxy server
Definition
A server that sits between a client application, such as a web browser, and a real server. It intercepts all requests to the real server to see if it can fulfill the requests itself. If not, it forwards the request ot the real server.
Term
Cloud computing
Definition
The practice of using a network of remote servers from data centers all over the world  hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer
Term
Cloud server
Definition
Cloud server hosting is when hosting services are made available to customers on demand via the internet. Rather than being provided by a single server or virtual server, cloud server hosting services are provided by multiple connected servers that comprise a cloud
Term
Application Server
Definition
A program that handles all application operations between users and an organization’s backend business applications or databases.
Term
Dedicated Server
Definition
A single computer in a network reserved for serving the needs of the network. For example, some networks require that one computer be set aside to manage communications between all the other computers.
Term
Print server
Definition
A computer that manages one or more printers, and a network server is a computer that manages network traffic.
Term
Detabase server
Definition
A computer system that processes database queries.
Term
Binary
Definition

A way of representing information using only two options, usually 0’s and 1’s.

Yes/No

True/False

Term
Packets
Definition
Small chunks of information that have been carefully formed from larger chunks of information.
Term
Protocol
Definition
A set of rules and standards used to communicate between machines.
Term
HTTP
Definition
HyperText Transfer Protocol - the protocol used for transmitting web pages over the internet.
Term
HTML
Definition
HTML HyperText Markup Language) is the language in which the content and formatting of a web page are written.
Term
ASCII
Definition
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. ASCII is the university recognized raw text format that any computer can understand.
Term
Net neutrality
Definition
The principle that all Internet traffic should be treated equally by Internet Service Providers
Term
Bit
Definition
A contraction of “Binary Digit.” A bit is the single unit of information in a computer typically represented as 0 or 1.
Term
code(verb)
Definition
To write code, or to write instructions telling the computer what to do.
Term
IETF
Definition
Internet Engineering Task Force - Develops and promotes voluntary Internet standards and protocols, in particular the standards that comprise the Internet protocol suite.
Term
ISOC
Definition
the Internet Society strives to make the world a better place
Term
Internet protocol Stack
Definition

DNS, TCP, IP, and Physical Internet


Term
DNS
Definition
Domain Server Name or Domain Name Service: The service that translates URLs to IP addresses.
Term
TCP/IP
Definition
Transmission Control Protocol - Provides reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of stream of packets in the internet. TCP is tightly lightly linked with IP and usually seen as TCP/IP in writing.
Term
IP/address
Definition

 

A number assigned to any item that is connected to the Internet.

Term
Router
Definition
A device that forwards data packets along networks. A router is connected to at least two networks and are located at gateways.
Term
Latency Time
Definition
Time it takes for a bit to travel from its sender to its receiver.
Term
Bitrate
Definition
The number of bits that are conveyed or processed per unit of time.
Term
Brandwidth
Definition
Transmission capacity measure by bit rate.
Term
Bit
Definition
A contraction of “Binary Digit.” A bit is the single unit of information in a computer, typically represented as a 0 or 1.
Term
Why is a byte 8 bits?
Definition

A byte is 8 bits since it was used to refer to groups of 8-bits that a

computer was processing.

Term
Heuristic
Definition
A problem solving approach (algorithm) to find a satisfactory solution where finding and optimal or exact solution is impractical or impossible
Term
Lossless compression
Definition
A data compression algorithm that allows the original data to be perfectly reconstructed from the
Term
Abstraction
Definition
Reducing information to a simpler form, to remove some details to focus on essential characteristics. It is typically possible to look at a system at many levels of abstraction, depending on how many detail is necessary to approach the challenge at hand. To simplify things pulling out specific differences to make one solution work  for multiple problems.
Term
File sizes, bytes, KB,MB,GB,TB
Definition
A byte is a sequence of 8 bits (enough to represent one alphanumeric character) processed as a single unit of information. A single letter or character would use one byte of memory (8 bits), two characters would use two bytes (16 bits).
Term
File sizez (2)
Definition
Put another way, a bit is either an ‘on’ or an ‘off’ which is processed by a computer processor, we represent ‘on’ as ‘1’ and ‘off’ as ‘0’. 8 bits are known as a byte, and it is bytes which are used to pass our information in its basic form - characters.
Term
File size (3)
Definition

A byte is a sequence of 8 bits (enough to represent one alphanumeric character) processed as a single unit of information. A single letter or character would use one byte of memory (8 bits), two characters would use two bytes (16 bits).


byte - A series of 8 binarybits that digitally represent a single character to the

computer.  Example:  00000001 = 1  Learn more here.


kilobyte - Approximately 1,000 bytes.  Learn more here.


megabyte - Approximately 1,000,000 bytes.  Learn more here.


gigabyte - Approximately 1,000,000,000 bytes.  Learn more here.

 

Term
Internet protocol layers
Definition

DNS: Translates a URL into an IP address. Note that a DNS request still is conducted over TCP/IP


TCP: Breaks larger messages into multiple packets and ensures all packets are received and ordered correctly


IP: Assigns IP addresses to computers and routes packets of data to the correct address

The Physical Internet: copper wire, fiber, optic cable, radio waves, etc

Term
server
Definition
A computer that awaits and responds to requests for data. Example: a DNS server awaits and responds to requests for urls to be translated to IP addresses.
Term
Client
Definition
A computer that requests data stored on a server. Example: When you type an address into your browser, your computer is the client and it sends the requests to the DNS server.
Term
Lossy compression
Definition
To save space, some information is thrown away
Term
Resolution
Definition

The dimensions by which you can measure how many pixels are on a screen.

640 x 480

Term
Metadata
Definition
Data the describs data. For example, a digital image may include metadata that describes the size of the image, number of colors, or resolution.
Term
Pixel
Definition
Short for “picture element” it is the fundamental unit of a digital image, typically a tiny square or dot which contains a single point of color of a larger image.
Term
Hexadecimal Number system
Definition
A number system consisting of 16 distinct symbols - 0-9 and A-F - which can occur in each place value.
Term
Favicon
Definition
Short for Favorite Icon
Term
RGB
Definition
The RGB color model uses varying intensities of (R)ed, (G)reen, and (B)lue light are added together in to reproduce a broad array of colors.
Term
Aggregation
Definition
A computation in which rows from a data set are grouped together and used to compute a single value of more significant meaning or measurement. Common aggregations include: Average, Sum, Max, Min, Count. A Summary Table, Calculation Area.
Term
Lossy compression
Definition
(or irreversible compression) a data compression method that uses inexact approximations, discarding some data to represent the content. Most commonly seen in image formats like .jpg
Term
Pivot table
Definition
In spreadsheet software, it is the name of the tool used to create summary tables.
Term
Summary table
Definition
A table that shows the results of aggregations performed data from a larger data set
Term
Boolean
Definition
A single value of either TRUE or FALSE
Term
Boolean expression
Definition
In programming, an expression that evaluates to TRUE or FALSE
Term
Computationally hard
Definition
A “hard” problem for a computer is one in which it cannot arrive at a solution in a reasonable amount of time.
Term
Javascript
Definition
A programming language designed by Sun Microsystems that can be integrated into standard HTML pages to add some dynamic features.
Term
Event Handling
Definition
An  overarching term for the coding tasks involved in making a program respond to events by triggering functions.
Term
UI elements
Definition
On-screen objects, like buttons, images, text boxes, pull down menus, radio buttons, check boxes,  screens and so on.Input Controls: checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdown lists, list boxes, buttons, toggles, text fields, date field.
Term
Expression
Definition
Any valid unit of code that resolves to a value.
Term
Debugging
Definition
Finding and fixing problems in your algorithm or program.
Term

==


Definition
The equality operator (sometimes read: “equal equal”) is used to compare two values, and returns to Boolean (true/false). Avoid confusion with the assignment operator “=”.
Term
if-statement
Definition
The common programming structure that implements “conditional statements”
Term
Variable scope
Definition
Dictates what portions of code can “see” or use a variable, typically derived from where the variable was first created. (See Global v. Local)
Term
conditionals
Definition
Statements that only run under certain conditions.
Term
selection
Definition
A generic term for a type of programming statement (usually an if-statement) that uses a Boolean condition to determine, or select, whether or not to run a certain block of statements.
Term
While loop
Definition
A programming construct used to repeat a set of commands (loop) as long as (while) a boolean condition is true.
Term
string
Definition
Any sequence of characters between quotation marks (ex: “hello”, “42”, “this is a string!”).
Term
Event
Definition
An action that causes something to happen: click mouse, press a key, etc.
Term
Key event
Definition
In JavaScript, an event triggered by pressing or releasing a key on the keyboard. For example: “keyup” and “keydown” are event types you can specify. Use event.key - from the “event” parameter of the onEvent callback function - to figure out which key was pressed
Term
Parameter
Definition
An extra piece of information that you pass to the function to customize it for a specific need.
Term
Malware
Definition
Software that is intended to damage or disable computers, computer systems, and other software programs
Term
For loop
Definition
A typical looping construct designed to make it easy to repeat a section of code using a counter variable. The loop combines the creation of a variable, a boolean looping condition, and an update to the variable in one statement.
Term
Modulo
Definition
A mathematical operation that returns the remainder after integer division. Example: 7 MOD 4 = 3
Term
documentation
Definition
A description of the behavior of a command, function, library, API, etc
Term
Canvas
Definition
A user interface element to use in HTML/JavaScript which acts as a digital canvas, allowing the programmatic drawing and manipulation of pixels, basic shapes, figures and images.
Term
Moore's lab
Definition
A prediction made by Gordon Moore in 1965 that computing power will double every 1.2-2 years, it has remained more or less true ever since
Term
Encryption
Definition
A process of encoding messages to keep them secret, so only :authorized” parties can read it.
Term
Cracking encryption
Definition
When you attempt to decode a secret message without knowing all the specifics of the cipher, you are trying to “crack” the encryption.
Term
public key encryption
Definition

Used prevalently on the web, it allows for secure messages to be sent between parties without having to agree on, or share, a secret key. It uses an asymmetric encryption scheme in which the encryption key is made public, but the decryption key is kept private.


Term
Asymmetric encryption
Definition
Used in public key encryption, it is scheme in which the key to encrypt data is different from the key to decrypt.
Term
Loop
Definition
The action of doing something over and over again
Term
Cipher
Definition
The generic term for a technique (or algorithm) that performs encryption. In cryptography, a cipher (or cypher) is an algorithm for performing encryption or decryption—a series of well-defined steps that can be followed as a procedure. An alternative, less common term is encipherment. ... When using a cipher the original information is known as plaintext, and the encrypted form as ciphertext
Term
Cipher text
Definition
Ciphertext is encrypted text. Plaintext is what you have before encryption, and ciphertext is the encrypted result. The term cipher is sometimes used as a synonym for ciphertext, but it more properly means the method of encryption rather than the result
Term
caesar cipher
Definition
A technique for encryption that shifts the alphabet by some number of characters
Term
Random substitution cipher
Definition
An encryption technique that maps each letter of the alphabet to a randomly chosen other letters of the alphabet.
Term
one pager
Definition
A business/corporate term for one-page document that summarizes a large, topic or plan.
Term
API
Definition
A collection of routines, protocols, and commands to help a programmer create software applications.
Term
Library
Definition
A collection of commands/functions, typically with a shared purpose
Term
Decryption
Definition
A process that reverses encryption, taking a secret message and reproducing the original plain text.
Term
Function
Definition
A piece of code that you can easily call over and over again.
Term
Selection
Definition
A generic term for a type of programming statement (usually an if-statement) that uses a Boolean condition to determine, or select, whether or not to run a certain block of statement.
Term
If- statement
Definition
The common programming structure that implements “conditional statements”
Term
List
Definition
A generic term for a programming data structure that hold multiple items.
Term
Iterate
Definition
To repeat in order to achieve, or get closer to, a desired goal.
Term
Conditionals
Definition
Statements that only run under certain conditions.
Term
Models and simulations
Definition
A program which replicates or mimics key features of a real world event in order to investigate its behavior without the cost, time, or danger of running and experiment in real life.
Term
global variable
Definition
A variable whose scope is “global” to the program, it can be used and updated by any part of the code. Its global scope is typically derived from the variable being declared (created) outside of any function, object, or method
Term
event-driven program
Definition
A program designed to run blocks of code or functions in response to specified events (e.g. a mouse clock).
Term
concatenate
Definition
To link together or join. Typically used when joining together text Strings in programming (e.g. “hello, “+name)
Term
user interface
Definition
The visual elements of an program through which a user controls or communications the application. Often abbreviated UI.
Term
date type
Definition
All values in programming language have a “type” - such as a Number, Boolean, String - that dictates how the computer will interpret it. For example 7+5 is interpreted differently from “7” + “5”
Term
Variable
Definition
A placeholder for a piece of information that can change
Term
callback function
Definition
A function specified as part of an event listener; it is written by the programmer but called by the system as the result of an event trigger
Term
Array
Definition
A data structure in JavaScript used to represent a list.
Term
Return value
Definition
A value sent back by a function to the place in the code where the function was called from - typically asking for value (e.g. getText(id)) or the result of calculation or computation of some kind
Term
Every web page has its own URL
Definition

Examples

https://www.techterms.com

 

https://techterms.com/definition/internet

Term
WIFI
Definition
Stands for "Wireless Fidelity" and it refers to wireless networking technology  that allows computers and other devices to communicate over a wireless signal.
Term
bluetooth
Definition
A wireless technology that enables communication between computer devices.  It is primarily used for short range connections.
Term
FiOS
Definition
Stands for "Fiber Optic Service" and it describes the use of fiber optic cables to transmit data via pulses of light.
Term


4G
 
Definition

 

4G is a collection of fourth generation cellular data technologies.4G technologies are required to provide peak data transfer rates of at least 100 Mbps.

Term
Algorithm
Definition
A step-by-step list of instructions that allows you to complete a task.
Term
Spyware
Definition
Software that gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes.
Term
MBPS
Definition
Stands for "Megabits Per Second." One megabit is equal to one million bits or 1,000 kilobits. While "megabit" sounds similar to "megabyte," a megabit is roughly one eighth the size of a megabyte (since there are eight bits in a byte). Mbps is used to measure data transfer speeds of high bandwidth connections, such as Ethernet and cable modems.
Term
Permalink
Definition
A permalink is the link to an individual blog post. You can Use the post name as the link display text.
Term
https
Definition

https is 'hypertext transfer protocol SECURED'.  

 

This means that the web page has a special layer of encryption added to hide your personal information and passwords.

Term
Browser
Definition
A browser is a free software package that lets you view web pages, graphics, and most online content.  Browser software is specifically designed to convert HTML and XML into readable documents.

The most popular web browsers in 2016 are: Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari.
Term
Phishing and Whaling
Definition
'Phishing' is what modern-day con men do to defraud you of your personal accounts. Phishing is the use of convincing-looking emails and web pages to lure you into typing your account numbers and passwords/PINs. Often in the form of fake eBay web pages, fake PayPal warning messages, and fake bank login screens, phishing attacks can be very convincing to anyone who is not trained to watch for the subtle clues. As a rule, smart users distrust any email link that says "you should log in and confirm this".
Term
Addons and plugins
Definition
Addons are custom software modifications. The user optionally installs addons to improve the power of their Web browsers or office software. Examples include: a custom eBay toolbar for your Firefox browser, a new search feature for your Outlook email.  Examples include: Adobe Flash or Shockwave player, Microsoft Silverlight player, Adobe Acrobat pdf reader.
Term
Trojan
Definition
A trojan is a special kind of hacker program that relies on the user to welcome it and activates it.  Named after the famous Trojan horse tale, a trojan program masquerades as a legitimate file or software program.  
Term
Spamming and Filtering
Definition
'Spam' has two meanings. 1) Spam can mean 'the rapid repetition of a keyboard command'. But more commonly, 2) spam is the jargon name of 'unwanted/unsolicited email'.  Spam email is usually comprised of two sub-categories: high-volume advertising, and hackers attempting to lure you into divulging your passwords. Filtering is the popular-but-imperfect defense against spam.  Filtering uses software that reads your incoming email for keyword combinations, and then either deletes or quarantines messages that appear to be spam.  Look for a 'spam' or 'junk' folder in your mailbox to see your quarantine of filtered email.
Term
Cloud Computing and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
Definition
Cloud computing is a fancy term to describe that your software is online and 'borrowed', instead of purchased and actually installed on your computer. Web-based email is the most prevalent example of cloud computing: the users' email is all stored and accessed 'in the cloud' of the Internet, and not actually on their own computers. This is the modern version of the 1970's mainframe computing model. As part of the cloud computing model, 'Software as a Service' is the business model that claims people would rather rent software than actually own it. With their web browsers, users access the cloud of the Internet and log into their online rented copies of their SaaS software
Supporting users have an ad free experience!