Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Stair & Baldauf Key Terms
Simmons GSLIS 48820 (Spring 2010)
218
Library Information Skills
Graduate
03/27/2010

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Cards

Term
AI
Definition
artificial intelligence
area of computer science that deals with simulating human thought and behavior in computers
Term
bit
Definition
represents data using technologies that can be set to one of two states, such as on or off, charged or not charged
Term
byte
Definition
group of eight bits used to represent all types of useful data and information, such as characters, words, or sounds
Term
computer
Definition
digital electronics device that combines hardware and software to accept the input of data, process and store the data, and produce some useful output
Term
computer network
Definition
telecommunications network that connects two or more computers for the purpose of sharing data, hardware, and software resources
Term
CBIS
Definition
computer-based information system
makes use of computer hardware and software, databases, telecommunications, people and procedures to manage and distribute digital information
Term
data
Definition
items stored on a digital electronics device (computer, etc.) including numbers, characters, sounds, music or graphics
Term
database
Definition
collection of data stored on a computer, organized to meet users' needs
Term
digital
Definition
refers to technologies and devices based on digits (numbers)
Term
digital electronics device
Definition
device that stores and processes bits electronical
Term
digitization
Definition
process of transforming nondigital information, such as things you experience with your senses, into 1s and 0s
Term
embedded computer
Definition
sometimes called microcontrollers; special-purpose computers (typically an entire computer on one chip) that are embedded in electrical and mechanical device sin order to control them (ex: microwave?)
Term
file
Definition
bytes combined to represent a named collection of instructors or data stored in the computer or digital device
Term
hacker
Definition
individual who subverts computer security without authorization
Term
hardware
Definition
tangible components of a computer system or digital device
Term
information
Definition
data organized and presented in a manner that has additional value beyond the value of the data itself
Term
information security
Definition
issues related to the protection of the components of an information system
Term
information technology
Definition
issues related to the components of a computer-based information system (CBIS)
Term
internet
Definition
world's largest public computer network; a network of networks that provides a vast array of services to individuals, businesses and organizations around the world
Term
kiosk
Definition
computer station that provides the public with specific and useful information and services
Term
microprocessor
Definition
sometimes called a chip or just a processor; combines microscopic electronic components on a single integrated circuit that processes bits according to software instructions
Term
PC
Definition
personal computer
general-purpose computer designed to accommodate the many needs of an individual
Term
platform
Definition
computer's type, processor and operating system (OS)
Term
protocols
Definition
rules that allow two or more computers to communicate over a network
Term
server
Definition
powerful general purpose computer that provides information services to numerous users over a computer network
Term
smart phone
Definition
handheld computer that includes cell phone capabilities, or a cell phone that includes handheld computer capabilities including Internet access
Term
software
Definition
electronic instructions that govern the computer system's functioning
Term
supercomputer
Definition
most powerful type of computer, using hundreds or even thousands of processors simultaneously to accomplish very difficult tasks
Term
synchronize (sync)
Definition
to update the files shared between devices so that all copies are up to date and identical
Term
systems development
Definition
activity of creating new or modifying existing systems
Term
technology
Definition
tools, materials, and processes that help solve human problems
Term
telecommunications
Definition
communications that take place electronically over a distance
Term
VoIP
Definition
voice over Internet protocol
allows phone conversations to travel over the Internet or other data networks
Term
Wi-Fi
Definition
popular wireless networking standard that connects computers to other computers, computer networks, and the Internet
Term
WWW
Definition
World Wide Web
Internet service that provides convenient access to information through hyperlinks
Term
ALU
Definition
arithmetic/logic unit
component of the CPU that contains the circuitry to carry out instructions, such as mathematical and logical operations
Term
binary number system
Definition
number system that uses only two values, 0 and 1, and is used by computers and digital devices to represent and process data
Term
CD-RW
Definition
rewritable CD; a CD that can be rewritten numerous times just as you would a hard drive
Term
CPU
Definition
central processing unit
group of integrated circuits that work together to perform the processing in a computer system
Term
CD-ROM
Definition
compact disk read-only memory
optical media that stores up to 700 MB of data
Term
control unit
Definition
part of the CPU that accesses and decodes program instructions, and coordinates the flow of data among various system components
Term
digital convergence
Definition
trend to merge multiple digital services in one device (ex: iPhone?)
Term
DVD-ROM
Definition
digital video disc read-only memory
optical media that stores over 4.7 GB of data
Term
display resolution
Definition
measure, in width by height, of the number of pixels on the screen
Term
flash drive
Definition
a small flash memory module, about the size of your thumb or smaller, that conveniently plugs into the USB port of a PC or other digital electronics device to provide convenient, portable, high-capacity storage
Term
flash memory
Definition
form of solid state storage that updates (flashes) the data it holds in large blocks
Term
game controller
Definition
used to control game characters and objects (duh.)
Term
GHz
Definition
gigahertz
billions of cycles per second
Term
input device
Definition
assists in capturing and entering raw data into the computer system
Term
integrated circuit
Definition
also called chips; multiple transistors integrated into a single module used to store and process bits and bytes in today's computers
Term
LCD
Definition
liquid crystal display
thin, flat display that uses liquid crystals—an organic, oil-like material—placed between two pieces of glass to form characters and graphic images on a backlit screen
Term
magnetic storage
Definition
uses magnetic properties of iron oxide particles to store bits and bytes more permanently that RAM (ex: floppy disks)
Term
MHz
Definition
megahertz
millions of cycles per second
Term
Moore's Law
Definition
continuing advances in technological innovation will make it possible to reduce the size of transistors, doubling their density on a processor chip every two years
Term
motherboard
Definition
primary circuit board of a computing device
Term
optical storage
Definition
stores bits by using an optical laser to burn pits into the surface of a highly reflective disc surface (ex: CDs)
Term
output device
Definition
device that allows you to observe the results of computer processing with one or more of your senses (ex: speakers, monitor)
Term
RAM
Definition
random-access memory
temporary or volatile memory that stores bytes of data and program instructions for the processor to access
Term
ROM
Definition
read-only memory
type of system memory that provides permanent storage for data and instructions that do not change, such as programs and data from the computer manufacturer, including the boot process used to start the computer
Term
solid state storage
Definition
stores data using transistors; can be volatile (as with RAM) or nonvolatile (as with flash memory)
Term
touch screen
Definition
allows you to select items on the screen by touching them with your finger or a stylus
Term
transistor
Definition
electronics component composed typically of silicon; opens or closes a circuit to alter the flow of electricity to store and manipulate bits
Term
USB
Definition
universal storage bus
standard that allows a wide array of devices to connect to a computer through a common port
Term
application software
Definition
programs written to perform tasks or solve problems for people, groups and organizations
Term
boot process
Definition
stored in ROM (read-only memory); when the computer is powered up, it runs system checks, then transfers the operating system (OS) from the hard drive to RAM (random access memory)
Term
command-based user interface
Definition
requires that text commands be typed at a prompt in order to perform basic tasks
Term
computational intelligence
Definition
artificial intelligence methodologies such as neural networks, fuzzy systems, and evolutionary computation that set up a system whereby the software can develop intelligence through an iterative process
Term
computer vision
Definition
combines hardware (cameras and scanners) and AI software that permit computers to capture, store and interpret visual images and pictures
Term
conventional AI
Definition
artificial intelligence methodologies such as expert systems, case-based reasoning, Bayesian networks, and behavior-based AI that rely on the programmer to instill the software with logical functionality to solve problems (vs. computational intelligence?)
Term
copyright
Definition
defines exclusive rights legally granted to the owner
Term
Creative Commons license
Definition
designed to allow the creators of intellectual property to specify the terms of the license in order to grant certain freedoms to users, while still providing the owner with some control of the property
Term
database management software
Definition
used to store, manipulate and manage data in order to find and present useful information
Term
device driver
Definition
software that interfaces with an operating system (OS) to control an input or output device such as a printer
Term
ES
Definition
expert system
software that functions like a human expert in a particular field or area; created with the assistance of a human expert who provides subject-specific knowledge
Term
fuzzy logic
Definition
derived from fuzzy set theory, which deals with reasoning that is approximate rather than precise
Term
genetic algorithm
Definition
a form of evolutionary computation that is used to solve large, complex problems where a number of algorithms or models change and evolve until the best one emerges
Term
GUI
Definition
graphical user interface
makes use of a keyboard and mouse to manipulate graphics images on the display to issue commands to the computer system (Apple made the first)
Term
intelligent agent
Definition
also called an intelligent robot or bot, an abbreviation for robot; consists of programs and a knowledge base used to perform a specific task for a person, a process, or another program
Term
Linux
Definition
a free, open-source operating system (OS) for PCs (personal computers)
Term
Mac OS
Definition
the native operating system for Apple PCs
Term
Microsoft Windows
Definition
the most popular operating system for personal computers (PCs)
Term
multitasking
Definition
the ability of the OS to run several programs or tasks at the same time
Term
natural language processing
Definition
uses AI techniques to enable computers to generate and understand natural human languages, such as English
Term
neural network
Definition
simulates the functioning of the neurons in a human brain in software
Term
open-source software
Definition
distributed, typically for free, with the source code so it can be studied, changed and improved by its users
Term
OS
Definition
operating system
a set of computer programs that runs or controls the computer hardware and acts as an interface with both application programs and users
Term
optimization
Definition
allows the spreadsheet to maximize or minimize a quantity subject to certain constraints
Term
PIM software
Definition
personal information management software
helps individuals store useful information, such as to-do lists, appointment calenders, and contact lists
Term
presentation software
Definition
supports formal presentations by providing "slides" that can be used to accompany and embellish a live presentation or to present the material without the use of a human presenter (ex: Powerpoint)
Term
programming language
Definition
the primary tool of computer programmers; provides commands for writing softwares that is translated to the detailed step-by-step instructions executed by the processor to achieve an objective or solve a problem
Term
robotics
Definition
involves developing mechanical or computer devices to perform tasks that require a high degree of precision or are tedious or hazardous for humans
Term
shareware
Definition
a marketing method for distributing software that allows customers to use software free of charge for a limited time in order to evaluate the software and decide if they wish to purchase it
Term
single-use license
Definition
permits the user to install the software on one computer, or sometimes two computers, used by one person
Term
software bug
Definition
one or more defects or problems that prevent the software from working as intended or working at all
Term
software license
Definition
defines the permissions, rights, and restrictions provided to the person who purchases a copy of the software
Term
software patch
Definition
corrections to software code designed to fix software bugs
Term
software suite
Definition
a collection of application software packages sold together; can include word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software, database-management systems, personal information managers (PIMs) and more (ex: Microsoft Office)
Term
speech recognition
Definition
allows a computer to understand and react to spoken statements and commands
Term
asynchronous communication
Definition
communication in which participants leave messages for each other to be read, heard, and responded to at the recipient's convenience
Term
blog
Definition
Web sites created to express one or more individuals' views on a given topic
Term
cable modem connection
Definition
high-speed Internet service, with data transfer rates as high as 8 Mbps, provided by cable television service providers
Term
chat
Definition
synchronous text messaging between two or more participants
Term
client/server
Definition
a relationship between two computer programs in which one program, the client, makes a service request from another program, the server, which provides the service
Term
content streaming
Definition
sometimes called streaming media, streaming video, or streaming audio, is a technique in which the media begins playing while the file is being delivered (ex: Hulu)
Term
cookies
Definition
small text files stored on a computer by a Web server in order to recognize a user who revisits the Web site
Term
dial-up connection
Definition
a low-speed Internet service that uses the customer's phone line for data transfer rates as high as 56 kilobits per second (Kbps)
Term
DSL connection
Definition
digital subscriber line connection
uses the customer's phone line, but there is no dialing up and users can use the Internet and talk on the phone simultaneously
Term
e-mail
Definition
the transmission of messages over a computer network to support asynchronous text-based communication
Term
email attachment
Definition
typically a binary file, such as an image file, Word document, music file, or spreadsheet, that travels along with an email message but is not part of the email ASCII text message itself
Term
XML
Definition
extensible markup language
a markup language that provides a method for describing and classifying the content of data in a Web page
Term
hyperlink
Definition
an element in an electronic document—a word, phrase or image—that, when clicked, opens a related document
Term
HTML
Definition
hypertext markup language
the primary markup language that is used to specify the formatting of a Web page
Term
HTTP
Definition
hypertext transfer protocol
the protocol of the Web that controls communication between Web clients and servers
Term
IM
Definition
instant messaging
synchronous one-to-one text-based communication over the Internet
Term
Internet backbone
Definition
the main Internet pathways and connections made up of the many national and international communication networks that are owned by major telecom companies
Term
ISP
Definition
Internet service provider
company that provides users with access to the Internet through network service providers' (NSPs') points of presence (POP)
Term
IP address
Definition
a unique 32-bit identifier for Internet hosts (all devices connected to the Internet)
Term
P2P
Definition
peer-to-peer
a network architecture that does not use a central server, but facilitates communications directly between clients
Term
plug-in
Definition
works with a Web browser to offer extended services such as audio players, video, animation, 3D graphics viewers, and interactive media
Term
port
Definition
a logical address used by clients and servers that is associated with a specific service
Term
router
Definition
special-purpose computing device—typically a small to large unit with network ports—that manages network traffic by evaluating messages and routing them over the fastest path to their destination
Term
search engine
Definition
a valuable tool that enables you to find information on the Web by specifying words that are key to a topic of interest (keywords)
Term
social bookmarking
Definition
Web sites that provide a way for Web users to store, classify, share, and search Web bookmarks; also referred to as favorites (ex: Delicious)
Term
social networking
Definition
sites that provide Web-based tools for users to share information about themselves with others on the Web and find, meet, and converse with other members
Term
synchronous communication
Definition
communication in which people exchange thoughts in real time in a flowing coversation
Term
TCP/IP
Definition
the protocols for the Internet; Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP)
Term
text messaging
Definition
method of sending short text messages, no longer than 160 characters, between cell phones
Term
URL
Definition
uniform resource locator
a Web page address, incorporating the domain name of the Web server and the location of the Web page file on the server
Term
video conferencing
Definition
technology that combines video and phone call capabilities along with shared data and document access
Term
Web 2.0
Definition
Web resources that allow average users to collaborate and contribute to Web content
Term
Web-authoring software
Definition
software like a word processor that allows you to create HTML documents
Term
Web browser
Definition
software such as Internet Explorer used to request Web pages from Web servers
Term
Web server
Definition
software that stores and delivers Web pages and other Web resources such as interactive Web contet
Term
wiki
Definition
Web site designed to allow users to add, remove, and edit content
Term
XHTML
Definition
(extensible?) hypertext markup language
markup language that uses most of the same tags as HTML but is more strict in what is allowed and not allowed, so it is more compliant with XML
Term
analog signal
Definition
a signal of varying intensity that fluctuates continually
Term
bandwidth
Definition
the data transmission rate measured in bits per second (bps)
Term
Bluetooth
Definition
specification that enables a wide range of digital devices to communicate wirelessly over short distances
Term
broadband
Definition
a high-speed Internet connection that is always on or active, such as cable or DSL
Term
cellular carrier
Definition
a company that builds and maintains a cellular network and provides cell phone service to the public
Term
cellular network
Definition
a radio network in which a geographic area is divided into cells with a transceiver antenna (tower) and station at the center of each cell, to support mobile communications
Term
coaxial cable
Definition
a cable consisting of an inner conductor wire surrounded by insulation, a conductive shield (usually a layer of foil or metal braiding) and a cover
Term
communications satellite
Definition
essentially a microwave station placed in outer space that receives a signal from one point on earth and then rebroadcasts it at a different frequency to a different location
Term
digital signal
Definition
a signal with two discrete voltage states, high or low
Term
Ethernet
Definition
the most widely used network standard for private networks
Term
fiber-optic cable
Definition
a cale, consisting of thousands of extremely thin strands of glass or plastic bound together in a sheathing (a jacket) that transmits signals with light beams (very fast)
Term
GPS
Definition
global positioning system
system that uses satellite and mobile communications to pinpoint exact locations
Term
intranet
Definition
a networking technique that uses the protocols of the Internet and the Web—TCP/IP and HTTP, along wiht Internet services such as Web browsers—within the confines of a private network
Term
LAN
Definition
local area network
a network that connects computer systems and devices within the same building or local geographical area (used by nerdy college boys for LAN parties)
Term
MAN
Definition
metropolitan area network
Connects networks within a city or metropolitan-size area into a larger high-speed network
Term
microwave transmission
Definition
sending line-of-sight high-frequency radio signals through the air
Term
modem
Definition
device that converts analog and digital signals from one form to the other
Term
NFC
Definition
near field communications
a wireless technology designed for short (up to 20 cm), aimed at using cell phones for secure wireless payments
Term
network adapter
Definition
a computer circuit board, PC card or USB device installed in a computer so that the computer can be connected to a network
Term
networking media
Definition
anything that carries a signal and creates an interface between a sending device and a receiving device
Term
networking media
Definition
anything that carries a signal and creates an interface between a sending device and a receiving device
Term
PAN
Definition
personal area network
the interconnection of personal information technology devices, typically wirelessly, within the range of an individual
Term
RFID
Definition
radio frequency identification
uses tiny transponders in tags that can be attached to objects and read wirelessly using an RFID reader
Term
telecommunications
Definition
the electronic transmission and reception of signals for communication
Term
twisted pair copper cables
Definition
a cable consisting of pairs of twisted wires covered with an insulating layer
Term
VPN
Definition
virtual private network
uses a technique called tunneling to securely send private network data over the Internet
Term
WAN
Definition
wide area network
connects LANs and MANs between cities, across country, and around the world using microwave and satellite transmission or telephone lines
Term
WiMAX
Definition
Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, also known as IEEE 802.16; the next-generation wireless broadband technology that is both faster and has a longer range than Wi-Fi
Term
Wi-Fi
Definition
wireless fidelity
Wireless networking technology that makes use of access points to wirelessly connect users to networks within a range of 250-1000 feet
Term
3D modeling software
Definition
provides graphics tools that allow artists to create pictures of realistic 3D models
Term
bit-mapped graphics
Definition
represents an image by using bytes to store the color of each pixel used in the image
Term
CAD software
Definition
computer-assisted design software
assists designers, engineers and architects in designing 3D objects, from the gear mechanism in a watch to suspension bridges
Term
digital audio
Definition
any type of sound, including voice, music and sound effects, recorded and stored digitally as a series of 1s and 0s
Term
digital graphics
Definition
computer-based media applications that support creating, editing and viewing 2D and 3D images and animations
Term
digital media
Definition
digital technologies of all kinds that serve and support digital music, video and graphics
Term
digital music
Definition
a subcategory of digital audio that involves recording and storing music
Term
DRM
Definition
digital rights management
technology that protects intellectual property by restricting the number of device and applications on which a file can be opened, and the number of times that the file can be copied and burned to disk
Term
interactive media
Definition
digital media that involves user interaction for education, training or entertainment
Term
interactive TV
Definition
digital TV service that includes one or more of the following: video on demand, personal video recorder, local info on TV, purchase over TV, Internet access over TV, and video games over TV
Term
media player software
Definition
allows users to organize and play digital music, audio, and video files on PCs and media decices
Term
MP3
Definition
file format that compresses PCM music files to less than 10% of their original size
Term
MIDI
Definition
musical instrument digital interface
protocol used to provide a standard language for digital music devices to use in communicating with each other
Term
photo-editing software
Definition
programs with special tools and effects designed for improving or manipulating digital photos
Term
pixels
Definition
small points or dots of light that make up digital images
Term
podcast
Definition
an audio file that contains a recorded broadcast distributed over the Internet
Term
satellite radio
Definition
a form of digital radio that receives broadcast signals via a communications satellite
Term
scientific visualization
Definition
uses computer graphics to provide visual representations that improve our understanding of some phenomenon
Term
vector graphics
Definition
a technique that uses bytes to store geometric descriptions that define all the shapes in the image
Term
video game consoles
Definition
high-powered multiprocessor computers designed to support 3D interactive multimedia
Term
video-editing software
Definition
allows professional and amateur videographers to edit bad footage out and rearrange the good footage to produce a professional-style video production
Term
B2B
Definition
business-to-business e-commerce
the type of e-commerce that supports transactions between businesses across private networks, the Internet, and the Web
Term
B2C
Definition
business-to-consumer e-commerce
the type of e-commerce that makes use of the Web to connect individual consumers directly with sellers to purchase products
Term
C2C
Definition
consumer-to-consumer e-commerce
the type of e-commerce that uses the Web to connect individuals who wish to sell their personal belongings with people shopping for used items (ex: eBay)
Term
digital certificate
Definition
a type of electronic business card that is attached to Internet transaction data to verify the sender of the data
Term
e-commerce
Definition
electronic commerce
systems that support electronically executed business transactions
Term
e-commerce host
Definition
a company that takes on some or all of the responsibility of setting up and maintaining an e-commerce system for a business or organization
Term
e-cash
Definition
electronic cash
Web service that provides a private and secure method of transferring funds form a bank account or credit card to online vendors or individuals
Term
EDI
Definition
electronic data interchange
networking technology that uses private communication networks called value-added networks (VANs) to transmit standardized transaction data between business partners and suppliers
Term
encryption
Definition
a security technology that uses high-level mathematical functions and computer algorithms to encode data so that it is unintelligible to all but the intended recipient
Term
m-commerce
Definition
mobile commerce
a form of e-commerce that takes place over wireless mobile devices such as handheld computers and cell phones as well as emerging technologies such as dashtop computers embedded in car dashboards
Term
smart cards
Definition
credit cards or ID cards with embedded microchips that can store and process data; can be used as electronic wallets, storing account information balances and calculating new balances after being used for purchases
Term
antispyware
Definition
software that searches a computer for spyware and other software that may violate a user's privacy, allows the user to remove it, and provides continuing protection against future attacks
Term
antivirus software
Definition
uses several techniques to find viruses on a computer system, remove them if possible, and keep additional viruses from infecting the system
Term
biometrics
Definition
the science and technology of authentication by scanning and measuring a person's unique physical features such as finger prints, retinal patterns, and facial characteristics
Term
computer forensics
Definition
the process of examining computing equipment to determine if it has been used for illegal, unauthorized, or unusual activities
Term
cyberterrorism
Definition
a form of terrorism that uses attacks over the Internet to intimidate and harm a population
Term
firewall
Definition
network hardware or software that examines all incoming packets and filters out packets that are potentially dangerous
Term
identity theft
Definition
the criminal act of using stolen information about a person to assume that person's identity
Term
intellectual property
Definition
a product of the mind over which the owner holds legal entitlement
Term
intellectual property rights
Definition
rights relative to the ownership and use of intellectual property such as software, music, movies, data and information
Term
Internet fraud
Definition
the crime of deliberately deceiving a person over the Internet in order to cause damage and to unjustly obtain property or services from the victim
Term
password
Definition
a combination of characters known only to the user that is used for authentication
Term
phishing
Definition
scam that combines spoofed email and a spoofed Web site in order to trick a person into providing personal information
Term
piracy
Definition
the illegal copying, use, and distribution of digital intellectual property such as software, music and movies
Term
plagiarism
Definition
taking credit for someone else' intellectual property
Term
security holes
Definition
software bugs that allow violations of information security
Term
software patches
Definition
corrections to the software bugs that cause security holes
Term
spyware
Definition
software installed on a computer without the user's knowledge to either monitor the user or allow an outsider to control the computer
Term
username
Definition
identifies an user to the computer system
Term
virus
Definition
a program that attaches itself to a file, spreads to other files, and delivers a destructive action called a payload
Term
virus hoax
Definition
an email that warns of a virus that doesn't exist
Term
worm
Definition
a program that does not attach itself to other programs but rather acts as a free agent, replicating itself numerous times in an effort to overwhelm systems
Term
zombie computer
Definition
a computer that carries out actions (often malicious) under the remote control of a hacker either directly or through spyware or a virus
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