All Topic Definitions Flashcards

Definitions of all words learnt throughout the GCSE course

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1
Q

Algorithm

A

A step-by-step set of instructions for solving a specific problem or task in a computer program.

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2
Q

Programming Language

A

A formal language used to write code that instructs a computer to perform specific tasks or operations.

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3
Q

Data Representation

A

The method of encoding and representing data in computers, often using binary (base-2) or other systems.

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4
Q

Hardware

A

The physical components of a computer system, such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and peripherals.

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5
Q

Software

A

Computer programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do, including operating systems, applications, and utilities.

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6
Q

Network

A

A collection of interconnected devices that can share data and resources, such as the internet.

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7
Q

Database

A

An organized collection of data stored and managed electronically, often in structured tables.

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8
Q

Cybersecurity

A

The practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.

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9
Q

Encryption

A

The process of converting data into a code to secure it and prevent unauthorized access.

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10
Q

Ethical Hacking

A

The authorized practice of probing for vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks to enhance security.

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11
Q

Operating System

A

Software that manages computer hardware, provides a user interface, and allows applications to run.

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12
Q

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

A

The standard language used to create web pages, using tags to structure content.

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13
Q

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

A

The primary component of a computer responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations.

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14
Q

Binary

A

A base-2 numbering system that uses 0s and 1s to represent information in computers.

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15
Q

Debugging

A

The process of identifying and fixing errors or bugs in computer programs to ensure they work correctly.

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16
Q

RAM (Random Access Memory)

A

A type of computer memory that allows data to be quickly read and written, providing temporary storage for active programs and data.

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17
Q

Firewall

A

A network security system designed to prevent unauthorized access and protect against security threats.

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18
Q

Boolean Logic

A

A system of logic that deals with true/false values, used in programming for decision-making and conditional statements.

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19
Q

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

A

The process of planning, creating, testing, and maintaining software systems through various stages, including requirements, design, coding, testing, and maintenance.

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20
Q

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

A

A web address that specifies the location of a resource on the internet, typically starting with “http://” or “https://”.

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21
Q

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

A

A type of user interface that allows users to interact with a computer or software using visual elements like windows, icons, and menus.

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22
Q

API (Application Programming Interface)

A

A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other.

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23
Q

Compiler

A

A program that translates high-level programming code into machine code that a computer can understand and execute.

24
Q

Open Source

A

Software that is freely available for use, modification, and distribution, often developed and maintained by a community of volunteers.

25
Q

Cloud Computing

A

A technology that allows users to access and store data and applications over the internet instead of on local devices or computers.

26
Q

DNS (Domain Name System)

A

A system that translates human-friendly domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses used to identify servers on the internet.

27
Q

JavaScript

A

A versatile and popular programming language often used to add interactivity and dynamic features to web pages.

28
Q

Bug

A

An error or flaw in a computer program that causes it to behave unexpectedly or incorrectly.

29
Q

API (Application Programming Interface)

A

A set of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other.

30
Q

Virtualisation

A

The process of creating virtual instances of computer systems, allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine

31
Q

User Interface (UI)

A

The part of a software application or system that allows users to interact with it, including buttons, menus, and displays.

32
Q

Syntax

A

The set of rules that dictate how code in a programming language must be structured and written.

33
Q

Data Types

A

Categories of data in programming languages, such as integers, strings, and floating-point numbers.

34
Q

Compiler

A

A software tool that translates high-level programming code into machine code or an intermediate code that a computer can execute.

35
Q

LAN (Local Area Network)

A

A network that connects computers and devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home, office, or campus.

36
Q

IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

A

A software application that provides tools for writing, testing, and debugging code, often used by programmers.

37
Q

Cache

A

A small, high-speed storage area used to temporarily hold frequently accessed data for quicker retrieval.

38
Q

Data Mining

A

The process of analysing and discovering patterns and trends in large datasets to extract useful information.

39
Q

Machine Learning

A

A subset of artificial intelligence (AI) where computer systems can learn and make predictions or decisions based on data and patterns.

40
Q

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

A

The field of computer science that focuses on creating intelligent systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as problem-solving, language understanding, and decision-making.

41
Q

Hard Drive (HDD)

A

A non-volatile storage device that uses magnetic platters to store data and is commonly found in desktop and laptop computers.

42
Q

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A

A type of storage device that uses flash memory to store data and is known for its speed, reliability, and lack of moving parts.

43
Q

External Storage

A

Devices like USB drives, external hard drives, or cloud storage used to store data separately from the computer’s internal storage.

44
Q

File System

A

A method for organising and managing files on a storage device, including how data is stored and retrieved.

45
Q

Capacity

A

The amount of data a storage device can hold, typically measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB).

46
Q

Read/Write Speed

A

The rate at which data can be read from and written to a storage device, often measured in megabytes per second (MB/s).

47
Q

Optical Storage

A

Storage devices that use optical technology, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, to read and write data.

48
Q

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)

A

A technology that combines multiple hard drives to enhance data performance, availability, or redundancy.

49
Q

Backup

A

Creating a copy of data to protect against loss or damage, typically through regular backup procedures.

50
Q

Magnetic Tape

A

A storage medium that uses magnetic tape to store data sequentially, often used for archival purposes.

51
Q

Latency

A

The delay or time it takes for data to be retrieved from storage, measured in milliseconds (ms).

52
Q

Data Migration

A

The process of moving data from one storage device to another, often during upgrades or data center relocations.

53
Q

Caching

A

Storing frequently used data in high-speed memory for faster retrieval, often used in combination with primary storage devices.

54
Q

File Compression

A

The process of reducing the size of files to save storage space, often achieved using compression algorithms.

55
Q

Network-Attached Storage (NAS)

A

A dedicated storage device or server that is connected to a network, allowing multiple users to access and share data over a network connection.