All Topic Definitions Flashcards
Definitions of all words learnt throughout the GCSE course
Algorithm
A step-by-step set of instructions for solving a specific problem or task in a computer program.
Programming Language
A formal language used to write code that instructs a computer to perform specific tasks or operations.
Data Representation
The method of encoding and representing data in computers, often using binary (base-2) or other systems.
Hardware
The physical components of a computer system, such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and peripherals.
Software
Computer programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do, including operating systems, applications, and utilities.
Network
A collection of interconnected devices that can share data and resources, such as the internet.
Database
An organized collection of data stored and managed electronically, often in structured tables.
Cybersecurity
The practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
Encryption
The process of converting data into a code to secure it and prevent unauthorized access.
Ethical Hacking
The authorized practice of probing for vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks to enhance security.
Operating System
Software that manages computer hardware, provides a user interface, and allows applications to run.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
The standard language used to create web pages, using tags to structure content.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The primary component of a computer responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations.
Binary
A base-2 numbering system that uses 0s and 1s to represent information in computers.
Debugging
The process of identifying and fixing errors or bugs in computer programs to ensure they work correctly.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
A type of computer memory that allows data to be quickly read and written, providing temporary storage for active programs and data.
Firewall
A network security system designed to prevent unauthorized access and protect against security threats.
Boolean Logic
A system of logic that deals with true/false values, used in programming for decision-making and conditional statements.
Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
The process of planning, creating, testing, and maintaining software systems through various stages, including requirements, design, coding, testing, and maintenance.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
A web address that specifies the location of a resource on the internet, typically starting with “http://” or “https://”.
GUI (Graphical User Interface)
A type of user interface that allows users to interact with a computer or software using visual elements like windows, icons, and menus.
API (Application Programming Interface)
A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other.
Compiler
A program that translates high-level programming code into machine code that a computer can understand and execute.
Open Source
Software that is freely available for use, modification, and distribution, often developed and maintained by a community of volunteers.
Cloud Computing
A technology that allows users to access and store data and applications over the internet instead of on local devices or computers.
DNS (Domain Name System)
A system that translates human-friendly domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses used to identify servers on the internet.
JavaScript
A versatile and popular programming language often used to add interactivity and dynamic features to web pages.
Bug
An error or flaw in a computer program that causes it to behave unexpectedly or incorrectly.
API (Application Programming Interface)
A set of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other.
Virtualisation
The process of creating virtual instances of computer systems, allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine
User Interface (UI)
The part of a software application or system that allows users to interact with it, including buttons, menus, and displays.
Syntax
The set of rules that dictate how code in a programming language must be structured and written.
Data Types
Categories of data in programming languages, such as integers, strings, and floating-point numbers.
Compiler
A software tool that translates high-level programming code into machine code or an intermediate code that a computer can execute.
LAN (Local Area Network)
A network that connects computers and devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home, office, or campus.
IDE (Integrated Development Environment)
A software application that provides tools for writing, testing, and debugging code, often used by programmers.
Cache
A small, high-speed storage area used to temporarily hold frequently accessed data for quicker retrieval.
Data Mining
The process of analysing and discovering patterns and trends in large datasets to extract useful information.
Machine Learning
A subset of artificial intelligence (AI) where computer systems can learn and make predictions or decisions based on data and patterns.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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.
Hard Drive (HDD)
A non-volatile storage device that uses magnetic platters to store data and is commonly found in desktop and laptop computers.
Solid State Drive (SSD)
A type of storage device that uses flash memory to store data and is known for its speed, reliability, and lack of moving parts.
External Storage
Devices like USB drives, external hard drives, or cloud storage used to store data separately from the computer’s internal storage.
File System
A method for organising and managing files on a storage device, including how data is stored and retrieved.
Capacity
The amount of data a storage device can hold, typically measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB).
Read/Write Speed
The rate at which data can be read from and written to a storage device, often measured in megabytes per second (MB/s).
Optical Storage
Storage devices that use optical technology, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, to read and write data.
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
A technology that combines multiple hard drives to enhance data performance, availability, or redundancy.
Backup
Creating a copy of data to protect against loss or damage, typically through regular backup procedures.
Magnetic Tape
A storage medium that uses magnetic tape to store data sequentially, often used for archival purposes.
Latency
The delay or time it takes for data to be retrieved from storage, measured in milliseconds (ms).
Data Migration
The process of moving data from one storage device to another, often during upgrades or data center relocations.
Caching
Storing frequently used data in high-speed memory for faster retrieval, often used in combination with primary storage devices.
File Compression
The process of reducing the size of files to save storage space, often achieved using compression algorithms.
Network-Attached Storage (NAS)
A dedicated storage device or server that is connected to a network, allowing multiple users to access and share data over a network connection.
