Data and Databases Flashcards
Application
A software program that allows a user to perform a specific task.
Data
Values, typically letters or numbers.
Database
A system designed to store data in an organised way, making it easier to search for the information you need.
Information
Data that has meaning, not just a number or a letter.
Knowledge
The ability to understand information and, to then form judgements, opinions, make predictions and decisions based on that understanding.
Program
Sequences of instructions for a computer.
Sensor
A device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal to be read and interpreted.
Spreadsheet
A piece of software used to manipulate data, often used in modelling.
Key Field
A unique identifier for a database record or table entry.
Multi-Access
A system that can be used by several users simultaneously via a local area network (LAN).
Query
A search or question performed inside a database.
Validation
Checking data entered against a predefined set of rules.
Field
An element of a database record in which one piece of information is stored. For example ‘name’ in an electronic address book.
Anti-virus
Anti-virus software scans all forms of storage devices for viruses (programs harmful to computers) and, if found, attempts to remove them.
Encryption
Files that are encrypted have been altered using a secret code and are unreadable to unauthorised parties.
Hacked
If a computer has been hacked, someone has gained unauthorised access to it.
http
Hypertext transfer protocol - a request/response standard. Web browsers send requests and websites or servers respond to requests.
Removable disk
Any storage medium that is easily removed from its enclosure, eg CDs or DVDs.
Terminal
A point of access, eg to a computer system.
Virus
A small program written to cause harm to a computer.
Write-Protecting
When a disk (for example) is write protected, no more data can be written to it.
Attachment
A file that is sent with an email
Desktop Publishing
An application that allows text and images to be laid out on a page
Downloading
To copy a file from the internet onto your computer or device.
Electronic mail. A method for sending messages and files to other people.
Export
To send data out of an application in a file format that can be read by another.
Import
To load a file into a software application from another version or system.
Instant Messenger
An application that allows users to send instant messages (text) to one another.
Internet
A global network connecting millions of computers.
Internet Connection
A connection to the internet by a computer or another internet-enabled device.
Network
A group of interconnected computers.
Operating System
The software that manages the hardware and software resources in a computer system.
Portable Document Format (PDF): a file format developed by Adobe in an effort to standardise the way documents were shared.
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM): Memory that is constantly being written to and read from. It does not retain its contents without a constant supply of power, ie when a computer is turned off, everything stored in its RAM is lost.
