Glossary Flashcards
Define
Access rights
Restrictions to a users access to only those files they need in order to perform their job.
Define
Address book
In the address book are there names and email addresses of all the people to whom you are likely to send email
Define
American standard code for information interchange (ASCII)
A code for representing characters in binary.
Define
Analysis
Breaking a problem down so that it is easier to understand and solve.
Define
Append
Users can add new records but they will be unable to alter or delete existing records.
Define
ASCII
Code for representing characters in binary.
Define
Audience
A person who will only view the content. They will not alter inputs or change content in any way.
Define
Backup
Keeping copies of software and data so that the data can be recovered should there be a total loss of the ICT system.
Define
Backup file
A copy of a file which is used in the event of the original file being corrupted (damaged).
Define
Bandwidth
A measure of the amount of data that can be transferred using a data transfer medium.
Define
Bar code reader
Input device used to scan a series of lines (called a bar code).
Define
Batch processing
Type of processing where all the inputs needed are collected, batched together, I putted and processes in one go.
Define
Bespoke software
Software specially written for a particular user.
Define
Binary code
Code made up from a series of binary digits - 0 or 1.
Define
Bit
Binary digit 0 or 1.
Define
Blog
A website providing commentary, personal thoughts or news on a particular subject. It is written in chronological order and can include text, images and links to other blogs and websites.
Define
Blogger
A person who posts their comments to a blog.
Define
Bookmark
Storage area where the URL (i.e. The web address) of a website can be stored so that it can be accessed later using a link.
Define
Bug
A mistake or error in a program.
Define
Bullet point
A block or paragraph of text that has a symbol placed in front to make the section of text stand out.
Define
CAD (computer aided design)
A method of using the computer to produce technical drawings.
Define CCITT (the international committee for data communication)
Popular standard used for electronic communication.
Define
Character
Any symbol (letter, number, punctuation mark, etc.) that you can type from the keyboard.
Define
Check digits
Numbers placed at the end of the block of numbers used to check that the numbers have been entered correctly into the computer.
Define
Client
The person who needs the solution to an ICT problem that they have identified.
Define
Client-server
A network where several computers are connected to one or more servers.
Define
Coding
Producing a shorter version of the data to aid typing in and to aid validation of the data.
Define
Computer misuse act 1990
An act which makes illegal a number of activities such as deliberately planning viruses, hacking, using ICT equipment for fraud, etc.
Define
Continuos stationary
Stationary that is all joined up to be used with a printer. It may be pre-printed with company logos, etc.
Define
Control total
A meaningful total (e.g. The total of a batch of invoices) which is entered to check that all the data has been entered/processed.
Define
Cookie
A small text file downloaded to your computer, used by websites to collect information about how you use the website.
Define
Copyright, designs and parents act 1988
An act, which amongst other things, makes it an offence to be caught copying or stealing software.
Define
CPU (central processing unit)
The computers brain. It stores and processes data. It has three parts: the ALU, the control unit and the memory.
Define
Crime
An illegal act.
Define
Cross field checks
Checking the data in more than one field with other fields to make sure they make sense.
Define
Cybercrime
Crime committed involving ICT systems as a major part.
Define
Data
Raw facts and figures or a set of values, measurements or records of transactions.
Define
Data capture
Term for the various methods by which data can be entered into the computer so that it can be processed.
Define
Data controller
The person whose responsibility it is in an organisation to control the way that personal data is processed.
Define
Data protection act 1998
Law to protect the individual against the misuse of data.
Define
Data subject
The living individual whom the personal information is about.
Define
Data type check
Check to ensure the data being entered is the same type as the data type specified for the field.
Define
Design techniques
The ways you use the design tools to solve problems.
Define
Design tools
The software you use to provide a solution to an ICT problem
Define
Acceptable use policy
Document making it clear to all employees or users what is acceptable use of ICT systems and what isn’t.
Define
Desktop
The working area of the GUI and where all the icons are situated.
Define
Double entry of data
Two people use the same data source to enter the details into the ICT system and only if the two sets of data are identical, will they be accepted for processing.
Define DPI (dots per inch)
A measure of the resolution of images. The more dots per inch in an image, the higher the resolution.
Define
Drag and drop
Allows you to select objects (icons, folders, files, etc) and drag them so that you can perform certain operations on them such as drag to the recycle bin to discard, add a file to a folder, copy files to a folder and so on.
Define
Driver
A short specially written program that understands the operation of the device it controls/operates. It is needed to allow the systems or applications software to use the connected device properly.
Define
Encoding
Process of putting information/data (e.g. Text, numbers, symbols, images, sound and video) into a specified format that allows effective transmission or storage by an ICT system.
Define
Encryption
Coding data whilst it is being sent over a network so that only the true recipient is able to decide it. Should the data be intercepted by a hacker, then the data will be in code and totally meaningless.
Define
Ergonomics
An applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely.
Define
Erroneous data
Data that is ridiculous or totally unsuitable.
Define
Evaluation
The act of reviewing what has been achieved, how it was achieved and how well the solution works.
Define
External threat
A threat to an ICT system that comes from outside the organisation.
Define
Extranet
An external network that can be used by the customers, suppliers and partners of an organisation as well as the organisation itself.
Define
Favourites
Storage area where the URL (I.e. The web address) of a website can be stored so that it can be accessed later using a link.
Define
Federation against software theft
An anti-piracy organisation who work to protect the work of software publishers.
Define
File attachments
Files that are transferred along with an e-mail.
Define
File compression
Used to compress files before storing or before being sent over a network.
Define
File management software
Part of systems software used to create folders, copy folders/files, rename folders/files, delete folders/files, move files/folders, etc.
Define
File/table lookups
Used to make sure that codes being used are the same as those used in a table or file of codes.
Define
Firewall
Either hardware and/or software that work in a network to prevent communication that is not allowed from one network to another.
Define
Flash/pen drives
Popular storage media which offer cheap and large storage capacities and are ideal media for photographs, music and other data files. They consist of printed circuit boards enclosed in a plastic case.
Define
Footer
Text placed at the bottom of a document.
Define
Format checks
Checks performed on codes to make sure that they conform to the correct combinations of characters.
Define
Forward
If you are sent an email that you think others should see, you can forward it to them.
Define
Freedom of info act 2000
Act giving the right of access to information held by public authorities.
Define
Generic software
Applications package that is appropriate for a wide range of tasks and can be used in lots of areas of work.
Define
GIGO
Abbreviation for garbage in garbage out. It means that if you put rubbish into the computer then you get rubbish out.
Define
Grammar checker
Used to check the grammar in a sentence and to highlight problems and suggest alternatives.
Define
Graph plotter
A device which draws by moving a pen. Useful for scale drawings and is used mainly with CAD packages.
Define
Graphics tablet
An input device which makes use of a large tablet containing many shapes and commands which may be selected by the user by moving a cursor and clicking. Basically it moves the toolbars onto the tablet rather than clutter up the screen when doing large technical drawings using CAD software.
Define
Groups
Lists of people and their email addresses.
Define GUI (graphical user interface)
An interface that allows users to communicate with ICT equipment by making use of icons and pull-down menus.
Define
Hacker
A person who tries to or succeeds in breaking into a secure ICT system.
Define
Hacking
The process of trying to break into a secure computer system.
Define
Hard copy
Printed output on a computer which may be taken away and studied.
Define
Hardware
The physical components of a computer system.
Define
Hash total
Meaningless total of numbers used to check that all the numbers have been entered into the computer.
Define
Header
Text placed at the top of a document.
Define
Health and safety (display screen equipment) regulations 1992
Regulations making it law for employers to take certain measures to protect the health and safety to their employees who use ICT equipment.
Define
Health and safety at work act 1974
Law making sure that employees have safe working conditions and methods.
Define
Hot spot
A region where the Internet can be accessed wirelessly.
Define
Icons
Small pictures used to represent commands, files or Windows.
Define
ICT systems
Hardware and software working together with people and procedures to do a job.
Define
Identity theft/fraud
Using your banking/credit card/personal details on order to commit fraud.
Define
Implementation
The process of producing the working version of the solution to the problem as identified by the client.
Define
Indexing
Allows words to be highlighted so that they can be used to form an index.
Define
Information
Output from an ICT system or data that has been processed and gives us knowledge.
Define
Information commissioner
The person responsible for enforcing the data protection act. They also promote good practice and make everyone aware of the implications of the act.
Define
Ink-jet printer
A printer that works by spraying ink through nozzles onto the paper.
Define
Input
Act of entering data into an ICT system.
Define
Input device
The hardware device used to feed the input data into an ICT system such as a keyboard or a scanner.
Define
Input media
The material on which the data is encoded so that it can be read by an input device and digitised so that it can be input, processed and turned into information by an ICT system.
Define
Input message
A message which when the field or cell is selected, gives the user some advice on the kind of data that should be entered.
Define
Integrated software
An application package consisting of software for several distinct applications. There will always be two or more applications packages in integrated software.
Define
Interactive
Where there is a consistent dialogue between the user and the computer.
Define
Interface
The point where two objects meet. In ICT this is usually between a device such as a computer, printer, scanner, etc. And a human.
Define
Internal threat
A threat to an ICT system that comes from inside an organisation.
Define
Internet
A huge group of networks joined together.
Define
Internet service provider (ISP)
The organisation that provides your internet connection.
Define
Intranet
A private network used within an organisation that makes use of Internet technology.
Define
Laser printer
A printer which uses a laser beam to form characters on the paper.
Define
Length check
Checks to make sure that the data being entered has the correct number of characters in it.
Define
Macro
Used to record a series of keystrokes so that, for example, your name and address can be added to the top of the page simply by pressing a single key or clicking on the mouse.
Define
Magnetic ink character recognition
Input method making use of numbers printed onto a document such as a cheque in a special magnetic ink which can be read by the magnetic ink character reader at very high speed.
Define
Magnetic media
Media such as tape and disk where the the data is stored as a magnetic pattern.
Define
Magnetic strip
Data is encoded in the magnetic strip and when the card is swiped the data from the card is used to record the transaction.
Define
Magnetic strip reader
Hardware device that reads the data contained in magnetic strips such as those on the back of credit cards.
Define
Mail merge
Combining a list of names and addresses with a standard letter so that a series of letters is produced with each letter being addressed to a different person.
Define
Malpractice
Improper or careless use or misconduct.
Define
Memory cards
Thin cards you see in digital cameras used to store photographs and can be used for other data.
Define
Menus
Allow a user to make selections from a list.
Define MIDI (musical instrument digital interface)
Used mainly to communicate between electronic keyboards, synthesisers and computers. MIDI files are compressed and the files are quite small.
Define
Mind map
A hierarchical diagram with a central idea, or image, at the centre of the map surrounded by branches that extend from the central idea.
Define
MP3
Music files format that uses compression to reduce the file size considerably and this is why the MP3 file format is so popular with portable music playing devices such as iPods.
Define
Multimedia
A means of communication that combines more than one medium for presentation purposes, such as sound, graphics and video.
Define
Natural language interface
An interface that allows the user to interact using natural written or spoken language (e.g. English) as opposed to computer language and commands.
Define
Network
A group of computers which are able to communicate with each other.
Define
Network
A group of ICT devices (computers, printers, scanners, etc.) which are able to communicate with each other.
Define
Networking software
Systems software which allows computers connected together to function as a network.
Define
Non-volatile memory
Memory stored on a chip which does not lose data when the power is turned off.
Define
Normal data
Entering data that should be acceptable to the solution.
Define
Notification
The process of letting the information commissioners office know that an organisation is storing and processing personal data.
Define
OCR
Optical character recognition. This is a combination of software and a scanner which is able to read characters into the computer.
Define
Off-the-shelf software
Software that has not been developed for a particular use.
Define
OMR
Optical mark reader/recognition. Reader that detects marks on a piece of paper. Shaded areas are detected and the computer can understand the information contained in them.
Define
Operating system
Software that controls the hardware of a computer and is used to run the applications software. Operating systems control the handling of input, output, interrupts, etc.
Define
Optical character recognition (OCR)
Input method using a scanner as the input device along with special software which looks at the shape of each character so that it can be recognised separately.
Define
Optical mark recognition (OMR)
Input method using paper-based forms or cards with marks on them that are read automatically by a device called an optical mark reader.
Define
Output
The results from processing data.
Define
Package software
A bundle of files necessary for a particular program to run along with some form of documentation to help a user get the program started.
Define
Password
A series of characters which need to be typed in before access to the ICT system is allowed.
Define
Peer-to-peer
Network arrangement where each computer is of equal status.
Define
Peripheral
A device connected to and under the control of the central processing unit (CPU).
Define
Personal data
Data about a living identifiable person, which is specific to that person.
Define
Personal skills
Those skills a person possesses and which are transferable to any job or task.
Define
Phishing
Tricking people into revealing their banking or credit card details.
Define
Piracy
The process of illegally coping software.
Define
Pixel
The smallest dot of light on the computer screen which can be individually controlled.
Define
Podcasting
Creating and publishing a digital radio broadcast using a microphone, a computer and audio editing software. The resulting file is saved in MP3 format and then uploaded onto an Internet server. It can then be downloaded using a facility called RSS onto an MP3 player such as an iPod.
Define
Pointer
This is the little arrow that appears when using Windows.
Define
Presence checks
Check to make sure that data had been entered into a field.
Define
Primary storage
Storage in chips inside the computer.
Define
Print preview
Feature that comes with most software used to produce documents. It allows users to view the page or pages of a document to see exactly how they will be printed. If necessary, the documents can be corrected.
Define
Printer driver
Software that converts commands from the systems or applications software into a form that a particular printer can understand.
Define
Privacy
Being able to choose to keep certain aspects of your life private.
Define
Process
Any operation that transfers data into information.
Define
Processing
Performing calculations or arranging the data into a meaningful order.
Define
Programmer
A person who writes computer programs.
Define
Proof reading
Carefully reading what has been typed in and comparing it with what is on the data source (order forms, application forms, invoices, etc.) for any errors, which can be corrected.
Define
Protocol
A set of standards that allows the transfer of data between computers on a network.
Define RAM (random access memory)
Used to hold the data temporarily whilst the computer is working on it. Contents are lost when the computer is switched off.
Define
Range check
Data validation technique which checks that the data input into the computer is within a certain range.
Define
Read only
A user can only read the contents of the file. They cannot alter or delete the data.
Define
Read/write
A user can read the data held in the file and can alter the data.
Define
Real-time processing
The input data is processed immediately as it arrives. The results have a direct affect on the next set of available data.
Define
Relational database management system (RFMS)
Database system where the data is held in tables with relationships established between them. The software is used to set up and hold the data as well as to extract and manipulate the stored data.
Define
Relationship
The way tables are related to each other. Relationships can be one-to-one, one-to-many or many-to-many.
Define
Reply
Allows you to read an email and then write the reply without having to enter the recipients email address.
Define
Resolution
The sharpness or clarity of an image.
Define
ROM (read only memory)
Memory stored on a chip which does not lose data when the power is turned off.
Define
Router
Hardware device which is able to make the decision about the path that an individual packet of data should take so that it arrives in the shortest possible time.
Define
RSI
Repetitive strain injury. A painful muscular condition caused by repeatedly using certain muscles in the same way.
Define
Scams
Setting up bogus companies with bogus websites and then making off with the money from customers orders.
Define
Scanner
Input device that can be used to capture an image and is useful for digitising old non-digital photographs, paper documents or pictures in books.
Define
Search engine
Program which searches for required information on the Internet.
Define
Secondary (or backup storage)
Storage outside the computer.
Define
Security
Making sure that the hardware, software and data of an ICT system does not come to any harm.
Define
Shockwave audio
Format used for very high quality sound with very small file size.
Define
Software
Programs which supply the instructions to the hardware.
Define
Software license
Document (digital or paper) which sets out the terms by which the software can be used. It will refer to the number of computers on which it can be run simultaneously.
Define
Sorting
Putting data into ascending or descending order.
Define
Spam
Unsolicited bulk email (I.e. Email from people you do not know, sent to everyone in the hope that a small percentage may purchase the goods or services on offer).
Define
Specific software
Software that only performs one task.
Define
Spellchecker
Facility offered by software where there is a dictionary against which will words typed in are checked.
Define
Spyware
Software which collects information about the user of a computer connected to the Internet without their consent.
Define
Storage capacity
How much data can the storage device/media hold? Usually measured in Mb or Gb.
Define
Systems software
Any computer software that manages and controls the hardware thus allowing the applications software to do a useful job. Systems software consists of a group of programs.
Define
Taskbar
Shows the programs that are open. This facility is handy when working on several programs together.
Define
Technical skills
Those skills necessary to complete a specific job in ICT.
Define
Telecommunications
The field of technology concerned with communicating at a distance (e.g. Telephones, radio, cables, etc)
Define
Templates
Used to specify the structure of a document such as fonts, page layout, formatting and styles.
Define
Personal skills
Those skills a person possesses and which are transferable to any job or task.
Define
Phishing
Tricking people into revealing their banking or credit card details.
Define
Piracy
The process of illegally coping software.
Define
Pixel
The smallest dot of light on the computer screen which can be individually controlled.
Define
Podcasting
Creating and publishing a digital radio broadcast using a microphone, a computer and audio editing software. The resulting file is saved in MP3 format and then uploaded onto an Internet server. It can then be downloaded using a facility called RSS onto an MP3 player such as an iPod.
Define
Pointer
This is the little arrow that appears when using Windows.
Define
Presence checks
Check to make sure that data had been entered into a field.
Define
Primary storage
Storage in chips inside the computer.
Define
Print preview
Feature that comes with most software used to produce documents. It allows users to view the page or pages of a document to see exactly how they will be printed. If necessary, the documents can be corrected.
Define
Printer driver
Software that converts commands from the systems or applications software into a form that a particular printer can understand.
Define
Privacy
Being able to choose to keep certain aspects of your life private.
Define
Process
Any operation that transfers data into information.
Define
Processing
Performing calculations or arranging the data into a meaningful order.
Define
Programmer
A person who writes computer programs.
Define
Proof reading
Carefully reading what has been typed in and comparing it with what is on the data source (order forms, application forms, invoices, etc.) for any errors, which can be corrected.
Define
Protocol
A set of standards that allows the transfer of data between computers on a network.
Define RAM (random access memory)
Used to hold the data temporarily whilst the computer is working on it. Contents are lost when the computer is switched off.
Define
Range check
Data validation technique which checks that the data input into the computer is within a certain range.
Define
Read only
A user can only read the contents of the file. They cannot alter or delete the data.
Define
Read/write
A user can read the data held in the file and can alter the data.
Define
Real-time processing
The input data is processed immediately as it arrives. The results have a direct affect on the next set of available data.
Define
Relational database management system (RFMS)
Database system where the data is held in tables with relationships established between them. The software is used to set up and hold the data as well as to extract and manipulate the stored data.
Define
Relationship
The way tables are related to each other. Relationships can be one-to-one, one-to-many or many-to-many.
Define
Reply
Allows you to read an email and then write the reply without having to enter the recipients email address.
Define
Resolution
The sharpness or clarity of an image.
Define
ROM (read only memory)
Memory stored on a chip which does not lose data when the power is turned off.
Define
Router
Hardware device which is able to make the decision about the path that an individual packet of data should take so that it arrives in the shortest possible time.
Define
RSI
Repetitive strain injury. A painful muscular condition caused by repeatedly using certain muscles in the same way.
Define
Scams
Setting up bogus companies with bogus websites and then making off with the money from customers orders.
Define
Scanner
Input device that can be used to capture an image and is useful for digitising old non-digital photographs, paper documents or pictures in books.
Define
Search engine
Program which searches for required information on the Internet.
Define
Secondary (or backup storage)
Storage outside the computer.
Define
Security
Making sure that the hardware, software and data of an ICT system does not come to any harm.
Define
Shockwave audio
Format used for very high quality sound with very small file size.
Define
Software
Programs which supply the instructions to the hardware.
Define
Software license
Document (digital or paper) which sets out the terms by which the software can be used. It will refer to the number of computers on which it can be run simultaneously.
Define
Sorting
Putting data into ascending or descending order.
Define
Spam
Unsolicited bulk email (I.e. Email from people you do not know, sent to everyone in the hope that a small percentage may purchase the goods or services on offer).
Define
Specific software
Software that only performs one task.
Define
Spellchecker
Facility offered by software where there is a dictionary against which will words typed in are checked.
Define
Spyware
Software which collects information about the user of a computer connected to the Internet without their consent.
Define
Storage capacity
How much data can the storage device/media hold? Usually measured in Mb or Gb.
Define
Systems software
Any computer software that manages and controls the hardware thus allowing the applications software to do a useful job. Systems software consists of a group of programs.
Define
Taskbar
Shows the programs that are open. This facility is handy when working on several programs together.
Define
Technical skills
Those skills necessary to complete a specific job in ICT.
Define
Telecommunications
The field of technology concerned with communicating at a distance (e.g. Telephones, radio, cables, etc)
Define
Templates
Used to specify the structure of a document such as fonts, page layout, formatting and styles.
Define
Test plan
The approach that will be used to test the whole solution and consists of a suite of tests.
Define
Thesaurus
Allows a word to be chosen and the word processor will list synonyms (I.e. Words with similar meanings).
Define
Toner
Black plastic particles used by laser printers as the ‘ink’.
Define
Topology
The way a particular network is arranged. Examples include ring, start, mesh and bus.
Define
Touch screen
Screen that allows a person to make selections by simply touching the screen.
Define
Transaction
A piece of business, e.g. An order, purchase, return, delivery, transfer of money, etc.
Define
Transaction processing
Processing of each transaction as it arises.
Define
Transcription error
Error made when typing data in using a document as the source of the data.
Define
Transmission medium
The material which forms the connection between the computers in a network (e.g., air in the case of wireless, metal wire, optical fibre)
Define
Transmission rate
The speed of data flow in bits per second (bps) through transmission media.
Define
Transposition error
Error made when characters are swapped around so they are in the wrong order.
Define
Trojans
Lines of computer code stored in your PC without you knowing.
Define
Uninstallers
Oft ware used to remove all the files put into the computer when a piece of software was installed.
Define UPS (uninterruptible power supply)
A backup power supply (generator and battery) which will keep the computer running should the mains power supply fail.
Define
URL (uniform resource locator)
The web address used to locate a webpage.
Define
User
A person who makes active used of an ICT dolour ion to solve an ICT problem.
Define
Username
A way of identifying who is using the ICT system in order to allocate network resources.
Define
Utility
Part of the systems software that performs a specific task.
Define
Utility programs
Software which helps the user perform tasks such as virus checking, file compression, etc.
Define
Validation checks
Checks a developer of a solution creates, using the software, in order to restrict the data that a user can enter so as to reduce errors.
Define
Validation expression/rule
Command that a developer must type in order to set up the validation for a particular field/cell.
Define
Validation message
A message which appears if the validation rule is breached.
Define
Verification
Checking that the data being entered into the ICT system perfectly matches the source of the data.
Define
Videoconferencing
ICT system that allows face-to-face meetings to be conducted without the participants being in the same room or even the same geographical area.
Define
Virus
A program that replicates (i.e. Copies) itself automatically and usually carries with it some payload which causes damage.
Define
Voice recognition
Voice recognition systems allow you to enter data via a microphone directly into a computer.
Define
Volatile memory
Memory which loses data when the power is turned off.
Define
WAV
Used with Windows for storing sounds. Files in this format are not highly compressed.
Define
Web browser
The agitate program you use to access the Internet. Microsoft Internet explorer is an example of a web browser.
Define
Webcam
A small video camera used as input device to send a moving image over an intranet or the Internet.
Define
Webpage
Single document on the World Wide Web.
Define
Wifi
A trademark for the certification of products that meet certain standards for transmitting data over wireless network.
Define WIMP (Windows icons menus pointing devices)
The graphical user interface (GUI) way of using a computer rather than typing in commands at the command line.
Define
World Wide Web
A means of accessing information contained in the Internet. It is an information sharing model that is built on top of the Internet.
Define
Worm
A program that keeps replicating itself automatically, and as it does so it takes more and more disk space and also uses a greater proportion of the systems resources for each copy.
