ITEE IT Passport key terms

The part of a computer that fetches, decodes, and executes instructions and controls the other hardware units. Its speed and core count strongly affect how quickly programs run.

The working storage that holds programs and data currently being processed, directly accessible by the CPU. It is volatile, so its contents are lost when power is switched off.

A small, very fast memory placed between the CPU and main memory that keeps frequently used data close to the processor. It reduces the time spent waiting for slower main memory.

Software that manages hardware resources such as memory, files, and input/output devices, and provides a platform on which application programs run. Examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.

A technique in which part of secondary storage is used as if it were main memory, letting programs larger than physical memory run. Excessive swapping slows the system noticeably.

A database that stores data in tables of rows and columns and links tables through shared key values. It is queried with SQL and helps keep data consistent and free of duplication.

A column or combination of columns whose value uniquely identifies each row in a table. It must be unique and cannot be empty, and it prevents duplicate records.

A column whose values must match a primary key value in another table, creating a link between the two tables. It enforces referential integrity so orphan records cannot exist.

The process of organizing tables so that each fact is stored in one place, removing redundant data and update anomalies. It usually involves splitting tables and defining keys carefully.

A standard language for defining, querying, and updating data in relational databases. Statements such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE let users retrieve and change records.

A group of database operations treated as a single unit that must either all succeed or all be undone. This protects data from partial updates when errors or failures occur.

A numeric label assigned to each device on a network so that data can be routed to it. IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses; IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses to provide far more of them.

A value that indicates which part of an IP address identifies the network and which part identifies the host. It lets devices decide whether a destination is local or must be routed elsewhere.

A system that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses so users do not need to remember numbers. It works like a distributed directory service across the internet.

A device that forwards packets between different networks by choosing a path based on IP addresses. It connects a local network to the internet or links separate network segments.

A network covering a limited area such as an office or building, typically owned and managed by one organization. Devices on it can share files, printers, and internet access.

The conversion of readable data into an unreadable form using a key, so that only authorized parties can restore it. It protects confidentiality during storage and transmission.

A scheme using a pair of mathematically related keys, one public and one private. Data encrypted with one key can only be decrypted with the other, enabling secure exchange without sharing secrets.

A value created with a sender's private key that lets a receiver verify the sender's identity and confirm the data was not altered. It supports authentication and integrity, not confidentiality.

A general term for software written to harm or exploit a system, including viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware. Countermeasures include updated software, antivirus tools, and user caution.

A fraud in which attackers impersonate a trusted party by email or fake websites to trick users into revealing passwords or other sensitive information. User education and link verification reduce the risk.

A login method that requires two different kinds of evidence, such as a password plus a one-time code. It makes account takeover harder even when a password is stolen.

A barrier that inspects network traffic and permits or blocks it according to set rules. It helps protect internal systems from unauthorized access from outside networks.

The set of rules and mechanisms that decide which users may read, change, or use which resources. Common approaches include role-based permissions and the principle of least privilege.

Software that arranges numbers and text in a grid of cells and recalculates formulas automatically. It is widely used for budgets, data analysis, and simple charts.

A cell reference written with dollar signs, such as $B$2, that does not shift when a formula is copied to another cell. It is used to refer to a fixed value repeatedly.

An interactive summary tool that groups and aggregates spreadsheet data by selected fields. It lets users quickly compare totals and averages across categories without rewriting formulas.

The address that identifies a resource on the web, showing the protocol, server name, and path. Users type it into a browser to reach a specific page or file.

A finite, ordered set of unambiguous steps that solves a problem or performs a task. Expressing a procedure as an algorithm is the basis of programming and computational thinking.

A diagram that represents the flow of a process or algorithm using standard symbols such as rectangles for steps and diamonds for decisions. It makes logic easier to review and explain.

Breaking a large or complex problem into smaller parts that can be solved separately and then combined. It is a core element of computational thinking and structured problem solving.

A diagram that arranges possible causes of a problem into categories such as people, methods, machines, and materials. Teams use it to organize brainstorming before testing hypotheses.

A method that ranks causes or problems by frequency or impact to show that a small number usually account for most of the effect. It helps teams focus effort where it matters most.

A repeating improvement cycle of Plan, Do, Check, and Act. Teams plan a change, carry it out, verify the results, and then standardize or adjust, enabling continuous improvement.

A legal right that protects original creative works such as text, music, images, and software from unauthorized copying or use. It arises automatically on creation, though registration helps prove ownership.

A contract stating the terms under which software or content may be used, copied, or redistributed. Users must follow its conditions, and violating them can be a breach of contract or infringement.

Laws and rules governing the collection, use, and sharing of information that identifies a living individual. Organizations must state purposes, limit use, and safeguard such data from leaks.

A development approach that proceeds through sequential phases such as requirements, design, implementation, and testing, with each phase largely completed before the next. It suits projects with stable requirements.

An iterative approach that delivers software in small increments and adapts to changing requirements through close collaboration with users. Short cycles and frequent feedback replace heavy upfront planning.

The activity of executing software with prepared inputs and comparing actual results to expected ones to find defects. Testing is planned at several levels, from individual units to the whole system.

A copy of data kept separately so it can be restored after loss, corruption, or disaster. Effective plans specify what to copy, how often, and where copies are stored.

Technology that enables computers to perform tasks associated with human intelligence, such as recognizing patterns, understanding language, and making predictions. Modern systems often learn from large amounts of data.

A branch of AI in which programs improve at a task by finding patterns in data rather than following only hand-written rules. Applications include recommendation, classification, and prediction.

Data sets so large, fast-changing, or varied that ordinary tools cannot handle them well. Characteristics often summarized as volume, velocity, and variety drive new processing methods.

The network of everyday devices and sensors that connect to the internet and exchange data automatically. It enables remote monitoring and control but raises security and privacy concerns.