KASNEB DICT key terms

The use of computers, networks, telecommunication devices and software to create, store, process, transmit and exchange information in digital form. It covers the technology itself plus the people, data and processes that apply it.

Application software used to type, edit, format, save and print text documents. It offers features such as spell checking, tables, headers, footers and page layout controls for producing professional written work.

Application software that presents data in a grid of rows and columns of cells. Cells may hold numbers, text or formulas, and calculated values update automatically when the underlying figures change.

A facility that combines one standard document with a list of records held in a data source, producing a separate personalised copy for each record, such as letters addressed to individual customers.

The main chip that fetches, decodes and executes program instructions and coordinates the other components of the computer. It contains the arithmetic logic unit and the control unit.

The main working memory of a computer, holding the programs and data currently in use. It is volatile, so its contents are lost when power is switched off, and it is directly readable by the CPU.

A small, very fast memory placed between the CPU and main memory. It keeps frequently used instructions and data so the processor spends less time waiting for slower RAM.

The main printed circuit board of a computer into which the processor, memory modules, expansion cards and storage devices are fitted. It carries the buses and chipset that let these parts communicate.

System software that manages hardware resources, schedules tasks, controls files and provides a user interface. It also supplies the services and environment on which application programs run.

A small piece of system software that tells the operating system exactly how to send commands to and receive data from one particular hardware device, such as a printer or graphics card.

A technique in which part of secondary storage is used as an extension of main memory. Pages of programs are swapped between disk and RAM so large programs can run on limited memory.

A maintenance process that rearranges the pieces of files on a hard disk so each file occupies contiguous space. This reduces head movement and improves reading and writing speed.

A network that covers a small geographical area such as one office or building. It is privately owned, offers high transmission speed and connects computers and shared devices like printers.

A network device that forwards data packets between different networks. It reads destination IP addresses, consults a routing table and selects the best path for each packet.

A unique numeric label assigned to a device on a network so that data can be addressed to it and routed to the correct destination. It may be static or dynamically assigned.

A hierarchical naming service that converts easy-to-remember domain names into the numeric IP addresses computers use. It acts like a directory for locating resources on the internet.

A finite, ordered set of clear and unambiguous steps that solves a particular problem or completes a task. Every step must be executable and the process must eventually stop.

A translator that converts a complete source program written in a high-level language into machine code before the program is run. It reports errors only after scanning the whole program.

A named storage location in a program whose value may change while the program runs. It has a data type that determines the kind of values it can hold.

The systematic process of locating, analysing and correcting errors in a program so that it produces the expected output. It uses techniques such as tracing, breakpoints and test data.

Software used to define, store, retrieve, update and control access to a database. It separates data from application programs and enforces rules that keep the data consistent and secure.

A field, or combination of fields, that uniquely identifies every record in a table. It may not be left empty and no value may be repeated within the table.

A field in one table that holds the primary key value of a record in another table. It creates a link between the tables and enforces referential integrity between related data.

A step-by-step process of organising the fields and tables of a database to reduce duplicated data and avoid insertion, update and deletion anomalies. It usually proceeds through first, second and third normal forms.

A structured framework of phases followed to build an information system: planning, requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing and maintenance. Each phase produces defined deliverables that guide the next stage.

An investigation that judges whether a proposed system should be built, examining technical, economic, legal, operational and schedule viability. Its findings help management decide whether to proceed with the project.

A graphical model showing the processes of a system together with the data flows, external entities and data stores involved. It shows what the system does with data, not the sequence of control.

The conversion of readable plaintext into unreadable ciphertext using a mathematical key, so that only parties holding the correct key can restore and read the original message.

Hardware, software or a combination of both that filters traffic passing between networks according to set rules. It blocks unauthorised access while allowing approved communication to reach internal systems.

A fraudulent technique in which attackers send messages that pretend to come from a trusted organisation, tricking users into revealing passwords, card details or clicking harmful links.

A chronological record of system activity, showing who did what, when and from where. It allows transactions and events to be reconstructed and supports accountability, investigation and detection of irregularities.

The markup language used to define the structure and content of web pages through elements written as tags, such as headings, paragraphs, lists, links and images.

A style sheet language used with HTML to control the presentation of web pages, including layout, colours, fonts and spacing. Separating style from content makes sites easier to maintain consistently.

The standard address that identifies the location of a resource on the internet. It states the protocol to use, the host or domain name and the path to the specific file or page.

Legal rights that protect creations of the mind, including copyright in software and documents, patents for inventions, trademarks for brands and protection of trade secrets.

A horizontal bar chart that plots project tasks against calendar time, showing start and end dates, overlapping activities, dependencies and progress. It helps managers schedule work and monitor deadlines.

The longest chain of dependent activities in a project network, which fixes the shortest possible time needed to finish the whole project. Any delay on this path delays the project completion date.

A written document that describes a venture's objectives, target market, products or services, operating arrangements, management team and financial forecasts. It guides the owner and supports requests for funding.