Computers & IT Basics

RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile because it requires power to maintain the stored information; it loses data when the computer is turned off.

URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator, which is the address used to access resources on the internet.

Third-generation computers (1965–1971) replaced transistors with Integrated Circuits (ICs), significantly increasing speed and efficiency.

An Operating System (OS) acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware, managing memory, processes, and peripherals.

A byte is a unit of digital information consisting of 8 bits. A nibble consists of 4 bits.

HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol, the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web.

A computer virus is a malicious program that replicates by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code.

MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) technology is used primarily in the banking industry to facilitate the processing and clearance of cheques.

Cache memory is a high-speed storage layer that stores frequently accessed data, reducing the time taken to retrieve data from the main memory.

The C programming language, developed by Dennis Ritchie, serves as the foundation for many modern languages like C++, Java, and Python.

A web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox) is a software application used to access and display websites.

Hard Disk Drives store data on rotating magnetic platters, whereas SSDs and Flash drives use solid-state technology.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is the standard protocol for sending emails across the internet.

A firewall is a network security device that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on an organization's security policies.

A light pen is an input device that uses a light-sensitive detector to allow a user to point to displayed objects on a screen.

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) is a part of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations on data.

Shareware is proprietary software that is initially provided free of charge, but usually requires payment after a trial period.

In a Star Topology, all nodes are individually connected to a central connection point, like a hub or a switch.

LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that connects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, or office building.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is stored in Read-Only Memory (ROM), specifically firmware, so that it remains intact even when the computer is turned off.

PROLOG (Programming in Logic) is a logic programming language associated with artificial intelligence and computational linguistics.

A compiler translates the entire source code written in a high-level language into machine-readable object code at once.

A gateway acts as a bridge between two networks that use different protocols, allowing communication between them.

Ctrl + Alt + Delete opens the security options screen, allowing access to the Task Manager to terminate unresponsive programs.

Spyware is a type of malicious software designed to gather information about a person or organization without their knowledge.

Clock speed, which dictates how fast a CPU can execute instructions, is measured in cycles per second, known as Hertz (Hz).

The Network Layer (Layer 3) is responsible for logical addressing and routing of packets across interconnected networks.

Cloud computing involves the on-demand delivery of IT resources (servers, storage, databases) over the internet with pay-as-you-go pricing.

SQL stands for Structured Query Language, the standard language used for managing and manipulating relational databases.

Laser printers use electrostatic charges (not physical impact) to transfer toner to paper, making them non-impact printers.

Pixel density, often measured in PPI (Pixels Per Inch), indicates the number of pixels packed into a single inch of the screen area.

ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was the first programmable, electronic, general-purpose digital computer.

Virtual memory is a memory management technique that allows the OS to compensate for physical memory shortages by temporarily transferring data from RAM to disk storage.

PDF (Portable Document Format) ensures that documents appear the same regardless of the software, hardware, or operating system used to view them.

Linux is a free and open-source operating system, meaning its source code is available for anyone to study, modify, and distribute.

Defragmentation rearranges data on a storage drive so that related pieces of data are stored close together, reducing the time needed to access files.

A cookie is a small piece of data sent from a website and stored on the user's computer by the browser to remember information like login status or user preferences.

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances.

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a given amount of time.

The Northbridge is a chip in the chipset that manages communications between the CPU and high-speed devices like RAM and graphics cards.

The Program Counter (PC) keeps track of the memory address of the instruction that is currently being executed or the next one to be fetched.

Laser printers use a laser beam to draw an image on a photosensitive drum, which then attracts toner to be transferred onto the paper.

A data bus is a system within a computer that provides a path for the transfer of data between the CPU, memory, and other components.

WAN (Wide Area Network) covers large distances, unlike LAN (Local Area Network) which is typically confined to a room or building.

The AND gate follows the Boolean logic where the output is 1 (True) only when all inputs are 1 (True).

Embedded systems (like those in washing machines or ATMs) are designed to handle specific tasks rather than general-purpose computing.

The Application layer of the TCP/IP model encompasses the functions of the Application, Presentation, and Session layers of the OSI model.

A switch is 'intelligent' and uses MAC addresses to route data directly to the intended destination, whereas a hub acts as a multi-port repeater.

Blu-ray discs use a blue-violet laser, allowing for significantly higher data density compared to standard red-laser DVDs.