GCSE Computer Science Key words Q-Z

Query

A request to retrieve data that meets certain conditions from a database.

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RAM

The main memory of a computer. (Volatile)

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Ransomware

A type of malware that uses encryption to lock the user out of their files.

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Real (data type)

A numerical data type for decimal numbers.

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Record

A data structure used to store multiple items of data about one ’thing’ together. A row in a database table

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Register

A temporary data store inside a CPU.

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Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

A health problem caused by doing repeated movements over a long period of time.

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Resolution

The density of pixels in an image, often measured in dpi.

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Ring topology

A network topology where the devices are connected in a ring, with data moving in one direction.

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ROM (Read only memory)

Memory that can be read but not written to.

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Router

A piece of hardware responsible for transmitting data between networks.

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Run-time environment

Allows code to be run and tested from within an IDE.

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Sample size (Audio)

The number of bits available for each audio sample .

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Sampling frequency (Audio)

The number of audio samples that are taken per second.

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Sampling intervals (Audio)

The time between each sample.

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Sanitisation (programming)

Removing unwanted characters from an input.

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Scareware

A type of malware that creates false messages to trick the user into following malicious links.

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Script

A simple program, often run on command-line interfaces to automate tasks.

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Search algorithm

A set of instructions that you can follow to find an item in a list.

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Secondary storage

External data storage used to store data so that the computer can be switched off.

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Selection statement

A statement which causes the program to make a choice and flow in a given direction — e.g. IF and SWITCH»CASE statements.

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Server

A device which provides services for other devices (clients), e.g. file storage / web pages / primer access.

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Sharing economy

Where people make money from things they already own.

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Single—user

When an operating system only allows one user to use it at any one time.

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SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)

Used to send emails and transfer emails between servers.

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Social engineering

A way of gaining illegal access to data or networks by influencing people.

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Social media

Web applications which allow people to communicate and share content with others online.

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Software

Programs or applications that can be run on a computer system.

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Software licence

A legal agreement that states how software can be used and distributed.

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Solid state drive (SSD)

Alternative to a traditional magnetic hard disk drive that uses flash memory.

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Sorting algorithm - Bubble, Merge, Insertion etc

A set of instructions that you can follow to order a list of items.

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Source code

The actual written code of a program.

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Spoof website

A fake website that tricks users into thinking it’s another well known website.

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Spyware

A type of malware which secretly monitors and records user actions.

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SQL (Structured Query Language)

A programming language used to manage and search databases.

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SQL injection

A piece of SQL code which can be typed into an input box to try and attack the SQL database.

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Stakeholder

Somebody who has an interest in or is affected by the decisions of an organisation.

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Star topology

A type of network topology where all devices are connected to a central switch or server which controls the network.

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Static IP address

A permanent IP address.

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Storage device

A device used to read and write data to a storage medium.

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Storage medium

A thing that holds data. It can be part of the storage device (e.g. magnetic disks inside a hard drive) or separate (like a CD).

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String

A data type for text.

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Sub program

A set of code within a program that can be called at any time from the main program.

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Surveillance

The act of monitoring what people are accessing on the Internet

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SWITCH-CASE statement

A type of selection statement.

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Switch (network)

Connects devices together on a LAN and directs frames of data to the correct device.

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Syntax error

An error in the code where the rules or grammar of the programming language have been broken.

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System software

Software designed to run or maintain a computer system. Also known as utility software.

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TCP/IP

A set of protocols which dictate how data is sent over the Internet. Made up of Transmission Control Protocol.

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Terabyte

1000 gigabytes.

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Tertiary storage

High-capacity external storage used mainly for back ups.

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Test data

Inputs that are chosen to see if a program is behaving as intended.

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Testing

A way of checking if a program functions correctly and meets certain requirements.

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Test plan

A detailed plan of how a program is going to be tested including what test data will be used.

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Topology (networks)

How the devices in a network are connected together.

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Traffic (networks)

The amount of data travelling on a network.

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Translator

A program that turns a programming language into machine code.

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Trojans

A type of malware which is disguised as legitimate software.

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Trolling

The act of trying to provoke public arguments online.

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Truth table

A table listing all possible binary inputs through a logic circuit, with the corresponding outputs.

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Unicode

A large character set that attempts to include all possible characters.

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URL (Uniform Resource locator)

An address used to access web servers and resources on them.

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User access levels

Controls what files or areas of the network different groups of users can access.

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User interface

Provides a way for the user to interact with the computer.

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Utility software

Software designed to help maintain a computer system.

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Validation

Checking that an input meets certain criteria.

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Variable

A named value which can be changed as the program is running.

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Viral

Content on the Internet which has spread rapidly via social media.

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Virtual memory

Area of secondary storage used by the OS as extra RAM.

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Virtual network

A software-based network that exists between devices on a physical network.

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Virtual server

A software-based server. 45 virus A type of malware which spreads by attaching itself to files.

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Volatile memory

Memory that loses its contents when it has no power.

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Von Neumann

A type of CPU architecture.

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WAN (Wide Area Network)

A network which connects networks in different geographical locations.

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WHILE loop

Type of iteration statement.

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Wi-fi

The standard used for wireless connections between devices.

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WIMP

A GUI based on windows, icons, menus and pointers.

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Wireless access point (WAP)

A piece of hardware that allows devices to connect wirelessly.

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World wide web (www)

The collection of websites hosted on the Internet.

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Worms

A type of malware which replicates itself.

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GCSE Computer Science Key words Q-Z

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