OCR | A-level Computing | Glossary

Currently only up to 30 key terms. More will be added.

Key words and their definitions as taken from the glossary of the OCR textbook

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Algorithm
A step-by-step procedure for performing a calculation
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Attribute
A column in a table, equivalent to a field, is an attribute of the entity
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Bit rate
The space available for each second of sample sound, measured in kilobits/s
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BRA
Branch always. This is a jump instruction that is always executed
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BRP
Branch if the value in the accumulator is positive
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Build
All the actions a programmer will take to produce a working program. From writing the source code to producing documentation
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Colour depth
The number of bits used for each dot or pixel. The more bits used, the more colours can be represented
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Computational thinking
A problem-solving approach that borrows techniques from computer science, notably abstraction, problem decomposition and the development of algorithms. Not just used in computer systems
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Data corruption
Caused by technically based events such as hardware failure, software error, electrical glitches, malpractice and operator error
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Data dictionary
Metadata; that is, data about data. In a relational database, it is the sum total of information about the tables, the relationships and all the other components that make the database function
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Data integrity
The maintenance of a state of consistency in a data store. Broadly meaning the data in a data store reflects the reality it represents. It also means the data is as intended and fit for purpose
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Data redundancy
An unnecessary repetition of data. This is avoided in databases because of the risk of inconsistencies between different copies of the same data. In relational databases, this is avoided through the use of data normalisation
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Data security
Keeping data safe. Database software is designed to have in-built data security to minimise the risk of malpractice, although errors can still occur
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Datagram
A self-contained, independent entity of data that carries sufficient data to be routed from the source to the destination computer without reliance on earlier exchanges between them and the transporting network
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Decomposition
The breaking down of a problem into smaller parts which are easier to solve. The smaller parts can sometimes be solved recursively.
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Direct discrimination
Treating someone with a protected characteristic less favourably than others
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Dynamic typing
Will create a variable as required during run time without the need to do so in advance. The appropriate data type is assigned automatically and this makes typing faster but mistakes easier to make
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Encryption
The transformation of a message so that it is unintelligible to those unauthorised to view it
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Entity
A real world thing that is modelled in a database such as an object or event
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Exponent
The power to which the number in the mantissa is to be raised
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Functional Programming
A description of the solution to a problem is built up through a collection of functions
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Heuristic
An approach to problem solving that makes use of experience. Does not always produce the best results but produces 'good enough' results
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Hexadecimal
A number system with a base of 16
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Immutable
Unchangeable - the program cannot change the entity. Instead, a new one must be made.
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Indirect discrimination
Putting rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone but put someone with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage
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Instruction set
The collection of opcodes a processor is able to decode and execute
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Logic programming
Instead of stating what the problem should do, the problem is expressed as a set of facts and rules used to find a given goal. The most commonly used language is prolog
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Mantissa
The part of the floating point number that represents the significant digits of that number
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Master File
A principal file held by an organisation that stores basic details about some crucial aspect of the business. It is a large file that tends not to change very often
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Metadata
The information about the image that allows the computer to interpret the stored binary accurately to reproduce the image. Must contain the width and height in pixels and the colour depth in bpp
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

A column in a table, equivalent to a field, is an attribute of the entity

Back

Attribute

Card 3

Front

The space available for each second of sample sound, measured in kilobits/s

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Branch always. This is a jump instruction that is always executed

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Branch if the value in the accumulator is positive

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

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