5-6 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems & Security Hangman

The 52 key terms

1digital system

A combination of hardware and software that inputs, processes, stores and outputs data for a purpose, such as a laptop, tablet, smart speaker or games console.

2hardware

The physical parts of a digital system that you can touch, such as a keyboard, screen or CPU. Hardware needs software to tell it what to do.

3software

The set of instructions, or programs, that tells hardware what to do. You cannot touch it, and it needs hardware to run. Apps are one kind.

4input, process, store, output

A digital system takes in data (input), works on it (process), keeps it (store) and shows a result (output).

5peripheral

An external device, wired or wireless, that connects to a digital system to add input, output or storage, such as a mouse, printer or USB drive.

6input device

A piece of hardware, like a keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera, scanner, sensor or touchscreen, that sends data into a digital system.

7output device

A piece of hardware that shows or gives the results of processing to the user, such as a monitor, projector, speakers, headphones or printer.

8CPU

The central processing unit is the 'brain' of a digital system. It carries out program instructions one after another and processes data. Its speed affects how fast tasks run.

9RAM

Random Access Memory: fast, temporary memory that holds the data and programs currently in use. It is volatile, so everything in it is lost when the power is turned off.

10storage device

Hardware that keeps data permanently, even when the power is off. Examples are a hard disk drive, solid state drive and USB flash drive, which differ in storage capacity.

11cloud storage

Cloud storage keeps your files on remote servers, owned by another company, that you reach over a network. You can open them from many devices, but you need a connection.

12motherboard

The main circuit board inside a computer. It connects the CPU, RAM, storage and ports so all components can send data to each other.

13GPU

Graphics processing unit: a part that quickly processes images and video to show on a screen. It can be built into the CPU (integrated) or separate (dedicated).

14network interface

The internal part of a device that lets it send and receive data on a network, using an Ethernet port for wired links or a wireless adapter for Wi-Fi.

15operating system

The software that manages a device's hardware and runs other software, like Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android or iOS. It handles files and memory and gives you the user interface.

16application software

A program designed to help a user complete a specific task, such as browsing the web, writing a document or playing a game. It runs on top of the operating system.

17device driver

Software that lets the operating system talk to a piece of hardware, such as a printer, so the device works properly.

18components work together

Hardware and software cooperate in a sequence, such as input device, operating system, CPU, then output, to finish one user action like a mouse click or saving a file.

19data type

The kind of information a digital system handles, such as text, numbers, images, sound or video. Each type is stored and used in its own way.

20binary

A number system using only 0s and 1s (bits). Digital systems use binary, as on/off signals, to represent all data: text, images, sound and video. 8 bits make 1 byte.

21data transmission

The sending of data, such as text, images, audio or video, from a sender device to a receiver device.

22wired transmission

Sending data as signals along a physical cable, such as a USB, Ethernet or fibre optic cable. Wired links are usually fast and reliable.

23wireless transmission

Sending data as radio signals through the air with no cables, like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile data. Range and interference can weaken the signal.

24Bluetooth

A wireless technology that sends data between two nearby paired devices, such as a phone and headphones, over a short range.

25network

A group of digital systems connected together so they can share data, files, printers and an internet connection. Each connected device is called a node.

26LAN vs WAN

A LAN connects devices in one small area like a home or school. A WAN connects many LANs over a large distance. The internet is the largest WAN.

27internet

The global network of networks that connects computers worldwide. The World Wide Web is one service that runs on it, alongside email, streaming and online games.

28client-server

A client, like your browser, sends a request for data and a server stores that data and sends a response back.

29router

A device that directs data between networks, such as joining a home LAN to the internet and choosing the path data packets take. A home Wi-Fi router also shares the connection wirelessly.

30network switch

A device that connects computers on the same network and sends data only to the device it is meant for, using its ports. A router links different networks.

31modem

A device that converts signals so a local network can connect to an internet service provider (ISP), such as over an NBN connection. A router then shares that connection.

32wireless access point

A device that connects to a wired network and broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal so wireless devices can join the network.

33IP address

A unique number that identifies a device on a network, like a postal address, so data knows where to go. IPv4 looks like 192.168.1.5.

34packet

A small chunk of data with the sender, destination and order number attached. Packets travel a network by different routes and are put back in order at the destination.

35protocol

An agreed set of rules that devices follow so they can communicate, like HTTP for web pages. Both devices must use the same protocol to understand each other.

36bandwidth

The amount of data a network connection can carry in a given time, usually measured in Mbps. Shared by all users, so more people or video streaming means less speed each.

37data path

The route data takes across a network, passing through devices like a router and ISP from the sender to the receiver (a server), then the reply travels back along the route.

38personal data

Information that identifies or relates to a specific person, like their name, birthday, address, photos or location. It needs protecting because it is stored in online accounts.

39digital account

A personal record kept on a system, like a school, email, game or social account, that you must log in to reach. Each account holds your own information.

40username and password

A username identifies who you are and can be shared. A password proves it is really you, so keep it secret and never share it. You use both together when logging in.

41strong password

A password that is long and hard for others to guess. It avoids names, birthdays and common words like password123, and it mixes letters, numbers and symbols.

42passphrase

A password made of several unrelated words that is long but easy to remember. You can add numbers or symbols to make it stronger.

43password re-use

Using one password on many accounts. If a data breach leaks it, attackers try it on other sites and can unlock every account that shares it.

44unique passphrase

A different passphrase for every account, so if one is leaked in a breach, criminals cannot use it to get into your other accounts. Change it straight away after a breach.

45password manager

A tool that stores and fills in many passwords for you, kept safe behind one strong master passphrase that only you know.

46multi-factor authentication

A login step that asks for a second proof of identity, like a phone code or app prompt, as well as your password. A stolen password alone is not enough.

47phishing

A fake message that tricks you into giving away login details or personal data. Do not click its links; tell a trusted adult.

48log out

Ending your session on an account so the next person using a shared device, like a school or library computer, cannot open or use your account.

49public Wi-Fi risk

Data sent over public Wi-Fi can be seen by others, so avoid logging in or paying there. Use mobile data instead for sensitive tasks.

50software update

A new version of a program that fixes security weaknesses so attackers cannot use them to reach your data. It covers operating system updates, app updates and automatic updates.

51secure access

Using a unique passphrase for each account, plus safe habits like logging out on shared devices and keeping software updated, to protect all your systems and accounts.

52system description

A full description of a digital system: it names the hardware components and software, shows the link to a network, and explains what each part does.