7-8 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems and Security Hangman

The 74 key terms

1hardware

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.

2input, process, store, output

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

3CPU

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.

4Clock speed (GHz)

How many billions of cycles per second a CPU can run. A higher GHz usually means faster single tasks, but it is not the only measure of speed.

5CPU core

One processing unit inside a CPU. A dual-core, quad-core or octa-core CPU has 2, 4 or 8 cores, so it can work on separate tasks at the same time.

6RAM

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.

8storage 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.

9SSD (solid state drive)

Storage with no moving parts. It reads and writes data much faster than an HDD, so computers boot and load quicker. It is tougher but usually costs more per GB.

10KB, MB, GB, TB

Units of storage size built on the byte. Each unit is about 1000 times bigger than the one before: 1 KB, then 1 MB, then 1 GB, then 1 TB. Use them to check if files fit on a drive.

11GPU

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).

12CPU vs GPU

The CPU handles general tasks while the GPU handles graphics and parallel calculations.

13bottleneck

The slowest part of a computer system, which limits how fast the whole system can work, like a slow hard drive or too little RAM holding back a fast CPU.

14specification sheet

A list of a device's parts and their ratings, like CPU model, GHz, cores, RAM, storage type and size, and GPU. Use it to find each spec and compare two devices side by side.

15Price-to-performance

How much speed or power you get for the money spent on hardware.

16modest specs

Browsing, word processing and slides need only a modest CPU, enough RAM for a few open apps, and little storage, so a light laptop with good battery life works well.

17Editing hardware

The parts a computer needs to edit images and video: a strong CPU, a dedicated GPU, lots of RAM and large fast storage, so big files open and render quickly.

18Gaming hardware

A gaming computer relies most on a powerful GPU, plus enough RAM and a fast CPU, to keep the frame rate smooth. An SSD cuts load times and good cooling stops overheating.

19hardware recommendation

A hardware choice backed by reasons: name the task, pick the specs that matter for it, and explain why they fit the budget, often by comparing two options.

20eWaste

Electronic waste - discarded devices and hardware that are thrown away instead of reused or recycled.

21binary

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.

22data transmission

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

23network

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.

24wired 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.

25wireless 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.

26wired vs wireless

Wired links are usually faster, more reliable and more secure. Wireless links are more mobile and convenient. Choose the one that best suits the situation.

27Wi-Fi range

How far a Wi-Fi signal reaches. It gets weaker with distance and walls, and interference from other devices on crowded channels can slow or drop your connection.

28network 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.

29Bluetooth

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

30LAN 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.

31internet

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.

32client-server

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

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.

37router

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.

38network 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.

39modem

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.

40wireless access point

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

41data 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.

42Unsecured Wi-Fi

A network with no encryption, letting attackers intercept the data sent across it.

43public 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.

44Encryption

Turning a readable message into a scrambled, unreadable message using a key, so it can only be read again with decryption.

45Caesar cipher

A cipher that encrypts a message by shifting each letter forward by a fixed number, and decrypts it by shifting each letter back by the same number.

46HTTPS

A secure way for your browser to talk to a website. It encrypts the data you send and receive, and shows https:// and a padlock in the address bar. A padlock does not prove a site is trustworthy.

47WPA3

The newest Wi-Fi security standard. With a strong password it scrambles data in the air so outsiders can't read it. WPA2 is the older version. Open networks have no protection at all.

48Firewall

A device or program that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic according to defined security rules.

49digital 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.

50username 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.

51strong 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.

52passphrase

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

53password 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.

54data breach

When attackers get into an organisation's stored data, such as usernames and passwords. Find out through alerts, then change your password and turn on MFA.

55unique 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.

56password manager

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

57authentication factor

A type of proof that you are who you say you are: something you know (password, PIN), something you have (phone, key), or something you are (fingerprint, face).

58multi-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.

59MFA methods

Ways to prove it's you: an SMS code, an authenticator app, a biometric like a fingerprint, or a physical security key. They differ in how easy they are to use and how strong they are.

60second factor

An extra proof of identity, like a code from your phone, needed after the password. A thief with only your stolen password can't log in without it.

61MFA fatigue

A trick where a scammer spams you with login prompts hoping you approve one, or talks you into sharing your code. Never share codes, never approve prompts you didn't start, and report them.

62phishing

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

63phishing red flags

Warning signs that a message is a scam: an odd sender address, urgent or threatening tone, a generic greeting like 'Dear user', spelling errors, or requests for your details.

64Misleading link

A link whose shown text hides a different real web address. Hover to check the address before you click or log in, watch for look-alike names, or type the address yourself.

65smishing and vishing

Smishing is phishing by text message and vishing is phishing by phone call. Examples are a fake delivery text or a fake bank call that tries to trick you into sharing private details.

66social engineering

Tricking people, instead of hacking systems, into giving away access or information, often by pretending to be someone trusted or creating urgency. Phishing is one type.

67Malware

Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to a computer system

68Virus

Malware that attaches to a host file and spreads by replicating itself when a user runs the infected file

69Worm

Malware that spreads by replicating itself across a network without needing a host file or user action

70Spyware

Malware that secretly monitors a user's activity and collects information without their knowledge or consent

71Ransomware

Malware that encrypts or locks a victim's files and demands payment to restore access

72Antivirus software

A program that detects, blocks and removes malicious programs from a device.

73software 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.

74Respond to a compromise

If an account or device may be hacked, act fast: tell a trusted adult, change the password, turn on MFA and check for odd activity. Also report phishing, change shared passwords and scan for malware.

75secure 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.