A weeks worth of ITGS vocab

algorithm:

A set of step-by-step instructions that, when completed, solves a problem.

program:

Instructions that tell the hardware what to do to transform input into output.

debugging:

Finding and correcting errors—bugs—in computer software.

compiler:

A translator program that translates an entire program from a high-level computer language before the program is run for the first time.

fragmented file:

A file allocated to noncontiguous clusters on a disk, thus degrading the disk’s performance.

open-source software;

Software that can be distributed and modified freely by users; Linux is the best-known example.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A user interface based on graphical displays. With a mouse, the user points to icons that represent files, folders, and disks. Documents are displayed in windows. The user selects commands from menus.

software license:

An agreement allowing the use of a software program on a single machine.

autonomous software:

Complex systems that can assume almost complete responsibility for a task without human input, verification, or decision making.

logic bomb:

A program designed to attack in response to a particular logical event or sequence of events. A type of software sabotage.

malware:

Malicious software, especially destructive programs such as the viruses, worms, and Trojan horses devised and spread by computer saboteurs.

spyware:

Technology that collects information from computer users without their knowledge or consent.

trojan horse:

A program that performs a useful task while at the same time carrying out some secret destructive act. A form of software sabotage.

de-skilled:

Deskilling is the process by which skilled labor within an industry or economy is eliminated by the introduction of technologies operated by semiskilled or unskilled workers. Work is fragmented, and individuals lose the integrated skills and comprehensive knowledge of the crafts persons

up-skilled

to teach someone additional skills, especially as an alternative to redundancy; to acquire such additional skills

distributed computing:

Integrating all kinds of computers, from mainframes to PCs, into a single, seamless system. open standards: Standards not owned by any company. packet-switching: The standard technique used to send information over the Internet. A message is broken into packets that travel independently from network to network toward their common destination, where they are reunited. Web authoring software: Programs such as Adobe’s. Dreamweaver that work like desktop publishing page layout programs to allow users to create, edit, and manage Web pages and sites without having to write HTML code. authentication software: Computer network security measures that ensure that only legitimate users have access to the system by asking potential users to identify themselves. authorization mechanisms: Computer network security measures that guarantee that users have permission to perform particular actions. groupware: Software designed to be used by work groups rather than individuals. narrowcasting: Providing custom newscasts and entertainment features aimed at narrow groups or individuals. technophobia: The fear of technology. outsourcing: Hiring talent for selected activities on a contract basis. software engineering: A branch of computer science that applies engineering principles and techniques to the world of computer software.