SOF Olympiad Class 4 & 5 Computer Science Study Materials

A detailed explanation of the abbreviations related to computers

General Terms

1. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
   • The “brain” of the computer that performs most of the processing. It executes instructions from programs.
2. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
   • A processor designed to handle rendering images, videos, and 3D graphics. Essential for gaming and video editing.
3. RAM (Random Access Memory)
   • Temporary memory used by the computer to store data that is being actively used or processed. It clears when the computer is turned off.
4. ROM (Read-Only Memory)
   • Permanent memory that contains essential data, such as firmware, used to start the computer.
5. HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
   • A traditional storage device using spinning disks to read/write data. It offers high capacity at a lower cost.
6. SSD (Solid State Drive)
   • A modern storage device that uses flash memory, making it faster and more durable than HDDs.
7. BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
   • A program stored on a chip on the motherboard that initializes the computer’s hardware during booting.
8. OS (Operating System)
   • The system software that manages hardware and software resources. Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux.
9. USB (Universal Serial Bus)

A standard interface for connecting devices like keyboards, mice, and external drives to the computer

Networking

1. IP (Internet Protocol)
   • A set of rules for sending and receiving data over the internet. Devices are identified by unique IP addresses.
2. LAN (Local Area Network)
   • A network that connects computers within a limited area, like a home, office, or school.
3. WAN (Wide Area Network)
   • A larger network that spans across cities, countries, or even continents. The internet is an example of a WAN.
4. VPN (Virtual Private Network)
   • A service that creates a secure connection over the internet, protecting your data and providing privacy.
5. DNS (Domain Name System)
   • Translates human-readable domain names (like www.google.com) into IP addresses that computers can understand.
6. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
   • The foundation of data communication on the web, used to load web pages via hyperlinks.
7. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
   • A secure version of HTTP that encrypts the data transferred between the browser and the server.
8. FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
   • A protocol used to transfer files between computers over a network.

Programming and Development

1. API (Application Programming Interface)
   • A set of rules and tools that allow different software applications to communicate with each other.
2. IDE (Integrated Development Environment)
   • A software application that provides tools for developers to write, test, and debug code. Examples: Visual Studio, Eclipse.
3. SQL (Structured Query Language)
   • A language used to manage and query data in relational databases.
4. XML (Extensible Markup Language)
   • A format used to structure data for easy sharing between systems.
5. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
   • A lightweight format for storing and transporting data, often used in web development.
6. SDK (Software Development Kit)
   • A collection of tools, libraries, and documentation for developing applications for a specific platform.
7. GUI (Graphical User Interface)
   • A visual interface that allows users to interact with software using icons, buttons, and menus instead of text commands.

Storage and File Systems

1. NTFS (New Technology File System)
   • A file system used by Windows that supports large files, security features, and efficient storage management.
2. FAT (File Allocation Table)
   • An older file system used for storage devices like USB drives and memory cards.
3. TB (Terabyte)
   • A unit of digital storage, equal to 1,024 gigabytes (GB).
4. GB (Gigabyte)
   • A unit of storage, equal to 1,024 megabytes (MB).
5. MB (Megabyte)

A unit of storage, equal to 1,024 kilobytes (KB)

Security

1. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
   • A technology that encrypts the connection between a browser and a website, ensuring secure communication.
2. TLS (Transport Layer Security)
   • A newer version of SSL, providing even stronger encryption and security for internet communications.
3. OTP (One-Time Password)
   • A temporary password that is valid for only one login session or transaction, enhancing security.
4. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
   • A widely used encryption algorithm for securing data.
5. DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)

A subnet that separates internal networks from external networks, often used to host public-facing services securely

Miscellaneous

1. IoT (Internet of Things)
   • A network of physical devices connected to the internet, like smart home appliances and wearable tech.
2. AI (Artificial Intelligence)
   • The simulation of human intelligence by machines to perform tasks like decision-making, problem-solving, and learning.
3. ML (Machine Learning)
   • A subset of AI that allows systems to learn from data and improve performance over time without explicit programming.
4. VR (Virtual Reality)
   • An immersive experience that uses technology to simulate a virtual environment.
5. AR (Augmented Reality)

A technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing the physical environment

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