Year 8

General Computing

Computer

An electronic device that stores and processes data, following instructions to perform tasks.

A laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

Hardware

The physical parts of a computer that you can touch.

Keyboard, mouse, screen, CPU.

Software

Programs and instructions that tell the computer what to do.

Operating systems (Windows), applications (games, Word).

Input

The way data is entered into a computer.

Keyboard, mouse, microphone.

Output

The way a computer shows or provides results.

Screen, printer, speakers.

Storage

Where data is kept on a computer.

Hard drive, USB stick, RAM.

Data

Information that is processed or stored by a computer (text, numbers, images, sounds).

A photo, a document, a song.

Programming/Algorithms

Algorithm

A set of step-by-step instructions for solving a problem or completing a task.

A recipe for baking a cake.

Program

A set of instructions that a computer follows, written in a programming language.

A computer game.

Code

The language used to write programs.

Python, Scratch blocks.

Bug

An error in a program that causes it to malfunction.

A game crashing.

Debug

The process of finding and fixing bugs in a program.

Fixing a spelling mistake in code.

Sequence

Instructions that are executed in order, one after the other.

Following instructions in a recipe in the correct order.

Selection

A decision point in a program where different actions are taken based on a condition (e.g., "if" something is true, "then" do this).

"If it is raining, then take an umbrella."

Repetition (Iteration)

Repeating a set of instructions multiple times (e.g., using a "loop").

Repeating a dance move several times.

Logical Operators

AND

This operator checks if both conditions are true.

"If it is raining AND I have an umbrella, then I will walk to school."

OR

This operator checks if at least one of the conditions is true.

"If it is sunny OR it is cloudy, then I will play outside."

NOT

This operator reverses a condition.

"If it is NOT raining, then I will have lunch outside."

Online Safety/Networks

Network

Two or more computers connected together to share information and resources.

Computers in a school connected to the internet.

Internet

A global network of computers that allows people to communicate and share information worldwide.

Using Google to search for information.

Website

A collection of web pages on the internet.

BBC Bitesize website.

Cybersecurity

Protecting computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.

Using strong passwords.

Malware

Software designed to harm or disrupt computer systems (e.g., viruses).

A computer virus.

Password

A secret word or phrase used to access a computer system or online account.

A password for an email account.

Other Terms

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The "brain" of the computer that carries out instructions.

The main chip inside a computer.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Temporary storage that the computer uses while running programs.

Short-term memory for the computer.

Pixel

A tiny dot that makes up an image on a screen.

The small squares that make up a digital photo.

Binary

A number system using only 0 and 1, which is how computers store and process data.

0 and 1.