Unit 1 Terms & Concepts (All definitions provided by Copilot)

• 7 Competencies of Digital Literacy:

1. Information & Data Literacy - Knowing how to search, evaulate, and use digital information correctly.

2. Communication & Collaboration - Using digital tools (email, messaging, cloud platforms) to work with others.

3. Digital Content Creation - Creating files, documents, media, or code; understanding file formats and copyright.

4. Safety & Security - Protecting devices, data, privacy, and understanding cybersecurity basics.

5. Problem-Solving - Using technology to troubleshoot issues, autmate tasks, or improve workflow.

6. Technical proficiency - Knowing how to operate hardware, software, operating systems, and networks.

7. Digital Responsibility - Understanding ethics, digital footprints, online behavior, and legal considerations.

• Search Query - Is the exact text you type into a search engine (Google, Bing, etc.) to find information.

• Natural Language Query - Is when you type or speak a question in everyday human language instead of keywords. AI systems and modern search engines are designed to understand these.

• Digital Footprint - Is the trail of date you leave behind when using the internet, browsing history, posts, logins, purchases, cloud files, etc. IT professionals track and protect this to maintain privacy and security.

• 5 Basic Computer Components:

1. CPU (Central Processing Unit) The "brain" that processes intructions.

2. Memory (RAM) Short-term storage used while programs are running.

3. Storage (HDD/SSD) Long-term data storage.

4. Input Devices - Keyboard, mouse, scanner, etc.

5. Output Devices - Monitor, speakers, printer, etc.

• What is a file (in computing)? A file is a structured collection of data stored on a computer. It can contain text, images, code, audio, or any digital information. Files are saved in storage and opened by software that understands their format.

• File Extension - A file extension is the suffix at the end of a filename that tells the computer what type of file it is e.g. dox, jpg, exe.

• Zip File - A zip file is a compressed folder that reduces file size and can contain multiple files. Used for storage, sharing, and faster downloads.

• SaaS (Software as a Service) - SaaS is cloud-based software delivered over the internet instead of installed locally. Example: Microsoft 365. Users access it through a browser or app, and the provider handles updates and security.

• Digital Bubble - Refers to the personalized online environment creaated by algorithms that show you content based on your behavior.

• Generative AI - Is a type if artificial intelligence that can create new content such as text, images, code, audio, or video based on patterns learned from data. e.g. ChaptGPT, Copilot, Gemini.

• Prompt (In AI) - Is the input you give an AI system to generate a response.

• Differnce between the Internet and the WWW - Internet - The physical network of computers, cables, routers, and servers that connect the world. WWW (World Wide Web) - The collection of websites and web pages accessed through browsers. The internet is the infrastructure; the Web is one service that runs on it.

• Browser - Is software used to access websites on the World Wide Web. e.g. Chrome, Edge, Safari.

• URL (Uniform Resource Locator) - Is the web address that tells your browser where to find a specific webpage or resource. e.g. www.microsoft.com

• Router/Modem - A router directs network traffic between devices and the internet; creates Wi-Fi. A modem connects your home network to your internet service provider (ISP). Often combined into one device.