Glossary
Glossary
3D printer  An output device that produces solid
3D models using a modified inkjet printer and
resins to replace inks.
Abnormal data  Data used to test a system. Data
that is of the wrong type (for example, text where
it should be numeric) or is outside the accepted
range.
Absolute reference  Fixes a cell reference within
a spreadsheet so that when the formula is copied,
this cell reference never changes.
Absolute value  Fixes a value so that it cannot
change. For example, in a web page, a table width
can be set to 300 points. This table will always
remain 300 points wide and will not change if the
size of the browser window is changed.
Access point (AP) /hot spot  Used in wireless
networks to allow access to the network at various
points using wireless technology (for example, an
airport will have several access points, allowing
near 100% coverage for users).
Active host  Functioning software that malware
can affect by attaching itself to the code or by
altering the code to allow the malware to carry out
its attack.
Active tag  An RFID tag that has its own power
source.
Actuator  A transducer that takes signals from a
computer and converts them into some mechanical
motion (for example, motors, pumps, valves).
Add to SB gloqr code  A matrix of dark and light
squares that represent data. The pattern can be
read and interpreted using a smartphone/tablet
camera and QR app.
Additive printing  The method used by a 3D
printer to build up objects layer by layer.
Adware  A type of malware that attempts to
flood the end-user’s computer with unwanted
advertising.
Alphanumeric  A field type in which any character
is acceptable input – sometimes called text.
Analogue  Physical data that is continuous and
not discrete in nature; can have infinite number of
values.
Analogue sensor  A device or apparatus that
measures information that is continuously changing
(analogue data).
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Analogue to digital converter (ADC) A device
used to convert analogue signals (usually from
sensors) into digital signals that can then be
understood and processed by a computer.
Analysis (stage) The first stage in systems
analysis to upgrade an existing system to a new
system.
ANPR Automatic number plate recognition makes
use of optical character recognition (OCR) to
recognise car number plates captured by a camera;
used in car parks and by the police.
Anti-virus software Software that detects and
removes or isolates computer viruses.
Applications software Software that provides
the services the user requires to solve a given task.
Archive The storage of information for a long
period of time. Data is likely to be compressed.
Artificial intelligence (AI) Behaviour
demonstrated by machines that resembles the
intelligence displayed by humans or animals.
Ascender The part of a lower case letter (b, d,
f, h, k, l or t) that extends above the body of the
letter.
Aspect ratio The proportions of an image (width
to height). In the case of a presentation the width
and height of the display, often either 4:3 or 16:9.
Attagging Embedding malicious code into QR
codes.
Attribute This is used to provide additional
information about HTML elements. Attributes
follow the start tag and come in name/value pairs.
For example, <table border="1"> specifies that the
table tag has an attribute called border, which has
a value set to 1.
Audience notes Printed copies of the slides from
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a presentation, which are given to the audience to
take away and refer to after the presentation.
Audio conferencing Meetings held between
people using audio (sound) equipment only.
Augmented reality (AR) An experience in which
images, text and sound are overlaid on objects or
places in the real world.
Authentication The process of determining
whether someone is who they claim to be; the most
1

common forms of authentication are user ids and
passwords and biometrics.
Automatic teller machine (ATM)  A machine used
by customers to access their bank accounts using a
card and PIN, usually to withdraw cash from their
account.
Autonomous vehicle  A vehicle that is under
microprocessor control and doesn’t require any
human interaction in normal driving.
Backup  Copy of a file made in case the original
data is corrupted or lost.
Barcode  An optical machine-readable
representation of data that uses thick and thin
lines to represent numbers.
Barcode reader  An input device that can read/
scan barcodes using laser or LED light.
Basic input/output system (BIOS) Software
instructions, stored in ROM, that tell a computer
what to do when it turns on.
Behaviour layer  One of the three layers in web
page development. The behaviour layer is used
to do ‘an action’ (rather than just display or link
to other pages) and often uses script languages
embedded within the HTML. There are many
different script languages but the most common for
web development are JavaScript, PHP, Perl and CGI.
Bio ink  Materials used by 3D printers when
building biological material, such as human tissues.
Biometrics  A type of authentication based on a
unique human characteristic, such as fingerprints,
voice or face recognition.
Blu-ray disc  An optical disk with a very large
storage capacity; uses blue laser light to read and
write the data – the wavelength of blue laser light
is much shorter than the wavelength of red laser
light thus increasing Blu-ray’s storage capacity.
Bluetooth  An open wireless protocol over short
distances that allows devices to communicate using
radio waves instead of wires.
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Body  The section of HTML in a web page that
contains the contents (such as text and images) of
the page and the tags that describe the content,
hyperlinks and structure (such as tables used to lay
out the page).
Body text  The main text in a document.
Bookmark  A reference within a web page (often
created using the id attribute) that can be linked
to using a hyperlink.
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Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Second Edition
Glossary
Boolean Data that can have only two possible
answers: true (1) or false (0).
Bridge A device on a network that connects
networks (lans) together that all use the same
protocol.
Buffer/buffering A process that uses a memory
area to store data temporarily; for example, when
printing a document or streaming media, the
data is held temporarily in a buffer until it can be
processed.
CAD Software used to create drawings, for
example, to send to a 3D printer or to produce
blueprints of a microprocessor design.
Card cloning This is the copying of data on a
credit or debit card and making a fake card using
the data stolen.
Cascading stylesheets (.css) A stylesheet saved
in CSS format with a .css file extension. This allows
the stylesheet to be attached to each web page
to define how to display the content layer of a
web page, without the page needing to contain the
style tags. If a number of cascading stylesheets are
used, the multiple style definitions will cascade
into one.
Category axis A name given to the chart axis in
Microsoft Office that represents the category for
each data point. It displays text values.
Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor An older type
of computer monitor that has an electron beam
directed towards a screen coated in phosphors,
which glow when hit by the beam. Screens are
refreshed 25 times per second.
CD-R/DVD-R An optical storage media that can
be recorded on only once.
CD-RW/DVD-RW An optical storage media that
can be written to many times.
Cell A single square/box within a spreadsheet
into which only a single entry can be placed.
Central processing unit (CPU) Central processing
unit; allows execution of instructions from
software.
Changeover A stage in systems analysis
where the new system is introduced by one of
four methods: direct, parallel, pilot or phased
changeover (also known as implementation stage).
Check digit An extra digit added to a number
(the right-most digit) that is used to check for
errors during the entering or reading of a number;
for example, when scanning in a barcode.

Chip & PIN  A technology used in debit and credit
cards for payment in, for example, stores and
restaurants, or for use with ATMs; the chip is read
by a card reader machine, which compares it with
the PIN typed in by the customer thus ensuring the
transaction is secure.
Clipboard  A temporary storage area used by the
operating system to hold information that the user
cuts or copies, ready to be pasted at a later time.
Cloud storage  A method of data storage where
data is stored on offsite servers; the physical
storage may be on hundreds of servers in many
locations.
CODEC  A program that encodes data and decodes
data; it is often used for sound and video files,
where the data is encoded for storage and decoded
for playback – CODEC can stand for Coder-Decoder
or Compression-Decompression.
Column  All the cells in one vertical line in a
spreadsheet.
Comma separate values (.csv)  A file format
(.csv) used to hold tabular data, for example, from
a spreadsheet or database table. It stores the data
as a text-based file using commas (or semi-colons
in some locations) to separate the data items.
Command line interface (CLI)  User communicates
with a computer by typing in commands that have to
be in an exact format to work.
Compiler  Software that translates high level
language code into machine code which can be run
on a computer.
Computer-aided learning  CAL is an educational
strategy devised to teach a particular subject by
the use of computer technology; CAL is designed
to enhance traditional teaching methods (using
computers) rather than replace them.
Computer vision  The ability of a computer to
sense and react to visual inputs.
Computer-aided design (CAD)  Software used
in the creation, manipulation and modification of
drawings and designs (e.g. used by an architect).
Connected physical token  An external device
that is connected to a computer that is used
to authenticate the user by way of two-factor
authentication.
Contactless card  A method of credit or debit card
payment that doesn’t require the need to key in a
PIN; they use an embedded chip and antenna to
communicate with an RFID reader.
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Glossary
Content layer  One of the three layers in web
page development. The content layer is used to
define the structure of the web page, sometimes
using tables or frames. It contains the content of
the pages, including text or images and hyperlinks
to other pages. The content layer is often written
in HTML or XHTML.
Contiguous data  Data to be selected, usually in
a spreadsheet, that is arranged in rows or columns
that are next to each other.
Control and measurement  Software which takes
data from sensors which allows a process to be
constantly monitored of controlled.
Cookie  A small file sent to a user’s computer
via their web browser when they visit websites; a
cookie stores information about the user that is
accessed each time they visit the website.
Copy  To take a highlighted object and place a
copy of it into the clipboard, leaving the original
object the same.
Copyright  Legislation in almost all countries
that is used to discourage the illegal use of text,
images, software or music.
Crop  Trim part of an image to remove unwanted
areas. Cropping may change the aspect ratio but
will not distort the image.
CSS  A language used for the presentation layer in
web development. This language is used to define
how elements of a web page appear in the web
browser. CSS elements can be embedded within HTML
or attached to a web page as a cascading stylesheet.
Currency  The unit of money used in a country,
for example, Egyptian pounds, Kenyan shillings or
Indian or Pakistani rupees.
Cut  To take a highlighted object and place it
into the clipboard, removing it from its original
location.
Cyberbullying  Using computer technology to
send messages that are intimidating or threatening
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in their nature.
Cybercriminal  A criminal involved in crime aimed
at users of computer devices and the internet;
crime can involve theft of money, identity theft,
damaging computer systems, and so on.
Cyphertext/script  Encrypted data/information.
Data access time  The amount of time it takes
for a specific data item to be found on a storage
device.
3

Data capture form  A printed or digital form used
to collect information that is to be stored on a
computer.
Data entry form  A screen-based form used to
input data into a system.
Data flow diagram (DFD)  A diagram used by a
systems analyst to understand the inputs, outputs,
processing and storage requirements of a system.
Data packet  A small amount of data sent over a
network; it is made up of a header, footer and data
load.
Data protection act  Legislation that gives
individuals rights regarding the storage and
processing of their personal data.
Data redundancy  The situation where the same
data is stored on several storage devices, or multiple
times on the same database, at the same time.
Data transfer rate  Once the correct location on
the storage device has been located, the speed at
which data can be read or written.
Data types  Category of data either as numerical,
text, date/time or alphanumeric.
Database  Software that allows organisation,
manipulation and analysis of data stored in tables;
can allow queries.
Date and time  A field type within Microsoft
Access that is used to store dates and times.
Decimal   A data type used within numeric fields
in Microsoft Access to store the data in decimal
format.
Decryption key  An algorithm that can decrypt
data (cypher text turned back into plain text).
Descender  The part of a lowercase letter (g, j, p,
q or y) that falls below the baseline of the letter.
Design (stage)  The second stage in the
systems analysis life cycle; this involves data/file
structures, input/output formats and validation
routines.
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Desktop computer  A type of computer made up
of separate components which makes it almost
impossible to move once assembled.
Destructive interference  A process that takes
place when reflecting lasers from the surface of
optical storage media; used to detect pits and
lands.
Device driver  Software that enables one or
more hardware devices to communicate with the
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Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Second Edition
Glossary
operating system; usually connected through a USB
port.
Dialogue-based user interface  Type of interface
where user ‘talks’ to a computer; a microphone
picks up key words and the computer carries out
specific functions.
Digital camera  A camera that does not use
film to record photographs. Light is picked up by
sensors and the resulting image is stored on a
solid-state memory in the camera.
Digital certificate  A method used to
authenticate a website, often using SSL
protocols; provided the digital certificate can be
authenticated, this means that any communication
or data exchange between browser and website is
secure.
Digital data  Data written in binary (1s and 0s –
called bits); the data is discrete and can only have
specific values.
Digital to analogue converter (DAC)  A device
used to convert digital signals into analogue
signals (so the computer can control another
device, such as pump, motor, etc.).
Direct changeover  The immediate changeover
from an old system to a new system; this is often
done overnight where the whole of the old system
is replaced by a new system in one go.
Disconnected physical token  An external
device that isn’t connected to a computer that is
used to authenticate a user by way of two-factor
authentication.
Dongle  A type of pen drive/memory stick that
acts as a security device when using software, in
order to reduce the risk of software piracy.
Dot matrix printer  An older type of printer that
strikes a head made of pins against a ribbon.
Driving wheel  An input device, often used for
car racing games.
Dual layering  A method of using two recording
surfaces in a polycarbonate sandwich; used
on DVDs and Blu-ray discs to increase storage
capacity.
Ebook  A book stored in electronic format.
Echo cancellation software  Software used to
detect and remove echoes which are common
during video conferencing.
EFT  Electronic funds transfer is a system of
transferring money from one bank account to
another without any money physically changing

hands; it is often used at supermarket checkouts
when credit/debit card transactions are being
made.
EFTPOS  EFT point-of-sale terminal is used to carry
out and electronic funds transfer.
Electronic point of sale terminal (EPOS) A
terminal used to carry out an electronic funds
transfer.
Electronic token  App used to authenticate a user
by using two-factor authentication.
Email  An electronic method of sending
documents and other items, such as photos, from
one computer to another via the internet.
Encryption  The scrambling or encoding of
data in order to make the data unreadable to an
unauthorised user.
Encryption key  An algorithm that can encrypt
data (plain text turned into cypher text).
Evaluation (stage)  A stage in systems analysis
that involves reviewing the effectiveness of
the new system and advising on any necessary
changes.
Expert system  A system that attempts to
reproduce the ability of human experts in carrying
out complex tasks such as medical diagnosis,
engineering diagnostics or route scheduling.
Explanation system  Part of an expert system
that explains to the user the reasoning behind its
conclusions and recommendations.
Extended reality  A general term that includes
augmented reality and virtual reality.
Extreme data  Data that is on the boundaries of
acceptable data; for example, if people’s ages can
be between 18 and 65, then both 18 and 65 are
extreme data.
False positive  The incorrect identification of
a program as a security threat by anti-malware
software.
Field  A place used to hold a single data item
within a database.
File (database)  A logically organised collection
of records. The records are usually organised
so that they can be stored together within a
database.
File compression  A technique for reducing the
storage space occupied by a large file.
Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022
Glossary
Firewall Software or hardware between computer
and external network that protects the computer
from incoming network traffic by checking it meets
certain criteria.
Flat-file database A database structure using a
single two-dimensional table.
Footer The area at the bottom of a document
between the bottom of the page and the bottom
margin.
Foreign key A field in a table with a relational
database that is linked by a relationship to a
primary key field in another table.
Format painter A tool used in many packages to
copy the formatting from one part of a document
and apply it to another.
Formula A set of instructions used to perform a
calculation in a spreadsheet. A formula can include
cell references, numbers, mathematical symbols
and, in some cases, predefined functions.
Function A pre-set formula with a name (which is
a reserved word) placed in a spreadsheet cell.
Gateway The name given to a firewall if it is
hardware.
Generic file type File types that can be opened
in appropriate software on most platforms.
Gesture-based interface Type of interface
where a user moves their hand, fingers, feet
(etc.) to carry out a function; sensors pick up the
movement.
GIS Geographic information system is a computer
system that combines maps with data; GIS systems
can become very complex depending on the
different types, and amount, of data used.
GPS Global positioning satellite (GPS) system
is a computer-based system used to determine
the exact location of a vehicle using a number
of satellites positioned above the Earth; each
satellite transmits it position and exact time so
that a device in the vehicle can calculate its exact
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position.
Grammar check A process where the software
identifies language which does not follow the
accepted or expected rules.
Graphics interchange format (.gif) A format
used to save still or moving images. This is an
efficient method of storing images using a smaller
file size, particularly where there are large areas of
solid colour. It is widely used in web pages.
5

Graphical user interface (GUI)  Uses icons which
are selected using a pointing device (e.g. mouse)
or finger (if touchscreen used).
Graphics card  Internal circuit board that allows
graphic data to be sent to a video display.
Gutter  The inner margin of the leaves of a bound
book. If a book is open, the gutter is the area of
adjacent inner margins.
Hanging paragraph  The first line of a paragraph
is aligned to a margin and all other lines are
indented (left hanging from the first line).
Hard disk drive (HDD)  A computer’s main
memory where applications software, documents
and data files are stored on a magnetic material.
Hardware  Physical components that make up a
typical computer system; these components can be
internal or external to the computer.
Head  The section of HTML in a web page that
contains page titles (visible in the browser tab but
not on the page), styles (for example, the links
to external stylesheets) and the metadata (for
example, the tags used by search engines).
Header  The area at the top of a document
between the top of the page and the top margin.
Heuristic checking  Checking software for
behaviour that could indicate the presence of a
virus.
Hologram  A photographic image that is 3D and
appears to have depth. Holograms are often used
on credit cards or software supplied on DVD as an
additional proof of being a genuine copy.
Holographic image (hologram)  A photographic
image that is 3D and appears to have depth;
holograms are often used on smart cards and on
original software as an additional security method
and proof of authenticity.
Https  Hypertext transfer protocol secure; set of
rules that must be obeyed when transferring web
pages over the internet using SSL encryption.
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Hub  A device that can have a number of other
devices or computers connected to it to form a
network; it cannot direct received data packets to
individual devices and instead sends all data to all
devices connected to the network.
Hyperlink  A link that allows a user to navigate
between web pages/websites. It is often shown as
blue underlined text or as a small pointing finger.
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Glossary
Hypertext Markup Language: (HTML)  A text-
based language used to create markup, so that a
web browser will be able to display information.
Icon  Small picture or symbol used on a screen to
represent an app; once selected, the app can be
launched.
Image processing   Analysing visual inputs
to understand what the image might mean or
represent.
Indented paragraph  The first line of a paragraph
is indented from a margin and all other lines are
aligned to the margin.
Inference engine  The problem-solving part of an
expert system that examines the knowledge base
using a form of reasoning, with the aim of finding
a solution to a given problem.
Inference rules  Rules used by the inference
engine within an expert system.
Infrared  The far end of the visible
electromagnetic spectrum.
Inkjet printer  A type of printer which uses
inkjets to produce low-volume, high-quality
printing.
Integer  A whole number with no decimal places
(for example, 18 or 107).
Internet banking  Performing banking operations
online or using a smartphone/tablet app; allows
the transfer of money between accounts, paying
bills, and so on.
Internet protocol (IP) address  A numerical
identification and logical address that is given
to a device when it joins the internet; it uses the
internet protocol to allow communication between
devices on the internet.
Interviews  Asking people questions face-to-
face as part of the fact-finding stage in systems
analysis.
Joint photographic expert group (.jpg/.jpeg) A
format used to save still images, originally names
by the joint photographic expert group. This is an
efficient method of storing images using a smaller
file size and is widely used in web pages.
Joystick  A device that consists of a stick that is
moved about to control a pointer on a screen and
has buttons to make selections.
Key logger  A form of spyware that gathers
information by monitoring a user’s keyboard
 Glossary

activities and storing the keystrokes in a small file;
it is designed to monitor and capture web browsing
and other activities and capture personal data.
Knowledge base  Part of an expert system
— a type of database that allows the complex
storage and retrieval function of a computerised
knowledge-based management system; it consists
of objects and attributes.
Label  Text placed in a spreadsheet cell, often
denoting a heading or name associated with a
value.
Laptop  A portable computer where all the
components are integrated into a single ‘box’ which
contains keyboard, backing store and all other
components.
Laser printer  A type of printer that uses laser
technology to produce high-volume, high-quality
output on paper.
Latency  The time lag in a system, for example,
the time it takes to find data on a hard disk, which
depends on the time taken for the disk to rotate
around to its read/write head.
Layer  Allows other objects (or parts of an image)
to be placed in front of or behind other layers.
Legend  A box that identifies the patterns or
colours that show different data series in a chart.
Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging)  A system
that uses lasers to build up a 3D image of its
surroundings.
Light pen  An input device used to draw on screen
or select items on screen – currently light pens
only work with cathode ray tube monitors.
Linker  Software that takes a number of object
files and combines them into a single program (e.g.
combines modules).
Live data  Data input to test a new system
produces expected results; the live data has been
used before in the old system and has known
outcomes.
magnetic signatures which allows data to be stored
and read.
Malware  Malicious software that is harmful to a
computer, such as spyware or a virus.
Media access control (MAC) address  A hardware
address that uniquely identifies each device
connected to a network.
Metatag  A HTML tag inserted in the head section
to define the character set, name and/or contents
of a web page. This can include keywords which
can be used by a search engine. The contents of a
metatag are not displayed on the web page.
Microprocessor  A single integrated circuit that
is the basis of most PCs and is in many household
devices. It has essentially the same function as a
central processing unit.
Modelling  A programmed simulation of a
situation or process that allows data to be
changed in order to examine the effects on other
data; financial modelling is often done using
spreadsheets.
Modular (design)  Software development where
the code is broken down into separate sections
(modules) that can be developed, tested and
checked independently.
Motherboard  Printed circuit board that acts as
a ‘hub’ which all internal computer components
connect to.
Mouse   A type of pointing device that controls
a pointer on screen, allowing the user to make
selections by clicking a button.
MP4  A file format (multimedia container) used for
storing video files. It is also used to store audio
(the soundtrack to the video) and other data such
as subtitles and still images.
MP3  MPEG-1 audio layer 3; a compressed file
format used for storing music; typically, the size of
an MP3 music file is 90% less than a conventional
music file used on a CD.
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Multimedia projector  An output device

Local area network (LAN)  A network created
that receives signals from computers (or other
by a number of computers and devices connected
electronic devices), magnifies the image and
together usually covering a small geographical area
projects it onto a large screen.
(e.g. one building).
Named cell  A cell that is given a more
Magnetic stripe  A brown-coloured magnetic
meaningful name by the user than its usual cell
stripe, often found on the back of credit and debit
reference.
cards, which holds information such as account
number, sort code, expiry date and start date. Named range  A group or block of cells in a
spreadsheet that have been given a single name by
Magnetic tape (drive)  A data storage device
the user. This allows the user to enter this name
that uses magnetic tape; 1s and 0s have different

Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 7

in their formulae rather than remembering the cell
references for the cells in this range.
Nested functions  One spreadsheet function is
used within another function in a cell.
Network interface card (NIC)  Hardware that
allows a device to connect to a network, e.g. the
internet.
Newsletter  A short, printed or digital document
used to communicate information.
NFC  Near field communication (NFC) is a sub-set
of radio frequency identification (RFID) in which
the devices have to be very close to each other to
broadcast and receive signals.
Non-contiguous data  Data to be selected,
usually in a spreadsheet, that is arranged in rows
or columns that are not next to each other.
Normal data  Data that is within an acceptable
range and should be accepted by a new system.
Number  A value entered in numerical format, for
example, ‘5’ is a number, whereas ‘five’ represents a
number but is in text format.
Numeric  Data that consists of numbers: real,
integer or fixed decimal.
Numeric keypad  A type of keyboard that usually
consists of digits and simple arithmetic operators.
Observation  Part of the fact-finding stage in
systems analysis, that involves watching people
doing their tasks.
OCR  Optical character recognition is a system
that takes scanned text and converts it into
computer-readable format so it can be used in a
word processor and other applications software
(such as ANPR).
OMR  Optical mark recognition is a system that
can read marks written in pen or pencil on a paper
printed from a precise template; used to read
questionnaires, multiple-choice exam questions,
and so on.
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On demand  The streaming of music or movies
whenever (or wherever) the user wants to listen to
or watch them.
Online shopping  Online shopping using the
internet to purchase goods.
Operating system (OS)  Software running in the
background that manages all the basic functions
such as input/output, error handling, load/run
programs.
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Glossary
Optical character recognition/reader (OCR) A
system that takes scanned text and converts it into
computer-readable form so it can be used in a word
processor and other applications software.
Optical mark recognition/reader (OMR) A
system that can read marks written in pen or
pencil on a paper; used to read answers on
questionnaires, multiple-choice exam papers and
voting papers, etc.
Optical media  These are optically-active disks
that include CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs and DVD-RAM;
the disks are coated in a light sensitive dye or light
sensitive metal alloy that can be written to or read
from using laser light.
Optical storage device  A storage device that
uses laser light to read and write data stored on
optically-active disks (also see optical media).
Ordered list  A list of objects within a web page
that are in numerical order.
Orphan  The first line of a paragraph that appears
at the bottom of the page, with the rest of the
paragraph appearing on the next page.
Out clearing  The first stage when a bank
processes a cheque.
Parallel running  This is where two systems are
run side by side (using the same inputs) to check
they both produce the same results.
Passive tag  An RFID tag that uses power from
the reader to drive the circuitry in the tag.
Paste   To take a copy of an object from the
clipboard and place it in a new location.
Pen drive/memory stick  A small storage device
that makes use of solid-state technology to store
data; it connects to the computer through a USB
port.
Personal data  Any data concerning a living
person that can be used to identify the person,
either by itself or in conjunction with other
information.
Pharming  A scam in which malicious code is
installed on a computer’s hard disk/SSD or web
server; the code has the ability to misdirect a
user’s browser to fraudulent websites without the
user’s knowledge.
Phased implementation  With this method, only
part of the new system is introduced and, only
when it proves to work satisfactorily, is the next

part introduced, and so on, until the old system is
fully replaced.
Phishing  A fraudulent operation involving
the use of emails; the creator sends out a
legitimate-looking email hoping to gather personal
information — once the user clicks on a link in the
email, the browser is directed to a fake website.
Phone conference  A meeting held between more
than two people using telephones.
Physical safety  A state in which measures have
been taken to remove or significantly reduce the
risk of physical harm, such as injury or loss of life.
Physical token  A device used to authenticate a
user by using two-factor authentication.
Piezoelectric  The conversion of mechanical
movement to electricity (and the other way round).
Pilot running  With this method, the old and new
systems are run side by side for a time before the
new system takes over altogether.
Piracy  Illegal copying of copyright material.
Pits and lands  The lowest point (pit) and highest
point (land) on the surface of an optically active
disk.
Pixel  One dot or square on the screen. It is the
smallest item that can appear on a screen. The
number of pixels displayed on the screen depends
upon the screen resolution.
Plaintext  The original data/information before it
goes through an encryption algorithm.
Plotter (graph)  An output device that produces
very large and very accurate printed copies on
paper and other media (often used with CAD
software).
Point   An absolute measure of size used for text
in website authoring.
Pointing device  Device used to navigate
a graphical user interface, such as a mouse,
trackerball or joystick.
Portable document format (.pdf)  A method
of allowing documents to be read/used on most
computers. The pages look just as they would when
they are printed but can contain clickable links
and buttons, form fields, video and audio. You can
protect a PDF document to stop others editing it.
Portable HDD  A removable version of a hard disk
drive which connects to the computer via the USB
port.
Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022
Glossary
Portable media player  A separate device used
to play music or videos; they use solid-state
technology.
Poster  A printed or digital visual method of
communicating information.
Presentation layer  One of the three layers in
web page development. The presentation layer is
used to define how a web page will look to the
viewer. It dictates the colour schemes, themes and
styles seen when a web page is displayed and is
usually written in CSS.
Presenter notes  Printed or electronic copies of
the slides from a presentation, with additional
notes to be read from (or used as prompts) by the
person delivering the presentation. These notes are
not usually given to the audience.
Primary key (field)  A single field within a
relational database table that contains unique data
(no two records can have the same primary key); a
primary key field cannot be part of a blank record.
Printlets  3D printed medicines (printed tablets).
Product key  A unique reference number that is
entered to enable software to work. It protects
against software piracy.
QR code  A matrix of dark and light squares that
are used to represent data; the pattern can be read
by a smartphone/tablet camera and interpreted
using a QR app.
Quarantine  Isolation of a file or program
identified by anti-virus software as being infected
by a virus, before being deleted.
Query  A request for information from a database.
Questionnaires  A form with a series of questions
used to enable data gathering; the answers to the
questions are normally filled in on the form itself.
Radio frequency identification (RFID) A
method of communication between a tag and a
reader.
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Random access memory (RAM)  Internal memory
chip that is volatile in nature.
Range  A group or block of cells spreadsheet that
have been selected or highlighted.
Ransomware  Malware that encrypts data on a
user’s computer and ‘holds the data hostage’ until a
ransom is paid.
Read-only memory (ROM)  Internal memory chip
that is non-volatile in nature.
9

Record  A collection of fields containing
information about one data subject or one object
within a database.
Reflection  Flip an image (usually either
horizontally or vertically).
Relational database   A database structure
where data items are linked together using
relational tables. It maintains a set of separate,
related files (tables), but combines data elements
from the files for queries and reports when
required.
Relative reference  The automatic adjustment of
a cell reference within a formula when it is copied
to another location in a spreadsheet.
Relative value  A value that changes depending
on other factors. For example, in a web page
a table width can be set to 50%. This table is
always 50% of the window/frame width, so its size
will change if the size of the browser window is
changed.
Remote control  An input device that allows the
user to control another device from a distance. It
is most frequently used with home entertainment
systems.
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)  Pain felt in the
muscles, nerves and tendons caused by a repetitive
action (for example, repeated clicking of a mouse
button over a period of time).
Report (access)  The formatted and organised
presentation of data from a database.
Report (generic)  A document that provides
information.
Report layout  The format of printed output from
a computer following processing.
Requirements specification  An element of
the analysis stage of the systems life cycle; it
is a list of the required features of a system,
including general user requirements and specific
requirements.
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Resampling  The process of changing the image
quality in bitmap graphics. Downsampling reduces
the number of pixels used and increases file
transfer speed; upsampling increases the number of
pixels used.
RFID  Radio frequency identification is a wireless
method of communication between a tag and a
reader (tags can be passive or active).
Rich text format (.rtf)  A file format (.rtf) used
for text-based files that saves the formatting
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Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Second Edition
Glossary
within the document, so allowing some formatting
to be passed from one applications package to
another.
Robot/robotics The science of developing
devices (robots) that are programmed to act
independently to carry out tasks often used in
industrial applications.
Roshal archive (.rar) A file format for a
container (like a zip file) that can hold other files
and folders. Its name comes from Roshal Archive
and was developed by a Russian software engineer
called Eugene Roshal.
Rotation Turn an image (usually either clockwise
or anti-clockwise through a specified number of
degrees).
Router Device on networks that forward data
packets between networks; they essentially
perform traffic direction functions.
Row All the cells in one horizontal line in a
spreadsheet.
Rules base In an expert system, a set of rules
that an inference engine uses, together with the
data or facts in the knowledge base, to reason
through a problem.
Sans-serif A font style in which the ends of
characters do not have small strokes called serifs,
such as Arial.
Satellite navigation This is a term used to
describe GPS when used in a car.
Scanner A device that converts information on
paper into an electronic format that can then be
stored in a computer.
Screen layout The format of onscreen output
from a computer following processing.
Screen recorder A type of key logging software
that works by capturing screen images at random
intervals, sending the information back to its
creator.
Screenshot An image of the screen taken at a
particular moment in time. There are software
packages that will obtain screenshot (sometimes
called screen grab) evidence for you. The easiest
way is to press the <Print Screen> (sometimes
labelled <Prt Scr>) button on the keyboard to place
what is currently on the screen in the clipboard.
This can then be pasted into a document as
evidence of your work.

Secure sockets layer  A network protocol that
uses encryption to allow online transactions
(denoted by https in the browser window).
Sensitive data  Any data that is protected against
unwarranted disclosure that can cause harm, such
as ethnicity, gender, genetic data and so on.
Sensor  Input device which automatically gathers
information from the real world.
Serif  A font style in which the ends of characters
have small strokes called serifs, such as Times New
Roman.
Sheet  All the cells in one 2-dimensional grid
within a spreadsheet workbook.
Shimmer  An illegal data capture device, used on
an ATM, to copy data from the magnetic stripe and
chip on a smart card.
Shoulder surfing  A form of data theft in which
criminals steal personal information from a victim
when they are carrying out financial transactions.
SIM card  (Subscriber identity module) card; a
small card (containing a microchip) that allows
a mobile device to connect to the mobile phone
cellular network.
Simulation  The process of imitating something
using a computer system; the software uses
mathematical formulae or models to simulate a
real-life system or environment.
Simulator  A machine that simulates an
environment for the purpose of training or for
research.
Skimmer  An illegal data capture device, used on
an ATM, to copy data on the magnetic stripe of a
credit or debit card and thus create a fake card.
Smart card  A card containing a chip
(microprocessor) that allows contactless payments.
Smart motorway  A motorway that is monitored
and controlled by a central computer system.
Smart television  A television that can access the
internet to allow the streaming of programmes.
Smart TV  A television that can access the
internet, allowing streaming of online services.
Smartphone  A small computer which fits into
the pocket; makes use of either the cellular
network or WiFi; contains an integrated camera;
uses downloaded apps to carry out a number of
functions such as make phone calls and texting.
Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022
Glossary
Smishing  Fake SMS messages designed to trick
users into giving away personal information or
installing malware on their device.
SMS/text messaging  A text message sent over a
telephone network.
Software  Programs that control the computer
system and process data.
Solid-state drive (SSD)  Backing store that uses
solid state technology (sometimes referred to as a
flash drive).
Solid-state technology  A type of storage media
that uses microchip technology to store data rather
than magnetic or optical technology.
Sound card  Internal circuit board that provides
the computer with the ability to produce sound.
Speaker/loudspeaker  Device used to convert
electrical signals into sound.
Spell check  A process where the software
identifies words which are not held within its
dictionary.
Spread-spectrum frequency hopping  A method
of communication between devices by switching
rapidly and randomly from one frequency to
another, so it is almost impossible for someone
to eavesdrop or jam the signal; spread-spectrum
technology works over a distance of 30 to 50
metres.
Spread-spectrum technology  A wideband radio
frequency used in wlans, with a range of about 30
to 50 metres.
Spreadsheet  Software that organises and
manipulates numerical data stored in rows
and columns; can produce graphs, do ‘what if’
scenarios.
Spreadsheet model  A spreadsheet that is used to
investigate different outcomes by changing one or
more variables within it.
Spyware  Software on a computer with malicious
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intent that allows cybercriminals to access the
computer and control its functions or send back
key information to the creator of the spyware.
SSD endurance  The total number of read/write
cycles that an SSD device can undergo before it
fails or corrupts data.
SSL certificate  A small data file that uses SSL to
encrypt the connection between a website and a
web browser.
11
 Glossary

Storage device  Refers to the hardware used to Technical documentation Documentation

read/write data from/to the storage media (for
example, a hard disk drive, CD/DVD/Blu-ray reader/
writer and solid-state reader/writer.
Storage media  Refers to the physical device that
stores the electronic data. For example, magnetic
media refers to the actual magnetic disks, optical
media refers to the CD/DVD/Blu-ray discs and solid-
state media refers to the transistor circuitry.
Streaming  Accessing and playing media content
directly from the internet, without the need to
download and store the media files first.
Subscript  Characters that sit below the baseline
in a piece of text and usually have a reduced point
size, for example, the number 2 in H2O.
Superscript  Characters that sit above the
baseline in a piece of text and usually have a
reduced point size, for example, the number 2 in 7
m2.
Switch  A device that can have a number of other
devices or computers connected to it to form a
network; it is able to direct received data packets
to the targeted device only (using MAC addresses)
thus reducing network traffic
System software  Software that provides a
platform on which all other software on a computer
can run. System software includes compilers,
linkers, device drivers, operating systems and
utilities.
Systems analyst  An individual who is responsible
for ensuring that the stages of the systems life
cycle are carried out.
Systems life cycle  The stages in the creation or
modification of a new information system.
Table  A two-dimensional grid of data organised
in rows and columns within a database. Each row
of the table contains a record. Each column in
the table represents a field and each cell in that
column has the same (pre-defined) data type.
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designed to allow any systems analyst or
programmer to understand the technical aspects of
a new system and help them make improvements or
maintain the new system.
Test design  This covers how a system should be
tested.
Test plan  This is a list of testing requirements
designed to ensure that the software works as per
specification.
Test strategy  This is an outline that describes
the testing approach used when developing new
software.
Testing  Data input into a computer to see
whether the software responds correctly to this
data.
Text (.txt)  A file format (.txt) used for text-
based files that contain an unformatted ASCII file,
although there are file format variations depending
on the operating system. Text files can be opened
in any word processor.
Text editor  Software that allows the user to type
and edit plain text. It contains few or no features
that allow for formatting documents.
Text wrapping  A software function that defines
how text is positioned around, in front of or behind
images or other objects.
Thermal bubble  A technology used in inkjet
printers, in which tiny resistors create localised
heat that makes the ink vaporise and form a tiny
bubble. As the bubble expands, some of the ink is
ejected from the print head onto paper.
Tokenisation  A method used by mobile phone
manufacturers to improve the security of credit/
debit card transactions carried out using the phone
rather than the card itself; it allows users to set up
a ‘mobile wallet’.
Tokens  A series of randomly generated numbers
used by a ‘mobile wallet’ instead of real credit/

Tablet /phablet  Similar to a smartphone except debit card details.

much larger in size; very often the carrying case
Touch screen  An input device that allows the
contains a full-size keyboard which gives them a
user to choose from options on the screen by
similar function to a laptop computer.
pressing the option on the screen with a finger.
Tag  A command used in HTML to instruct a web
Touchpad  A type of pointing device used on
browser how to display text, images or other
laptops.
objects. The tags are not displayed with the web
page. Some tags are used with attributes. Trackerball  A device similar to a mouse designed
for users with limited hand or wrist movement.
Tag (RFID)  A small chip and antenna used to
The device is controlled by rotating a ball with the
store information that can be read remotely by an
hand.
RFID reader.

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Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Second Edition

Transponder  A device that receives a radio signal
and then automatically re-transmits a signal with a
different frequency.
Trojan horse  A program disguised as legitimate-
looking software (e.g. anti-virus program) but
containing embedded malicious coding; they
replace all or part of the legitimate software with
the intent on causing damage to files/data.
Two-factor authentication  A form of verification
that requires two methods of authentication to
verify who a user is; after entering their password,
the user is required to carry out a second step,
such as entering an 8-digit one-time PIN sent to
their mobile phone.
Uniform resource locator (URL)  The unique
address of any document found on the internet.
Typically, the address is divided into parts: the
protocol (commonly HTTP), the name of the
computer (for example, www.cie.org.uk) and
sometimes the directory on the computer where
the document file name can be found.
Unordered list  A list of objects within a web
page that are prefixed with bullet points.
Unsubscribe  The option to stop receiving emails
from an organisation; clicking on the unsubscribe
link removes you from their mailing list.
User documentation  Documentation that is
provided to the user of an ICT system to enable
them to use the new system effectively.
Utility  Software designed to do a specific task
to maintain and control computer resources; e.g.
antivirus, disk repair, security.
Validation  A process used in software such as
databases and spreadsheets to check that the data
entered satisfies certain criteria; for example,
length check and data type checks.
Value  A number placed in a spreadsheet cell.
Value axis  A name given to the chart axis in
Microsoft Office that displays numerical values.
Verification  A process used to check the
accuracy of data entry or that data has not been
corrupted during transmission, often using double
entry or visual verification.
Version control  A file naming convention used to
manage files edited by multiple users, where each
saved version of a file is given a managed naming
convention, often identifying sequential version
numbers and sometimes authors’ initials.
Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022
Glossary
Video conferencing  Audio and visual
communication between groups of people
indifferent geographical locations via the internet
or other WAN; it makes use of special hardware
(such as webcams, microphones and speakers)
and software (such as CODEC or echo-cancellation
software).
Virtual online stores  A shop where goods or
services are bought online.
Virtual reality  Type of extended reality where
the user is fully immersed into a virtual world by
way of a headset; communication with the real
world is not possible.
Virus  A small program that replicate itself over
and over again on a user’s computer; it can transfer
from computer to computer modifying or deleting
data/files on an infected computer; viruses require
an active host to operate.
Vishing  A variation of phishing that uses a
voicemail message to try to trick the user into
calling the telephone number contained in the
message, with the aim of obtaining personal data.
Voip  (Voice over internet protocol) is the use
of the internet to send voice data in the form of
digital data packets using internet protocols.
Web browser   Software that displays a web page.
Web conference/webinar/webcast  An online
presentation or lecture, often with some level
of interaction, such as posting questions for the
presenter; can also be used as a form of electronic
conferencing by a number of people in several
different locations where video conferencing
wouldn’t work effectively.
Web page  A single page of information displayed
in a format that can be viewed on a web browser.
Web server  The name given to both the hardware
and software required for the hosting of websites.
Web-authoring package  Software used for
creating web pages.
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Website  A collection of interrelated web pages
that relate to one topic or organisation and are
usually accessible via the internet.
White space  An area of a document that contains
no text or images and only the blank white colour
of the paper is visible. Documents normally have
white space between the margin settings and the
edges of the page.
Wide area network (WAN)  A network of devices
and computers connected together over a large
13

geographical area (e.g. a whole country); they
make use of the existing telecommunications
infrastructure (e.g. telephone lines and satellites).
Widow  The last line of a paragraph that appears
at the top of a page, with the rest of the paragraph
appearing on the previous page.
WiFi  A system that allows connection to a
network or single electronic device using wireless
connectivity.
WIMP  A form of graphical user interface in which
a mouse is used to control a cursor and icons are
selected to open/run windows.
Wireless LAN (WLAN)  A local area network with
no wires, other than the wires that connect the
WLAN access points together; a WLAN uses either
spread-spectrum technology or infrared signals to
enable devices to communicate with each other.
Wireless personal area network (WPAN)  A small
communications network, usually created for use by
just one person using Bluetooth technology.
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14
Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Second Edition
Glossary
Word processor  Software that allows the user to
create, edit and format documents.
Worm  A type of stand-alone virus that can
replicate itself; unlike a virus, worms don’t need an
active host to cause damage and can remain inside
applications spreading throughout a network.
X-axis  The horizontal axis (for a system of
coordinates).
Y-axis  The vertical axis (for a system of
coordinates).
Zero login A method of authentication that relies
on biometrics and behavioural patterns of humans
to uniquely recognise a user without the need for
passwords.
Zip (.zip) A file format for a container used to
reduce the number of bytes needed to save a file,
either to save storage space or to reduce
transmission time.