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Digital Life: Using Technology Safely & Confidently


Digital tools are everywhere—but they don’t have to be confusing. This section explains the basics of using technology safely, clearly, and confidently. You'll learn how to protect your privacy, understand digital platforms, and use social media or online tools with ease. The texts focus on everyday situations and give realistic, simple advice. There are also explanations for key terms, so you can feel more confident when dealing with unfamiliar words or settings online. It’s all here—clear and supportive.

Understanding Computing Terms

AI (Artificial Intelligence)
A branch of computer science that enables machines to learn from data, recognize patterns, and make decisions. AI powers virtual assistants, facial recognition, and automated recommendations.

Algorithm
A step-by-step set of instructions used by computers to perform tasks, such as searching the web, filtering spam, or encrypting data.

Big Data
Large and complex datasets that require specialized tools and algorithms to analyze, often used to improve business strategies, healthcare, and research.

Blockchain
A decentralized and secure digital ledger that records transactions across multiple systems. It is widely used for cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and secure record-keeping.

Botnet
A network of compromised computers controlled remotely by cybercriminals to perform malicious activities like spamming, hacking, or launching denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.

Cache
A temporary storage area in computers and browsers that speeds up data retrieval by keeping frequently used information readily available.

Cloud Computing
The delivery of computing services like storage, databases, and applications over the internet instead of using local hardware, enabling remote access to resources.

Cookies
Small text files stored in your browser that track website activity and remember login credentials, preferences, and browsing history, often used for personalization and analytics.

Cybersecurity
Practices and technologies designed to protect computers, networks, and data from cyber threats like hacking, phishing, and malware attacks.

Data Breach
The unauthorized access, theft, or exposure of sensitive information, often due to security vulnerabilities or hacking.

Data Mining
The process of analyzing vast amounts of data to uncover hidden patterns, trends, and insights, often used in marketing, healthcare, and fraud detection.

Deepfake
AI-generated media that manipulates video or audio to create realistic but misleading content, often used in misinformation campaigns.

DNS (Domain Name System)
The system that translates human-friendly website addresses (like www.google.com) into numerical IP addresses used by computers to locate and access websites.

Edge Computing
A technology that processes data closer to the source, such as on smart devices or local servers, rather than relying on distant cloud servers. This reduces latency and speeds up data processing.

Encryption
The process of converting data into a secure format that prevents unauthorized access, commonly used for securing online transactions, emails, and personal data.

Ethernet
A wired networking technology used to connect computers within a local network, ensuring high-speed and stable internet connections.

Firewall
A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic to protect against unauthorized access, malware, and cyberattacks.

Hacking
The act of gaining unauthorized access to computer systems or networks, often for malicious intent but sometimes for ethical security testing (ethical hacking).

HTTP/HTTPS
Protocols that govern how data is transferred over the web. HTTPS includes encryption for enhanced security, protecting users from cyber threats.

IoT (Internet of Things)
A network of interconnected smart devices, such as thermostats, fitness trackers, and home security systems, that communicate and share data over the internet.

IP Address
A unique string of numbers assigned to each device connected to the internet, allowing it to be identified and located.

Malware
A broad term for malicious software, including viruses, ransomware, and spyware, designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to systems.

Open Source
Software that is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. Examples include Linux, Mozilla Firefox, and WordPress.

Phishing
A cyber-attack where scammers trick users into providing sensitive information by posing as trusted entities through fake emails, messages, or websites.

QR Code (Quick Response Code): A scannable barcode that stores digital information, commonly used for mobile payments, website links, and event check-ins.

Ransomware
A type of malware that encrypts a user’s files and demands payment to restore access. It is often spread through phishing emails or malicious downloads.

Social Engineering
A manipulation technique used by cybercriminals to trick people into revealing confidential information, such as passwords or financial data.

Trojan Horse
A type of malware disguised as legitimate software, used to infiltrate systems and execute harmful actions such as stealing sensitive data or installing other malicious programs.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A security tool that encrypts internet connections, masking users’ locations and protecting their online activities from surveillance or cyberattacks.

Zero-Day Exploit
A cyberattack that targets a previously unknown vulnerability in software before developers can issue a fix, making it particularly dangerous.