Category Archives: Definitions

Definitions

What is a database?

Leave a comment

A database is an organized collection of data that is stored and managed in a structured manner. It is designed to efficiently store, retrieve, and manage large amounts of data. A database management system (DBMS) is a software application that enables users to create, manipulate, and access databases.

Databases are used in a variety of applications such as banking systems, e-commerce websites, healthcare systems, social media platforms, and many more. They are essential for managing and organizing data, which helps businesses and organizations make informed decisions based on the insights derived from the data.

Databases can be classified based on the type of data they store, the number of users accessing the data, the structure of the data, and the mode of access. The most common types of databases include relational databases, NoSQL databases, hierarchical databases, and object-oriented databases.

(Ed: written by ChatGPT; verified by jrivett.)

Definitions

What are cookies?

Leave a comment

Cookies are small pieces of data that are stored on a user’s computer or device by a website. They are used to remember user preferences and activities on a website, such as login information, shopping cart contents, or language preferences. Cookies are also used for tracking user behavior and providing personalized experiences, such as targeted advertisements or product recommendations.

There are two types of cookies: session cookies and persistent cookies. Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when the user closes their browser. Persistent cookies, on the other hand, are stored on the user’s device for a longer period of time, and can be used to track user behavior across multiple sessions.

While cookies are generally harmless, they have raised privacy concerns, as they can be used to collect personal information about users without their knowledge or consent. As a result, many websites now provide options for users to opt-out of cookie tracking or to limit the amount of data that is collected through cookies.

(Ed: written by ChatGPT; verified by jrivett.)

Definitions

What is a web browser?

Leave a comment

A web browser, also known as an Internet browser, is a software application that allows users to access and view web sites on the internet. Web browsers are used to navigate the Internet, view web pages, and interact with web-based applications. Examples of popular web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Opera. Web browsers use protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP to request web pages from servers, render the content of those pages, and display them to the user.

(Ed: written by ChatGPT; verified by jrivett.)

Definitions, Internet

What is cryptocurrency?

Leave a comment

(Ed: before cryptocurrency showed up, the abbreviation ‘crypto’ usually referred to cryptography. Now it’s almost always used to refer to cryptocurrency.)

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates independently of a central bank. Cryptocurrencies use a decentralized network of computers to maintain and verify transactions, which are recorded on a public ledger called a blockchain.

Unlike traditional currencies, which are backed by governments or other centralized authorities, cryptocurrencies are not issued or regulated by any single entity. Instead, they rely on complex mathematical algorithms and protocols to create new units and verify transactions.

The most well-known cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, which was created in 2009. Since then, thousands of other cryptocurrencies have been developed, each with its own unique features and use cases.

Cryptocurrencies are often used for online purchases, investments, and as a store of value. They have gained popularity due to their ability to operate independently of government or financial institutions, and their potential for anonymity and privacy. However, cryptocurrencies are also subject to volatility and regulatory uncertainty, which can make them a risky investment.

(Ed: written by ChatGPT; verified by jrivett.)

Definitions, Security

What is cryptography?

Leave a comment

(Ed: before cryptocurrency showed up, the abbreviation ‘crypto’ usually referred to cryptography. Now it’s almost always used to refer to cryptocurrency.)

Cryptography is the practice of securing information by transforming it into a form that is unintelligible to anyone who does not have the proper key or password to decode it. It involves techniques for encrypting and decrypting data to protect it from unauthorized access or modification.

Cryptography has been used throughout history to protect sensitive information such as military secrets, diplomatic messages, and financial transactions. It is now widely used in computer networks to ensure the security of data transmitted over the Internet, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other confidential information.

Modern cryptography relies on algorithms and protocols that are designed to be mathematically secure and resistant to attacks by hackers or other malicious actors. Common cryptographic techniques include symmetric-key encryption, public-key encryption, digital signatures, and hash functions.

(Ed: written by ChatGPT; verified by jrivett.)

Definitions, Internet, Privacy, Security

What is a VPN?

Leave a comment

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection between two points on the internet. This connection is established by using VPN client software on a device that connects to a VPN server, typically located in a different geographic location.

When a user connects to a VPN server, the user’s device becomes part of the private network established by the VPN server. This allows the user to access the internet as if they were physically located in the same location as the VPN server.

The primary benefit of using a VPN is that it provides a secure and private connection, which is especially important when accessing sensitive information, such as financial data or personal information, over public Wi-Fi networks or when accessing geo-restricted content. It also helps to protect against hackers, identity theft, and other online threats by masking the user’s IP address and encrypting their internet traffic.

(Ed: written by ChatGPT; verified by jrivett.)

Definitions, Malware, Things that are bad

What is a worm?

Leave a comment

In computing, a worm is a type of malicious software (malware) that replicates itself and spreads to other computers or networks without the need for human interaction. Unlike viruses, worms do not require a host program to attach themselves to, and can propagate independently through computer networks, usually by exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems or other software.

Once a worm infects a computer, it can perform various malicious actions, such as stealing sensitive data, sending spam emails, launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, or installing additional malware. Worms can also consume a large amount of network bandwidth, causing network slowdowns or outages.

To protect against worms, it’s important to keep software up-to-date with the latest security patches, use antivirus software, and avoid downloading or opening suspicious attachments or links in emails.

(Ed: written by ChatGPT; verified by jrivett.)

Definitions, Security

What is authorization?

Leave a comment

Authorization is the process of determining whether an entity or user is allowed to access a particular resource or perform a specific action within a system or application. In other words, it’s the process of verifying that a user has the necessary permissions to access a particular resource or perform a particular action.

Authorization typically involves checking the identity of the user, as well as their access credentials and permissions, against a set of access control rules. These rules may be defined within the application or system itself, or they may be defined in an external authorization server or policy engine.

Authorization is an important part of security in computer systems and is often used in conjunction with authentication, which is the process of verifying the identity of a user. Together, authentication and authorization ensure that only authorized users are able to access sensitive information and perform critical actions within a system.

(Ed: written by ChatGPT; verified by jrivett.)

Definitions, Security

What is authentication?

Leave a comment

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or system attempting to access a particular resource, service, or application. It is the first line of defense against unauthorized access to information and resources.

Authentication typically involves presenting credentials, such as a username and password, to a system, which then verifies that the credentials match an authorized user or system. Other authentication methods can include biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, or the use of security tokens or smart cards.

Once a user or system has been successfully authenticated, they are granted access to the resource or service they are trying to access. Authentication is a critical component of security in any system, as it ensures that only authorized users are able to access sensitive information and resources.

(Ed: written by ChatGPT; verified by jrivett.)

Definitions, Internet, Malware, Privacy, Security, Things that are bad

What is spyware?

Leave a comment

Spyware is a type of malicious software designed to gather sensitive information from a computer system without the user’s knowledge or consent. This information can include personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and online browsing habits, as well as system information such as installed software and hardware specifications. Spyware can be installed on a computer through a variety of means, such as email attachments, infected websites, and bundled software. Some spyware is designed to monitor a user’s activities for advertising purposes, while others are used for more malicious purposes such as identity theft and financial fraud. Spyware can cause a number of problems for a computer user, including decreased system performance, slow internet speeds, and a loss of privacy. It is important to protect your computer from spyware by using anti-virus software and avoiding downloading suspicious files from the internet.

(Ed: written by ChatGPT; verified by jrivett.)