Glossary
Bugs
Unintentional errors or flaws in computer code that cause a program to behave unexpectedly, incorrectly, or crash.
Example:
A common bug in a game might cause a character to fall through the floor, requiring a patch from the developers.
Economic Impacts
The effects of technology and programming on global economies, including their influence on financial markets, job creation, and economic predictions.
Example:
The rise of e-commerce platforms has had significant economic impacts, transforming retail industries and creating new business models.
Generation Gap
The difference in exposure to, comfort with, and understanding of digital technology between different age groups, typically younger and older generations.
Example:
A teenager might instinctively use a new app, while their grandparent might need detailed instructions, highlighting the digital generation gap.
Globalization
The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries and cultures worldwide, largely facilitated by advancements in communication and information technology.
Example:
Social media platforms enable instant communication across borders, contributing to globalization by connecting people from diverse backgrounds.
Intellectual Property
Legal rights granted to creators over their original works, including software, giving them exclusive control over its use and distribution.
Example:
The unique algorithms and design of a popular search engine are considered the intellectual property of the company that developed them.
Licensing
Legal agreements that define the terms under which software can be used, distributed, and modified, such as Creative Commons or MIT Licenses.
Example:
Before using a piece of code from the internet, you should check its licensing to ensure you comply with its usage rights.
Open Source Programs
Software whose source code is made publicly available, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute it, often under specific licensing terms.
Example:
Many web servers run on Apache, an open source program that benefits from contributions by a global community of developers.
Social Inequalities
The uneven distribution of access to technology and computer programs, leading to disparities in opportunities and resources among different groups of people.
Example:
Students without reliable internet access at home face social inequalities in completing online assignments compared to their peers with high-speed connections.
System Reliability
The ability of a computer system or program to perform its intended functions consistently and correctly over time, even with varying device performance or security challenges.
Example:
A critical medical device's software must have high system reliability to ensure it operates flawlessly during patient care.
Updates/Patches
Software releases designed to fix bugs, address security vulnerabilities, improve performance, or add new features to an existing program.
Example:
Installing the latest operating system update often includes security patches to protect your device from new threats.