6.1. Unit Overview

This unit focuses on Computing Systems and Networks, one of the big ideas in computer science. The App Inventor lesson in this unit shows how to use the Internet in apps, including the ability to send text messages over wifi. The CS Principles lessons focus on the Internet, how it works, how it enables innovation and collaboration, and security concerns for using it. In this unit, you will complete a series of activities using network administration software tools such as Ping and traceroute as well as a Domain Name System (DNS) simulator app to explore how we communicate on the Internet with IP Addresses.

Technical Terms

Below is a table of all of the technical terms that you'll learn in this unit. You will find a vocabulary section similar to this at the end of each lesson. Hover over the terms to review the definitions. You'll be able to practice your knowledge of the vocabulary with a quizlet at the end of the unit.

MIT App Inventor
function	local variables

Computer Science Principles
bandwidth	biometrics	certificate authority
computing system	decryption	digital certificate
digital divide	encryption algorithm	encryption key
encryption	fault-tolerant	HTTP
keylogger	malware scanning software	malware
multi-factor authentication (MFA)	network	packet
phishing	protocol	public key cryptography
rogue access point	router	routing
run-time error	scalability	server
strong password	symmetric encryption	syntax error
trust model	virus	World Wide Web

General Computing
abstraction layer	asymmetric cipher	brute force attack
cipher	ciphertext	client
computer bug	cryptography	debugging
Diffie-Hellman	DNS	domain name
ethernet	firewalls	frequency analysis
host	HTML	HTTPS
Internet Service Provider	intractable	IP address
IPv4	IPv6	key exchange problem
LAN	latency	modem
one time pad	packet sniffer	packet switching
ping	plaintext	polyalphabetic substitution
ransomware	rsa	semantic error
SMTP/POP	ssl	substitution cipher
symmetric cipher	traceroute	transposition cipher
Trojan horse	URI	WAN
wifi	worm

6.1.1. Self-Check

Q-1: Identify 1-2 vocabulary terms from the table above that you know and define them in your own words. If you don’t know any of these words yet, that’s ok! Instead, write 1-2 sentences on how you plan to practice learning the vocabulary for this unit.

Q-2: Identify 1-2 vocabulary terms from the table above that you have heard before but don’t know the definition for.

Q-3: Identify 1-2 vocabulary terms from the table above that you don’t know but want to learn in this unit.

6.1.2. Reflection: For Your Portfolio

Answer the following portfolio reflection questions as directed by your instructor. Questions are also available in this Google Doc - you will be prompted to make your own editable copy.