Software is the set of instructions that tell computer hardware what to do — encompassing operating systems, applications, databases, and the code that powers the internet. Read more
Who founded the 'Linux' kernel?
MediumLinus Torvalds founded and created the Linux kernel in 1991. He started it as a personal project because he wanted a Unix-like operating system that could run on his home PC.
Linus also created 'Git,' the version control system that almost every software developer in the world uses today to manage their code!
Which company created Windows?
EasyMicrosoft is the technology company that created the Windows operating system. First released in 1985 as a graphical "shell" for MS-DOS, it eventually evolved into the world's most dominant desktop operating system. Windows introduced a user-friendly interface with icons and menus that replaced the need to type complex text commands.
Windows was almost called "Interface Manager," but the marketing team realized that "Windows" was a much better name because the software organized different tasks into rectangular boxes on the screen, which users found easier to understand.
What is the term for malicious software?
EasyMalware (short for "malicious software") is an umbrella term for any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network. This includes viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and ransomware.
The first-ever computer virus, called "Creeper," was created in 1971 and didn't actually do any damage; it just displayed the message: "I'M THE CREEPER: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!"
What is 'Malware'?
EasyMalware (short for "malicious software") is an umbrella term for any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network. This includes viruses, worms, Trojans, and ransomware.
The first computer virus, "Creeper," was created in 1971 as an experiment and didn't actually damage data; it just hopped between computers displaying the message "I'M THE CREEPER: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!"
What is 'Firmware'?
MediumFirmware is a specific type of software that is "hard-coded" into a piece of hardware to help it run. Unlike regular software (like Chrome or Word), you don't usually interact with firmware directly. It's found in everything from your TV remote to your car's engine.
Updating firmware is called "flashing," and if it fails, your device can become "bricked" (useless)!
What is the term for software that is free to use and whose source code is available?
MediumOpen-source software is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance. Examples include the Linux operating system, the Firefox browser, and the Python programming language.
Much of the technology that runs the modern world (including the servers for Google and Facebook) is built on open-source software!
Who is the founder of Linux?
MediumLinus Torvalds is the creator and lead developer of the Linux kernel. He started the project in 1991 while he was a student at the University of Helsinki.
Linus also created "Git," the version control system that is used by almost every software developer in the world today!
Which file system is used by Windows?
MediumNTFS (New Technology File System) is the standard file system used by the Windows operating system for organizing and storing data on hard drives. It replaced the older FAT32 system because it is much more secure, supports much larger files (up to 8 petabytes), and is better at recovering from errors.
If you have an old USB drive formatted in FAT32, you cannot save a single file larger than 4GB (like a high-quality movie) on it, even if the drive has 100GB of space! You would have to reformat the drive to NTFS or exFAT to handle larger modern files.
Which company developed 'Windows'?
EasyMicrosoft developed the Windows operating system, first released in 1985. It was originally a graphical extension for the text-based MS-DOS. Windows 95 was the version that truly popularized the "Start menu" and "Taskbar" we still use today.
The first version of Windows was almost called "Interface Manager," but Microsoft's marketing department convinced Bill Gates that "Windows" sounded much more user-friendly!
What is the primary purpose of a firewall?
EasyThe primary purpose of a firewall is to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks (like the internet) to prevent unauthorized access.
The term "firewall" originally referred to a physical wall designed to prevent the spread of fire between buildings!
Which company developed Android?
MediumGoogle (Alphabet Inc.) is the company that developed and currently manages the Android operating system. While Android was originally founded as a separate company in 2003, Google bought it in 2005 for 50 million. Since then, it has become the most popular mobile OS in the world.
The original intent of Android was actually to be an operating system for digital cameras! However, the founders realized that the market for cameras was too small and decided to pivot to smartphones to compete with BlackBerry and Windows Mobile.
What is 'Spam'?
EasySpam refers to unsolicited, unwanted digital communication (usually email) sent in bulk. Most spam is commercial in nature, but it can also be used for phishing or spreading malware.
The term "Spam" comes from a 1970 Monty Python comedy sketch where a group of Vikings sings "Spam" so loudly that it drowns out all other conversation, just like junk mail drowns out real communication!
What does 'OAUTH' stand for?
HardOAuth (Open Authorization) is an open standard for access delegation, commonly used as a way for internet users to grant websites or applications access to their information on other websites but without giving them the passwords.
When you click "Sign in with Google" or "Log in with Facebook" on a new app, you are using the OAuth protocol to securely verify your identity!
What does 'CAPTCHA' stand for?
HardCAPTCHA stands for "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart." It is a type of challenge-response test used in computing to determine whether the user is human.
When you solve a "reCAPTCHA" by clicking on images of crosswalks or traffic lights, you are actually helping to train AI algorithms for self-driving cars!
What is a 'Captcha'?
EasyA Captcha (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) is a security measure that uses a challenge-response test to determine whether a user is a human or a bot.
When you solve a Captcha by clicking on "all the images with traffic lights," you are actually helping to train Artificial Intelligence models for self-driving cars for free!
Which company created the 'macOS'?
EasyApple developed macOS, the operating system for Mac computers. While the original Macintosh OS was launched in 1984, the modern macOS (formerly Mac OS X) was released in 2001 and was built on a foundation of Unix software.
Every version of macOS from 2001 to 2012 was named after a big cat (Cheetah, Puma, Jaguar, etc.), but now they are named after beautiful locations in California (Mavericks, Yosemite, Sonoma)!
Which company developed the 'macOS'?
EasyApple developed macOS, the operating system that powers all Mac computers. It is based on a foundation of Unix and is known for its high level of security and integration with other Apple devices like the iPhone.
The "classic" Mac OS (1984?2001) was replaced by Mac OS X, which was actually based on software developed by Steve Jobs' other company, NeXT!
Which company is known for the 'Creative Cloud' software suite?
MediumAdobe is the company known for the Creative Cloud software suite, which includes industry-standard tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.
Adobe was named after Adobe Creek in Los Altos, California, which ran behind the house of one of the company's founders!
Which OS kernel is Linux based on?
HardThe Linux kernel is a free and open-source, monolithic, modular, multitasking Unix-like operating system kernel. It was originally developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991 for his personal computer. Unlike Windows or macOS, Linux is not a complete operating system by itself but rather the core "engine" (kernel) that manages hardware resources and allows software to communicate with the hardware.
Linus Torvalds originally wanted to name the kernel "Freax" (a combination of "free," "freak," and "x" for Unix). The name "Linux" was actually given by the administrator of the server where the files were first hosted, and Linus eventually decided it was a better name.
Which company created 'Android'?
EasyAndroid Inc. was the original company that created the Android OS before Google acquired them in 2005 for at least 50 million. The company was co-founded by Andy Rubin, known as the "father of Android."
Android was originally designed to be an operating system for digital cameras, but the founders realized the market was too small and pivoted to smartphones!
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