Free software & licensing
what are the 4 essential freedoms of free software?
freedom 0: run the program
freedom 1:study and modify code
freedom 2:redistribute copies
freedom 3: improve and release updates
What permissions distinguish an Administrator account from a Standard User?
Administrators have full system access (installing software, changing critical settings), while Standard Users cannot alter system settings or install system-wide software.
How do search engine sorting mechanics handle popularity versus relevance?
Popularity tracks overall clicks and traffic, while relevance evaluates how closely content matches the user’s specific search intent
What is the difference between conscious tech use and technological dependency and digital equity?
Conscious use involves setting deliberate boundaries with devices; dependency is compulsive tech use that disrupts daily life
What feature in a word processor allows you to leave notes without changing the text and how do zoom control helps
Comments allow leaving notes without altering the main text. Zoom controls adjust the document's magnification on screen to make reading and editing easier without changing the actual layout or font size
What is the main difference between GPL and AGPL licenses?
AGPL closes the "cloud loophole" by requiring modified code to be open-source even if hosted only on a web server
Classify software into its 3 main types and give an example of each
System Software (Windows/macOS), Application Software (Web browsers/Word processors), and Development Software (VS Code/Python compilers).
What are engagement loops in the attention economy?
Design mechanisms (like infinite scroll or push notifications) engineered to keep users interacting with platforms as long as possible
Define data colonialism and digital sovereignty.
Data colonialism is the mass extraction of personal data by tech monopolies; digital sovereignty is a community’s or nation’s right to control its own data and tech infrastructure
What is the difference between page portrait orientation and landscape orientation?
Portrait orientation positions the page vertically (taller than it is wide), while landscape orientation positions the page horizontally (wider than it is tall)
What does CC BY stand for, and what does it require?
Creative Commons Attribution; it allows sharing and adapting content as long as proper credit/attribution is given to the author.
What was the significance of the ENIAC and the Turing Machine?
The Turing Machine created the theoretical model for modern computing algorithms, while ENIAC was one of the first room-sized general-purpose electronic computers
How do echo chambers contribute to misinformation?
Algorithms display only content that aligns with user beliefs, creating isolated environments where unverified/false information spreads without counter-arguments
What are the key features of Spreadsheets: Pivot Tables, Conditional Formatting, and Formulas?
Pivot Tables summarize large datasets; Conditional Formatting changes cell appearance based on rules; Formulas perform automated calculations.
In a spreadsheet, what do formulas like =SUM() or =AVERAGE() do?
They perform automated mathematical calculations on a selected range of cells
Define open standards and interoperability.
Open standards are public technical specifications; interoperability is the ability of different systems to work together and share data freely
How did microelectronics transform computer hardware history?
Moving from vacuum tubes to transistors and microchips enabled hardware miniaturization, drastically reducing physical size while increasing processing power
What is the difference between sponsored content and organic search results?
Sponsored content consists of paid advertisements placed at the top of search queries, whereas organic results are ranked purely by algorithmic relevance
In Word Processors and Presentations, what are Track Changes, Speaker Notes, and Slide Transitions?
Track Changes logs text edits; Speaker Notes are private presenter prompts; Slide Transitions are visual effects between slides
What is the main difference between animations and slide transitions in presentation software?
Animations move individual elements (text, images) inside a slide, whereas slide transitions are visual effects that occur when moving from one slide to another
Explain how Copyleft works and why it is fundamental to licenses like GPL
Copyleft is a legal mechanism that uses copyright law to offer freedom rather than restriction. It requires that any modified version or derivative work of the software must also be released under the exact same free licensing terms, ensuring the code remains permanently open.
Why is a Guest account restricted from saving permanent files or altering system configurations?
To protect system security, data privacy, and stability, preventing unknown or temporary users from installing malware, modifying critical system settings, or accessing other users' personal files
What is the digital divide, and how does it impact socioeconomic inclusion?
The digital divide is the gap between individuals and communities who have full access to modern information and communication technology (such as high-speed internet and updated devices) and those who do not. It impacts socioeconomic inclusion by restricting underprivileged populations from accessing online education, digital job opportunities, essential public services, and financial tools.
What is the connection between data colonialism, digital sovereignty, and the risks of Artificial Intelligence?
Data colonialism extracts user data to train proprietary AI models owned by foreign tech monopolies. Without digital sovereignty, nations and individuals lose control over their data, increasing exposure to AI risks such as bias, surveillance, and loss of technological independence.
How do Pivot Tables and Conditional Formatting help analyze large datasets in spreadsheets?
Pivot Tables summarize and categorize large amounts of raw data for quick analysis, while Conditional Formatting automatically highlights key cells (using colors or icons) based on specific rules or numerical thresholds