A primary key is a unique identifier in a database, either from outside or within the system, with restrictions of existence, uniqueness, and immutability. Numeric keys are used to ensure infinite keys. Assigning a meaningful key is better than automatic generation for large databases. A primary key is an entry in a database that is […]
Key management is essential in cryptography to control access and verify keys. Keys are the weakest link, requiring proper management to prevent theft or forgery. A key management system involves limiting access, random updates, and encrypted storage. Human error and departmental conflicts can complicate implementation. Key management is the process of controlling access and verifying […]
Foreign keys are columns in a table that establish relationships with values in another table. They ensure database-level relationships, with the table containing the foreign key being the “child” and the other table being the “parent”. A good understanding of primary keys is necessary for working with foreign keys. Databases are made up of tables […]
Function keys on a keyboard execute various programs or aspects of a program when pressed. They are designated with an “F” or “Fn” and often a number. Different programs establish different purposes for function keys, but there are some common uses such as refreshing a web page with F5 or opening a search box with […]
The prompt to “press any key to continue” during computer setup is often misinterpreted, leading to jokes about users searching for a nonexistent “any key” and calling tech support for help. Sometimes during software installation or hardware setup, the computer user is prompted to “press any key to continue”. Misinterpretation of this instruction has become […]
Session keys are temporary keys used for encrypting information during a communication session and are discarded when the session ends. They are usually symmetric and less secure than asymmetrical keys but their volume makes them difficult to crack. However, poorly crafted algorithms and easily crackable codes make them vulnerable to attacks. A session key is […]
WEP keys encrypt wireless network data before transmission. Keys can be in HEX or ASCII format and have different lengths. WEP has been considered obsolete since the early 2000s due to security vulnerabilities. WPA and WPA2 are newer and more secure standards. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) keys are a crucial part of the WEP standard, […]
A cipher is an encrypted message or a cryptographic system that rearranges symbols or letters. Julius Caesar used a basic cipher to send messages. Simple ciphers can be cracked, but more complex ones exist. The encryption key is essential for correct transmission and key management is crucial for security. A cipher can generally refer to […]
Asymmetric key cryptography uses a public key to encrypt text, which can only be decrypted by a private key. It allows secure communication without sharing secret information, but is slower and can potentially be cracked. It is the basis for tools like PGP, SSL, and TLS, and can guarantee confidentiality and authenticity. The strength of […]
A dongle is a small hardware device that connects to a computer via USB and is used for software authentication. It can also refer to network adapters and audio attachments. Dongles are used to prevent unauthorized software copying. Software as a Service is a newer option for software protection. Dongle design must consider ease of […]
The caps lock key is a toggle key on computer keyboards that makes each letter typed appear as uppercase. It is commonly used for acronyms, internet culture, and headings. Holding down the Shift key can also achieve this function. Some users disable the caps lock feature to avoid accidental activation. A caps lock key is […]
Key fields in a database uniquely identify entries and enforce integrity across tables. They must be unique, unalterable, and required. Simple and compound keys are used, with composite keys reducing the chance of multiple records. Primary keys are used in original tables, foreign keys link tables together. A key field is a column or combination […]
Cryptography uses algorithms to transform data into unreadable ciphers for security. Symmetric encryption uses a single password for encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption uses two keys. Asymmetric encryption is considered more secure because the key that triggers decryption is not shared. Passphrases should be unique and alphanumeric to improve security. Cryptography is a form […]
WPA and WPA2 use pre-shared keys for strong encryption security in wireless data transmission. A WPA key is a 256-bit string of data shared with all devices needing access to the network. Passphrases and key derivation functions can also be used to generate WPA keys, but common combinations are vulnerable to brute-force attacks. A WPA […]
Uranus is a bluish “ice giant” planet with a diameter equivalent to four Earths and a mass slightly greater than 14.5 Earths. It has a unique axial tilt of 97.77° and is the coldest planet in the solar system. It has small rings and 27 known moons, with Miranda being the largest. Uranus was discovered […]
Pluto is a dwarf planet in the outer solar system, second largest in the Kuiper belt. Discovered in 1930, it has a brownish color, three moons, and an average surface temperature of 49 K. The New Horizons spacecraft will approach Pluto in 2015. Pluto is an outer solar system body formerly known as a planet, […]
Jupiter is a gas giant with a volume of 1321 Earths and a mass of 318 Earths. It has 63 moons, including the Galilean moons, and a powerful magnetic field that causes volcanic activity on Io. Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is a circular storm many times the size of Earth. It absorbs comets and asteroids […]
A key joint is a precast device used to create control joints in concrete structures, reducing cracking caused by shrinkage. It consists of a U-shaped steel channel with flanges at either end, inserted into the forms where control joints are required. Key joints speed up construction, reduce labor and equipment costs, and create a smooth, […]
Mercury is a small planet with a large iron core and a surface temperature of -292 to 806°F. It has been observed from Earth since ancient times and is the smallest planet in the solar system. Theories about its core include an impact-based theory, a super-hot atmospheric envelope, and the drag of a protosolar nebula. […]
Mars is a popular planet for colonization due to its similarity to Earth and rich spectrum of elements. It has a thin atmosphere and a surface temperature ranging from -5°C to -87°C. The planet has been extensively studied by orbiters and rovers, with the largest known mountain and canyon in the solar system. A manned […]
