1.2 System Design Basics

Question 1

Hardware

Answer 1

Anything related to the computer that you can physically touch (eg. CPU, Monitor)

Question 2

Software

Answer 2

The collection of programs and instructions that control the computer (eg. Operating system, applications)

Question 3

Peripheral

Answer 3

The devices that can attach to the computer that allows users to interact with its environment and exchange information (eg. Keyboard, Mouse, screen, speaker, printer)

Question 4

Network

Answer 4

A group of computers that are connected together in some way to share resources (files, etc.)

Question 5

Human Resources

Answer 5

The human using the computers

Question 6

Client

Answer 6

A computer accessing resources hosted by another computer

Question 7

Server

Answer 7

A computer hosting resources to be shared across the network

Question 8

DNS Server

Answer 8

Attributes names to network addresses and resolves them by assigning them to the appropriate network entity. It contains the IP addresses.

–> It helps your computer find the website you want to visit by translating the website’s name (like www.example.com) into a series of numbers (called an IP address) that your computer can understand.

Question 9

Router

Answer 9

A computer routing network package between 2 computer networks for information transfer (eg. mobile sales, glass fibre connections)

Question 10

Firewall

Answer 10

Hardware/Software network infrastructure that controls data flow access among network entities. Used for protection and limit access to a network

Question 11

1.2.3 Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with a networked world

Answer 11

–> Loss of JObs
–> Outsourced (unethical, cheaper labour)
–> Is it ethical to make employees redundant on the basis that computers can do it as well?

Question 12

1.2.4 Identify the relevant stakeholders when planning a new system

Answer 12

–> System Analyst
–> End Users
–> Software Manufacturer
–> Client Company

Question 13

1.2.5 Describe methods of obtaining requirements from stakeholders

Answer 13

–> interviews
–> Observations
–> Survey
–> Questionaire
–> Polls

Question 14

1.2.6 Describe appropriate techniques for gathering the information needed to arrive at a workable solution

Answer 14

–> Organizational Capability
–> Increase Client Trust
–> Maintain Brand Reputation/ Image

Question 15

1.2.7 Construct suitable representations to illustrate system requirements

Answer 15

1. System Flow Charts
2. Data Flow Charts

–> See docs for the image of different shapes

Question 16

System Flow Chart

Answer 16

Shows the different parts of the system are linked together

Question 17

Data Flow Charts

Answer 17

Represents the process of how information is moving through the system together with identifying all relevant inputs and outputs to the system.

Question 18

Prototype

Answer 18

–> Either a working or non-working version of the final product or system.
–> It attracts the attention of the client and “get a feel for it”, and provides the concept for the investors.

Question 19

Iteration

Answer 19

The repetition of a set of instructions until the operations yield its desired results.

–> Helps create and test ideas quickly and happens throughout the entire design process

Question 20

1.2.10 Explain the possible consequences of failing to involve the end-user in the design process

Answer 20

–> Dissatisfaction
–> May not to suitable to all users

Question 21

Digital Divide

Answer 21

The inequality in access to digital technology can vary between countries, regions, socioeconomic groups, and even within households.

Question 22

Usability

Answer 22

Determines how easy and self-explanatory the use of the system is for inexperienced end-users.

“Measures Ergonomics and Accessibility”

Question 23

1.2.13 Identify a range of usability problems with commonly used digital devices

Answer 23

Microsoft has changed user interface between windows 7 and windows 8, which can be “Confusing”

Question 24

Accessibility

Answer 24

How the system can be accessed for information exchange and operation.

Question 25

1.2.14 Identify methods that can be used to improve the accessibility of systems

Answer 25

–> Touch Screen
–> Voice Recognition
–> Screen Magnifier

Question 26

1.2.15 Identify a range of usability problems that can occur in a system

Answer 26

–> Slow response in a system (eg. Ticketing System)
–> Irresponsible touchscreen touches
–> When voice recognition is the only way to communicate

Question 27

1.2.16 Discuss the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of the interaction between humans and machines

Answer 27

–> Job Loss due to AUTOMATION
–> Consumerism