1.3- Computer Management

Question 1

Biometric security

Answer 1

Security based on measurement and ID of unique physical characteristics of person, eg fingerprints

Question 2

Data validation

Answer 2

Checking for the correctness of data from a computer perspective, ie with reference to a defined set of criteria or allowable values, which the computer program will either accept or reject

Question 3

Data verification

Answer 3

Checking for accuracy of data from human perspective

Question 4

Defensive programming

Answer 4

A technique whereby programmer makes pro-active provision for possible errors made by user, in interest of correct data entry

Question 5

Disk imaging

Answer 5

Creating a backup ‘image’ of entire hard drive, including all data and programs, to be used for re-installation in case of complete hard drive failure

Question 6

Encryption

Answer 6

The ‘scrambling’ of text or data according to a specified set of rules to ensure privacy of data during communication, or for security purposes

Question 7

Firewall

Answer 7

Hardware or software that monitors traffic between computer and Internet, to safeguard against breaches in security

Question 8

GIGO

Answer 8

‘Garbage In, Garbage Out’: quality of output for any computer system is directly related to quality of input

Question 9

Incremental backup

Answer 9

Backup schedule whereby backups are made only of new files and files that have been changed since the last backup, resulting in greater backup efficiency (saving disk space and time), and allowing selective data recovery from an earlier date

Question 10

Malware

Answer 10

Malicious Software: general term used to describe malicious software specifically designed to install itself without user’s knowledge to negatively affect or ‘harm’ a computer system

Question 11

Online backup

Answer 11

The backing up of data on a server on the Internet (‘the cloud’), with the advantages of data synchronisation, sharing and portability

Question 12

Phishing

Answer 12

Attempts from people, generally employing e-mail, to direct other people to fake websites, where they are tricked into releasing personal information (eg passwords); then using these details to commit identity theft and fraud

Question 13

RAID

Answer 13

Redundant Array of Independent Disks: the configuration of 2 or more hard drives, designed to minimise possibility of data loss

Question 14

Rootkit

Answer 14

Collection of programs designed to use admin rights to gain control of computer for dangerous purposes

Question 15

Social engineering

Answer 15

Any attempt to manipulate or ‘con’ someone into installing malware or giving out sensitive or personal information

Question 16

Software bug

Answer 16

Logical programming error. Can cause unexpected program behaviour, incorrect output or invalid data processing

Question 17

Spoofing

Answer 17

General term for conning techniques (such as phishing) used to make e-communication appear to originate from another (legitimate) person or institution

Question 18

Spyware

Answer 18

Form of malware that tries to monitor and track the way you use your computer to discover confidential info and relay it to a third party

Question 19

Trojan

Answer 19

Form of malware disguised as useful program, but in reality designed to do harm

Question 20

UPS

Answer 20

Uninterruptible Power Supply: hardware device used to protect against supply problems, consisting essentially of constantly charged battery between computer and wall plug

Question 21

Virus

Answer 21

Form of malware that attaches itself to a file or executable program, thereby enabling it to spread between computers

Question 22

Worm

Answer 22

Malware able to distribute itself over network, normally via e-mail, without person having run infected program