Chapter 14

Question 1

What is Pull Technology?

Answer 1

User states a need before information is retrieved.

When a URL is entered into a web browser to go to a website.

Question 2

What is Push Technology?

Answer 2

A Web server delivers information to users (who have subscribed for the service), instead of waiting for users to request the information to be sent to them

E.g. “A newer version of Adobe flash is available”

Builds customer loyalty
Improves business relationships and customer service

Question 3

What are Application Service Providers?

Answer 3

Provides access to software or a service at a fee.

“Software as a Service” is a model in which ASPs deliver software to users for a fee (SaaS)

Software can be temporary or for long term use

Question 4

Advantages of ASP’s?

Answer 4

-Lower Cost
-Information available quicker
-No worrying wether the software is current and up to date
-IT staff have more time to focus on programmes that are of strategic importance
-Software development cost if distributed over several clients meaning expenses in development of software can be absorbed and better software developed
-Software is kept up to date based on user requests
-Contact guarantees a certain level of technical support
-Software cost becomes a fixed monthly fee

Question 5

Disadvantages of ASP?

Answer 5

-Integration with other software and applications might be problematic
-Software is not specifically adjusted for user needs
-Since development of applications are not controlled by organisation, applications might not address all user’s needs

Question 6

What is Virtual reality?

Answer 6

Uses computer generated 3D images to create the illusion of interaction in a real world environment

Question 7

What is CAVE?

Answer 7

Cave Automatic Virtual Environment
Virtual environment consisting of a cube-shaped room with projection monitors for walls

Question 8

What are the types of virtual environments?

Answer 8

Egocentric: Totally immersed
Exocentric: Window view (no interaction)

Question 9

Application of VR?

Answer 9

Assistance for disabled

Architectural design

Education

Flight simulation

Question 9

What is a virtual world?

Answer 9

Simulated environment designed for users to communicate with each other through the use of avatars

Question 10

What is an avatar?

Answer 10

2D or 3D graphical representations of people in virtual world.

Question 11

What is Augmented reality?

Answer 11

Augments the real world with a digital overlay
Google Glass

Question 12

What is mixed reality?

Answer 12

• Augments the real world with a digital overlay
• Mixed between virtual and augmented reality
• Usually with a headset

Might be what Facebook Meta has in mind with their metaverse

Question 13

What is the uses Cloud Computing?

Answer 13

Widely used:
Backups
Working remotely
Chatbots

Question 14

What is Grid Computing?

Answer 14

Combines the processing power of several computers
Users can use each other’s computer resources to solve problems involving large-scale, complex calculations.

Question 15

What are the Advantages of Grid Computing?

Answer 15

Cost Saving
Better Reliability
Parallel processing
Scalability

Question 16

What is Utility Computing?

Answer 16

It provides IT services on demand
Users pay for computer and storage resources at it is needed

Question 17

What is cloud computing?

Answer 17

Incorporation of many technologies under one platform

Different resources are provided to users over internet

Business applications are accessed via a Web browser, and data is stored on providers’ server

Question 18

What are the 4 types of clouds?

Answer 18

Public
The infrastructure runs over the Internet
Saves costs, but high privacy and security risks

Private
The infrastructure runs on a private network
More costly, but better privacy and security than public

Hybrid
Operate on private and at least one public cloud

Multicloud
Operate multiple public clouds

Community
Exclusive for organization that share common concerns

Question 18

What are the security benefits of cloud computing?

Answer 18

Greater technical expertise
Physical separation
Fewer vulnerabilities
Better resiliency
Newer technology
Using AI

Question 19

What are the security risks of cloud computing?

Answer 19

Privileged user access
Regulatory compliance
Data location
Data segregation
Recovery
Investigative support
Long term viability

Question 20

What are the uses of nanotechnology?

Answer 20

Work of scientists
Smaller computers with bigger memory
Certain consumables

Question 21

What is the definition of nanotechnology?

Answer 21

Incorporates techniques that involve the structure and composition of materials on a nanoscale

Question 22

What can be the influences of nanotechnology?

Answer 22

Energy
Information and communication
Heavy industry

Question 23

What is Blockchainand what is it used for?

Answer 23

Decentralized and distributed network

Used to record transactions a cross connected devices as blocks of data that cannot be altered

distributed ledger that records every transaction with high degree of accuracy

Question 24

What are the uses of this New(ish) technology?

Answer 24

• Cryptocurrency
• Recording transactions / audit trial
• Recordkeeping
• Smart contracts

Question 25

What is Cryptocurrency?

Answer 25

Cryptocurrency uses blockchain, but it is not the same as blockchain

Cryptocurrency = digital money
E.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum

No third party involved in transactions

Question 26

What is the benefits of cryptocurrencies?

Answer 26

Cannot be counterfeited or reversed

Immediate settlement

Lower transaction fees

No risk for credit theft

Available to anyone

Truly international across borders and currencies

Question 27

What are the disadvantages of Cryptocurrencies?

Answer 27

Not widely accepted

No way to reverse payment

Lack of regulation

Data loss = money loss

Price volatility and manipulation

Not easy to convert to USD/ZAR etc

Question 28

What is Quantum computing?

Answer 28

Uses quantum mechanics to generate and manipulate quantum bits (qubits).

Qubits represents a 1 and 0 at the same time = called superposition

Built for specific applications
Decryption
Data analysis
Forecasts

Not in wide use yet. Still experimental phase!