Computer Terms Flashcards
What do the letters “WIMP” stand for?
Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers.
What does the term “Peer-to-peer network” mean?
Peer-to-peer network is a network that simply connects computers. In a peer-to-peer network, no single computer is in charge; each computer is “on the network,” just like any other computer.
What do the letters “HCI” stand for?
Human Computer Interface
In terms of network management what does the term “auditing” refer to?
Keeping logs of the network activity.
What factors influence choosing a network for a company?
- cost of network
- size of organisation
- how the system will be used
- existing systems
- performance required
- security issues
What do the letters “FTP” stand for?
“File Transfer Protocol.”
It is a common method of transferring files via the Internet from one computer to another.
What do the letters “GUI” stand for?
Graphical User Interface
Give an example of a “command line Interface”?
MS DOS
In terms of network management what does the term “disaster planning” refer to?
The backup and restoration of a network’s data in the event of a complete failure of that network.
What does the term “client server network” mean?
In a client-server network one main computer runs special server software, acting as the network boss.
What are the main principles of the “Data Protection Act”?
The eight principles require personal data to be:
- Processed fairely and lawfully
- Obtained for and used for specific and lawful purposes
- Relevant , adequate and not excessive
- Accurate, up-to-date (if necessary)
- Only kept as long as needed
- Held in accordance with the rights of the person to whom the data refers
- Kept securely
- Only transferred to countries that offer adequate date protection.
Who is the Data Protection Act set out to protect?
The main aim of the Data Protection Act is to protect the individual.
What is meant by parallel running whaen implementing a new computer system?
Parallel running describes a period of time where a new system is run alongside the original system. During this period problems can be ironed out, and if there are any problems with the new system the old system can be used as a backup. Parallel running also allows users time to familiarise themselves with (and gain confidence in using) the new system, thus resulting in minimum disruption to the organisation.
What are “Gantt charts”?
Gantt charts are are useful tools for planning and scheduling projects. They enable project managers to:
- Plan how long a project should take
- Determine the order in which activities need to take place
- Review what should have been achieved by agreed deadlines
- see the relationship between one activity and another
- allocated staffing and resourcing across and between activities
Name the stages of the system development life cycle and and explain why it is described as a cycle.
There are nine stages to the life cycle. They are:
- Definition
- Investigation and Analysis
- Design
- Implementation
- Testing
- Installation
- Documentation
- Evaluation
- Maintenance
The outcomes of each satge provide a starting point for the next stage. These outcomes are tested and validated. If the outcomes are found to be faulty or incomplete the process returns to the beginning of the stage. This can happen at the end of any of the six stages - the process loops until the outcomes are verified.
