Information Systems & Communications Flashcards
Define “field”.
A group of characters (bytes) that identify a characteristic of an entity. A data value is a specific value found in a field. Fields can consist of a single character (Y, N) but usually consist of a group of characters. Each field is defined as a specific data type. Date, Text and Number are common data types.
Define “application software”.
The diverse group of end-user programs that accomplish specific user objectives. Can be general purpose (word processors, spreadsheets, databases) or custom-developed for a specific application (ex.: a marketing information system for a clothing designer). May be purchased “off the shelf” or developed internally.
Define a “bit” (binary digit).
An individual zero or one; the smallest piece of information that can be represented.
Define “byte”.
A group of (usually) eight bits that are used to represent alphabetic and numeric characters and other symbols (3, g, X, ?, etc.). Several coding systems are used to assign specific bytes to characters. ASCII and EBCIDIC are the two most commonly used coding systems. Each system defines the sequence of zeros and ones that represent each character.
Define “operating system”.
The interface between the user and the computer hardware.
Define “systems software”.
The programs that run the computer and support system management operations.
Define “record”.
A group of related fields (or attributes) that describe an individual instance of an entity (a specific invoice, a particular customer, an individual product).
Define “file”.
A collection of records for one specific entity (an Invoice File, a Customer File, a Product File). In a relational database environment, files are also known as tables.
Define “programming languages”.
All software is created using programming languages. They consist of sets of instructions and a syntax that determine how the instructions can be put together.
Define “supercomputers”.
Computers at the leading edge of processing capacity. Their definition is constantly changing as the supercomputer of today often becomes the personal computer of tomorrow. They are generally used for calculation-intensive scientific applications, for example, weather forecasting and climate research.
What are input devices?
These devices instruct the CPU and supply data to be processed. For example: keyboard, mouse, trackball, touch-screen technology, point of sale (POS) scanners.
What are “microcomputers” or “personal computers (PCs)”?
These computers comprise an extremely diverse group of devices ranging from handheld personal digital assistants (PDAs) through desktop machines that can serve as components in large, networked environments. Some of the more common classifications include fat or thin clients and workstations. In addition, servers are computers that have been configured to provide resources to the network.
What are output devices?
These devices transfer data from the processing unit to other formats. For example: printers, plotters, monitors, flat panel displays, CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) displays.
What is the purpose of secondary storage devices?
Provide permanent storage for programs and data. Depending on the way the devices are set up, they can either be online (the data on the device is available for immediate access by the CPU) or offline (the device is stored in an area where the data is not accessible to the CPU).
What are magnetic disks?
These are random access devices. Data can be stored on, and retrieved from, the disk in any order. This is the most efficient way to store and retrieve individual records. Magnetic disks are the most commonly used form of secondary storage.
What is a magnetic tape?
This is a sequential access device. Data is stored in order of the primary record key (i.e. document number, customer number, inventory number, etc.) and must also be retrieved sequentially. Although once used for transaction processing, this medium is now used mostly for archiving data.
How is read-only memory (ROM) used?
Used to permanently store the data needed to power on the computer; includes portions of the operating system.
What are flash drives (also known as jump drives or thumb drives)?
These are very small, portable devices that can store anywhere from 500 M of data to over several gigabytes of data. The term “drive” is a bit of a misnomer as there are no moving parts to the “drive.” Rather, the memory in a flash drive is similar to the RAM used as primary storage for your CPU.
Define “central processing unit (CPU)”.
The CPU is the control center of the computer system. It has three principal components.
What is the purpose of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?
To performs arithmetic calculations.
What is the purpose of primary storage (main memory)?
To store programs and data until they are ready to be used by the computer’s processor. Primary storage is divided into two main parts - random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM).
Define “mainframe computers”.
Computers used by commercial organizations to support mission critical tasks such as sales and order processing, inventory management, and e-commerce applications. Unlike supercomputers, which tend to support processor-intensive activities (i.e., a small number of highly complex calculations), mainframe computers tend to be input/output (I/O) intensive (i.e., a very large numbers of simple transactions). Mainframes frequently support thousands of users at a single point in time.
What does a control unit do?
Interprets program instructions.
What does random access memory (RAM) store?
It stores data temporarily while it is being processed.
What is an optical disk?
These use laser technology to “burn” data on the disk (although some rewritable disks use magnetic technology to record data). In general, read-only and write-once optical disks are a more stable storage medium than magnetic disks. Optical disks, like magnetic disks are random access devices. There are several different types of optical disks.
Define “peripherals”.
Devices that transfer data to or from the CPU but do not take part in processing data. Peripherals are commonly known as input and output devices (I/O devices).
What constitutes computer hardware?
This includes the physical equipment in your computer and the equipment that your computer uses to connect to other computers or computer networks. Computer hardware falls into four principal classifications.
Define “batch processing”.
Periodic transaction processing method in which transactions are processed in groups.
What are “time lags”?
This is an inherent part of batch processing. There is always a time delay between the time the transaction occurs, the time that the transaction is recorded, and the time that the master file is updated.
Define “master files”.
Computerized data files equivalent to the ledgers found in manual accounting system.
Define “online, real-time (OLRT) processing”.
Continuous, immediate transaction processing method in which transactions are processed individually as they occur.
What is the Accounts Receivable (A/R) sub-ledger?
This ledger classifies A/R transactions (credit sales and customer payments) by Customer.
Define “general ledger”.
The collection of the organization’s accounts.
What are point-of-sale (POS) systems?
These systems are one of the most commonly encountered data capture systems in the marketplace today. POS systems combine on-line, real-time processing with automated data capture technology, resulting in a system that is highly accurate, reliable, and timely.
Define “transaction files”.
Computerized data files equivalent to the journals found in a manual accounting system.
What are subsidiary ledgers (sub-ledgers)?
These ledgers classify transactions by alternative accounts (e.g., customer accounts, vendor accounts, product accounts).
What is the inventory sub-ledger?
This ledger stores the costs and quantities of the each item in inventory.
What are distributed database systems?
These systems are so named because rather than maintaining a centralized or master database at a central location, the database is distributed across the locations according to their needs.
What are centralized systems?
These systems maintain all data and perform all data processing at a central location; remote users may access the centralized data files via a telecommunications channel, but all of the processing is still performed at the central location.
Define “fiber optic cable.”
A wired transmission medium. Extremely fast and secure. Uses light pulses instead of electrical impulses. Less electrical interference and signal degradation over long distances; more expensive to purchase and to install.
Define “server.”
Computer or other device on a network which only provides resources to the network and is not available (normally) to individual users; examples include print servers, file servers, and communications servers. Contrast with a workstation.
Define “microwave transmission.”
Wireless communications medium. Often used in a combination with satellite transmission; used primarily by WANs.
What are hierarchical operating systems?
A centralized control point, generally referred to as the host computer, manages communications and access to resources, and performs most data processing. Nodes connected to these systems often function as “dumb” (low capability) terminals used by WANs.
Define “Wi-Fi” or “spread-spectrum radio transmission.”
A wireless transmission medium. Depending on power levels, may be used for relatively large networks serving hundreds of users or for small home networks. It is found in Local Area Network (LAN) environments but frequently used to provide access to Wide Area Networks (WANs). Wi-Fi connections are generally slower than wired systems using coaxial (Ethernet) cable or fiber optic cable.
Define “file server.”
In a local area network, a computer that provides centralized access to program and data files.
Define “coaxial cable.”
A wired transmission medium. Similar to the cable used for television, coaxial cable is faster, more secure and less subject to interference than twisted pair, but has a slightly higher cost
Define” local area networks (LANs).”
Originally confined to very limited geographic areas (a floor of a building, a building, or possibly a couple of buildings in very close proximity to each other). Inexpensive fiber optic cable now enables local area networks to extend many miles.
Define “transmissions medium.”
The communication link between nodes on the network. One of several types of wired or wireless media.
Define “client/server system.”
A central machine (the server) mediates communication on the network and grants access to network resources. Client machines use of network resources and also perform data processing functions; used by LANs.
Describe wide area networks (WANs).
These networks vary dramatically in geographic coverage. Most WANs are national or international in scope.
Define “Bluetooth.”
Wireless transmission medium. It uses the same radio frequencies as Wi-Fi, but with lower power consumption resulting in a weaker connection. It is used to provide a direct communications link between two devices (e.g., a cell phone and ear piece, computer and a printer).
Define a “client.”
A node, usually a microcomputer, which is used by end users; uses but usually does not supply network resources.
Define “computer network.”
Two or more computing devices connected by a communication channel on which the devices exchange data.
Define “digital cellular” (“cellular digital packet data or CDPD”).
Wireless transmission medium. It allows transmission of data over the cell phone network; used by WANs.
Define “twisted pair.”
A wired transmission medium. Traditionally used for phone connections, slowest, least secure (e.g., easy to tap) and most subject to interference of all the wired media. Recent modifications have improved performance. The lowest cost media.
What are communication devices?
These devices link networks to other networks and to remote access. Examples include modems, multiplexers, concentrators, bridges, routers and gateways.
Define “peer-to-peer system.”
A network system in which all nodes share in communications management. No central controller (server) is required. These systems are relatively simple and inexpensive to implement; used by LANs.
What is a network operating system?
This system controls communication over the network and access to network resources.
Define a “node.”
Any device connected to a computer network.
Define “hypertext markup language (HTML)”.
Core “markup” language (a way of tagging text) for web pages. The basic building-block protocol for constructing webpages.
Define “internet”.
A “network of networks:” a global network of millions of interconnected computers and computer networks.
What is extensible business reporting language (XBRL)?
XML-based protocol for encoding and tagging business information. A means to consistently and efficiently identify the content of business and accounting information in electronic form.
What is extensible markup language (XML)?
Protocol for encoding (tagging) documents in machine-readable form.
What is “instant messaging (IM)”?
A protocol for instant messaging.
Describe extensible.
Users can create taxonomies for specific environments, for example for the purpose of taxation reporting, environmental regulation reporting, or automobile manufacturing.
What is “File Transfer Protocol (FTP)”?
A protocol used for file transfer applications.
Describe intranets.
Available only to members of the organization (business, school, association); often used to connect geographically separate LANs within a company.
Describe extranets.
Open to an organization’s associates (company suppliers, customers, business partners, etc.) to access data that is relevant to them.
Define “Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)”.
The core protocol transmission of the internet.
What does business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce involve?
This involves selling goods and services directly to consumers, almost always using the Internet and web-based technology. B2C e-commerce relies heavily on intermediaries or brokers to facilitate the sales transaction.
Define “e-commerce.”
Transactions between the organization and its trading partners.
Define “supply chain management (SCM).”
The process of planning, implementing, and controlling the operations of the supply chain: the process of transforming raw materials into a finished product and delivering that product to the consumer. Supply chain management incorporates all activities from the purchase and storage of raw materials, through the production process, into finished goods through to the point-of-consumption.
Define “e-business.”
Any business process that relies on electronic dissemination of information or on automated transaction processing.
Define “electronic funds transfer (EFT).”
A technology for transferring money from one bank account directly to another without the use of paper money or checks. It substantially reduces the time and expense required to process checks and credit transactions.
What are customer relationship management (CRM) systems?
Technologies used to manage relationships with clients. Both biographic and transaction information about existing and potential customers is collected and stored in a database. The CRM provides tools to analyze the information and develop personalized marketing plans for individual customers.
Define “electronic data interchange (EDI).”
This is computer-to-computer exchange of business data (e.g., purchase orders, confirmations, invoices, etc.) in structured formats that allow direct processing of the data by the receiving system. It reduces handling costs and speeds transaction processing compared to traditional paper-based processing.
Describe business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce.
This involves electronic processing of transactions between businesses and includes electronic data interchange (EDI), supply chain management (SCM) and electronic funds transfer (EFT).
Define “token-based payment systems.”
Electronic cash, smart cards (cash cards), and online payment systems (e.g., PayPal); similar to electronic fund transfer (EFT), but governed by different laws.
Define “electronic wallets.”
Software programs that allow the user to manage credit cards, user names, passwords, and address information in an easy-to-use, centralized location (e.g., Roboform).
What are operational systems?
These systems support the day-to-day activities of the business (purchasing of goods and services, manufacturing activities, sales to customers, cash collections, payroll, etc.) Also known as transaction processing systems (TPS).
Define data warehousing.
Data warehousing is a database that supports organizational decision making. Data from the live databases are copied to the warehouse so that data can queried without reducing the performance (i.e., speed) or stability (i.e., reliability) of the live systems.
Define data mining.
Data mining is searching the data warehouse to discover patterns and relationships in historical data.
What are accounting information systems (AIS)?
These systems take the financial data from transaction processing systems and use it to produce financial statements and control reports for management (e.g. accounts receivable aging analysis, product cost reports, etc.). AIS are a subset of MISs.
What is the purpose of executive support systems (ESS) or strategic support systems (SSS)?
A subset of decision support systems (DSS) especially designed for forecasting and making long-range, strategic decisions. As such, they have a greater emphasis on external data. Sometimes called “DSS for dummies.”
What is an Office automation system (OAS)?
An office automation system (OAS) is similar to a knowledge work system but supports clerical-level employees. For example, an OAS system might support the clerical staff in a public accounting firm.
Define management information systems.
Systems designed to support routine management problems based primarily on data from transaction processing systems.
What are decision support systems (DSS)?
These systems provide information to mid- and upper-level management to assist them in managing nonroutine problems and in long-range planning. Unlike MISs, DSSs frequently include external data in addition to summarized information from the TPS and include significant analytical and statistical capabilities.
What are data-driven decision support systems (data-driven DSS)?
These systems process large amounts of data to find relationships and patterns.
What is a Knowledge work system?
Knowledge work systems facilitate the work activities of professional-level employees (engineers, accountants, attorneys, etc.) by providing information relevant to their day-to-day activities (e.g., how the company has handled specific types of audit exceptions) and/or by automating some of their routine functions (e.g., computer-aided systems engineering [CASE] packages used by programmers to automated some programming functions).
What is an online analytical processing system (OLAP)?
This system incorporates data warehouse and data mining capabilities into an ERP system.
Define Platform as a Service (PaaS).
Creating cloud-based software and programs Salesforce.com’s Force.com is an example of PaaS.
What are enterprise resource planning systems (ERPs) used for?
These systems provide transaction processing, management support, and decision-making support in a single, integrated package. By integrating all data and processes of an organization into a unified system, ERPs attempt to eliminate many of the problems faced by organizations when they attempt to consolidate information from operations in multiple departments, regions, or divisions.
