Information Technology Flashcards
Attributes of Paper vs. Electronic Systems
Difficulty of alteration Prima facie credibility Completeness of documents Evidence of approvals Ease of use
Benefits of IT
Consistency Timeliness Analysis Monitoring Circumvention
Risks of IT
Overreliance Access Changes in programs Failure to change Manual intervention Loss of data
Systems Design and Process Improvement (PADDTIM)
Planning Analysis Design Development Testing Implementation Maintenance
CPU
The principal hardware component that processes programs
Memory
The internal storage space or online storage, often referred to as random access memory
Offline storage
Devices used to store data or programs externally, including floppy disks, magnetic tape, digital video discs, and compact disks
File server
A computer with large internal memory used to store programs and data that should be accessed by all workstations in the network
Supercomputer
Common for massive scale needs by science and math departments of universities and large governmental operations
Mainframe computers
Until recently, often the only computer a large org might have, with several terminals having the ability to connect to it simultaneously
Minicomputers
Less specie alternative to mainframes used by smaller orgs as their primary computer with accessibility through multiple terminals
Microcomputers
Personal computers designed for use by a single individual, including desktops and laptops
Personal digital assistants
Handheld computers with limited processing capabilities that normally emphasize easy connection and transfer of data with the primary microcomputer used by an individual
Magnetic tape
inexpensive form of storage used primarily for backup, since only sequential access of data is possible
Magnetic disks
Permanent storage devices inside a computer that allow random access to data without the need to move forward or backward through all intervening data.
Removable disks
Transportable forms of storage i.e CD, DVD
System software
made up of the programs that run the system and direct its operations
Utility programs
used to sort, merges, and other routine functions to maintain and improve the efficiency of a computer system
Communication software
handles transmission of data between different computers
Source program
language written by the programmer
Object program
form the machine understands i.e. on-off or 1-0
Compiler
program that converts source programs into machine language
Transaction processing systems
general record keeping and reporting needs
Management information system
provides info to management, which may utilize in its decision making
Decision support system
combines models and data t help in problem solving but with extensive user interpretation needed
Expert system
uses reasoning methods and data to render advice and recommendations in structured situations where human interpretation isn’t necessary
Executive information system
system designed specifically to support executive work
What are the two primary approaches to processing
Batch and online
Electronic data interchange (EDI)
communication without the use of paper
electronic funds transfer and sales over the internet
simplification of the recording process using scanning devices
sending information to trading partners as transactions occur
Risks of E-commerce
Improper use of Info
Improper distribution of transactions
Reduction in paper audit trail
Local area network
computers are physically near one another
Wide area network
high speed, long distance communication networks or satellites to connect computers that are not near
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
language commonly understood by different computers to communicate via the internet
Virus
a program that requests a computer to perform an activity that is not authorized by the user
Worm
program that duplicates itself over a network so as to infect many computers with viruses
What does COBIT stand for?
Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology
What is COBIT?
It is a framework for integrating IT with business strategy and governnae
What are the 5 principles of COBIT?
Meeting stakeholder needs Covering the enterprise end to end Applying a single integrated framework Enabling a holistic approach Separating governane from management
Systems Analyst
designs the info system using systems flowcharts and other tools and prepares specifications for applications programmers
Application programmer
writes, tests and debugs programs that will be used in the system. They also develop instructions for operators to follow when running the program
Database administrator
plans and administers the database to make certain that only appropriate individuals have access to information in it
Data entry clerk
coverts data into computer readable form
Computer operator
runs the programs of the computer
Program and file librarians
responsible for the custody of computer programs, master files, transaction files and other records
Data control
responsible for reviewing and resting input procedures, monitoring processing and reviewing and distributing outputs
Telecommunications
responsible for maintaining and enhancing computer networks and network connections
Systems programmer
responsible for updating and maintaining the operating systems
Security administration
responsible for security of the system including control of access and maintenance of user passwords
The objectives of controls in an IT environment are:
completeness accuracy validity authorization timeliness integrity
Hot site
location that includes a computer system that is already configured similarly to the system regularly used by the company, allowing for immediate use
Cold site
location where power and space are available allowing for the installation of processing equipment on short notice
