Information_Technology Flashcards
What are the duties of a Systems Programmer?
Writes- Updates- Maintains- & Tests software- systems- and compilers
If it is not possible to segregate duties in an IT System- what actions should be taken to compensate for internal control purposes?
Include Computer Logs. Control Group should review the logs.
What are the characteristics of an Expert System (ES)?
Computer uses reasoning structured; No human interpretation needed
An expert system is a computer software decision support system that uses a computer’s ability to make decisions based on input from the user and an expert knowledge database.
What are the characteristics of a Decision Support System (DSS)?
Computer provides data Gives Interactive Support Human interpretation needed
What are the characteristics of an Ad Hoc computer report?
User initiates the report. The report is created upon demand.
When are Exception reports generated?
Exception reports are produced when Edit Tests- Check Digits- or Self-Checking Digits identify a problem
What is End-User Computing?
The User develops and executes their own application.
What is the primary benefit of E-commerce?
E-commerce makes business transactions easier.
What are the risks of E-commerce?
Compromised data or theft. Less paper trail for auditors.
What is a File Server?
A file server stores shared programs and documents.
What is the purpose of a WAN (Wide Area Network)?
It connects computers that are far apart.
What are the characteristics of a virus?
Takes over a computer Needs a host program to run
What are the characteristics of a computer worm?
Takes over multiple computers Doesn’t need a host program to run
What is the purpose of Automated Equipment Controls?
They prevent and detect hardware errors.
What is RAM?
Random Access Memory. Internal memory in the computer used during immediate processing.
What is a CPU?
Computer Processing Unit It processes commands within a computer.
What is Job Control Language?
It schedules and allocates system resources.
What are examples of input devices?
Keyboard Mouse Scanner Magnetic Ink Reader Magnetic Tape Reader EDI Point of Sale Scanner
What are examples of Output Devices?
Speakers Monitors Printers
What are the characteristics of Magnetic Tape storage?
Sequential Access - Sorts data in order Slower data retrieval Header Label prevents Operator error by loading wrong tape External Labels prevent accidental destruction by operator
What are the characteristics of Magnetic Disks?
Random Access - Finds data in random spots Faster data retrieval Uses Boundary Protection for data
What is a Gateway?
Connects one network to another Note: the Internet is connected by Gateways
What are Parity Checks?
A control that detects internal data errors. A bit is added to each character- it checks to see if a bit was lost.
What is an Echo Check?
Transmitted data is returned to the sender for verification (it echoes back to the sender)
What is a Change Control?
It authorizes program changes and approves program test results.
What is security software?
Software that controls access to IT systems. Note: Don’t confuse this with anti-virus software
What is the purpose of a Digital Signature?
It confirms a message has not been altered.
List the types of computers from smallest to largest
PDA/Smartphone/Tablet Microcomputer - PC- Laptop (cost-effective) Minicomputer - Like a Mainframe- but smaller Mainframe - Large computer with terminals attached Supercomputer - Very powerful and very big
What is the duty of a design engineer?
Determine language used for a specific computer- on a computer-to-computer basis
What are object programs?
Programs written in base computer language- not similar to English.
How can source programs be recognized?
They are written in a language close to English.
How does Online Analytical Processing work?
It uses a Data Warehouse to support management decision making.
What is Data Mining?
Using artificial intelligence and pattern recognition to analyze data stores within a Data Warehouse.
What is the purpose of online transaction processing?
To process a company’s routine transactions.
What does an output control check for?
Checks to see if output data is valid- distributed and used in an authorized manner.
What does a processing control check?
Checks if data processing produced proper output
What is a validity check?
Checks to see if data in existing tables or files belongs in the set For example- is there a # in an alpha-only field or a letter in a numeric-only field
What is a field check?
An input check that prevents invalid characters- i.e. checks for alphabetic letters in a SSN field
What is a Hot Site?
A disaster recovery system where if the main system goes down- a Hot Site is ready to take over immediately.
What is a Cold Site?
If a main system goes down- a Cold Site will take time to get set up and running.
What is the most common database language?
SQL - Standard Query Language
What is a Data Definition Language?
Defines SQL Database Controls SQL Tables
What is a Data Manipulation Language?
Queries SQL Database tables
What is a Data Control Language?
Controls Access to SQL Database
What are the characteristics of a Hierarchical Database?
Has various levels Uses trees to store data
What are the advantages of a database?
Data is more accessible Reduced redundancy
What are the disadvantages of a database?
Cost of installation Skilled personnel required to maintain
What are the components of a database?
Desktop client Application Server Database Server Think: Your desktop computer runs applications and saves to a database
