Introduction to IT - D322 Flashcards
1
Q
Information Technology
A
The technology used in creating, maintaining, and making information accessible.
2
Q
IT Professional Roles
A
Administration and Support
3
Q
System Administrator
A
Maintains all aspects of the system including hardware, software, and programming.
4
Q
Network Administrator
A
In charge of all aspects of the computer network
5
Q
Database Administrator
A
Focuses on the design, development, and support of database management systems (DBMSs).
6
Q
Security Administrator
A
Installs, configures, and administers firewall security to protect systems and proactively work to stop intrusions.
7
Q
Web Administrator
A
Installs, configures, maintains, secures, and troubleshoots web severs.
8
Q
Support IT Professionals
A
Help desk and training.
9
Q
Information
A
Processed data.
10
Q
DIKW Hierarchy
A
Defines the transition of data to information from knowledge to wisdom. (Data Information Knowledge Wisdom)
11
Q
Data in DIKW
A
The input directly received by the user (or computer). It is generally not usable until it has been converted into a relevant form.
12
Q
Information in DIKW
A
Having been inferred from data; one or more processes have been applied to the data to transform it into a more useful form.
13
Q
Knowledge in DIKW
A
Information that has been put to use; information placed into a context. Refined information such that the user of the knowledge is able to call forth only relevant portions of information when needed.
14
Q
Wisdom in DIKW
A
Provides a social setting to knowledge; an understanding of the “why”. Can only come by having both knowledge and experience.
15
Q
Information Systems
A
A collection of data and information used to support the management of an organization. Also refers to the technical components and human resources that enable the assembly, storage, and processing of data and the delivery of information. This has existed for a lot longer than computers.
16
Q
Characteristics of Quality Data
A
Relevance - the data being used must apply directly to the decision being made
Timely - data must be efficient and must be provided in a timely manner
Thorough - the data must be complete
Accurate - data should be captured only once, where possible and should be captured as close to the point of activity as possible.
Reliable - data should reflect stable and consistent data collection processes across collections points and over time
17
Q
IPOS
A
The Input-Procession-Output-Storage Cycle
18
Q
Input
A
Raw data is entered by the user.
19
Q
Processing
A
Raw data is organized or structured for usefulness.
20
Q
Output
A
Information is output so user can see results.
21
Q
Storage
A
Processed information is stored for permanent record.
22
Q
Computer System
A
A collection of components that work together to meet the needs of the user; typically categorized as either hardware, software, networks, or users.
23
Q
Hardware
A
Physical components of a computer system which include the system unit and its components and peripheral devices; tangible aspects of the computer.
24
Q
Software
A
Computer programs that tell the computer what to do–how to execute commands and process information
25
Network
A collection of computers and resources connected by various media so that they can communicate with each other.
26
User
Those who use a computer.
27
Software Categories
Systems Software and Applications Software
28
Evolution of Users
First users were the engineers who built and programmed computers, then employees who had received specialized training were users, and now today, anyone and everyone can be a user.
29
Protocol
Rules provided by which networks communicate with each other.
30
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Most commonly used protocol; is required of all computers that communicate over the Internet.
31
Protocol Stack
A collection of protocols. TCP/IP is an example.
32
Components of a Computer
CPU, Memory and Storage, Peripheral Devices
33
CPU
Executes programs' instructions and commands various components in the computer. Referred to as the "chip".
34
Memory
Stores the programs being executed and the data they are using.
35
I/O Subsystem
All peripheral devices where long term storage devices are used
36
Bus
Permits information to move between each component; electrical channels that enable communication among the electronic components
37
System Unit
Critical component of all computer based systems; consists of most of the hardware the computer needs in order to run; comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
38
Internal Components of the System Unit
Case, Internal Bays, Buses, Ports, Hard Drive, Motherboard, CPU, CPU Cooler, Memory Module (RAM), Power Supply Unit (PSU), Expansion Slots/Cards
39
Parts of the CPU
Control Unit (CU) - retrieves the instructions and the raw data that is input and coordinates or controls the sending of those instructions and data to the ALU
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) - does the actual processing of the data; completing mathematical calculations and logical operations to process the data and converting the input of the keyboard text entry to output displayed on the screen
40
System Clock
Controls the speed at which instructions are processed.
41
RAM
Stands for Random Access Memory.
It temporarily stores data before it is processed and sent to your screen or printer.
It is volatile (means data or information stored disappears when the computer is turned off or loses power).
You can choose the amount of RAM your computer has.
42
Types of RAM
Dynamic RAM (DRAM) - typically called main memory
Static RAM (SRAM) - cache memory and registers
43
BIOS ROM
BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System; ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
Typically stored in ROM chip on the motherboard.
Is software not hardware, ("basic" operating system that runs when the computer is first turned on).
Runs tests of memory and the CPU and initializes hardware components so that the actual Operating System can be loaded from the hard disk.
Can't choose the amount or contents.
44
1st Generation of Computers
Vacuum tubes, relay switches, the need to program in machine language
45
2nd Generation of Computers
Transistor components, magnetic core memory, smaller size, easier to program, disk drives and drums, called mainframe computers
46
3rd Generation of Computers
Silicon chips (known as ICs - integrated circuits), reduced cost, called mini computers, networks introduced via dumb terminals
47
4th Generation of Computers
Single chip processor, called microcomputer, first personal computer, rudimentary computer graphics, home use
48
Moore's Law
Doubling of transistor count roughly every 18 - 24 months (exponential increase)
49
Evolution of Storage
Punch cards, magnetic tape, hard disks, floppy disks, optical discs, flash memory, cloud storage
50
Machine/Low-level Language
Written for a specific machine by the engineers who built and ran the computers; no need for OS since only one program could run at a time
51
Assembly Language
Easier than machine but still required detailed, precise low level instructions
52
Language Translator Programs
Function is to translate one program language into another; take source code and convert it to another form; source code by itself cannot be read by a computer
53
Compiler
Improve language translator; requires that the components of the software all be defined before compilation can begin; code is more effcient
54
Structured Programming
Programmer is limited to high level control constructs such as while loops, for loops, and if/else statements and not allowed to use primitive GOTO statements
55
Object Oriented Programming
Characterized by the creation of windowed operating systems, easier real-world object modeling in programming code, and the application of inheritance in program code.
56
Interpreted Code
A type of programming language for which most of its implementations execute instructions directly and freely, without previously compiling a program into machine-language instructions.
57
Shell Scripting
Small programs that place Linux commands or DOS batch files into a file
58
Local Computer
The computer that the user is using; physically present with
59
Remote Computer
A computer being accessed over the network
60
Network Hub
Connects computers to each other with no real understanding of what is being transferred; used for private networks with local computers.
61
Network Switch
Like a hub, but this will only send data that is intended for a specific computer.
62
Router
Connects multiple networks together; can be used to directly connect computers to a network; will relay messages to computers with appropriate IP addresses
63
Wireless Access Point
Can be connected to hub, switch, or router; many routers now also act as a wireless access point; sends out a wireless signal so computers on the network can connect without a cable
64
Circuit Switched Network
Requires that a full pathway, or circuit, be est. before transmission can begin and maintained during the entire transmission; like calling someone on the phone
65
Packet Switched Network
A message's pathway is only est. as it is sent; the choice of pathway is based on availability and amount of message traffic
66
Workstations
Creates and maintains client network connections to remote servers
67
Virtual Machine (VM)
A software emulator program that permits a computer user to use multiple computers and multiple platforms without the expense of purchasing multiple computers; allows a user to run software for different OS platform in their computer that would not otherwise be able to run that software; this allows multiple users on a network to access the software to support collaboration.
68
Server
Computers that have greater hard disk storage, faster response time and are used to respond to request from other computers on the network
69
Client-server Network
Contains one or more servers; client is a computer that will request information from another computer; server is a computer that takes requests and responds with the requested information; the software used facilitates communication with remote servers
70
File Server
Sends files over the network at the request of clients.
Responds over LAN, within one location/site.
Support both application software and data files.
71
Web Server
Stores data files (web pages) and programs (scripts).
Responds from anywhere on the Internet.
72
Database Server
Responds to queries by pulling from the database.
Typically only to local clients.
73
Print Server
Monitors print jobs
74
Mail Server
Two email servers communicate with each other
75
FTP Server
Like web server or file server in that requests are for files and responses are the files; data delivered between client and server.
76
Point-to-Point Network
Link between two resources; links two routers without any host or network in between
77
Bus Network
Devices connected along a single cable.
Size of network is restricted.
78
Star Network
Each device is connected to a central devices such as a hub or switch.
79
Ring Network
Each device is connected directly to its neighbors, and messages are forwarded from device to device until the proper destination is reached.
80
Mesh Network
Every device is connected directly to every other device in the network.
81
Domain Name Server (DNS)
Turns a user-friendly domain name, like Google.com, into an Internet Protocol (IP) address like 70.42.251.42 that computers use to identify each other on the network.
82
Parts of URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
Protocol, Domain name, Resource/Filename
83
Domain Name
Identifies the server on which the web page can be found
84
Domain Name Parts
Top level domain (TLD) name and Host name
85
Host Name
Identifies the organization that is responsible for the information on the page or provides the server space where the information is stored
86
TLD(Top Level Domain) Name
Always ends with a period and a three or two letter extension which signifies the type of organization or country associated with the page
87
Resource/Filename ID
Indicates the name of the file you are accessing, or the location of the document on the server
88
CIA
Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
89
Confidentiality
Requires that data bet kept secure so that they are not accidentally provided or obtained by unauthorized users
90
Integrity
Requires that data is correct
91
Availability
Requires that information is available when needed
92
Data Integrity Efforts
1st - Must include a component that ensures the accuracy of the collected data
2nd - Must be entered into the system accurately
3rd - Data modification must be tracked
93
Strategic Risk Analysis
1. Identify the organization's information assets
2. Identify vulnerabilities of each asset
3. Determine threats
4. Prioritizing risks
5. Develop and enact policies that will reduce threats
94
Information Security Classifications
Public - available through public sources; includes names and addresses
Sensitive - not considered a threat to a person's privacy if others learn of it; include email addresses
Private - information that could be a threat if disclosed to others; includes social security and credit card numbers
Confidential - information that an organization will keep secret; includes patentable information and business plans
95
Defense in Depth
Protecting every layer that surrounds data
96
Phishing
Emails to people to redirect them to a website to perform some operation but the website is a fake and just takes the information
97
SQL Injection
An attacker issues a SQL command to a web server as part of the URL or as input to a form on a company's website; web server might pass the command onto the database which then allows potentially anything to be done to the database
98
Buffer Overflow
Placing malicious code into the buffer so that it can be executed once stored in memory; oldest and most well known software exploit; software engineers can protect against this when writing code
99
Hacking
When an individual obtains unauthorized access to a host
100
White Hat Hacker
Informs companies of potential problems with software so companies can fix
101
Black Hat Hacker
Individuals with malicious intent who violate security in order to commit crimes or acts of terrorism
102
Grey Hat Hacker
Engage in both white and black hat types of hacking activities
103
Packet Sniffing
Allows you to obtain anything being sent over a network if the data being transmitted isn't encrypted
104
Virus
Software that attaches itself to another legitimate software application
105
Worms
Self contained programs that do not need other programs to propagate across computers and computer networks
106
Trojan Horse
Type of virus that completely replaces an existing application and takes the name of the taken over file
107
Denial of Service (DOS)
One or more attackers attempt to flood a server with so many incoming messages that the server is unable to handle legitimate business
108
Firewalls
Can be either software or hardware; hardware is a dedicated server; software contains a list of the rules that describe the types of messages that should either be permitted to make it through, or those that should be blocked
109
Anti-virus Software
Attempts to identify if a file contains a virus or some form of malware
110
Redundancy
Ensures proper storage of data by providing a means so that data is available even when storage devices are damaged or offline
111
Encryption
Idea of obfuscating the information that resides on a computer or sent over a network so that if it is intercepted the hacker will be unable to use the information
112
Symmetric Key Encryption
Uses the same key for performing the encryption and decryption
113
Public Key Encryption
Uses two keys, a public and private key for performing encryption and decryption
114
Security Education
Users learn how to protect their passwords and other security measures
115
Authentication
Proving you are who you say you are which can be done by: what you know, what you have (two factor authentication)
116
Role-based Access Control
Ensures that the user gains access only to the resources that the user should be able to access
117
Computer Network Advantages
1. Cost savings benefits
2. Increased efficiency and productivity
3. Increased facilitation of communication
118
Application Software
Consists of programs that end users run to accomplish tasks
119
System Software
Consists of programs that make up the OS; software that directly supports the computer system itself
120
Server Software
Works with hardware to provide a network service
121
Local Applications
Software that is stored on an individual computer
122
Intranet
A LAN that uses the Internet Protocol
123
Cloud Computing
Offers, as a service, the ability to offload computation and storage from your local computer
124
Operating Systems
Primary task is to allow a computer user to easily access the hardware and software of a computer system
125
Kernel
Core components of the OS that is loaded when the computer is first booted.
126
Device Drivers
Provide specific interfaces between the OS running a computer and hardware devices.
127
Shell
An interface for the user, often personalized for that given user, that provides access to the kernel.
128
Services
OS programs that are usually started when the OS is loaded and initialized, but they run in the background. Also called daemons.
129
Utility Programs
Programs that allow the user to monitor and improve system performance.
130
Proxy Server
Acts as a giant cache of web pages that anyone in the organization has recently retrieved; can be used to block access to certain web pages
131
Proprietary Software
Software purchased from a vendor; also known as commercial
132
Shareware
Provides a trial version of the software.
133
Freeware
Usually software that has become obsolete; is free
134
Public Domain
Software that has been moved into the public domain; can be used however you feel
135
Open Source
Created in the Open Source Community and made freely available as source code
136
Copyrights
Protect an original work (in its tangible, expressed form), but not the ideas behind the work for the duration of the author's life plus 70 years; protects against duplication.
137
Patents
Protect the creation of inventive concepts as well as the tangible work product for 20 years from the filing date
138
End User License Agreement (EULA)
Gives the purchaser the right to use the software
139
Decimal
Uses base 10 to represent numbers (0 - 9)
140
Binary
Uses base 2 system (0 and 1)
141
Byte
8 bits; a single character of text in a computer
142
Octal
Every value is represented with some combination of 8 digits (0 - 7)
143
Hexadecimal
Uses a base 16
144
Character Representation
ASCII and Unicode
145
Language Translators
A program that takes one program, written in a high level language, and creates a machine language program as output
146
Compiled Language
Translates the entire program using a compiler, creating an executable program which can be run at a later time; the program can then be run as many times as one likes, without having to re-translate each time.
147
Interpreted Language
Takes the most recently entered instruction, translates it into machine language, and executes it; must be translated manually each time.
148
Script
A computer language with a series of commands within a file that is capable of being executed without being compiled.
149
Algorithms
A formula or procedure for solving a problem. Can also be described as a set of steps that are followed in order to complete a process
150
Multi-tier Development
Separation of different aspect of a system
151
N-tier Development
Often used to indicate that the number of tiers a system will be broken down into will vary between different software development projects
152
Presentation Tier
Tier where the user interface for the system is developed; shields the user from the underlying logic of the systems as well as the underlying data structures
153
Logic Tier
Tier that sits between the user interface and the data.
154
Data Tier
Tier where data is stored, retrieved and updated from database tables
155
Model-View-Controller (MVC)
A development technique used in the implementation of user interfaces
156
The Model
Can take on different forms depending on the complexity of the application; in certain instances, it is an actual object that is an actual implementation of the application
157
The View
The part of the application that represents the user interface; used to capture input from the user to be passed on via the controller to the model
158
The Controller
The part of an application that interacts with the user and passes the user requests to the model
159
Data Validation
Ensuring that users enter the correct data type
160
String Data
Alphanumeric or text character
161
Floating-point
Number with a decimal point
162
Boolean/Logical
True/False; applying AND/OR when searching for data.
163
Flat File Database
One large single table; used if the amount of data that is being recorded is fairly minimal
164
Relational Database
Has multiple tables (relations) with interrelated fields; most common structure for databases
165
Hierarchical Database
Organizes data using a tree like or organizational chart type structure
166
Database Management System (DBMS)
Used to create, manipulate, and access the data in a database
167
Relation
Often presented as a table; for example: name and phone number
168
Tuples
Rows of a relation in a database
169
Attributes
Columns of the relation
170
Field
Contains the data of an attribute for a record within a relation
171
Query
A search of data in the relation or relations that fit specific parameters
172
Projection
A query that returns all of the records from the relation, but only select attributes or fields
173
Sort
Sorting records based on some field(s) such as ascending order by last name
174
Join
Withdraws information from multiple relations and combines them.
175
Primary Key
A field in the relations that contains a unique value, such as a license plate, phone number, or Social Security Number.
176
Business Intelligence
A specific information system to help an organization reach its strategic goals
177
Data Warehouse
A collection of organized databases
178
Database Information Processing (OLAP)
Online Analytical Processing; a computer-based technique of analyzing data to look for insights
179
Slicing
Creates a subset of the data by reducing the data from multiple dimensions to one dimension
180
Dicing
Creates a subset of the data that can still be in multiple dimensions
181
Drilling up and down
Shifts the view of the data; down provides more detail, up provides summarized data
182
Rolling up
Similar to drilling up but it collapses the data from multiple items into a single value
183
Pivot
Rotates data to view the data from a different perspective (being able to compare different sets of facts)
184
Online Data Processing (OLDP)
Deals with data in real time
185
Event-driven Processing
Uses business event to trigger messages to be sent by middleware between software modules that are completely independent of one another
186
Batch Processing
Processing large amounts of data all in one batch when the computer system is not busy
187
ODBC (Open Database Connectivity)
An interface for accessing database management systems that can be ported to other systems by using a driver.
188
Database Interacting Format
SELECT fields FROM tables WHERE fields from tables match criteria
189
SELECT
Used to inform the DBMS what fields or attributes are of interest
190
FROM
Used to inform the DBMS what tables are to be interrogated by the query and if more than one table, how they are to be combined or joined
191
WHERE
Used to inform the DBMS of the specific criteria the data should match to be returned as the output of the query
192
Project phases
Initiation, planning, executing and controlling, and closing
193
Project Initiation
Problem definition, resource allocation, risk assessment
194
Project Planning
Organize activities, time estimation, cost estimation
195
Project Executing and Controlling Reports
Variance reports, Status reports, Resource Allocation reports
196
Scope Creep
Adding to the scope of the project; can impact the allocation of resources.
197
Unnecessary Requirements
Requirements that are not actually needed but are "nice to have"
198
System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
A process for planning, creating, testing, and deploying information systems, including hardware and software
199
Common Steps in SDLC
Preliminary investigation, Analysis, Logical design, Physical design, Implementation, Maintenance
200
Preliminary investigation
Assesses the feasibility of the proposed project and selects a development methodology
201
Analysis
Determines the user requirements for the new system and develops logical models of the system
202
Logical design
Logical models are revised to ensure that the new system will meet the user requirements identified in the first step
203
Physical design
Logical models are converted into physical models
204
Implementation
Begin converting the models from the previous steps into the actual system; this step also includes installing hardware, testing the system, and training the end users
205
Maintenance
Modifications or corrections to the system are made
206
Alpha Testing
System developers assist end users as they interact with new system; simulated data is used
207
Beta Testing
Performed by the end user without any assistance from the system developers; live data in a real working environment is used.
208
User Acceptance Testing
Employed to assess whether the system does what the user expects and to ensure that it functions in a way that is useful to the user
209
System Deployment
1. System Conversion
2. Final Documentation
3. End User Training
210
Direct Conversion
Old system is turned off and the new system is turned on at a specific data and time
211
Parallel Conversion
There is a period of time in which both systems are operating concurrently
212
Pilot Conversion
Involves starting the conversation with a portion of end users
213
Phased Conversion
Deploys a subset of the system first, rather than deploying the whole system at once
214
Business Continuity
The activity performed by an organization to ensure that critical business functions will be available to customer, suppliers, regulators, and other entities that must have access to those functions.
215
Image backups
Create a copy of everything that is on a hard drive
216
Full backup
Everything on the hard drive is copied each and every time a backup is performed
217
Incremental backup
An initial full backup is completed and then subsequent backups only capture the changes since the last backup
218
Data mirroring
The OS writes data (and changes to data) to multiple hard drives at the same time.
219
Off-Site Storage
A secure location for storing backup media
220
Hot Site
Physical location where an organization can move its operations that includes everything for normal business operations; quickest return to business but very expensive.
221
Cold Site
Physical location like a shell that can be used for operations should the need arise; not equipped with hardware, servers, etc.; cheaper to have
222
Site Sharing
Having multiple data centers located in disparate regions; typically used by large organizations.
223
The Internet of Things (IoT)
Refers to the myriad types of devices that can and will be connected to the Internet in the next few years.
224
Big Data
Refers to data sets that are so large and complex that they will require more advanced database management/processing tools.
225
SaaS
Software as a Service. Can access and use software through the Internet.
226
PaaS
Platform as a Service. Intention is to be able to quickly and reliably develop and deliver applications.
227
LaaS
Logging as a Service. All resources an IT dept. needs are located outside of the organization and are accessible by anyone, anywhere.
228
Ethics
A code of moral conduct or a set of principles that govern behavior.
229
Administrator Ethics
Privacy, Ownership, Control, Accuracy, Security
230
Transistor
A device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power.
231
Loops
Instructions that continually repeat until a certain condition is reached.
232
White Loop
Used when we do not know how many a loop needs to be executed beforehand.
233
For Loop
Used when we already know how many times a loop needs to be executed.
234
IP Aliasing
Associating more than one IP address to a network interface.
235
IP Address
A code that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.
236
SQL
Programming language for managing data in a database management system.
237
Buffer
Physical memory storage used to temporarily store data while being moved from one place to another; can read faster than RAM but cannot store as much.
238
LAN
Local Area Network; connects computers within a limited area such as a school or business.
239
Database Driver
A program that implements a protocol for connecting to a database,
240
Dumb Terminal
A display monitor that has no processing capabilities.
241
ASCII
The first character encoding standard; represents English characters as numbers, with each letter assigned a number from 0 to 127.
242
Unicode
Defines the internal text coding system in nearly all operating systems; assigns each character a unique number.
243
Motherboard
The main circuit board of a computer; it holds and allows communication between many electronic system components, such as the CPU and memory, and provides connectors for other peripherals.
244
Non-Volatile Memory
Memory that retains contents when power is turned off, such as ROM; RAM is volatile.
245
Telnet
Allows a user to communicate with a remote device; does not use encryption.
246
SSH (Secure Shell)
Allows a user to communicate with a remote device; does use encryption.
247
Integer
A whole number (non-fraction) that can be positive, negative, or zero, but it cannot have decimal places.
248
ETL
Extract Transform, Load; process of extracting data, transforming it for purposes of analysis, and loading it into the final target database.
249
Variance Report
Used to identify the difference between the planned outcomes and the actual outcomes.
250
Waterfall Model
Used during the system development life cycle (SDLC) to denote the fact that each step should be completed one at a time.
251
HIPAA
The safeguard of medical information.
252
FERPA
Protects student education records.
253
SEAL
The Digital Signature and Electronic Authentication Law (SEAL) of 1998.
254
Brute Force
The process of using all possible combinations of letters and numbers to crack a password.
255
Programming languages used for automation
TCL and Python
