IT Fundamentals and Security + Flashcards
Intro to Computing and it's Components
What’s the difference between data and information?
Data are the raw facts and figures without context — like numbers or characters. When we organize and process this data, it becomes information — meaningful and useful for making decisions.
What are web servers?
These serve web pages to clients or users. Every time you access a webpage, a web server delivers the content you see in your web browser.
What are application servers?
These run applications in lieu of client computers. They are used extensively in business environments to handle business logic and data processing.
What are database servers?
These provide database services to other computers or clients. They store, retrieve, and manage data in a database.
What is a network?
A network consists of different pathways for data to travel from one point to another. Networks are like the highways of the digital world. They connect computers, servers, and other devices, allowing them to communicate and share data.
What are Local Area Networks (LANs)?
These are confined to a small area, like an office building. LANs are used to connect computers and devices within this limited area, allowing for fast data transfer and resource sharing.
What are Wide Area Networks (WANs)?
WANs span larger geographical areas, like cities, states, or even countries. The internet is the largest example of a WAN, connecting millions of networks worldwide.
What are Wireless Networks (Wi-Fi)?
These provide connectivity without the need for physical cables. Wi-Fi networks are essential in providing mobile and flexible access to the internet and corporate resources.
What are Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)?
VPNs create secure connections over the internet, allowing remote users to access a network as if they were directly connected to it. This is crucial for remote work and protecting data in transit.
What type of cloud service is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)?
This service offers virtualized computing resources over the Internet. It includes things like servers, storage, and network infrastructure. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are popular examples.
What type of cloud service is Platform as a Service (PaaS)?
PaaS is a service that provides a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without the complexity of building and maintaining the infrastructure. Google App Engine is a notable example.
What type of cloud service is Software as a Service (SaaS)?
In this model, software applications are delivered over the Internet, on a subscription basis. Examples include Salesforce for CRM and Microsoft Office 365 for productivity.
What is an operating system (OS)?
An operating system (OS) is a foundational software that serves as an intermediary between computer hardware and users. It provides essential services, manages resources, and facilitates user interactions, creating a stable and efficient environment for running applications.
What is a kernel in an (OS)?
It is the core of the OS, managing hardware resources and providing essential services for system operations.
How does a user interface function in an (OS)?
It allows users to interact with the computer, comprising command-line interfaces (CLI) or graphical UIs.
What are device drivers in an (OS)?
Software that enables communication between the OS and hardware devices, ensuring compatibility.
How does a file system function in an (OS)?
It organizes and stores files on storage devices, facilitating data management and retrieval.
What is a server?
A server is a powerful computer that stores, sends, or processes data. It serves other computers in the network, hence the name. Servers are the backbone of the Internet and many business operations.
How does process management function in an (OS)?
Allocates resources to processes, preventing resource conflicts and ensuring efficient task execution.
How does memory management function in an (OS)?
Manages system memory, allocating and deallocating memory to running applications.
How does device management function in an (OS)?
Coordinates communication between software applications and hardware devices.
What is cloud storage?
Storing data on remote servers accessed from the Internet. It offers accessibility from any location and often includes data backup and recovery.
What are three major operating systems used today?
Linux, Windows, and macOS
