MIS Chapter 5B content review Flashcards
What is a bit?
The smallest unit of data in a computer, represented as 0 or 1.
What is a byte?
A group of 8 bits, used to represent a single character (e.g., a letter or number).
What does KB stand for and how many bytes does it represent?
Kilobyte (KB) = 1,000 bytes.
What does MB stand for and how many KB does it represent?
Megabyte (MB) = 1,000 KB.
What does GB stand for and how many MB does it represent?
Gigabyte (GB) = 1,000 MB.
What does TB stand for and how many GB does it represent?
Terabyte (TB) = 1,000 GB.
What does PB stand for and how many TB does it represent?
Petabyte (PB) = 1,000 TB.
Which is the largest unit of measurement: KB, MB, GB, TB, or PB?
Petabyte (PB) is the largest.
What is an Operating System (OS)?
Software that manages hardware and software resources and provides basic functions.
Give examples of Operating Systems.
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
What is Application Software?
Programs designed for specific tasks used by the end user.
Give examples of Application Software.
- Microsoft Word
- Google Chrome
- Photoshop
How do humans create applications?
Using programming languages like:
* Java
* Python
* C#
* Visual Basic
What is Source Code?
The human-readable instructions written by programmers in a programming language.
What is Object Code?
The machine-readable version of the source code, converted by a compiler.
What does ‘open source’ refer to?
Software whose source code is freely available for modification and distribution.
Give examples of Open Source Software.
- Linux
- Apache
- LibreOffice
Why would a company choose an open-source application over a proprietary one?
- Lower cost
- More flexibility/customization
- Community-driven updates and improvements
Why would a company choose a proprietary application over an open-source one?
- More security and support from a vendor
- Easier integration with other business software
- Better user-friendly experience and customer service
What is a General-Purpose Application?
Used across many industries for common tasks.
Give examples of General-Purpose Applications.
- Microsoft Excel
- Google Docs
- email clients
What is a Functional Application for businesses?
Designed for specific business functions.
Give examples of Functional Applications.
- Accounting Software – QuickBooks
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) – Salesforce
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) – SAP
What are the three ways businesses acquire software?
- Buy Off-the-Shelf Software
- Custom Development
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
What is Buy Off-the-Shelf Software?
Ready-made, widely used software.
When is Buy Off-the-Shelf Software best for companies?
Best for: Companies with common needs (e.g., using Microsoft Office).
What is Custom Development?
Software built from scratch for unique needs.
When is Custom Development best for businesses?
Best for: Businesses with highly specific operations (e.g., banks with custom security software).
What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?
Cloud-based software accessed via subscription.
When is SaaS best for companies?
Best for: Companies needing flexibility and scalability (e.g., using Google Workspace).
