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Introduction to computer science > Software > Flashcards

Software Flashcards

1
Q

What is a CMOS chip?

A

This stands for Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor: a chip that stores data using battery power.

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2
Q

What is drive fragmentation?

A

This is when files spread out across different hard drive locations, causing slow access times.

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3
Q

What happens when a computer is turned on?

A

It starts from a blank slate and follows instructions from the BIOS to locate and load an operating system.

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4
Q

What is the BIOS?

A

The Basic Input Output System (BIOS) is firmware that initializes hardware and starts the boot process.

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5
Q

What does the BIOS do first during startup?

A

It performs a Power-On Self-Test (POST) to check essential hardware like RAM, CPU, and storage.

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6
Q

What happens if the BIOS does not find an operating system?

A

The boot process stops, and an error message appears, requiring manual BIOS configuration.

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7
Q

What is CMOS, and how is it different from BIOS?

A

CMOS originally stored BIOS settings but now mainly keeps the system clock running.

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8
Q

What happens if the CMOS battery dies?

A

The system clock resets every time the computer is restarted.

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9
Q

What is firmware?

A

Firmware is built-in software that provides essential instructions for hardware, like the BIOS.

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10
Q

How does software communicate with hardware?

A

Through APIs, which interact with the OS, which then uses drivers to access hardware via the BIOS.

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11
Q

What are the three main functions of an operating system?

A

1) Providing an interface, 2) Controlling hardware, and 3) Running applications.

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12
Q

What is a file system?

A

A method for storing and managing files on a disk, such as FAT or NTFS.

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13
Q

What is FAT, and why was it replaced?

A

File Allocation Table (FAT) was an early file system but was replaced by FAT32 and NTFS due to storage limitations.

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14
Q

Why can file systems cause compatibility issues?

A

Some operating systems cannot read file systems from others (e.g., Windows cannot read Mac-formatted drives).

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15
Q

What are software applications used for?

A

Performing specific tasks like writing documents, listening to music, playing games, or managing business information.

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16
Q

What is an information system?

A

A combination of hardware, software, data, people, and business organization used to process and manage information.

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17
Q

What are the levels of management in a business environment?

A

Executive, senior management, middle management, and worker levels.

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18
Q

What is Management Information Systems (MIS) software used for?

A

Managing internal files, sorting company data, creating action plans, tracking inventory, managing budgets, and personnel management.

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19
Q

What does a Transaction Processing System (TPS) do?

A

Handles operational transactions such as payroll, customer orders, inventory tracking, data validation, and funds transfers.

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20
Q

What is a Decision Support System (DSS) used for?

A

Helping with future planning by providing insights like revenue predictions, hiring needs, inventory analysis, and future sales projections.

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21
Q

Who primarily uses Decision Support Systems (DSS)?

A

Middle management and above.

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22
Q

What is an Executive Information System (EIS)?

A

A system designed for executives to analyze company-wide data and make high-level business decisions.

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23
Q

What kind of data does an Executive Information System (EIS) provide?

A

Performance analysis, department productivity comparisons, market research data, and future performance predictions.

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24
Q

What is Online Analytical Processing (OLAP)?

A

A high-performance data analysis system that queries multiple data sources quickly for reports and analysis.

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25
What are common uses for OLAP systems?
Analyzing sales figures, product information, product comparisons, and employee information.
26
Who frequently uses OLAP systems?
Middle management for data mining and reporting.
27
Where are applications commonly used?
On personal computers and smartphones.
28
What are application suites?
ollections of apps installed together, like Microsoft Office or Adobe Suite.
29
Why do apps need to be written separately for different operating systems?
Each OS has a different API, so apps must be adapted for Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS.
30
Why do most software companies develop for Windows and Android first?
They have the highest market share.
31
What is freeware?
Free software that may be open-source, like Audacity.
32
What is adware?
Free software that displays advertisements for revenue.
33
What is off-the-shelf software?
Software that users purchase once and install on a device, formerly sold in stores on CD-ROMs.
34
What is the subscription model for apps?
Users pay a recurring fee for continuous access and updates.
35
What is malware?
Malicious software, like viruses and Trojan horses, that harm devices or steal data.
36
What are the main stages of software development?
Writing code → Alpha testing → Beta testing → Final release → Continuous updates.
37
What is cloud-based app functionality?
Software that runs partially in the cloud for security and accessibility across devices.
38
Why is app security important in cloud computing?
Personal data is stored across global data centers, requiring national data protection laws.
39
What is Agile development?
A flexible, iterative approach to software development, including frameworks like SCRUM and SAFe.
40
What is DevOps?
The integration of software development and IT operations for continuous delivery.
41
What is DevSecOps?
A security-focused approach to DevOps, ensuring secure cloud computing.
42
What are embedded systems?
Special-purpose computer systems designed to perform one primary task repeatedly.
43
What are some examples of embedded systems?
Medical equipment, fire alarms, voting machines, GPS devices, washing machines, and traffic lights.
44
What components make up an embedded system?
A CPU, memory, and an input/output system.
45
What is a microcontroller?
A computer chip with a processor, RAM, input, and output built-in, often used in embedded systems.
46
Why are microcontrollers important?
They allow for compact, efficient, and cost-effective embedded system designs.
47
What is firmware in embedded systems?
Software that is stored on a chip and is not meant to be updated frequently.
48
Why must embedded systems be highly reliable?
Many devices cannot be easily upgraded or fixed if they crash or have errors.
49
How does memory differ between embedded systems and PCs?
Embedded systems have limited RAM, requiring efficient programming, while PCs have much more memory.
50
How has IoT changed embedded systems?
More devices are now internet-connected, allowing remote monitoring and control.
51
What are some benefits of IoT in fire alarm systems?
They can send alerts to emergency responders and provide real-time data on fire locations.
52
What are manufacturers focusing on when developing IoT-enabled devices?
Reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and making devices smaller while maintaining functionality.
53
How is writing software similar to writing a book?
Both require planning, research, and outlining before the actual creation begins.
54
What is the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?
A process that guides the planning, development, testing, and maintenance of software.
55
Why is software development considered a “life cycle”?
Even after release, software requires updates and maintenance that follow a similar process.
56
What happens in the Analyze Requirements phase?
Identifying the problem the software will solve and gathering user and expert input.
57
What happens in the Planning phase?
Assessing feasibility, assigning teams, identifying risks, and creating a budget.
58
What happens in the Design phase?
Creating design documents to ensure feasibility before coding begins.
59
What happens in the Development phase?
Writing the actual code based on the design and requirement documents.
60
What happens in the Testing phase?
The QA team checks for bugs and errors, which developers then fix.
61
What happens in the Deployment & Maintenance phase?
The software is released and updated as issues arise or new versions are needed.
62
What is the Waterfall Model?
A rigid, step-by-step approach where each phase is completed before moving to the next.
63
What is a major disadvantage of the Waterfall Model?
There is no returning to previous phases once they are completed.
64
What is the Spiral Model?
A development model that goes through multiple iterations of planning, designing, coding, and testing before final release.
65
What is the main advantage of the Spiral Model?
It allows for multiple prototypes and thorough testing before release.
66
How is the Agile Model related to the Spiral Model?
Agile is based on the iterative approach of the Spiral Model, allowing for continuous improvements.
67
What is the Big Bang Model?
A model where coding, design, and testing start simultaneously with minimal planning.
68
What is the main risk of the Big Bang Model?
High unpredictability and potential project failure due to lack of planning.
69
When is the Big Bang Model best used?
For small projects and startups that need a quick software release.

Introduction to computer science (8 decks)

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