System Fundamentals - Implementation, Testing, Evolution(Topic 1) Flashcards
Vocabulary and Concept Questions
What does iteration in the design process imply?
The repetition of a sequence of steps yields results successively closer to a desired result.
What is the purpose of a prototype?
A scaled-down version of your product allowing testing of ideas and designs before full development.
What are the benefits of using prototypes?
- Technically understand the problem
- Gather more accurate requirements
- Fail early and inexpensively
What are the two competing models of distributing software?
- Local
- Remote (SaaS/cloud)
What is a locally hosted system?
A system hosted on the client’s hardware, requiring maintenance of servers and software.
What are the advantages of a remotely hosted system (SaaS)?
- No need to buy hardware or software
- Fewer employees needed
- Pay only for resources used
- Access to support from anywhere
What are some drawbacks of using SaaS?
- Integration issues
- Security of sensitive data
- Compatibility issues
What is a legacy system?
An outdated computer system or application that is still in use.
What issues can arise from business mergers?
- Software compatibility issues
- Language differences
- Time zone differences
Define data migration.
Moving data from one system to another.
What can complicate data migration?
- Incompatible file formats
- Data structure differences
- Validation rules
- Incomplete data transfers
- International conventions
What are the four methods of system deployment?
- Direct Changeover
- Parallel Running
- Pilot Running
- Phased Conversion
What is the purpose of system testing?
To fully exercise the new computer system and verify proper integration and performance.
What types of system tests exist?
- Unit Test
- System Test
- Recovery Test
- Security Test
- Stress Test
What is an Alpha Test?
The first phase of software testing, including unit and system testing, conducted by developers.
What is a Beta Test?
The second phase of testing where a sample of the intended audience tests the product.
What is user documentation intended for?
To help non-technical users understand how to use the system.
What are methods for providing user documentation?
- Help Files
- Online Support
- Printed Manuals
What are the advantages of self-instruction for user training?
- Lower cost
- Flexible timeline
- Tailored learning experience
What are some causes of data loss?
- Corruption
- Deletion
- Being made unreadable
What are methods to prevent data loss?
- Failover System
- Redundancy
- Removable Media
- Offsite/online storage
What is an update in software terms?
A software file containing fixes for problems found by users or developers.
What is a patch in software development?
A software update that fixes bugs or addresses vulnerabilities in an existing program.
How can updates be obtained?
Manually or automatically through the program.
