Topic 1 finals Flashcards
Identify two roles that a computer can perform in a network.
Client;
Server/email server/DNS server/file server;
Router;
Firewall;
Identify two reasons why patches may be necessary for an operating system.
Allows bugs/error in operating system to be repaired;
Allows new features to be added to operating system (such as security updates, improving functionality, improving usability, etc.);
Allows compatibility issues to be improved;
Identify two methods that can be used to obtain these patches.
Automatic patches/updates sent (via internet);
User requested updates (via internet);
Patches sent on CD/DVD/memory stick;
Identify one common feature found in the user interface of application software to improve its usability.
Toolbars;
Menus;
Dialogue boxes;
Describe one method of implementation for a new computer system.
Parallel;
old system and new system are operated at the same time until the current system is proved to be successful;
Pilot;
the new (whole) system is operated in one branch/part of the organization before it is rolled out to the whole organization;
Direct;
the new system replaces the old system in an immediate switchover;
Phased;
the new system in phases / stages, gradually replaces parts of the old system until the current system is completely replaced by the new system;
In the context of the networked world, state the role of a client.
A piece of computer hardware or software that accesses a service made available by a server /
The role of a client is to access a service made available by a server by sending a request for service;
Identify one method of inputting data that can improve the accessibility of a computer system for some users.
Text-to-speech;
Voice recognition;
Braille keyboards;
Touch screen;
Input from scanner;
In the context of the networked world, state the role of a server.
A program/host computer that awaits and fulfills requests from client programs (in the same or other computers) /
The role of a server is to fulfill requests from client programs (which can reside in the same or in other computers)
Outline what is meant by beta testing.
Involves sending sample software to the intended audience;
(Selected audience do not pay for this software);
To try/use the software product;
And give the feedback to the authors (which help in correcting bugs);
Identify one advantage of direct observation.
Direct observation is systematic/structured process;
Direct observation allows that current computer system can be studied in its natural setting;
Direct observation provides a better understanding of the way computer system is used;
etc.
Identify one disadvantage of direct observation.
Direct observation is susceptible to observer bias;
Direct observation also can affect the behavior of users/process being observed;
Direct observation is time consuming;
etc.
Outline what is meant by a database management system.
Database management system is an application software;
that allows users to define/create/maintain a database / provides (controlled) access to the data;
Examples of database applications are computerized library, inventory, flight reservation, etc.;
Outline one advantage of using beta testing prior to the release of a new product.
Beta testing is done from the user/client perspective;
So, requirement mismatches can be easily identified;
The real users have an opportunity to test a new product before it is (publicly) released;
So, user acceptance is assured;
Any bugs identified could be (easily) fixed before the public release of the product;
So, quality of the product is enhanced;
Identify two possible compatibility issues as a part of data migration.
Language differences/different character set;
Different conventions of representing various data/currencies, dates, etc.;
Incompatible software/incompatible hardware;
Outline how a virtual private network (VPN) will allow employees who are in Europe to communicate with the Head Office in Asia.
VPN allows secure communication with the Head Office in Asia;
A VPN is the company’s private network that uses a public network (in this situation the Internet) to connect remote sites/employees together;
Privacy is protected using VPN tunneling;
VPN uses encrypted connections routed through the Internet from the company’s private network (Europe)to the remote site in Asia (or employee);
Hiding IP addresses to prevent unwanted exposure and data leaks;
Data security is ensured by encryption – anyone intercepting the encrypted data cannot read it;
Outline one social issue associated with this process.
Employees who will not be willing to move to Asia;
Lost jobs / finding new job / income decreased;
Employees who will move to Asia;
Personal or family issues during the period of moving or in a new environment / finances and cost of living / services such as schools, hospitals, transport / language problems;
Identify one cause of data loss.
Any malicious activity;
Natural disasters;
Human error;
Describe one way offsite storage can be used to prevent data loss.
Internet backup service could automatically back up (all important) data files;
to a remote server that could be accessed/controlled over the internet;
Copies of all important data files (backup) could be placed on two separate hardware devices;
which are placed in two different physical locations;
A remote file server could be set up;
for uploading all important data files;
Define the term client & server
A client is a simple application or a whole system that accesses services being provided by a (remote) computer/server;
A server is a computer/software that provides data to other computers/clients in a network;
Explain the functions performed by the server in this situation.
the central computer receives requests from the kiosks/terminals at the check-in desks/mobile phones;
can manage several clients simultaneously (in order, each providing a different set of services);
makes sure that the request is valid by accessing its database;
processes the request;
sends information to the kiosk;
all requests/information are sent over the network connection;
Compare direct changeover with parallel running as a method of implementation.
there is no extra cost;
for running two systems/for extra salaries (no need to increase the number of employees);
benefits can be gained immediately;
because new system is better than the old;
if there is a bug in the new system;
there is not a second system to fall back on/could be disastrous for the company;
employees will need to be capable of using the new system immediately;
without training/with training in advance but not on the system;
Outline one feature of a word processor that could reduce the amount of typing required when writing letters.
Auto-correct/short sequences/codes;
can be used to represent longer phrases;
Mail merge;
allows production of many letters by only typing the (body of a) letter once;
Voice recognition;
allows easy entry of text;
State the purpose of technical documentation provided with software.
Technical documentation explains how to install software;
Technical documentation describes the hardware configuration/operating system needed(to install this software);
A new computerized system is being planned for a school library.
Describe one method by which systems requirements can be obtained from the stakeholders.
Outline one reason for providing a prototype for this new system.
Interviews could be held (with the librarian/stakeholders);
To establish the functions required by the system;
Direct observation could be made of the users/students using the present system;
To gain an insight on how the library is being used;
Allows stakeholders to gain an idea of how the system would be/work/look;
so they can provide feedback / suggest improvements;
Outline why a prototype would be used to demonstrate the proposed system to the client.
To provide feedback on the efficiency or design of the product;
To give an idea or feel of the final product;
To encourage dialogue between the developers and the client;
Clients can identify errors or omissions in the design;
Outline one method of collecting information from stakeholders concerning the requirements for a new system.
Surveys;
(General) questions distributed to many stakeholders as a written or online document;
Interviews;
(Specific) questions asked of nominated stakeholders in an individual setting;
Direct observations;
Observer watches stakeholders performing their current tasks;
Define the term peripheral.
A piece of hardware / a hardware device that is externally connected or attached / remotely connected or attached (to the computer system);
Identify two ways that user documentation may be provided.
On a CD/DVD/Blu-ray disc;
Through embedded help files;
Online/website;
Physical/printed media;
State two compatibility issues that may arise when international businesses merge.
Language differences / lexical differences present across datasets to be merged;
Data representation differences / different data structures (e.g., date format, incompatible file formats);
Incompatible hardware;
Incompatible operating systems / different software versions;
Outline one reason why accurate user documentation is necessary for a system.
User efficiency;
To ensure that users know how to use the system correctly;
Support/Troubleshoot;
To provide users help when they encounter errors;
Accuracy;
To ensure the correct methods are used to enable reliable output;
Improved user experience;
the user is aware of all available features, so they can make the most out of the system;
