Topic 1) System Fundamentals Flashcards
What considerations need to be made when changing a software system?
- Extent of the change
- Limitations of the new system
- Context in which the organisation will use the new system:
~ Organisational Issues
~ Change in User Roles
What challenges may be faced when changing software systems?
- Users dont like the change
- Some features of the new system may be ignored or not used
- Old system(s) may be faster
- Incompatibility issues with other software
- Data loss
- Expensive
What methods are there of changing software systems?
Direct
Parallel
Pilot
Phased
What are the Pro’s and Con’s of a Direct Changeover?
+ Swift changeover, New system is available immediately
- No backup in case of failure
What are the Pro’s and Con’s of Parallel Changeover?
+ Backup available if the new system fails, Outputs from both systems can be compared so the new system can be tested to see if it works properly
- Running both systems is expensive
What are the Pro’s and Con’s of Pilot Changeover?
+ All features can be tested before the whole organisation, staff can train other staff, only small parts of the organisation are affected if anything goes wrong
- No backup for pilot group
What are the Pro’s and Con’s of Phased Changeover?
+ Allows people to get used to the new system, training can be completed in stages
- If the system fails, there is no backup.
What is Data Migration?
Moving data from one system to another
Can be a huge process depending on the size of the system
Necessary when transitioning to new system
What are some problems that can occur during Data Migration?
Incompatible File Formats
–> different systems may use different versions of the same software, in different file formats
Data Structure Differences
–> ie. Data may be stored in arrays in one system but linked lists in another
Validation Rules
–> One system may be less strict than the other
Incomplete Data Transfers
–> Some data may be lost in transfer, or the process may be interrupted
Different data, currency or character conventions
–> Dates, Currencies and Languages all affect the format in which data is stored.
What are Legacy Systems?
Old tech which is no longer supported and/or available for purchase
Modernisation of these systems may be expensive or time-consuming
ie. Floppy disks, Windows XP
What is Local SAAS Software?
Runs on the computer
What is Remote SAAS Software?
Accessed through a web browser
What are the Pro’s to SAAS?
Employees can operate software from anywhere
Cheaper
Fewer support staff necessary
Pay as you go
Scaling up or down depending on users
Easy to maintain
What is the difference between Local and Remote SAAS Software?
Local:
One time fee
Has to be installed to the OS
Updates not automatic
Multiple versions
Only used on one computer
Remote:
Subscription fee
Can be used across numerous devices
Automated updates
Users are always using the same version
What are the Con’s to SAAS?
Users have no control over availability of systems
Users have no control over systems
User has no control over the system
Large-scale data corruption is possible
What are the differnt types of testing?
- Static Testing
- Dynamic Testing
- Alpha Testing
- Beta Testing
- Black Box Testing
- White Box Testing
- User Acceptance Testing
- Automated Testing
What is Static Testing?
Examining documentation, planned specs, test plans
Ensures documes will lead to the correct system being built
Documents are verified
What is Dynamic Testing?
Code gets executed
Makes sure code produced is the required result
Checks for bugs
Ensures the software meets the business requirements
And ensures the software runs as required
What is Alpha Testing?
Testing that is completed by an internal team
Lasting months
Confirms that the software works as it should
Looks for bugs or UI issues that need fixing
What is Beta Testing?
Used by potential end-users outside of the company
Lasting weeks (Done before release to the public)
Seeks to model the real-world environment
Seeks to get feedback from users
Uses feedback to fix bugs and make software more useable