Topic 1: System Fundamentals

Question 1

Software

Answer 1

Any set of machine readable instructions

Question 2

Peripheral

Answer 2

An external physical device that is connected to the host computer, but is not part of it.

Question 3

Network

Answer 3

A group of computers and other computing hardware devices that allow communication and data exchange between computers, software applications and users.

Question 4

What roles can a computer be?

Answer 4

Server, client, router, DNS, email server, firewall

Question 5

Define: server, email server, router, client

Answer 5

• Server: it is a computer/device on a network that manages network resources
• Client: an app that runs on a computer and relies on a server to perform operations
• Email server: an app that receives, sends and forwards incoming and outgoing mail.
• Router: a device that transfers data packets to other computers/networks by the most efficient route

Question 6

Define the DNS and explain how it works.

Answer 6

Defn: a server that functions to translate human memorable domain names into numeric IP addresses.

1. Searches for the name server
2. Goes to the “HQ” of that name server
3. Finds the specific domain name
4. Retrieves specific IP address
5. Returns website to user

Question 7

Firewall

Answer 7

A security system that controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic by analyzing the data packets and determining whether they should pass or not based a rule set.

Question 8

How has social media affected people’s relationships?

Do governments have the right to intercept an individual’s email?

Answer 8

Social media affected us in a way that we no longer desire to speak on another and discourages physical speech.
In regards to our human rights, the governments should not be able to interfere with a person’s private life.

Question 9

Who are the stakeholders involved in the system?

Answer 9

Systems analyst, software manufacturer, end users, client company

Question 10

Hardware

Answer 10

Physical components that make up a computer

Question 11

Describe the methods of obtaining requirements from stakeholders

Answer 11

• Interviews: system analyst asking key people around the system
• Observation: system analyst walking around and checking to see how the organization is run
• Survey: system analyst hands out surveys

Question 12

What are the appropriate techniques to gather information?

Answer 12

• Current/old systems
• Competing products
• Organizational capabilities
• Literature/document searches

Question 13

State the characteristics of intellectual property

Answer 13

• Do not waster user’s time with irrelevant questions
• Conduct a right interview for the right answer
• Use effective questions

Question 14

What are suitable representations to illustrate system requirements?

Answer 14

• System flowchart: represents how different parts of a system are linked together and how the overall system works.
• DFD: represents how the information is moving through the system and identifies the relevant inputs/outputs of the system.
• Structure chart: represents the order of a system, usually showing different parts in hierarchical order

Question 15

What is a prototype, what is it used for and what is the process of prototyping?

Answer 15

• An early sample/model of the system
• used to test and gather feedback of a new concept/systems
  Process:
  1. Identify basic requirements
  2. Develop initial prototype
  3. Review the customers/end users

Question 16

What is the consequence of not including the end user in the design process?

Answer 16

• Software is not made for intended use

- End product does not meet customer’s requirements

Question 17

Usability

Answer 17

The extent to which the user can use a system to perform specific goals in a particular context with efficiency and satisfaction.