Unit 1 Flashcards
What is meant by the term Computer Network
It is a group of computers and other hardware devices that are linked together through communication channels/cables/wirelessly. To enable communication such as sharing files, or sharing information between systems among a wide range of users.
What is Direct Observation?
It is a technique used by a system analyst to determine requirements for updating a computer system.
Identify one advantage of Direct Observation
Direct Observation is a systematic/structured process which allows that current system to be studied in its natural setting. Direct Observation provides a better understanding of the way computer system is used.
Identify one disadvantage of direct observation
Direct Observation is susceptible to observer bias;
Direct Observations also can affect the behaviour of users/process being observed.
It is time consuming and expensive
Two 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
Identify two features that need to be considered when planning a mew system for an organisation.
Roles/activities of the user
Delivery Time
Compatibility with the old system(data)
Cost/budget limits
What is meant by Beta Testing
It’s when a application/program is tested before the final release to get feedback for errors/improvements. By releasing it to the general public/users/stakeholders before final release;
Outline the use of a failover system.
A failover system is a standby/redundant system which is used to eliminate or reduce the impact on users/owners by automatically taking over if the primary system suddenly becomes unavailable.
Identify the causes of data loss
Natural disasters/power failure
Accidental deletion
Malicious Activities (hacking/theft/viruses)
Hardware/Software/system failure
Bad integration/migration of systems/data
Transmission error
Identify two reasons for releasing a software update.
To patch any vulnerabilities/bugs/cyberspace threats
To provide improved functionality/new functions/usability/maximise efficiencies
To generate income for the software company to innovate and stay ahead of other software companies
To ensure compatibility with other (updated) technologies.
Identify one method of inputting data that can improve the accessibility of a computer system for some users
Braille Keyboard Touch Screen Text to speech Voice Recognition Input from scanner
Outline two characteristics of spread sheets
Made up of rows and columns used to organise data
Automatically recalculates results when data is entered/changed
Helps people to get various result’s/many combinations quickly
Built in graphics, charts allow easier and faster interpretation of data
Define the term usability
Usability means Making the computer system easy to use, matching them more closely to user needs and requirements
Describe one way that the software developers can ensure that the users are aware of any available updates for their products.
When the software is installed and registered (a cookie is placed on the machine). This communicates with the software developer automatically on start up. Messages about updates are sent back to the machine and alerts are given
Or
Send an email with a link to the update
Outline one reason for providing a prototype
It allows stakeholders to gain an idea of how the system would look/work. So they can provide feedback/suggested improvements
