UNIT 1 Flashcards
yh
What is Information Technology?
Refers to both the hardware and software that are used to store, retrieve, and manipulate information
What are some IT jobs?
IT jobs include computer programming, network administration, computer engineering, Web development, technical support.
Brief History of Computer Hardware
Mainframes (1960s-1980s):
Minicomputers (1960s-1990s):
Personal Computers (1980s-present):
Mobile Devices (2000s-present):
Embedded Systems (2000s-present)
Brief History of Computer Software
Machine Code and Assembly Language (1940s-1950s): Low-level instructions for early computers.
Fortran (1957): Scientific and engineering calculations.
LISP (1958): Artificial intelligence research.
ALGOL (1958-60): Influential in subsequent language development.
COBOL (1959): Business data processing.
BASIC (1964): Beginner-friendly programming for education.
C (1972): Efficient and portable system programming.
Pascal (1970):Teaching programming and structured practices.
JavaScript (1995): Front-end web development.
Ruby (1995): Productivity in web development, Ruby on Rails.
PHP (1995):Server-side scripting for web development.
Java (1995): Cross-platform compatibility, web, and enterprise.
Python (1989): used in web and data science.
C++ (1983):
What is Computing?
Computing involves creating and managing hardware and software for diverse purposes, handling information, conducting scientific studies, enabling intelligent behavior in computer systems, developing communication and entertainment media, and collecting relevant information for specific purposes.
What is Computer Science?
The study of computers, including both hardware and software design.
What is Software Engineering?
Software engineering is the branch of computer science that deals with the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software applications.
What is Computer Engineering?
a field of study that combines computer science and electrical engineering to design, construct, implement, and maintain computer hardware and software
What is Information Systems?
An information system (IS) is a collection of components that work together to collect, store, process, and transmit data and digital information.
Types of Information Systems
Management information systems (Expert/decision support)- facilitates decision making process for managers
Enterprise collaboration system - system that enables collaboration by improving communication and sharing data
Transaction processing system- A system that helps to record any transactions made
Informal Information
s more casual, less authoritative, less formally presented, possibly less reliable than is formal information. A company chairman’s off-the-cuff comments over a cup of coffee with colleagues would be informal. A quick email to a friend giving them some advice would be informal.
What is DATA?
Include unprocessed, unorganised and discrete (in separate, unrelated chunks), qualitative (opinion- based, subjective) or quantitative (measurement-based, objective), detailed or sampled.
What is Information?
Information is a set of data that is processed in a meaningful way according to the given requirement. It is processed, structured, or presented in a given context to make it meaningful and useful.
Characteristics of Information?
Relevance
Availability
Lifespan
Shareability
Characteristics of Data
Unprocessed
Unorganised
Discrete
What is Formal Information?
is official and authoritative. It is meant to be taken seriously and is presented in a formal manner. It is usually more carefully prepared and verified than informal information, and its accuracy and reliability should also be higher. e.g. a company’s annual report to shareholders, a Principal’s message in a school magazine.
Information vs Knowledge?? hmmm
Information: Raw data that has been processed or organized in a meaningful way. It’s often considered as facts, details, or statistics.
Knowledge: Information that is not only processed but also understood and contextualized. It involves the ability to apply information to solve problems or make decisions.
Characteristics of Knowledge?
Knowledge is accurate as it conveys the true situation.
It is available in time to make the most appropriate and correct decisions.
It is portrayed in common, easy to understand formats.
It provides all the necessary data.
Information Processing cycle!?
input, processing, storage, output and communication/Feedback
What is Hardware?
Hardware refers to the physical elements that make up a computer or electronic system and everything else involved that is physically tangible. Meaning u can see it feel it and touch it.
What is Software?
Software, in its most general sense, is a set of instructions or programs instructing a computer to do specific tasks. Software is a generic term used to describe computer programs
What is Programming software?
Programming software is a set of tools to aid developers in writing programs
Types of software
Operating systems are a set of programs that monitor and co-ordinate software and hardware within a computer system. Operating systems are the most important programs and must be present in all computer systems for other programs to run. example: Linus, MacOS, Windows
Utilities are systems software that support the operating system in its housekeeping tasks to increase the efficiency of the computer system. Some of the functions performed by utility programs include.
example: image viewer, screensavers, antivirus, backup utility
since Computers understand only binary language. Translators are systems software that convert other programming language instructions to machine language.examples: assemblers, interpreters and compilers.
An embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software designed for a specific function example: Smartphones, TVS, MRI’s (Medical equipment)
Application software is a type of computer program that helps users complete specific tasks, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Types of Application software
Word Processing
Desktop Publishing/Canva/ Database Management/ Spreadsheet
What is Communication Tool?
A communication tool is a device that transmits a communication message to a receiving device. These messages can either be encrypted in order to maintain security for big businesses.
Types of Communication tools
There are three types of communication tools
Simplex– this is when a user only wants to present or share information and not receive replies
Half Duplex: Two way – the user and share information as well as receive responses from others. Refers to the transmission of data in just one direction at a time. For example, a walkie-talkie
Duplex– More than two ways
What is Transmission Media?
Describes the type of physical system used to carry a communication signal from one system to another. Examples of transmission media include twisted-pair cable, coaxial cable, and fiber optic cable.
Cable types
1.Twisted Pair– This is a convenient and cheap method of connecting computers and peripherals in a network. It is normally used for home networking or on small sites where distances between devices are small and there is no great need for speed.
2.Coaxial Cable- More expensive than twisted pair and is used to transmit voice, video and data. It is ideal for a medium sized network and for cable TV. They use thickly insulated copper wire and are capable of high-speed transmission.
3.Fibre-Optic Cable- Fibre-optic cables can transmit signals over much
longer distances than coaxial and twisted-pair cables. They can also carry information at vastly greater speeds and this makes services such as video conferencing possible.
What is Infrared transmissions
1.Infrared transmission- This type operates by using an infrared light beam to carry the data between devices.
What is a Microwave
2.Microwaves– These are radio waves which provide high speed transmission of analogue and digital signals. They are limited to line-of-sight (straight line - no obstructions)
What is a channel?
It’s the route that data takes between two points in a network. This route can be the actual cables, the signal traveling through them, or a specific part of the signal’s frequency.
The channel is the medium that carries the message. The channel might be wires, the air or space in the case of radio and television transmissions, or fibre-optic cable
What is the reciever?
In the communication process, the receiver is the listener, reader, or observer–that is, the individual (or the group of individuals) to whom a message is directed. Another name for receiver is audience or decoder.
What is Modulation?
Modulation is the process of converting data into radio waves by adding information to an electronic or optical carrier signal.
What is Bandwidth?
Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transferred between devices or over the internet in a given amount of time.
What is Root Cause Analysis?
Root Cause Analysis is a systematic process used to identify the underlying causes of a problem. It helps in digging deeper beyond the obvious symptoms and understanding the fundamental reasons contributing to the issue.
Telecommunicating vs Teleconferencing vs Videoconferencing
Telecommuting is working remotely, while teleconferencing is a conversation between two or more people over a connection. Videoconferencing is a specific type of teleconferencing that uses video and sound
SWOT Analysis
SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It is a strategic planning tool used to evaluate the internal strengths and weaknesses of an organization or a situation, as well as the external opportunities and threats it faces.
What is Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is a visual representation technique that organizes information around a central concept or problem. It helps in brainstorming ideas, exploring different facets of the problem, and establishing relationships between various elements.
Components of Information Systems
Data
Hardware
Software
Users
Procedures
Network
Types of HCI (Human Computer Interface)
CLI (Command Line Interface)
MDI (Menu Driven Interface)
GUI (Graphic User Interface)
NLI (Natural Language Interface)
Components of a AUTOMATED processing system
Input Process Output Storage Feedback
Types of Automated information systems
Operation Management System
Management information systems
Transaction information systems
What is Information Processing
Information processing refers to the collection, processing and dissemination of data
dissemination means to..
share online, just basically sharing
Tools used to disseminate information
radio, television, cable satellite, computer, telephone, Fax machines, and Internet, Blogs, Message Boards
Types of users
Expert users (meaning with extended experience in the application) expects advance features and capabilities. They will want more customization options.
Novice users, on the other hand, are new to the system and will need a simple and basic interface. Since they are new in the system they will expect more secure ways of doing things in the system
An end user is the person that a software program or hardware device is designed for. The term is based on the idea that the “end goal” of a software or hardware product is to be useful to the consumer.
Types of Networks are,….
LAN (Local AREA network)
MAN (Metropolitan area network)
WAN (Wide are network)
PAN (Personal Area Network)
VPN (Virtual private network)
Types of PANS
Wired Personal Area Network: Created by using a USB
Wireless Personal Area Network: Basically bluetooth, wifi yh. Low range.
What does WIFI stand for
Wireless fidelity
What is an Internetwork
Internetworking is the process or technique of connecting different networks by using intermediary devices such as routers or gateway devices.
Two types of internetwork:
An extranet is a private network that enterprises use to provide trusted third parties – such as suppliers, vendors, partners, customers and other businesses – secure, controlled access to business information or operations.
Intranet:An intranet is a private network based on the internet protocol such asTransmission Control protocoland internet protocol. The main aim of the intranet is to share the information and resources
among the organization employees.
TCP/ IP meaning
Transmission Control Protocol, Internet Protocol
Layers of TCP/IP
1) Physical Layer :
- the physical layer is responsible for the physical transmission of data between systems.
- the physical layer ensures that data packets are correctly transmitted over a physical medium, such as a cable.
2) Data Link Layer:
- the data link is responsible for packing data frames and handling their transfer between two nodes.
- this layer is also known as layer two in the osi model.
- it is responsible for error detection and correction ensuring data frames are not corrupt during transmission.
3) Network Layer :
- the network of the icp/ip model is responsible for routine packets to their destination.
- it handles addressing ensuring that each packet is sent to the correct system.
4) Transport Layer :
- this layer is responsible for providing reliable end to end communication between two systems.
- it handles flow control ensuring that data packets are sent at a reasonable rate and not dropped during transmission.
5) Application Layer
- the application layer is responsible for providing services and applications that use the underlined protocol for communication.
- this includes : email, web browsing, file transfer, streaming media and more.
What is IPconfig
Ipconfig is a command-line utility that displays and manages a computer’s network configuration values.
What is PIng
ping is a command-line program that allows network administrators to test the availability of devices on a network, and to identify latency and connectivity issues.
What is nslookup
“name server lookup”, is a command-line tool that queries the Domain Name System (DNS) to get mapping between IP addresses and domain names, or other DNS records.
What is a firewall
A firewall is a security device that acts as an intermediary between a network and outside traffic. It monitors for attempts to access the operating system and blocks unwanted incoming traffic and unrecognized sources.
What is firewall configurations
Firewall configuration involves configuring domain names and Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and completing several other actions to keep firewalls secure.
What is a IP address
An IP address, or Internet Protocol address, is a unique number that identifies a device on the internet or a local network.
What is a DNS
It’s a vital part of the web’s infrastructure, acting as the internet’s phone book by turning domain names into IP addresses, which browsers use to load internet pages.
What is a Gateway
a gateway is a hardware device or software that connects two or more networks with different transmission protocols. Gateways act as an entry and exit point for a network
What is a physical connection
Physical connection means any connection between electronic information systems or components implemented using physical means, including through electrical, optical or mechanical interfaces, wires or radio waves
Types of security mechanisms
passwords, biometric, keycards, encryption
What is data security
Data security is the process of protecting digital information from unauthorized access, theft, or corruption throughout its life cycle.
What are passwords
A password is a secret combination of letters, numbers, or special characters that identifies a user and grants access to a website or device.
Whats is Authentication
Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or process.
What is encryption
Encryption is a data security process that scrambles data into a secret code that can only be unlocked with a unique digital key.
What is data corruption
Data corruption occurs when computer data is unintentionally changed during writing, reading, storage, transmission, or processing
What is the WWW
The World Wide Web (WWW), also known as the web or w3, is a hypertext-based information system that allows users to access public websites and pages through the internet.
Webpage vs Website
A web page is a single document that is displayed in a web browser, while a website is a collection of web pages that are linked together
What is Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is a set of rules that govern the transfer of files over the web. It’s the foundation of the World Wide Web, and is used to load web pages using hypertext links.
What is a universal
resource locator (URL),
A Universal Resource Locator (URL), also known as a web address, is a unique identifier that tells a web browser how and where to find a resource on the internet.
What is a hypertext markup
language (HTML),
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is a markup language that web browsers use to display web pages. It’s a series of codes or markup symbols that are inserted into a file to tell the browser how to display the page’s words and images.
What is extensible markup language
(XML)
XML is a software- and hardware-independent tool for storing and transporting data.
What is Domain Name Resolution (IP address,
domain name).
Domain Name Resolution (DNS) is the process of converting a domain name into an IP address. This process is essential for the internet to function and allows users to access websites and other services
Stages in problem solving
including define the problem,
analyse the problem,
identify and evaluate possible
solutions, select and justify the optimal solution,
implement, and evaluate and review.
What is a problem definition
Your problem definition transforms your topic into a scientific problem that you will investigate
and analyze.
Types of information
Essential: Essential information is crucial for grasping the key elements of a problem and devising solutions that align with the set goals and objectives. without this vital information may not adequately address the problem at hand.
eg: For a healthcare problem, essential information could include accurate medical history, diagnosis reports, and recommended treatment plans.
Desirable info: Desirable information enhances the quality and effectiveness of the solution but might not be absolutely necessary for basic problem resolution. It can help in optimizing the solution, making it more efficient or sustainable in the long run. eg: a business context, desirable information could be market trends, customer preferences
Extraneous info: Extraneous information is irrelevant to the problem at hand and does not contribute to finding a solution. Can lead to confusion, distraction, and inefficient use of resources.
eg: When addressing a technical issue in a software application, information about unrelated software features would be considered extraneous.
Cosmetic: refers to details that are superficial and do not significantly impact the core functionality or resolution of the problem.
eg: In graphic design, the choice of color scheme and font style can be cosmetic aspects, whereas the layout and content arrangement are essential
System development life cycle
Stages involved in the SDLC
1. Feasibility study; where you access the problem
- Analysis; evaluate the system looking at deficiencies of the system and trying to figure out how best to solve it.
- Plan and requirements; the new system requirements are defined by looking at the; a) features, b) functions, and c) capabilities
- Design; the proposed system is designed by laying out the physical construction, hardware, operating system, programming, communication and security issues.
- Development; the new system is developed. The new components and programs must be obtained and installed. Users of the system must be trained in its use.
- Testing; all aspects of performance must be tested. If necessary, adjustments must be made at this stage. Test performed by quality assurance team may include
system integration and system testing. - Deployment; the system is incorporated in production environment. This can be done in various ways. The new system can be phased in according to applications or locations, and the old system is gradually replaced. In some cases, it may be more cost effective to shut down the old system and implement the new one all at once.
- Upkeep and maintenance; ie repairs, updates,
What is the waterfall model
The waterfall model refers to a structured approach to software development. It
involves a sequential flow of phases, where each phase is completed before moving on to the next.
DISADVANTAGE:
The waterfall model doesn’t support making changes.
- It can invalidate the work you’ve previously accomplished.
- This method excludes end-users and clients.
ADVANTAGES
Each stage of the waterfall model are properly defined.
The waterfall model commits to end goal/ product from the beginning.
Delays testing until after completion.
What is Agile software
Agile is a type of software development method that anticipates the need for flexibility and applies a level of pragmatism to the delivery of the finished produc
it allows: Allows team members to respond quickly to changes in the
workplace.
Agile methodologies involve systematically managing projects
and developing software in an iterative fashion.
Advantages:
Improved quality
Small iterations allow for easier testing and maintenance, which results in fewer errors.
Allows customers to interact and work with functioning software.
Flexibility
Agile methodology is flexible and open to changes, so economic shifts won’t have a drastic impact on a business.
Disadvantages: There is a lack of emphasis on necessary designing and
documentation.
The project can easily get taken off track if the customer
representative is not clear what final outcome that they
want.
High dependency on customer interaction
What is Iterative Software Model
The iterative model is a software development approach that breaks down projects into smaller, manageable chunks called iterations.
What is DFD
DFD stands for Data Flow Diagram, which is a visual representation of the flow of data through a system.
A clearly define algorithm has
a general solution to the problem in a
finite number of steps, clearly defined and
unambiguous, flow of control from one process to another.
ways to represent an algorithim
flowcharts and pseudocode.
Traditional and electronic information sources
people, books, journals, catalogues,
magazines, newspapers, libraries, CD-ROMs,
DVDs, electronic databases, web sites, blogs,
wikis, social media.
Characteristics of info sources
availability, cost, currency of
information, amount of detail (depth), breadth
of coverage, reliability, format and medium.
criteria for selecting info sources
bias, accuracy, cultural context,
completeness, currency of information, refereed
and un-refereed sources, characteristics of
information on the Internet.bias, accuracy, cultural context,
completeness, currency of information, refereed
and un-refereed sources, characteristics of
information on the Internet.
What is the OSI model
The open systems interconnection (OSI) model is a conceptual model created by the International Organization for Standardization. the OSI provides a standard for different computer systems to be able to communicate with each other.
What does ASCII stand for
ASCII, (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)
What is an expert system
An expert system is a computer program that uses artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to simulate the judgment and behavior of a human or an organization that has expertise and experience in a particular field
