Week 3 (Security in System Domain) Flashcards
Explain Computer Basics.
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in memory, that can accept data, process data according to specific rules, produce results, and store the results for future use.
What makes a computer system?
Hardware, software, and data.
What does Hardware in a computer system consist of?
CPU - Processor, also called Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the electronic component that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer.
Memory - Consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions.
Storage Devices - Keeps data, instructions, and information. Reads and writes items to and from storage media.
I/O Devices (Input & Output) - Input: Gather input data (from user) and translate it into a form that the computer can process. Allows user to enter data and instructions into a computer. Output: Shows the results of the processing operation in a way people can understand.
Computers - Personal (desktop), mobile computers and devices (Notebook - laptop, Tablet PCs, Smart Phones, PDA), Servers (controls access to hardware, software and other resources on a network. provides centralized storage area for programs, data and information. supports up to several thousand computers at the same time.
What does the software consist of?
System software - operating system, utility program.
Application software
What is an Operating System (OS)?
An operating system is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for application software.
What are the functions of an OS?
File Management: Storage Devices, when you read, save or delete, or move files from one folder to another.
Process Management: CPU
Memory Management: Main Memory
Device Management: I/O Devices
What is computer software?
A series of related instructions that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them.
System Software, and Application Software
What is System Software?
It consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer.
OS - set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware.
Utility Program - most OS include utility programs for managing disk drives, printers, and other devices.
What is Application Software?
Programs designed to make users more productive or assist them with personal tasks.
e.g. Computer games, spreadsheets, word processors, databases, internet browsers
Will definitely trigger memory management and process management.
Desktop OS vs Server OS
Desktop Operating System - Installed on personal computer (PC) that is used by one person at a time, may or may not be connected to networks.
Server Operating System - Usually installed on a more powerful computer that is connected to a network, and can act in many roles to enable multiple users to access information, such as email, files and software.
Open Source OS vs Proprietary OS
Open Source OS - based on open, published source code that can be modified and improved by anyone.
e.g. ubuntu, fedora (Linux OS)
Proprietary OS - The source codes are code safe - accessible only by the company that produced the OS, such as Apple and Microsoft.
e.g. Microsoft Windows and Apple’s Mac OS, RedHat (Linux OS)
Current Operating Systems
Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11
Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022
Different distributions of UNIX/Linux OSs such as Fedora, Ubuntu
Apple Macintosh Mac OS X (versions 10.13 high Sierra-2017, 10.14 Mojave-2018, 10.15 Catalina and Version 11 “Big Sur”, macOS 13 Ventura
Malware Basics:
Malicious Software (Malware) - Enters a computer system without the owner’s knowledge and consent.
Refers to a wide variety of damaging or annoying software.
Primary Objectives of Malware:
Infecting Systems
Con cleaning its purpose
Making profit
What is a Virus?
A virus replicates itself by spreading to another file on the same computer. It may display an annoying message, or be much more harmful.
It can cause a computer to repeatedly crash, erase files from or reformat hard drive, turn off computer’s setting.
A Virus cannot automatically spread itself to another computer and relies on user action to spread.
What is a Worm?
It is a Malicious Program that exploits application or operating system vulnerability. It sends copies of itself over the network. Words may: Consume resources, leave behind a payload to harm infected systems.
It can delete computer files, or allow remote control of a computer by an attacker.
