MIS 367 Final Vocab

compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)

a common form of optical disc on which data cannot be modified once it has been recorded

Internet Protocal (IP)

a communication standard that enables computers to route communications traffic from one netowrk to another as needed.

application service provider (ASP)

a company that provides software, support, and the computer hardware on which to run the software from the user's facilities over a network

cold site

a computer environment that includes rooms, electrical service, telecommunications links, data storage devices, and the like; also called a shell

portable computer

a computer small enough to carry easily

server

a computer used by many users to perform a specific task, such as running network or internet applications

criminal hacker (hacker)

a computer-savvy person who attempts to gain unauthorized or illegal access to computer systems to steal passwords, corrupt files and programs, or even transfer money

Cloud computing

a computing environment in which software and storage are provided as an internet service and are accessed with a web browser

script bunny

a cracker with little technical savvy who downloads programs called scripts, which automate the job of breaking into computers

identify theft

a crime in which an impostor obtains key pieces of personal identification, such as Social Security or driver's license numbers, to impersonate someone else.

project milestone

a critical date for the completion of a major part of the project.

distributed database

a database in which the data can be spread across several smaller databases connected via telecommunications devices

relational model

a database model that describes data in which all data elements are placed in two-dimensional tables, called relations, which are the logical equivalent of files.

CASE repository

a database of system descriptions, parameters, and objectives.

replicated database

a database that holds a duplicate set of frequently used data.

object-oriented database

a database that stores both data and its processing functions

schema

a description of the entire database

logical design

a description of the functional requirements of a system

data dictionary

a detailed description of all the data used in the database

Project schedule

a detailed description of what is to be done.

final evaluation

a detailed investigation of the proposals offered by the vendors remaining after the preliminary evaluation.

integrated development environments (IDEs)

a development approach that combines the tools needed for programming with a programming language into one integrated package.

digtial audio player

a device that can store, organize, and play digital music files

direct access storage device (DASD)

a device used for direct access of secondary storage data

sequential access storage device (SASD)

a device used to sequentially access secondary storage data

data model

a diagram of data entities and their relationships

magnetic disk

a direct-access storage device, with bits represented by magnetized areas

systems request form

a document filled out by someone who wants the IS department to initiate systems investigation

request for proposal (RFP)

a document that specifies in detail required resources such as hardware and software

pixel

a dot of color on a photo image or a point of light on a display screen.

hot site

a duplicate, operational hardware system or immediate access to one through a specialized vendor

key

a field or set of fields in a record that is used to identify the record

primary key

a field or set of fields that uniquely identifies the record

pipelining

a form of CPU operation in which multiple execution phases are performed in a single machine cycle

request for maintenance form

a form of authorizing modification of programs.

predictive analysis

a form of data mining that combines historical data with assumptions about future conditions to predict outcomes of events, such as future product sales or the probability that a customer will default on a loan

optical storage device

a form of data storage that uses lasers to read and write data

random access memory (RAM)

a form of memory in which instructions or data can be temporarily stored

massively parallel processing

a form of multiprocessing that speeds processing by linking hundreds or thousands of processors to operate at the same time, or in parallel, with each processor having its own bus, memory, disks, copy of the operating system, and applications

user acceptance document

a formal agreement sign by the user that states that a phase of the installation or the complete system is approved.

Organization

a formal collection of people and other resources established to accomplish a set of goals.

Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

a formalized approach for developing a project schedule.

entity

a general class of people, places, or things for which data is collected, stored, and maintained

Grantt chart

a graphical tool used for planning, monitoring, and coordinating projects

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

a protocol that provides a file transfer process between a host and a remote computer and allows users to copy files from one computer to another.

desktop computer

a relatively small, inexpensive, single-user computer that is highly versatile

change model

a representation of change theories that identifies the phases of change and the best way to implement them

direct access

a retrieval method in which data can be retrieved without the need to read and discard other data

sequential access

a retrieval method in which data must be accessed in the order in which it is stored

event-driven review

a review triggered by a problem or opportunity such as an error, a corporate merger or a new market for products.

image log

a separate file that contains only changes to applications

chip-and-PIN card

a type of card that employs a computer chip that communicates with a card reader using radio frequencies; it does not need to be swiped at a terminal

magnetic stripe card

a type of card that stores a limited amount of data by modifying the magnetism of tiny iron-based particles contained in a band on the card

plasma display

a type of display using thousands of smart cells (pixels) consisting of electrodes and neon and xenon gases that are electrically turned into plasma (electrically charged atoms and negatively charged particles) to emit light

cache memory

a type of high-speed memory that a processor can access more rapidly than main memory

magnetic tape

a type of sequential secondary storage medium, now used primarily for storing backups of critical organizational data in the event of a disaster.

command-based user interface

a user interface that requires you to give text commands to the computer to perform basic activities

search engine

a valuable tool that enables you to find information on the Web by specifying words that are key to a topic of interest, known as keywords.

acceptance testing

conducting any tests required by the user.

on-demand computing

contracting for computer resources to rapidly respond to an organization's varying workflow. Also called on-demand business and utility computing.

data entry

converting human-readable data into a machine-readable form

reengineering (process redesign)

the radical redesign of business processes, organizational structures, information systems, and values of the organization to achieve a breakthrough in business results

secondary storage

devices that store large amounts of data, instructions, and information more permanently than allowed with main memory

application flowcharts

diagrams that show relationships among applications or systems

direct observation

directly observing the existing system in action by one or more members of the analysis team.

byte (B)

eight bits that together represent a single character of data

critical success factors (CSFs)

factors that are essential to the success of a functional area of an organization

Stakeholders

people who, either themselves or through the organization they represent, ultimately benefit from the systems development project

microcode

predefined, elementary circuits and logical operations that the processor performs when it executes an instruction

site preparation

preparation of the location of a new system.

utility program

program that helps to perform maintenance or correct problems with a computer system

ergonomics

the science of designing machines, products, and systems to maximize the safety, comfort, and efficiency of the people who use them.

parallel computing

the simultaneous execution of the same task on multiple processors to obtain results faster

multiprocessing

the simultaneous execution of two or more instructions at the same time

netbook computer

the smallest, lightest, least expensive member of the laptop computer family.

personal productivity software

the software that enables users to improve their personal effectiveness, increasing the amount of work and quality of work they can do

data item

the specific value of an attribute

physical design

the specification of the characteristics of the system components necessary to put the logical design into action.

workgroup sphere of influence

the sphere of influence that serves the needs of a workgroup

personal sphere of influence

the sphere of influence that serves the needs of an individual user

enterprise sphere of influence

the sphere of influence that serves the needs of the firm in its interaction with its environment.

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)

the standard page description language for Web pages

counterintelligence

the steps an organization takes to protect information sought by "hostile" intelligence gatherers

total cost of ownership (TCO)

the sum of all costs over the life of an information system, including the costs to acquire components such as technology, technical support, administrative costs, and end-user operations.

storage as a service

storage as a service is a data storage model where a data storage service provider rents space to individuals and organizations.

data loss prevention (DLP)

systems designed to lock down - to identify, monitor, and protect - data within an organization

mission-critical systems

systems that play a pivotal role in an organization's continued operations and goal attainment

beta testing

testing a complete and stable system

integration testing

testing all related systems together

alpha testing

testing an incomplete or early version of the system

unit testing

testing out individual programs

volume testing

testing the application with a large amount of data

system testing

testing the entire system of programs

documentation

text that describes a program's functions to help the user operate the computer system

quality

the ability of a product or service to meet or exceed customer expectations

scalability

the ability to increase the processing capability of a computer system so that it can handle more users, more data, or more transactions in a given period.

software piracy

the act of unauthorized copying or distribution of copyrighted software

organizational learning

the adaptations to new conditions or adjustments based on experience and ideas over time

domain

the allowable values for data attributes

project deadline

the date the entire project is to be completed and operational.

make-or-buy decision

the decision regarding whether to obtain the necessary software from internal or external sources.

requirements analysis

the determination of user, stakeholder, and organizational needs.

legal feasibility

the determination of whether laws or regulations may prevent or limit a systems development project.

schedule feasibility

the determination of whether the project can be completed in a reasonable amount of time.

economic feasibility

the determination of whether the project makes financial sense and whether predicted benefits offset the cost and times needed to obtain them.

user interface

the element of the operating system that allows you to access and command the computer system

technology infusion

the extent to which technology is deeply integrated into an area or department.

systems review

the final step of systems development, invovling the analysis of systems to make sure that they are operating as intended.

kernel

the heart of the operating system, which controls its most critical processes

disaster recovery

the implementation of the disaster plan

machine cycle

the instruction phase followed by the execution stage

Creative analysis

the investigation of new approaches to existing problems.

organizational culture

the major understandings and assumptions for a business, corporation, or other organization

data analysis

the manipulation of collected data so that the development team members who are participating in systems analysis can use the data.

Extensible Markup Language (XML)

the markup language designed to transport and store data on the web

operational feasibility

the measure of whether the project can be put into action or operation

supercomputers

the most powerful computer systems with the fastest processing speeds.

arithmetic/logic unit (ALU)

the part of the CPU that performs mathematical calculations and makes logical comparisons

control unit

the part of the CPU that sequentially accesses program instructions, decodes them, and coordinates the flow of data in and out of the ALU, the registers, the primary storage, and even secondary storage and various output devices

central processing unit

the part of the computer that consists of three associated elements: the arithmetic/logic unit, the control unit, and the register areas

primary storage (main memory; memory)

the part of the computer that holds program instructions and data

coprocessor

the part of the computer that speeds processing by executing specific types of instructions while the CPU works on another processing activity

design report

the primary results of systems design, reflecting the decisions made and preparing the way for systems implementation.

Tunneling

the process by which VPNs transfer information by encapsulating traffic in IP pockets over the internet.

business intelligence (BI)

the process of gathering enough of the right information in a timely manner and usable form and analyzing it to have a positive impact on business strategy, tactics, and operations.

data cleanup

the process of looking for and fixing inconsistencies to ensure that data is accurate and complete

start-up

the process of making the final tested information system fully operational

installation

the process of physically placing the computer equipment on the site and making it operational.

user preparation

the process of readying managers, decision makers, employees, other users, and stakeholders for new systems.

Users

people who will interact with the system regularly

code of ethics

a code that states the principles and core values that are essential to a set of people and that therefore govern their behavior.

Platform for Privacy Preferences (P3P)

A screening technology in Web browsers that shields users from Web sites that don't provide the level of privacy protection they desire.

record

a collection of data fields all related to one object, activity, or individual

outsourcing

Contracting with outside professional services to meet specific business needs

data definition language (DDL)

a collection of instructions and commands used to define and describe data and relationships in a specific database.

Empowerment

Giving employees and their managers more responsibility and authority to make decisions, take certain actions, and have more control over their jobs.

file

a collection of related records

data center

a climate-controlled building or set of buildings that house database servers and the systems that deliver mission-critical information and services

software suite

a collection of single programs packaged together in a bundle

character

a basic building block of most information, consisting of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numeric digits, or special symbols

contactless card

a card with an embedded chip that only needs to be held close to a terminal to transfer its data; no PIN number needs to be entered

attribute

a characteristic of an entity

Web application framework

Web development software that provides the foundational code - or framework - for a professional, interactive website, allowing developers to customize the code to specific needs.

data-flow line

arrows that show the direction of data element movement

IP address

a 64-bit number that identifies a computer on the internet

object-relational database management system (ORDBMS)

a DBMS capable of manipulating audio, video, and graphical data.

incremental backup

a backup copy of all files changed during the last few days or the last week

object-oriented database management systems (OODBMS)

a group of programs that manipulate an object-oriented database and provide a user interface and connections to other application programs

database management system (DBMS)

a group of programs that manipulate the database and provide an interface between the database and the user of the database and other application programs

register

a high-speed storage area in the CPU used to temporarily hold small units of program instructions and data immediately before, during, and after execution by the CPU

Moore's Law

a hypothesis stating that transistor densities on a single chip will double every two years

data warehouse

a large database that collects business information from many sources in the enterprise, covering all aspects of the company's processes, products, and customers, in support of management decision making.

mainframe computer

a large, powerful computer often shared by hundreds of concurrent users connected to the machine via terminals

thin client

a low-cost, centrally managed computer with essential but limited capabilities and no extra drives (such as CD or DVD drives) or expansion slots

version

a major program change, typically encompassing many new features.

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

a markup language for defining the visual design of a web page or group of pages.

technology diffusion

a measure of how widely technology is spread throughout the organization

productivity

a measure of the output achieved divided by the input required

Content streaming

a method for transferring large media files over the Internet so that the data stream of voice and pictures plays more or less continuously as the file is being downloaded.

questionnaires

a method gathering data when the data sources are spread over a wide geographic area

concurrency control

a method of dealing with a situation in which two or more users or applications need to access the same record at the same time.

redundant array of independent/inexpensive disks (RAID)

a method of storing data that generates extra bits of data from existing data, allowing the system to create a "reconstruction map" so that if a hard drive fails, the system can rebuild lost data.

Instant Messaging

a method that allows two or more people to communicate online in real time using the internet.

multicore multiprocessor

a microprocessor that combines two or more independent processors into a single computer so they can share the workload and improve processing capacity

information service unit

a miniature IS department attached and directly reporting to a functional area in a large organization

patch

a minor change to correct a problem or make a small enhancement. It is usually an addition to an existing program

slipstream upgrade

a minor upgrade - typically a code adjustment or minor bug fix - not worth announcing. It usually requires recompiling all the code and, in doing so, it can create entirely new bugs.

data-flow diagram (DFD)

a model of objects, associations, and activities that describes how data can flow between and around various objects.

Technology acceptance model (TAM)

a model that describes the factors leading to higher levels of acceptance and usage of technology

service-oriented architecture (SOA)

a modular method of developing software and systems that allows users to interact with systems and systems to interact with each other

workstation

a more powerful personal computer used for mathematical computer, computer-aided design, and other high-end processing, but still small enough to fit on a desktop

extranet

a network based on Web technologies that links selected resources of a company's intranet with its customers, suppliers, or other business partners

data administrator

a nontechnical position responsible for defining and implementing consistent principles for a variety of data issues.

read-only memory (ROM)

a nonvolatile form of memory

hacker

a person who enjoys computer technology and spends time learning and using computer systems.

laptop computer

a personal computer designed for use by mobile users; it is small and light enough to sit comfortably on a user's lap

smartphone

a phone that combines the functionality of a mobile phone, personal digital assistant, camera, web browser, e-mail tool, and other devices into a single handheld device

tablet computer

a portable, lightweight computer with no keyboard that allows you to roam the office, home, or factory floor carrying the device like a clipboard

disk mirroring

a process of storing data that provides an exact copy that protects users fully in the event of data loss

certification

a process of testing skills and knowledge, which results in a statement by the certifying authority that confirms an individual is capable of performing particular tasks

green computing

a program concerned with the efficient and environmentally responsible design, manufacture, operation, and disposal of IS related products.

ARPANET

a project started by the US Department of Defense (DoD) in 1969 as both an experiment in reliable networking and a means to link the DoD and military research contractors, including many universities doing military-funded research

Value chain

a series (chain) of activities that includes inbound logistics, warehouse and storage, production, finished product storage, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and customer service

Clock speed

a series of electronic pulses produced at a predetermined rate that affects machine cycle time

blade server

a server that houses many individual computer motherboards that include one or more processors, computer memory, computer storage, and computer network connections

Software as a Service (SaaS)

a service that allows businesses to subscribe to Web-delivered business application software by paying a monthly service charge or a per-use fee.

operating system (OS)

a set of computer programs that controls the computer hardware and acts as an interface with applications

culture

a set of major understandings and assumptions shared by a group

syntax

a set of rules associated with a programming language

competitive advantage

a significant and ideally long-term benefit to a company over its competition

release

a significant program change that often requires changes in the documentation of the software

handheld computer

a single-user computer that provides ease of portability because of its small size

database administrator (DBA)

a skilled IS professional who directs all activities related to an organization's database

password sniffer

a small program hidden in a network or a computer system that records identification numbers and passwords.

cross-platform development

a software development technique that allows programmers to develop programs that can run on computer systems having different hardware and operating systems, or platforms.

single-user license

a software license that permits one person to use software, typically on only one computer.

maintenance team

a special IS team responsible for modifying, fixing, and updating existing software.

compiler

a special software program that converts the programmer's source code into the machine-language instructions, which consist of binary digits.

storage area network (SAN)

a special-purpose, high-speed network that provides high-speed connections among data-storage devices and computers over a network.

programmer

a specialist responsible fro modifying or developing programs to satisfy user requirements

graphics processing unit (GPU)

a specialized processor that offloads the tasks associated with 3D graphics rendering from the CPU

data manipulation language (DML)

a specific language, provided with a DBMS, which allows users to access and modify the data, to make queries, and to generate reports

systems implementation

a stage of systems development that includes hardware acquisition, software acquisition or development, user preparation, hiring and training of personnel, site and data preparation, installation, testing, start-up, and user acceptance.

Systems maintenance

a stage of systems development that involves checking, changing, and enhancing the system to make it more useful in achieving user and organizational goals.

MP3

a standard format for compressing a sound sequence into a small file.

virtual tape

a storage device for less frequently needed data so that it appears to be stored entirely on tape cartridges, although some parts of it might actually be located on faster hard disks

digital video disc (DVD)

a storage medium used to store software, video games, and movies

Project Organizational Structure

a structure centered on major products or services

team organizational structure

a structure centered on work teams or groups

virtual organizational structure

a structure that uses individuals, groups, or complete business units in geographically dispersed areas; these groups can last for a few weeks or years, often requiring telecommunications and the internet.

data mart

a subset of a data warehouse, used by small and medium-sized businesses and departments within large companies to support decision making

Systems investigation report

a summary of the results of the systems investigation and the process of feasibility analysis and recommendation of a course of action.

information center

a support function that provides users with assistance, training, application development, documentation, equipment selection and setup, standards, technical assistance, and troubleshooting

Rapid Application Development (RAD)

a systems development approach that employs tools, techniques, and methodologies designed to speed application development.

grid chart

a table that shows relationships among the various aspects of a systems development effort

screen layout

a technique that allows a designer to quickly and efficiently design the features, layout, and format of a display screen.

report layout

a technique that allows designers to diagram and format printed reports.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

a technology that employs a microchip with an antenna to broadcast its unique identifier and location to receivers

point-of-sale (POS) device

a terminal used to enter data into the computer system

planned data redundancy

a way of organizing data in which the logical database design is altered so that certain data entities are combined, summary totals are carried in the data records rather than calculated from elemental data, and some data attributes are repeated in more than one data entity to improve database performance.

Uniform Resource Locator (URL)

a web address that specifies the exact location of a web page using letters and words that map to an IP address and a location on the host

Web portal

a web page that combines useful information and links and acts as an entry point to the Web - they typically include a search engine, a subject directory, daily headlines, and other items of interest. Many people choose a Web portal as their browser's homepage (the first page you open when you begin browsing the Web)

Web log (blog)

a web site that people can create and use to write about their observations, experiences, and opinions on a wide range of topics.

five-forces model

a widely accepted model that identifies five key factors that can lead to attainment of competitive advantage, including (1) the rivalry among existing competitors, (2) the threat of new entrants, (3) the threat of substitute products and services, (4) the bargaining power of buyers, and (5) the bargaining power of suppliers

feasibility analysis

assessment of the technical, economic, legal, operational, and feasibility of a project.

technical feasibility

assessment of whether the hardware, software, and other system components can be acquired or developed to solve the problem.

Critical path

activities that, if delayed, would delay the entire project.

environmental design

also called green design; it involves systems development efforts that slash power consumption, require less physical space, and result in systems that can be disposed of in a way that doesn't negatively affect the environment.

steering committee

an advisory group consisting of senior management and users from the IS department and other functional aras.

strategic alliance (or strategic partnership

an agreement between two or more companies that involves the joint production and distribution of goods and services.

cost/benefit analysis

an approach that lists the costs and benefits of each proposed system. After they are expressed in monetary terms, all the costs are compared with all the benefits

database approach to data management

an approach to data management whereby a pool of related data is shared by multiple information systems.

traditional approach to data management

an approach to data management whereby each distinct operational system used data files dedicated to that system

asking directly

an approach to gather data that asks users, stakeholders, and other managers about what they want and expect from the new or modified system.

orject-oriented systems development (OODS)

an approach to systems development that combines the logic of the systems development life cycle with the power of object-oriented modeling and programming.

insider

an employee, disgruntled or otherwise, working solo or in concert with outsiders to compromise corporate systems.

point evaluation system

an evaluation process in which each evaluation factor is assigned a weight, in percentage points, based on importance. Then each proposed system is evaluated in terms of each factor and given a score ranging from 0 to 100. The scores are totaled, and the system with the greatest total score is selected.

benchmark test

an examination that compares computer systems operating under the same conditions.

nettop computer

an inexpensive desktop computer designed to be smaller, lighter, and consumer much less power than a traditional desktop computer

data mining

an information-analysis tool that involves the automated discovery of patterns and relationships in a data warehouse.

preliminary evaluation

an initial assessment whose purpose is to dismiss the unwanted proposals; begins after all proposals have been submitted

digital camera

an input device used with a PC to record and store images and video in a digital form

application program interface (API)

an interface that allows applications to make use of the operating system

graphical user interface (GUI)

an interface that displays pictures (icons) and menus that people use to send commands to the computer system.

unstructured interview

an interview in which the questions are not written in advance.

structured interview

an interview in which the questions are written in advance.

Prototyping

an iterative approach to the systems development process in which, at each iteration, requirements and alternative solutions to a problem are identified and analyzed, new solutions are designed, and a portion of the system is implemented.

Java

an object-oriented programming language from Sun Microsystems based on the C++ programming language, which allows applets to be embedded within an HTML document

Traditional organizational structure

an organizational structure in which the hierarchy of decision making and authority flows from the strategic management at the top down to operational management and nonnmanagement employees.

flat organizational structure

an organizational structure with a reduced number of management layers

Internet service provider (ISP)

any organization that provides internet access to people.

end-user systems development

any systems development project in which the primary effort is undertaken by a combination of business managers and users

policy-based storage management

automation of storage using previously defined policies

gigahertz (GHz)

billions of cycles per second, a measure of clock speed

hierarchy of data

bits, characters, fields, records, files, and databases

HTML tags

codes that tell the Web browser how to format text - as a heading, as a list, or as body text - and whether images, sound, and other elements should be inserted

source data automation

capturing and editing data where it is initially created and in a form that can be directly input into the computer, thus ensuring accuracy and timeliness

linking

data manipulation that combines two or more tables using common data attributes to form a new table with only the unique data attributes.

enterprise data modeling

data modeling done at the level of the entire enterprise

entity-relationship (ER) diagrams

data models that use basic graphical symbols to show the organization of and relationship between data.

group consensus

decision making by a group that is appointed and given the responsibility of making the final evaluation and selection.

organic light-emitting diode (OLED display)

flat display that uses a layer of organic material sandwiched between two conductors, which, in turn are sandwiched between a glass top plate and a glass bottom plate so that when electric current is applied to the two conductors, a bright, electro-luminescent light is produced directly from the organic material

LCD display

flat display that uses crystals - organic, oil-like material placed between two polarizers - to form characters and graphic images on a backlit screen.

dumpster diving

going through the trash cans of an organization to find secret or confidential information, including information needed to access an information system or its data.

network-attached storage (NAS)

hard disk storage that is set up with its own network address rather than being attached to a computer

hyperlink

highlight text or graphics in a web document that, when clicked, opens a new Web page containing related content

organizational change

how for-profit and nonprofit organizations plan for, implement, and handle change

speech-recognition technology

input devices that recognize human speech

data preparation or data conversion

making sure all files and databases are ready to be used with new computer software and systems.

joining

manipulating data to combine two or more tables

projecting

manipulating data to eliminate columns in a table

selecting

manipulating data to eliminate rows according to certain criteria

megahertz (MHz)

millions of cycle per second, a measure of clock speed

MIPS

millions of instructions per second, a measure of machine cycle time

system performance measurement

monitoring the system - the number of errors encountered, the amount of memory required, the amount of processing or CPU time needed, and other problems.

competitive intelligence

one aspect of business intelligence limited to information about competitors and the ways that knowledge affects strategies, tactics, and operations.

return on investment (ROI)

one measure of IS value that investigates the additional profits or benefits that are generated as a percentage of the investment in IS technology

backbone

one of the internet's high-speed long-distance communications links

proprietary software

one-of-a-kind software designed for a specific application and owned by the computer, organization, or person that uses it

organizational structure

organizational subunits and the way they relate to the overall organization

downsizing

reducing the number of employees to cut cost

process symbol

representation of a function that is performed

data store

representation of a storage location for data

entity symbol

representation of either a source or destination of a data element

time-driven review

review performed after a specified amount of time

systems controls

rules and procedures to maintain data security

parallel start-up

running both the old and new systems for a period of time and comparing the output of the new system closely with the output of the old system; any differences are reconciled. When users are comfortable that the new system is working correctly, the old system is implemented

pilot start-up

running the new system for one group of users rather than all users

statistical sampling

selecting a random sample of data and applying the characteristics of the sample to the whole group

computer programs

sequences of instructions for the computer

Web

server and client software, the hypertext transfer protocol (http), standards, and mark-up languages that combine to deliver information and services over the internet

programming languages

sets of keywords, commands, and symbols and a system of rules for constructing statements by which humans can communicate instructions to a computer

phase-in approach

slowly replacing components of the old system with those of the new one; this process is repeated for each application until the new system is running every application and performing as expected: also called a piecemeal approach

notebook computer

smaller than a laptop computer, an extremely lightweight computer that weighs less than 6 pounds and can easily fit in a briefcase

off-the-shelf software

software mass-produced by software vendors to address needs hat are common across businesses, organizations, or individuals.

online analytical processing (OLAP)

software that allows users to explore data from a number of perspectives.

middleware

software that allows various systems to communicate and exchange data

rich internet application (RIA)

software that has the functionality and complexity of traditional application software, but does not require local installation and runs on a Web browser

open-source software

software that is distributed, typically for free, with the source code also available so that it can be studied, changed, and improved by its users

spyware

software that is installed on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer without knowledge or permission of the user.

system performance products

software that measures all components of the computer-based information system, including hardware, software, database, telecommunications, and network systems.

intrusion detection system (IDS)

software that monitors system and network resources and notifies network security personnel when it senses a possible intrusion

security dashboard

software that provides a comprehensive display on a single computer screen of all the vital data related to an organization's security defenses, including threats, exposures, policy compliance and incident alerts.

antivirus program

software that runs in the background to protect your computer from dangers lurking on the internet and other possible sources of infected files.

workgroup application software

software that supports teamwork, whether team members are in the same location or dispersed around the world.

cyberterrorist

someone who intimidates or coerces a government or organization to advance his political or social objectives by launching computer-based attacks against computers, networks, and the information stored on them.

direct conversion (plunge or direct cutover)

stopping the old system and starting the new system on a given date

Systems maintenance and review

the systems analysis development phase that ensures the system operates as intended and modifies the system so that it continues to meet change business needs

systems investigation

the systems development phase during which problems and opportunities are identified and considered in light of the goals of the business.

Systems implementation

the systems development phase involving the creation or acquisition of various system components detailed in the system design, assembling them, and placing the new or modified system into operation.

systems analysis

the systems development phase that attempts to answer the question, "What must the information system do to solve the problem?"

systems design

the systems development phase that defines how the information system will do what it must do to obtain the solution.

execution time (E-Time)

the time it takes to execute an instruction and store the results

instruction time (I-Time)

the time it takes to perform the fetch-instruction and decode-instruction steps of the instruction phase

critical analysis

the unbiased and careful questioning of whether system elements are related in the most effective ways

grid computing

the use of a collection of computers, often owned by multiple individuals or organizations, to work in a coordinated manner to solve a common problem.

Web 2.0

the web as a computing platform that supports software applications and the sharing of information among users.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

the widely used transport-layer protocol that most internet applications use with IP

computer-aided software engineering (CASE)

tools that automate many of the tasks required in a systems development effort and encourage adherence to the SDLC

data input

transferring machine-readable data into the system

Information systems planning

translating strategic and organizational goals into systems development initiatives.

workgroup

two or more people who work together to achieve a common goal

field

typically a name, number, or combination of characters that describes an aspect of a business object or activity

systems operation

use of a new or modified system

social engineering

using social skills to get computer users to provide information that allows a hacker to access an information system and its data.

Web browser

web client software such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Opera used to view Web pages

user documentation

written descriptions developed for people who use a program; shows how the program can and should be used, in easy to understand language.

technical documentation

written details used by computer operators to execute the program and by analysts and programmers to solve problems or modify the program.