Info Systems Computer Hardware/Software

Hank is purchasing a new PC with an upgraded CPU for his business. The documentation states that the computer contains a multi-core processor; Hank has no idea what that means. Which of the answers below correctly describes a multi-core processor?

A multi-core processor is a chip with multiple, independent CPUs. A chip with multiple CPUs is called a multi-core processor. This typically provides more computing power because it can run multiple instructions in parallel.

Gesture Recognition

A person would point a finger at the computer screen to make the cursor move according to their finger direction.

Wearable Interface

A pocket projector, a mirror, and a camera contained in a head-mounted, handheld, or pendant device that connects to a mobile computing device in the user's pocket.

What is the difference between a dual core and quad core chip?

A quad core CPU is more powerful than a dual core and therefore allows more processing and multitasking abilities.

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)

A service provider provides a cloud fabric, or pooled services, including server space, servers, storage, and all other aspects of the computing platform, with the exception of the operating system and applications, which the client organization would install and manage. Benefits include dynamic scaling and may include geographic distribution. An example would be Windows Azure or Rackspace.

Platform as a service (PaaS)

A service provider provides server space, the server, virtualization, operating system, database, and development environment in a platform that can be used for application development. An example would be Amazon Web Services.

Server

A system used to provide services to other systems. Servers need not be powerful computers. Server operating systems may be used on personal computers, including desktops or laptops, though usually servers are built on more resilient and reliable components.

During class, the instructor discussed the benefits of using a microcomputer, a term not often used today. Which of the following would be one of the benefits of microcomputers mentioned by the professor?

All answers are benefits of microcomputers: lower IT costs, user flexibility and computer power, and mainframe replacement.

You are hosting a brown bag lunch to teach business colleagues about computer input and output. Which of the following best describes input and output in computers?

All computers need input, from keyboard or other means, and the computer's function is to perform a task resulting in an output, like a print out or display. Input is a set of instructions to a computer system and output is the result of the computer operation.

Before selecting software applications, what requirements need to be reviewed?

All software applications have processing, memory, and storage; or hardware requirements.

As you grow your IT department, your job is to ensure scalability for future growth but also to replace obsolete systems, equipment, or tools. Given the selection, you would likely remove support for which type of business information system?

Although mainframe computing is still available, this is a declining trend as microprocessors are becoming more and more powerful. Mainframe computing

Application Suite

An application suite is several application programs that have similar features and functions, like word processing, spreadsheets, database, and presentation software.

Which item below is not a computer?

Android is an operating system.

Claire works in a marketing company that has a core need to mine information and spot trends to report to customers. Her customers are other businesses looking to make good business decisions based on data. The evolution of application technology includes application intelligence and analysis platforms, which allow companies to mine and monitor data in order to spot trends. Which of the following is an example of this evolution of applications?

AppDynamics is an example of the evolution of application technology that includes application intelligence and analysis platforms, which allow companies to mine and monitor data in order to spot trends.

Application Software

Applications software includes programs such as database, word processing, presentation, web browsers, and spreadsheets. It is a set of programs that helps the user perform functions, tasks, or activities

Today's IT environment has more input devices than ever. Which of the following are input devices for a computer system? (Select all that apply.)

Both a touchscreen and a keyboard are input devices.

Now that you know all about RAM, select two other types of primary storage from the answers below.

Both hard drives and flash drives are secondary storage devices.

Al is making a decision about what type of needs his business will have for storage over the next two years. Software requirements impact hardware purchasing decisions, based on the amount of storage needed to run the software. What type(s) of storage needs to be considered? (Select all that apply.)

Both primary and secondary storage needs must be considered when examining software requirements.

What does COBOl Stand for?

COBOL stands for Common Business Oriented Language and was the first computer software language for business applications.

What is COBOL?

COBOL was the first computer software language for business applications.

Google Drive is an example of what

Cloud Computing

True or False. Computer hardware refers to all the inner components of a computer.

Computer hardware is not just the inner components of a computer. It includes external components as well such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc.

Hardware is technology you can touch. Which of the following is the best definition of computer software?

Computer programmers create software programs to make computers execute tasks; this includes the operating system and applications on a computer. Computer software is a set of machine readable instructions that directs a computer.

Computing has changed significantly in the last few decades. Select the best choice for chronological evolution of computing in business.

Computing systems evolved from mainframes to minicomputers to microcomputers.

ou buy new computers for your business every five years through your IT budget. One of your engineers approaches you and indicates that they need systems with the ability to run engineering applications and perform large, complex analysis. What system would work best for them?

Engineers need fast, powerful computers such as workstations capable of running engineering applications.

True or False. Laptops and desktops come only with dual core CPUs, while server computers come only with quad core.

False Laptops, desktops, and servers can have any type of CPU; it is a buyer selection option.

As an IT manager, you are selecting storage devices for a computer for your help desk technicians. Select the three storage technologies from the choices below

Flash drives, hard drives, and magnetic disks Magnetic disks are legacy storage, while hard drives and flash drives are modern storage devices.

What is a popular operating system that enables cloud computing by storing programs on the Internet and accessing them through an Internet browser?

Google Chrome OS works with web applications and installed applications enabling cloud computing by storing programs on the Internet to be accessed through a browser.

Many software applications have been developed to make computer and smartphone operation easier. What is an example of an application you will likely find at your workplace that was developed and then enhanced to allow smartphone and PC users to speak search instructions into their computer instead of using a keyboard?

Google Voice Search is an example of an application that was developed to allow smartphone and PC users to speak search instructions into their computer instead of using a keyboard.

grid computing

Grid computing—A form of supercomputer constructed from many smaller systems that have been connected together.

Horizontal Applications

Horizontal applications are more popular and general purpose, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

Horzonital Applications

Horizontal applications are more popular and general purpose, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

What company's computer popularized the term PC?

IBM coined the term PC, or personal computer.

A financial manager often likes technology because they see improvements in their business. What do businesses typically see as a result of large returns on their IT (hardware/software) investments?

IT infrastructure has increased productivity by automating tasks, resulting in high returns on investment.

Your development team needs a software application to provide tools like compilers and debuggers. What type of programming tool do they need?

Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a programming environment that provides tools to developers to write code

Which component of the PC connects all the components, including the CPU, to each other for data transfer between devices for PC operation?

Internal bus Connection and data transfer between the computer's motherboard and CPU are provided by the internal bus

You are hiring software developers for your team, and are identifying current programming languages in use today. Considering the evolution of programming languages, which one(s) would you choose? (Select all that apply.)

Java and C++ are programming languages in use today.

You are explaining hardware devices to a manager in human resources. She wants to know about how they are used in business. Which of the following is NOT true about hardware devices in business?

Mainframe computing use is growing rapidly in business. Correct! There is not an increased proliferation of mainframes being used. Some will always find a need to have a mainframe, but more will opt for a shift away from them towards a microcomputer alternative.

Your help desk group wants to purchase an application suite. Which of the following is an example of an application suite?

Microsoft Office is an application suite that includes the Excel and Word application software.

Select the best two examples below that are both input and output devices

Modems and touchscreen monitors can both accept input and produce output.

You are attempting to explain to a coworker the concept of power increases in computing. The fundamental law you begin to discuss is Moore's Law. What does Moore's Law state?

Moore's Law states that the number of transistors in an integrated circuit doubles every two years.

What is meant by a 2-in-1 computer system?

New laptop computers now come with detachable displays that act as tablets. A 2-in-1 computer system is a laptop that can be used as a tablet

Now that you know all about RAM, select two other types of primary storage from the answers below.

Now that you know all about RAM, select two other types of primary storage from the answers below.

As an IT manager, you are evaluating which operating systems are best for your organization. One of your developers makes an argument for open-source operating systems and applications. In your reply, you note that open-source software is accessible by many developers, and therefore the software contains what?

Open-source software contains fewer defects because it is accessible by many software developers who are able to correct defects as they are identified.

During their off time, a team of developers work toward a common good and work with other programmers—often folks they have never seen or heard of—to update code. Software that is created and updated by multiple programmers and available at no cost is called what?

Open-source software is created and updated by multiple programmers and available at no cost

Your IT team tells you that system software needs to be updated on all client computers. Which of the following items are system software? (Select all that apply.)

Operating systems are system software and an essential component on every computer to help manage the hardware and software resources. Utility software is system software that helps analyze, configure, optimize, and maintain a computer.

Select the business activities that wireless computer devices have enabled. (Select all that apply.)

Select the business activities that wireless computer devices have enabled. (Select all that apply.)

On premises (private cloud)

Services are provided in-house on servers or in a data center owned, managed, and administered by the organization.

True or False. Wireless handheld computer devices have dramatically increased worker productivity because it allows communication and access to information without landline connections

Smart, wireless computing devices allow staff to work anywhere and access enterprise information and applications from anywhere, increasing worker productivity.

Select the benefits software applications have had on business effectiveness. (Select all that apply.)

Software applications have reduced the need for clerical staff to perform repetitive tasks and have improved data analysis, reporting, and decision making.

If the existing hardware is not compatible with new software requirements, an alternative would be to purchase software that is accessible through what other means?

Software as a service (SaaS) is proprietary software that is stored on the cloud and can be accessed by users who have a license. There are also free cloud software options.

Software as a service (SaaS

Software licensed and hosted on centralized or distributed servers that belong to a service provider. Users access this software using a connection to the Internet and a web browser. Examples include Salesforce.com's CRM (Customer Relationship Management) application or Google App

The central processing unit (CPU) is made up of many components. Which of the following is not one of those components?

Storage is not a CPU component. The register acts as a temporary storage area for the CPU, the ALU is used for math and logic operations and the control unit directs all processor operations.

True or False. Software as a service is an example of software that is loaded on existing hardware.

TRUE Software as a service (SaaS) is proprietary software that is stored in the cloud and can be accessed by users who have a license.

The ENIAC IS?

The ENIAC was the first digital computer developed in the 1940s by the military.

The software that enables users to access the cloud is known as cloud fabric. What is the title of the cloud fabric person who monitors and provides cloud resources to users?

The individual who monitors and provides cloud resources to users is known as a cloud fabric controller.

Which of the following items is not a computer hardware component?

The operating system is software to help run and manage the computer; it is not hardware.

What are the basic operations in the information processing cycle that hardware operates and that every computer performs

There are four basic operations in the computer's information processing cycle: input, output, process, and storage

Newer device or application forms exist that more closely integrate both input and output. What are they??

These include hybrid input/output devices or applications such as networking devices (e.g., a modem), touch screen monitors and tablets, virtual reality goggles, augmented reality, or computer-assisted virtual environments, where users interact directly with a projected virtual environment.

Supercomputer

This term merely implies the fastest category of computer available. Supercomputers are purpose built to handle vast amounts of information very quickly. Examples of supercomputer applications include simulating global weather patterns, decoding genome structures, or simulating the human mind.

True or False. Assume you are responsible for a programming team and are defining low-level programming to a group of marketing employees. One of the marketing employees says, "Low-level programming software consists of machine language instructions while high-level programming software are closer to natural language and are easier for humans." Is this true or false?

True All software is compiled to a machine language, and therefore machine language is a low-level programming code, while humans need high-level programming software for ease in coding.

True or False. The Los Angeles Police Department has purchased an application software package to prepare negotiators to learn how to communicate with suspects in hostage situations. This is an example of a simulation application software package.

True Simulation software simulates actual systems and is typically used for training, entertainment, or research. The Los Angeles Police Department has purchased a simulation application software package to prepare negotiators in how to communicate with suspects in hostage situations.

True or False. Integrated circuits consist of sets of electronic circuits on a chip or plate of semiconductor material and replaced transistors.

True Vacuum tubes were replaced by transistors that were replaced by integrated circuits

True or False. The earliest commercially available electronic, digital computer occupied a 20 foot by 40 foot room and consisted of 18,000 vacuum tubes.

True The earliest computers took up entire rooms and consisted of vacuum tubes for transistors.

UNIVAC

UNIVAC was developed in the 1950s as the first general purpose computer.

Accounting Software is an example of what?

Vertical Application

Vertical Applications

Vertical applications are designed for a specific function, department, or industry. Examples of vertical or enterprise applications include accounting systems and simulation software. Simulation software simulates actual systems and is typically used for training, entertainment, or research.

What is virtualization in computer system infrastructure?

Virtualization is assigning part of a computer system to run different operating systems. The act of virtualization creates a virtual environment in a host computer to save space, reduce costs, and provide a safe test environment.

You are identifying needs to present in an IT budget. You are adding computer systems to the budget. Given the most prevalent type in the last decade, you are likely adding what to your budget?

Wireless devices are the most prominent type of system in today's market; these devices use the client-server environment.

In IT, you need to support what is available in technology now, but you also need to create a scalable system for the future. If you were designing a network five years ago to provide support to the millennial generation, you likely would have included what type of computer system support?

Wireless smart devices are the fastest growing and prevalent systems allowing for social media and mobile e-commerce for the millennial generation.

Examples of individualized or horizontal applications include the following

Word processing software provides tools and resources used to create documents. Examples include Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, Apple's Pages, and Open Office Writer. Cloud alternatives include Google Docs and Microsoft Word Online.

Applications software

application software can be classified as individualized applications and enterprise applications, which allows the user to create something like a document or spreadsheet

You are buying new computers for your office staff. Some want desktops and some want laptops. What are some characteristics of each that would help you determine which computer to buy for each type of user?

aptops are used for mobile, telecommuting staff and are powered by rechargeable batteries, whereas desktops are used for office staff and powered by electrical outlets.

What can 3D printers do?

build three-dimensional models from computer-aided designs Computer-aided manufacturing devices, such as computerized numerical control machines, create similar output by carving and constructing complex and intricately designed models from solid blocks of material. The use of modern 3D printers and CNC machines have greatly improved and accelerated the traditionally laborious prototyping processes used by manufacturers.

is an analytic process in which large amounts of data are searched and analyzed in order to find trends or patterns.

data mining

Remote point of sale payment

has also been enabled by mobile devices and software applications

Remote point of sale payment

has also been enabled by mobile devices and software applications.

Wireless handheld computer devices

have dramatically increased worker productivity by allowing communication and access to information without landline connections

CPU

is the brain of the computer and executes commands and process mathematical and logical operations. The brain of the computer is the CPU (central processing unit), which is a microprocessor that resides on the motherboard.

Systems Software

systems software, otherwise known as operating system software (e.g., Microsoft Windows, UNIX, Linux, or Mac OS X),

True or False. Analytic applications are a type of operating system that are used to measure and improve business performance.

true Analytic applications are a type of application, not an operating system; they are used to measure and improve business performance.

True or False. The most common client-level operating system installed on PCs is Microsoft Windows.

true Approximately 90 percent of PCs use a version of Microsoft Windows as the operating system.

True or False. With such a variety of uses for computers, choosing what hardware and software to purchase can be difficult. It is important to consider the software being used, before choosing what computer to purchase.

true Software applications require certain memory, processing power, and storage space, so hardware requirements must be considered

Learn by Doing True or False. Linux is an open-source software that is only found on PCs

true Linux is an open-source software that is found in cell phones, smartphones, and consumer electronics, including PCs.

Catherine and her boss are making a determination whether to move to a cloud-computing environment or stay on a standard client-server environment for sharing files. She is explaining the pros and cons of cloud computing to her boss. What will she tell her boss that cloud computing does to information technology complexity?

A benefit or advantage of cloud computing is that it decreases IT complexity by storing data and software so that multiple users can share, edit, and collaborate on files.

Which of the following are peripheral devices? (Select all that apply.)

A computer mouse, keyboard, printer, and display monitor are peripherals used for input and output

Head Tracking

A display device, worn on the head, with a small display in front of each eye.

Tangible User Interface TUI

A display device, worn on the head, with a small display in front of each eye.

What is the difference between a dumb terminal and a client?

A dumb terminal is for input and output, while a client can also process instructions. A client has a CPU allowing it to process instructions, while a dumb terminal is limited in power and therefore cannot process instructions.

Grid computing

A form of supercomputer constructed from many smaller systems that have been connected together.

What is the first step in the decision process when evaluating technology purchases for business?

A good first step in selecting technology is defining a list of jobs that the technology is expected to accomplish (e.g., identifying the problem).

Mainframe

A high-capacity, high-performance system built for large organizations and used to quickly process large volumes of data.

Mash up is what?

A mashup is a software application that allows users to mix and match software components in order to create a customized application.

You are helping a colleague study for a test on microcomputers during his lunch break. He asks you what the definition and function of a microprocessor is. What is your answer from the options given?

A microprocessor is the user interface that accepts computer input and delivers output. Correct! A microprocessor is the most advanced integrated circuit and holds millions of integrated circuits in a semiconductor chip. They are programmable devices that process instructions and incorporate the four functions of a computer central processing unit (CPU), which includes fetch, decode, execute, and store.

Workstation

A more powerful system used by individuals in order to run more resource-intensive applications

In computer science, of what two classes is storage composed?

Primary storage is the internal memory of a computer, which includes RAM and cache, and is temporary storage. Secondary storage is also called external memory, which includes the hard drive and other permanent devices.

Hardware and software applications help increase

Productivity and communciations in business practices

What best describes the role of the RAM?

RAM is a primary storage device that holds data, applications, instructions, and the operating system while the computer is on. ROM helps manage the operation of the computer hardware on bootup.

Your office manager is ordering a new computer and has to select how much memory she needs. You confirm she is referring to RAM, and she asks what RAM stands for.

RAM is random access memory and is a computer's primary but temporary storage for data and instruction

One application that has been developed as a result of rapidly evolving technology is called radio frequency identification (RFID) and is a method of monitoring

Radio frequency identification (RFID) enables a company to track merchandise or inventory by radio frequency signals, eliminating the need to physically handle each item during the inventory process.