IB Computer Science Topic 1
User documentation
Documentation to support users of computer systems including hardware and software
Client
a computer accessing resources hosted by another computer/the server
Server
a computer hosting resources to be shared across the network
Network
a group of computers connected toether to share resources such as documents and printers
Hardware
anything within a computer that you can physically touch
Strategies for managing/releasing updates
automatic updates, manual updates
Parallel Running
both the old and new system run at the same time
Consequences of data loss to individual users
can lose personal information (ex. address, social security number, health information or bank account information)
Consequences of data loss to companies
can lose reputation/customers, may be sued/have to pay fines
Software
collection of programs and instruction that control the computer
Methods of preventing data loss
create a backup, RAIDs (ex. data mirroring), antivirus softwares, physical security
Benefits of interviews
detailed information
Peripheral
devices attached to the computer that allow interation and the exchange of information (ex. keyboard, mouse, screen)
Benefits of direct observations
first hand, unbiased information
Drawbacks of surveys
hard to ask the right questions
Methods of user documentation
help files, online documentation, printed manuals
Operating system
help people interact with the computer system and manage how the hardware, programs and data interact
Accessibility
how the system can be accessed for information exchange and operation
Debugging
identifying and removing errors from computer hardware and software
Benefits of surveys
little time, simple, large amounts of data
Direct Changeover
moving straight from the old to new system
Pilot Running
one section of the business is trying out the new software while one keeps using the old one
The four types of changing to a new system
parallel running, pilot running, direct changeover and phased conversion
Drawbacks of direct observations
people change their answers
Firewall
protects the network traffic, decides what gets access and what doesn't
Beta testing
real world exposure for the product to get feedback from users
Router
routes network packages betwee two networks, usually using a different medium like phone cables or glass fiber
DNS server
server mapping when addresses to IP addresses allowing us to surf the web without looking up IP addresses
Phased Conversion
slowly implementing the new software
SaaS (Software as a Service)
software distribution model in which applications are hosted by a vendor or service provider and provided to customers over a network
Human Resources
the humans operating the computer
User Acceptance Testing
the last phase of software testing in which actual software testers test the software in real world scenarios
Ergonomics
the study of people's efficiency in their working environment
Drawbacks of interviews
time consuming
Ways to improve the accessability of a system
touch screens, voice recognition, text to speech, braille keyboards, braille printers
Possible causes of data loss
user error, malicious actions of a third party, theft, viruses/malware, hardware malfunction, natural disaster
