Information Systems Unit 3

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

A 2-in-1 computer system is a laptop that can be used as a tablet.

What's a PC?

A Personal computer. Small systems are used on an individual basis (i.e., one-person use) and include traditional multicomponent desktop systems (monitor, computer, keyboard, mouse) and integrated systems, such as laptops and tablet computers.

Which of the following statements accurately describes object-oriented programming?

A blueprint of an object is called a class.

Extensible markup language (XML)

A computer language similar to HTML, XML makes it easier to exchange, validate, store, and interpret data between a variety of applications and systems.

What is grid computing?

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

What is a mainframe?

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

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?

A laptop is smaller and is usually powered by a battery, while a desktop is bulkier and requires AC current from an electrical outlet.

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 an integrated circuit responsible for a computer's instruction cycle.

What is a workstation?

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

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

A multicore processor is a chip with multiple, independent, CPUs.

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

A quad core offers more power, allowing more multitasking capabilities.

What is SLA?

A service level agreement (SLA) is a formal contract between a customer and the service provider detailing the level of service expected to be provided by the provider.

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.

What is virtual computing?

A software-based platform that allows multiple virtual servers, isolated from host computer, to operate on a single or, potentially, a fabric of many systems. Initially intended to more efficiently use expensive and underutilized hardware, virtualization has allowed for better fault tolerance and flexible, dynamic, and automated server operation and maintenance.

What is a 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.

__________ is an example of a vertical application software.

Accounting software

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

What are some Proprietary Systems?

Apple Microsoft Unix

_________ software is a set of one or more programs that allows a computer user to perform a group of coordinated activities, functions, or tasks.

Applications

Businesses are often faced with software that needs to be replaced or updated for a number of reasons. What is another name for a software defect?

Bug

An application suite is a _________ with related features and functions.

Bundle of application programs

_________ is the first computer language developed in the 1950s for business computing and stands for __________

COBOL , Common Business Oriented Language

A ________ is the brain of the computer and executes commands and process mathematical and logical operations.

CPU

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

Cache and on-board memory

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

Chrome

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

Computer software is a set of machine readable instructions that directs a computer.

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

Data mining

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

Determining how the technology will be used, including requirements.

The _________ is considered the first electronic, digital computer and was called 'Great Brain' by the press; the Hint, displayed below _______ was the first general purpose computer for commercial use.

ENIAC, UNIVAC

Once a company has purchased proprietary software, there is usually no additional cost to allow other employees to download and use the software.

False

[True/False] Because a lot of free software is available, managing software licenses is not a concern for modern organizations.

False

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

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

[True/False]. Computer hardware refers to all the inner components of a computer.

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

[True/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.

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

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

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?

Fewer Defects

(Select all that apply). Your company is developing a new policy disallowing personal secondary storage attachments to work computers. You are drafting the section of the policy identifying examples of secondary storage. Which of the following devices are examples of secondary storage?

Flash drive, Hard drive

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, magnetic disks

________ is an example of cloud computing.

Google Drive

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

What are graphic tools?

Graphics, video, animations, and interactive multimedia are popular elements in web pages. Popular tools used to create these elements include Adobe's Photoshop, Flash, and Premier products.

_______ is a software language for creating web pages.

HTML

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

Hardware

___________ applications are more popular and general purpose, such as word processing software.

Horizontal

What is HTML?

Hyper Text Markup Language is a system used to convert a plain-text document into one optimized for viewing as a web page, integrating colors, graphics, fonts, and links.

What company's computer popularized the term PC?

IBM

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

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

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?

Improved productivity

What are dashboards?

In business, applications known as dashboards are used to present information from multiple inputs in order to enable managers and staff to make better decisions and use of their time

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

Innovation through data analysis Reduced clerical roles

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?

Input is a set of instructions to a computer system, and output is the result of the computer operation.

What are the components of hardware?

Input, Processing, Storage, and Output

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

Input, output, process, and storage

You are helping a colleague who is trying to fix a PC used by someone in your business. She is having difficulty connecting the components of the motherboard to the CPU. Which device do you tell her to look at?

Internal bus

What are the stages of the software life cycle?

Introduction, Growth, Maturity, Decline

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 _________

Inventory

What is a multi-purpose programming language used to create computer applications, play games, and communicate with friends?

Java Java is a programming language and platform used by many applications and websites that allows users to play games and communicate.

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, C++

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

Keyboard, Touchscreen

Disadvantages to using proprietary software include

Larger up front costs, periodic maintenance fees, unsolicited product changes, and the potential inflexibility of the software or inability to modify or change the software as needed by the business.

What are some open source systems?

Linux

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?

Lower IT costs User flexibility and computer power Replaced mainframes

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?

Mainframe computing

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.

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

Mainframe, minicomputers, microcomputers

Web design tools

Many graphical and traditional text-based HTML editors exist and range from the unsophisticated text editors to feature rich graphical WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interfaces.

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

Mashup

Which of the following is an example of a proprietary software?

Microsoft office

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

Microsoft office

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

Modems and monitors

A multicore processor is a chip with multiple, independent, CPUs.

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

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

Mouse and Keyboard Monitor and Printer

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

The purpose of __________ is to manage the activities of the computer.

Operating system

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

Operating system

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

Point of sale payment Remote collaboration

Hardware and software applications help increase ________and ___________ in business practices.

Productivity, communications

a __________ is used to create a computer program that gives instructions to a computer.

Programming language

John is responsible for evaluating software to be used at his organization. He is reviewing open-source software, proprietary software, and freeware, and must weigh the pros and cons of each. The requirement to purchase a license to use software is a disadvantage of what software?

Proprietary

What is proprietary software?

Proprietary software is software where source code development and access is controlled by the developer and typically requires users to purchase a license prior to use.

What best describes the role of the RAM?

RAM gets instructions from ROM to launch the operating system during bootup.

___________ is a programming language designed for managing data in a relational database management system.

SQL

Mary is working with a software solutions provider on a contract before purchasing company software. The _________ is a formal contract between a customer and the service provider detailing the level of service expected from the provider.

Service Level Agreement

On premises (private cloud)

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

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 Apps.

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

Storage

Beyond the financial support of the developer, advantages to acquiring proprietary software include the following:

Support, Standard usage

What is a supercomputer?

This term merely implies the fastest category of computer available. Supercomputers are purpose built to handle vast amounts of information very quickly.

Search engine optimization

Tools that allow webmasters and developers to achieve better rankings from search engines, implying that traffic would better route to a site as a result.

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

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

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

True

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

True

[True/False] Integrated circuits consist of sets of electronic circuits on a chip or plate of semiconductor material and replaced vacuum tube transistors.

True.

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.)

Utility Software Operating systems

What is virtualization in computer system infrastructure?

Virtualization is assigning part of a computer system to run different operating systems.

Several categories of cloud services exist. Differences are based

on the degree that an organization's services are provided by a service provider.

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

You 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?

workstation