Information Technology
Which of the following represents a type of application software that a large client is most likely to use? a. Enterprise resource planning. b. Operating system. c. Central processing unit. d. Value-added network.
Answer (a) is correct because enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a form of applications software that provides relatively complete information systems for large and medium size organizations
Samco Inc. is in the process of designing a new customer relations system. In which phase of the development life-cycle would a needs assessment most likely be performed? a. Analysis. b. Design. c. Development. d. Testing.
Answer (a) is correct because in the analysis phase the team attempts to get an understanding of the requirements of the system
Which of the following characteristics distinguishes computer processing from manual processing? a. Computer processing virtually eliminates the occurrence of computational error normally associated with manual processing. b. Errors or fraud in computer processing will be detected soon after their occurrences. c. The potential for systematic error is ordinarily greater in manual processing than in computerized processing. d. Most computer systems are designed so that transaction trails useful for audit purposes do not exist.
Answer (a) is correct because the high degree of accuracy of computer computation virtually eliminates the occurrence of computational errors
The most common type of primary storage in a computer is referred to as a. CMAN. b. RAM. c. ROM. d. Flash memory.
Answer (b) is correct because RAM (Random Access Memory) is the most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks; RAM allows information to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible
Analysis of data in a database using tools which look for trends or anomalies without knowledge in advance of the meaning of the data is referred to as a. Artificial intelligence. b. Data mining. c. Virtual reality. d. Transitory analysis.
Answer (b) is correct because data mining uses tools which look for trends or anomalies without such advance knowledge
Most current computers process data using which of the following formats? a. Analog. b. Digital. c. Memory enhanced. d. Organic.
Answer (b) is correct because most current computers process data using a digital approach in that they represent information by numerical (binary) digits.
In a spreadsheet, which of the following is correct concerning rows and columns? Rows Columns a. Numbered Numbered b. Numbered Lettered c. Lettered Numbered d. Lettered Lettered
Answer (b) is correct because rows are numbered and columns are lettered
GUI is the abbreviation for a. Grandfather, Uncle, Individual. b. Graphical User Interface. c. Graphics Utilization Institutes. d. Grand Union Internet.
Answer (b), graphical user interface, is correct.
An "office suite" of software is least likely to include a(n) a. Database. b. Operating system. c. Spreadsheet. d. Word processing.
Answer (b), operating systems, (e.g., Windows, Linux, Unix) is not ordinarily included in an office suite.
The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is the traditional methodology for developing information systems. In which phase of the SDLC would the activity of identifying the problem(s) that need to be solved most likely occur? a. Analysis. b. Implementaion. c. Planning. d. Development.
Answer (c) is correct because planning is the first phase of the SDLC and this information is needed before most of the analysis phase activities can be initiated. Answer (a) is incorrect because analysis phase activities are generally dependent on knowing exactly what problem(s) need to be solved before an effort is made to determine the requirements of a new system
What type of secondary storage device requires no moving parts for read/write operations? a. Magnetic tape. b. Compact discs. c. Solid State drives. d. RAID.
Answer (c) is correct because solid state devices store data on microchips and not a medium that must move to write or read data.
The part of the computer that does most of the data processing is referred to as the a. Analyzer. b. Compiler. c. CPU. d. Printer.
Answer (c) is correct because the CPU, the central processing unit, does the primary processing for a computer
Which computer application is most frequently used to analyze numbers and financial information? a. Computer graphics programs. b. WAN applications. c. Spreadsheets. d. Word processing programs.
Answer (c) is correct because the purpose of a spreadsheet is generally to process numbers and financial information; for example, spreadsheets are often used to perform "what if" analysis which makes various assumptions with respect to a particular situation
Which term below describes the technology that allows multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on a single computer? a. Client. b. Mainframe. c. Linux. d. Virtualization.
Answer (d) is correct because virtualization software allows a single computer to run multiple operating systems simultaneously.
Another term for cloud-based storage is a. RAID. b. Solid state storage. c. Analog. d. Storage-as-a-Service.
Answer (d) is correct because Storage-as-a-Service is another term for cloud-based storage
Which of the following compiles a complete translation of a program in a high-level computer language before the program is run for the first time? a. Visual Basic. b. Java. c. Algorithm. d. Compiler.
Answer (d) is correct because a compiler decodes instructions written in a higher order language and produces an assembly language program.
Which of the following is least likely to be considered an advantage of a database? a. Easy to store large quantities of information. b. Easy to retrieve information quickly. c. Easy to organize and reorganize information. d. Easy to distribute information to every possible user.
Answer (d) is correct because a database itself does not make it easy to distribute information to every possible user—information must still be distributed either electronically or physically.
Software that performs a variety of general technical computer-controlling operations is a(n) a. Integrated "suite." b. Shareware. c. Database. d. Operating system.
Answer (d) is correct because an operating system controls the execution of computer programs and may provide various services. Answer (a) is incorrect because an integrated "suite" (e.g., Microsoft Office) is a series of applications such as a word processor, database, and spreadsheet
Which of the following is not a part of the central processing unit? a. Control unit. b. Arithmetic unit. c. Logic unit. d. Printer unit.
Answer (d) is correct because the printer is a separate output device.
Data Independence
Basic to database systems is this concept which separates the data from the related application programs.
A software package that is used with a large set of organized data that presents the computer as an expert on a particular topic is referred to as a(n) a. Data mining. b. Expert system. c. Artificial intelligence. d. Virtual reality.
(b) The requirement is to identify a type of software package that uses a large set of organized data that presents the computer as an expert on a particular topic. Answer (b) is correct because an expert system presents the computer as such an expert. Answer (a) is incorrect because data mining uses tools which look for trends or anomalies without advance knowledge of the meaning of the data. Answer (c) is incorrect because artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science that involves computer programs that can solve specific problems creatively. Answer (d) is incorrect because virtual reality involves computer creation of an artificial, three dimension world that may be interacted with.
The most common output device is a(n) a. Mouse. b. Printer. c. Expert system. d. Keyboard.
(b) The requirement is to identify the most common output device. Answer (b) is correct because a printer is a common output device and because the other replies represent input, not output devices.
Bit
A binary digit (0 or 1) which is the smallest storage unit in a computer.
Centralized
(a) Processing occurs at one location. (b) Historically, this is the model used in which a mainframe computer processes data submitted to it through terminals. (c) Today, centralized vs. decentralized processing is often a matter of degree—how much is processed by a centralized computer vs. how much by decentralized computers.
Computer memory which is used to store programs that must be accessed immediately by the central processing unit is a. Primary storage. b. Secondary storage. c. Tertiary storage. d. Tape storage.
(a) The requirement is to identify the type of computer memory used to store programs that must be accessed immediately by the central processing unit. Answer (a) is correct because primary memory is quickly accessed and generally used to store programs that must be accessed immediately.
Distributed
(a) Transactions for a single database are processed at various sites. (b) Processing may be on either a batch or online real-time basis. (c) An overall single database is ordinarily updated for these transactions and available at the various sites.
Online analytical processing (OLAP)
A category of software technology that enables the user to query the system (retrieve data), and conduct an analysis, etc., ordinarily while the user is at a PC. The result is generated in seconds. OLAP systems are primarily used for analytical analysis. 2] Uses statistical and graphical tools that provide users with various (often multidimensional) views of their data, and allows them to analyze the data in detail. 3] These techniques are used as decision support systems (computer-based information systems that combine models and data in an attempt to solve relatively unstructured problems with extensive user involvement).
Business Intelligence
A combination of systems that help aggregate, access, and analyze business data and assist in the business decision-making process.
Relational Structure
A database with the logical structure of a group of related spreadsheets. Each row represents a record, which is an accumulation of all the fields related to the same identifier or key; each column represents a field common to all of the records.
Byte
A group of adjacent bits (usually 8) that is treated as a single unit, or character, by the computer. Printable alphanumeric characters (e.g., A-Z, a-z, 0-9); special characters (e.g., $, %, !, @, etc.) and unprintable control codes
Field
A group of related characters (e.g., a social security number).
Database
A group of related files or a group of related tables (if a relational database).
Table
A group of related records in a relational database with a unique identifier (primary key field) in each record.
Source Program
A program written in a language from which statements are translated into machine language; computer programming has developed in "generations
Distributed Structure
A single database that is spread physically across computers in multiple locations that are connected by a data communications link
Buffer
A temporary storage unit used to hold data during computer operations
RAID (Redundant array of independent [previously, inexpensive] disks)
A way of storing the same data redundantly on multiple magnetic disks a] When originally recorded, data is written to multiple disks to decrease the likelihood of loss of data. b] If a disk fails, at least one of the other disks has the information and continues operation.
Meta Data
Definitional data that provides information about or documentation of other data managed within an application or environment. For example, data about data elements, records and data structures (length, fields, columns, etc.).
Enterprise Resource Planning(ERP)
Designed as relatively complete information system "suites" for large and medium size organizations (e.g., human resources, financial applications, manufacturing, distribution). Major vendors are well known—SAP, PeopleSoft, Oracle, and J.D. Edwards. a] Advantages of ERP systems—Integration of various portions of the information system, direct electronic communication with suppliers and customers, increased responsiveness to information requests for decision-making b] Disadvantages of ERP systems—Complexity, costs, integration with supplier and customer systems may be more difficult than anticipated
Microcomputers
Designed to be used by one person at a time, they are often called personal computers. Typically used for word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets, surfing the web, creating and editing graphics, playing music, and gaming
Management reporting systems
Designed to help with the decision-making process by providing access to computer data
Office automation systems
Designed to improve productivity by supporting daily work of employees (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, e-mail, electronic calendars, contact management software)
Turnaround documents
Documents that are sent to the customer and returned as inputs (e.g., utility bills)
Controllers
Hardware units designed to operate specific input-output units
Severs
High-powered microcomputers that "serve" applications and data to clients that are connected via a network (e.g., web servers, database servers). Servers typically have greater capacity (faster processors, more RAM, more storage capacity) than their clients (microcomputers) and often act as a central repository for organizational data
Expert System
One form of AI. A computerized information system that guides decision processes within a well-defined area and allows decisions comparable to those of an expert. Expert knowledge is modeled into a mathematical system
Management information systems
Systems designed to provide past, present and future information for planning, organizing and controlling the operations of the organization
Analysis Phase
Typically, processing, data, and logic models are produced during this phase to help determine the system requirements. A needs assessment may also be performed. A needs assessment involves determining the requirements for the system in terms of processes, data capture, information and reporting. Next, an analysis is performed on the existing system along the same dimensions. Then, a gap analysis is performed to examine the differences (gaps) between the required system and the existing system. Finally priorities will be established for the gaps (requirements) which will be documented in a requirements definition document, which will receive signoff from the end users.
Solid State Drives (SSDs)
Use microchips to store data and require no moving parts for read/ write operations. SSDs are faster and more expensive per gigabyte than CDs, DVDs, and HDDs. SSDs are increasingly being used in place of HDDs in microcomputers but cost and limited capacity have constrained their adoption as a primary storage device. SSDs are more commonly used for auxiliary storage. SSDs that are "pluggable" are often called "thumb drives," "flash drives," or "USB drives" (because they use a USB interface to "plug" into other devices).
Data Mining
Using sophisticated techniques from statistics, artificial intelligence and computer graphics to explain, confirm and explore relationships among data (which is often stored in a data warehouse or data mart)
Plunge Implementation
Using this method the organization ceases using the old system and begins using the new system immediately. This method is less costly than the parallel method but it has higher risk of a system breakdown.
REA Data Model
data model designed for use in designing accounting information databases. REA is an acronym for the model's basic types of objects: Resources— objects that have economic value, Events—An organization's business activities, Agents—People or organizations about which data is collected
Development Phase
documents from the design phase are transformed into the actual system. In the design phase the platform on which the system is to operate is built or purchased off-the-shelf and customized and databases are developed
Implementation Phase
involves putting the system in operation by the users. In order to effectively implement the system detailed user documentation must be provided to the users, and the users must be adequately trained.
Design Phase components
(1) Databases (2) User interfaces for input and output (3) Required reports (4) Programs (5) Infrastructure and controls
Planning Phase
(1) Identify the problem(s) the proposed system will solve. (2) Define the system to be developed. This involves identifying and selecting the system to be developed based on the strategic goals of the organization. (3) Determine the project scope. This activity sets the project's boundaries by providing a clear understanding of what the new system will do and how it will be evaluated. A project scope document is used to describe the project scope. During the process of systems design, the scope of the project may be revisited and revised. (4) Develop a project plan. The project plan defines the activities that will be performed, and the individuals and resources that will be used. A project manager is the individual who develops the plan and tracks its progress. The plan establishes project milestones which set forth dates by which certain activities need to be performed. (5) Evaluate the initial feasibility of the project. Feasibility analysis may involve multiple measures including determining the project's technical, organizational, and economic feasibility.
Requirements Definition Document includes:
(1) Performance levels (2) Reliability (3) Quality (4) Interfaces (5) Security and privacy (6) Constraints and limitations (7) Functional capabilities (8) Data structures and elements
Testing Phase
(1) Unit testing. Unit testing involves testing the units or pieces of code. (2) System testing. System testing involves testing of the integration of the units or pieces of code into a system. (3) Integration testing. Integration testing involves testing whether the separate systems can work together. (4) User acceptance testing. User acceptance testing determines whether the system meets the business requirements and enables users to perform their jobs efficiently and effectively.
System Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
(1) planning, (2) analysis, (3) design, (4) development, (5) testing, (6) implementation, (7) maintenance
Decentralized
(a) Processing (and data) are stored on computers at multiple locations. (b) Ordinarily the computers involved are not interconnected by a network, so users at various sites cannot share data. (c) May be viewed as a collection of independent databases, rather than a single database. (d) End-user computing (Section C.4. below) is relatively decentralized.
Advantages of Traditional Processing Systems
1] Currently operational for many existing (legacy) systems 2] Often cost effective for simple applications
Disadvantages of Traditional Processing Systems
1] Data files are dependent upon a particular application program. 2] In complex business situations there is much duplication of data between data files. 3] Each application must be developed individually. 4] Program maintenance is expensive. 5] Data may be isolated and difficult to share between functional areas.
Online transaction processing (OLTP)
1] Databases that support day-to-day operations 2] Examples: airline reservations systems, bank automatic teller systems, and Internet website sales systems
A set of step-by-step procedures used to accomplish a task is a(n) a. Algorithm. b. Compilation master. c. Linux. d. Transistor.
Answer (a) is correct because an algorithm uses a step-by-step approach to accomplish a task.
Peripheral equipment
All non-CPU hardware that may be placed under the control of the central processor. Classified as online or off-line, this equipment consists of input, storage, output, and communication.
Entity-Relationship Modeling
An approach to data modeling. The model (called the entity-relationship diagram, or ERD) divides the database in two logical parts—entities (e.g. "customer," "product") and relations ("buys," "pays for").
Record
An ordered set of logically related fields. For example, all payroll data (including the social security number field and others) relating to a single employee.
In a spreadsheet, each specific cell may be identified by a specific a. Address. b. Column. c. Row. d. Diagonal.
Answer (a) is correct because each cell has an address, composed of a combination of its column and row in the spreadsheet.
A general type of IT system that is designed to improve the productivity of daily office work is referred to as a(n) a. Office automation system. b. Transaction processing system. c. Decision support system. d. Executive information system.
Answer (a) is correct because office automation systems include the software tools of daily work, including word processing programs, spreadsheets, email, and electronic calendars
Which of the following system implementation models has the advantage of achieving a full operational test of the new system before it is implemented? a. Parallel implementation. b. Plunge implementation. c. Pilot implementation. d. Phased implementation.
Answer (a) is correct because with parallel implementation both systems are operated until it is determined that the new system is operating properly
Which computer application is most frequently used on mainframe computers? a. Databases. b. Graphics. c. Spreadsheets. d. Word processing.
Answer (a) is correct because with parallel implementation both systems are operated until it is determined that the new system is operating properly.
Unix is a(n) a. Operating system. b. Singular disk drive. c. Central processing unit. d. Logic unit.
Answer (a) is correct because Unix is a powerful operating system, originally developed by AT&T Bell Labs, that is used by many users of high-end computing hardware
Database System
Computer hardware and software that enables the database(s) to be implemented.
Artificial Intelligence
Computer software designed to help humans make decisions. AI may be viewed as an attempt to model aspects of human thought on computers. AI ordinarily deals with decisions that may be made using a relatively structured approach. It frequently involves using a computer to quickly solve a problem that a human could ultimately solve through extremely detailed analysis.
Expert systems
Computer systems that apply reasoning methods to data in a specific relatively structured area to render advice or recommendations, much like a human expert
Decision support systems
Computer-based information systems that combine models and data to resolve nonstructured problems with extensive user involvement
Executive information systems
Computerized systems that are specifically designed to support executive work
Networked Structure
Each data element can have several owners and can own several other elements (think of a matrix-type structure in which various relationships can be supported.
Supercomputers
Extremely powerful, high-speed computers used for extremely high-volume and/or complex processing needs.
Data Modeling
Identifying and organizing a database's data, both logically and physically. A data model determines what information is to be contained in a database, how the information will be used, and how the items in the database will be related to each other
Object-Relational Structure
Includes both relational and object-oriented features.
Transaction processing systems
Involve the daily processing of transactions (e.g., airplane reservation systems, payroll recording, cash receipts, cash disbursements)
Mainframe Computers
Large, powerful, high-speed computers. While less powerful than supercomputers, they have traditionally been used for high-volume transaction processing. Clusters of lower cost, less powerful "servers" are increasingly taking over the processing chores of mainframe computers.
Desk checking
Review of a program by the programmer for errors before the program is run and debugged on the computer
Virtual Machine
Servers today are often configured as a "virtual machine," meaning multiple operating systems can coexist and operate simultaneously on the same machine. Virtual machines are appealing because they lower hardware costs and they create energy savings
Magnetic Tape
Slowest type of storage available because data is stored sequentially. Primarily used for archiving purposes today
Database Management System
Software that provides a facility for communications between various applications programs (e.g., a payroll preparation program) and the database (e.g., a payroll master file containing the earnings records of the employees).
Object Program
The converted source program that was changed using a compiler to create a set of machine readable instructions that the CPU understands
Hierarchical Structure
The data elements at one level "own" the data elements at the next lower level (think of an organization chart in which one manager supervises several assistants, who in turn each supervise several lower level employees).
Magnetic Disks
The most common storage medium in use on computers today. Magnetic disks are also called "hard disks" or "hard disk drives" (HDD). Data can be accessed directly
Central Processing Unit(CPU)
The principal hardware components of a computer. It contains an arithmetic/logic unit, primary memory, and a control unit. The major function of the CPU is to fetch stored instructions and data, decode the instructions, and carry out the instructions.
MIPS stands for a. Memory in protocol standards. b. Millions of instructions per second. c. Mitigating individualistic personnel standards. d. Multiple input physical savings.
The requirement is to identify the meaning of MIPS. Answer (b) is correct because MIPS is an abbreviation for millions of instructions per second, a unit for measuring the execution speed of computers
Traditional File Processing System
These systems focus upon data processing needs of individual departments. Each application program or system is developed to meet the needs of the particular requesting department or user group. For accounting purposes these systems are often similar to traditional accounting systems, with files set up for operations such as purchasing, sales, cash receipts, cash disbursements, etc.
Pilot Implementation
This method involves having a small group of individuals using the new system until it is seen to be working properly. This has the advantage of providing a partial operational test of the new system at a lower cost than parallel implementation
Phased Implementation
This method involves installing the system in a series of phases
Parallel Implementation
This method uses both systems until it is determined that the new system is operating properly. This has the advantage of a full operational test of the new system with less risk of a system disaster. The disadvantage of this method is the additional work and cost during the period in which both systems are operating
Maintenance Phase
This phase involves monitoring and supporting the new system. In this phase the organization provides ongoing training, help desk resources, and a system for making authorized and tested changes to the system
File
a group of related records (e.g., all the weekly pay records year-to-date), which is usually arranged in sequence.
I/S Processes
a. Collecting transaction and other data b. Entering it into the information system c. Processing the data d. Providing users with the information needed e. Controlling the process
Information Systems
processes data and transactions to provide users with the information they need to plan, control and operate an organization
