CISB Exam 2
Operating system processing techniques
-Multitasking is the ability of an OS to have more than one program open at a time. - Multithreading: A thread is a sequence of instructions within a program that is separate from other threads. -Multiprocessing is using multiple CPUs (or two or more cores on a single CPU) to perform work on different jobs at the same time. - Parallel processing is using two or more CPUs located on one computer to work on a single program at the same time in order to complete the program quicker.
Primary functions of an Operating System
1. Interfacing with users: 2. Booting up the computer and starting programs: 3. Configuring devices and loading device drivers that enable the OS to communicate with attached hardware devices. 4. Managing resources and jobs: 5. File management: 6. Security:
What is the difference between a LAN, MAN and WAN?
A LAN is where multiple computers in close proximity to each other are connected via a network. A metropolitan area network (MAN) is larger than a traditional LAN, but smaller than a WAN. A MAN is normally implemented in a city or a county. A wide area network (WAN) covers a large geographic area (statewide, nationwide, or worldwide). The Internet is the world's largest WAN.
What is a SW suite? What is an Office suite?
A SW suite is a bundle of related programs sold together as a bundle. An Office suite is a collection of office-oriented programs sold together. Programs typically sold in an Office suite include word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation graphics. Common Office suites are Microsoft's Office, Corel's WordPerfect Office, Apple's iWork.
Know the following database terms: database, database management system, field, record, table, form, report, query and table structure
A database is a collection of data that is stored on a computer and organized in a manner enabling information to be retrieved as needed. A database management system is a program used to create, maintain and organize data in a database as well as to retrieve information from it. A field is one piece of information about an entity (a student's name, a product number, an employee's phone number). Each field is one column in a database table. A record is a collection of related fields (such as all of the data about a student, a product, or an employee). Each record is one row in a database table. A table is a collection of related records (a student table containing all the students in the school, a product table containing all the products the company sells, or an employee table containing all the employees in the company). A table looks like a spreadsheet. Queries: a request for information from the database that uses specific criteria to determine what information will be retrieved (such as a query that requests a list of textbooks used by the math department) To create a DB table, one must specify the table's structure, which includes a list of fields and their properties. Field properties include field name, data type, size, and default value.
What is a computer network?
A network is a collection of computers and other hardware devices that are connected together to share hardware, software, and data--and to allow users to electronically communicate with each other
Know the following spreadsheet terms: spreadsheet, spreadsheet software, worksheet, worksheet tab, cell, cell address, range, formula, function, recalculation feature, label, relative cell reference, absolute cell reference
A spreadsheet is a collection of numbers and text data organized into rows and columns Spreadsheet SW is a program that enables a user to create an electronic version of a spreadsheet that can contain text, numbers, and mathematical formulas. Popular spreadsheet applications are Microsoft's Excel, Corel's Quattro Pro, Google Sheets and Apple Numbers.
Multithreading
A technology that allows multiple parts or threads from a program to run simultaneously.
three types of database management system programs.
Access (Microsoft): used by individuals and small companies SQL Server (Microsoft): used by medium to large-size companies Oracle (Oracle Corp): used by medium to large-size companies DB2 (IBM): used by large companies on mainframe computer
Describe the following: Intranet, Extranet, VPN
An intranet is a private network that resembles the WWW. Only users who belong to the organization can view the intranet's Web pages. An extranet is similar to an intranet, except that it also allows access to authorized individuals outside of the organization such as customers and/or suppliers. A virtual private network (VPN) is a private, secure communication path over a public network (normally the Internet). VPN uses encryption technology to scramble data if intercepted by an intruder.
Multitasking
An operating system feature that allows more than one application to run at a time.
What is application SW?
Application software (SW) are programs designed to perform specific user tasks, such as playing games, typing a document, or editing a picture.
How is data transmission speed measured?
Bits per second (bps), Kbps (thousands), Mbps (millions ), or GFbps (billions)
What are some differences among operating systems?
Command line interface OS require the user to type commands using the keyboard in order to give instructions to the computer (DOS, some versions of UNIX and Linux) Graphical user interface (GUI) OS allows the user to issue commands by selecting icons, buttons, and other graphical objects with a mouse, finger, or stylus pen. A personal OS is designed to be used by one person on a single computer (Windows 10, Mac OS X Sierra) A network OS (NOS) is installed on a server computer. The network OS provides client computers access to network resources located on (or connected to) the server computer. Examples of common NOSs are Windows Server 2016, Red Hat Linux and Oracle Unix.
Explain the differences between commercial, shareware, freeware and public domain SW.
Commercial SW is SW that is developed and sold for a profit. Users who buy a SW license are not allowed to loan, rent, or sell the program to another person. Businesses often purchase site (network) licenses that enables the company to install the program on a server and share the program with multiple users. Shareware SW normally allows the user to try out the program for a trial period—and then requires payment for continued use after the trial period expires. Payment also usually gives the user access to any available support documentation and future SW updates. It is usually legal to distribute copies of shareware applications. Freeware SW is completely free to the user and is allowed to be shared with others. However, the freeware author retains the ownership rights to the program, so it cannot be sold or modified without the author's permission. Many freeware applications are now available over the Internet. Public Domain SW is not copyrighted; the authors donate the program to the public. Thus, it can be used, copied, and distributed to others without restrictions.
What are the functions of utility programs
File management: looking for files and copying, moving, deleting and renaming files and folders Search tools: programs that search for files -Disk defragmentation: optimizes hard drive performance by rearranging the data on the hard drive so all the files are stored in contiguous locations -Uninstall utilities: removes programs along with other data such as references to those programs in your system files -File compression: reduces the size of files so they take up less space on a storage medium and/or can be transmitted faster on the Internet -Backup and recovery: programs that enable a user to back up specific files or the entire hard and recover the backed up data as needed at a future point in time -Antivirus and Antispyware: programs that detect and block virus and spyware attacks
Windows Server
Microsoft's network operating system. It has a very similar user interface to other Windows operating systems. Recent versions of this OS include Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2016
Mobile device OS
Mobile devices require their own specialized operating systems. Some of the more common mobile phone OS's are: -Windows 10 Mobile is Microsoft's current OS for mobile devices -Android is a Linux-based OS used by many mobile phone manufacturers -iOS is the Apple OS designed for Apple iPhones and iPads
What is web-based software, desktop software and mobile software?
Mobile software are programs specifically written for mobile devises. These programs, referred to as apps (short for applications) Desktop software is made to be run on operating systems running on desktop computers, notebooks and tablets. Web-based software is software you use over the internet with a web browser. You don't have to install anything, download any software, or worry about upgrades. If you use an online bank or web-based email program like Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo Mail, you're already using web-based software.
What is a network topology?
One way to classify networks is by their physical arrangement—referred to as topology. Three common network topologies are star, bus, and mesh.
What is the difference between a client-server LAN and a peer-to-peer LAN?
Peer-to-Peer networks do not have servers. Instead, the computers have access to each other's files and all share the same network resources (printers, scanners, fax machines, etc...). Client-Server networks have servers (powerful computers that are dedicated to processing client requests) that manage many of the network's resources (files, printers, applications, Web sites, email, database, etc...).
application software
Refers to programs that perform specific tasks such as word processing, database management, or accounting.
Explain the following transmission technologies: Analog transmission Digital transmission Serial transmission Parallel transmission
Serial transmission: Data is sent one bit at a time, one after another, along a single path-Typically used with networking media •Parallel transmission: Data is sent in a group of bits with each bit taking a different path-Most often used within computer components •Analog signals vs. digital signals -Analog: Data is represented by continuous waves•Conventional telephones-Digital: Data is represented by two discrete states (0s and 1s)© 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole
Explain the basic characteristics of the star and bus topologies.
Star networks consist of a central device (usually a wireless access point, switch, or router) to which all the computers and other devices in the network connect. Bus networks have one line on which all network devices are connected. All data is transmitted down the bus line from one device to another, and only one device can transmit at a time.
Computers run two general types of software. What are they?
Systems software and application software
Know the following word processing terms: ribbon, cut, copy, paste, insertion point, font face, font size, font style
The ribbon replaces the menus and toolbars found in earlier versions of Excel. Above the ribbon are a number of tabs, such as Home, Insert, and Page Layout.
What is the difference between wired and wireless media?
There are three common types of wired media: twisted-pair cable, coaxial cable and fiber-optic cable: Twisted-pair cable is made up of pairs of thin strands of insulated copper wire twisted together. Twisted-pair is the least expensive cabling option. It is rated by category. Category 3 twisted-pair cabling is regular telephone line. Higher speed and more expensive category 5, category 6, or higher cable is used to connect computers in a LAN. Coaxial cable consists of a thick copper wire surrounded by insulation and braided wire. It is used mostly by cable companies to send TV and Internet signals to customers. It can carry data more quickly and is less susceptible to interference than standard twisted-pair wire. However, it is also more expensive. Fiber-optic cable uses many clear glass or plastic fiber strands. Each strand is approximately as thick as a human hair. Fiber optic transmission uses light beams to represent digital data. Advantages of fiber optic cable when compared to other wired media include speed, size, weight, security, and longevity. The primary disadvantage is the cost of both the cable and the installation. Fiber optic is used to send data across WANs and as a backbone in a large LAN. Most wireless media use radio signals to send data through the air. The major difference between the various types of wireless media is the frequency and range of the analog signal (fig 7-19 illustrates the many different types of wireless signals).
Describe the primary characteristics of the following wired media: twisted-pair cable, coaxial cable, and fiber-optic cable.
Twisted-pair cable -Pairs of insulated wires twisted together-Used for telephone and network connections (LANs) •Coaxial cable-Thick center wire surrounded by insulation-Used for computer networks and cable television delivery •Fiber-optic cable-Utilizes hundreds of thin transparent clear glass or plastic fibers over which lasers transmit data as light-Used for high-speed communications
What is network media?
Typical examples of network media include copper coaxial cable, copper twisted pair cables and optical fiber cables used in wired networks, and radio waves used in wireless data communications networks.
Explain virtual memory.
Virtual memory is a memory management capability of an OS that uses hardware and software to allow a computer to compensate for physical memory shortages by temporarily transferring data from random access memory (RAM) to disk storage. Virtual address space is increased using active memory in RAM and inactive memory in hard disk drives (HDDs) to form contiguous addresses that hold both the application and its data.
operating system
a collection of programs designed to control all the hardware and application software on the computer
Know the shortcut keys for cut, copy, paste, print, save
command x for cut command v to paste command c to copy command p to print command s to save - all MacBook commands switch to control with windows
System software
consists of the "background" programs (operating system and utility programs) that allow you to manage, control and operate your computer--and allow it to run application SW. Most system SW programs are preinstalled on your computer when you purchase it.
DOS (disk operating system)
developed by Microsoft and used a command-line interface for the first IBM PCs in 1981. It was the primary OS for PCs in the 1980s and early 1990s.
UNIX
developed in 1969 by AT&T as an OS for midrange server computers. It is a secure, multi-user, multitasking OS that today comes in many different versions. Due in part because of its complexity, Unix is not as popular as the Windows and Linux network OSs.
configuring devices
device drivers communicate with peripheral devices most operating systems look for and recognize new devices each time the computer bots device drivers can be updated and reinstalled as needed
functions of an operating system
interfacing with users, booting the computer, configuring devices, managing network connections, managing and monitoring resources and jobs, file management, security
Primary tasks of an Operating system
main collection of programs that manages a computer's activities. - The primary tasks of an OS are management and control. It manages application SW instructions and acts as a middle-man between the user and the computer and between application programs and the computer's hardware. Without an OS, a computer cannot run.
LINUX
open-source OS created in 1991 that is similar to Unix. Linux's free, stable, secure, open-source SW has made it a popular alternative to Windows and UNIX as a network OS. Linux can also be used as the OS for personal computers and mobile devices.
system software
operating system and utility programs that control a computer system and allow you to use that system
Mac OS
proprietary OS for computers made by Apple Corporation. When introduced in 1984, it was the first GUI operating system. The current version of the Mac OS is Mac OS X High Sierrra. Modified versions of the Mac OS are used with other Apple products.
Windows 1.0
released in 1985 and was the first Microsoft OS to use a graphical user interface. Since then Microsoft has released many updated versions of their Windows OS. The most popular of which have been Windows 3.11, Windows 95, Windows XP, and Windows 7. Windows 10 is the current version of Windows.
Describe the primary characteristics of the following types of wireless transmission: Wi-Fi, cellular, and microwave.
the most common networking wireless transmission applications are Wi-Fi, cellular, and microwave—explained below: Wi-Fi: Most wireless LANs send and receive wireless signals in the 2.4-5.0 Ghz range. Cellular: uses radio waves that are sent to and from cellular towers. Each tower has antennae that receives and transmits cellular radio signals. Each tower represents a different calling area—also known as a zone or cell. Signals are transmitted from the tower to a switching office and then onto either regular telephone lines or to another cell tower. Microwave: high-frequency, high-speed radio signals that are sent via ground-based microwave stations (which can be no more than 30 miles apart) or via space-based communications satellites that orbit the earth. Microwave stations designed specifically to communicate with satellites are called satellite dishes.
What two categories are system software divided into?
the operating system (OS) and utility programs.
Application Software
which normally must be purchased, allows users to perform specific hobby or business related tasks--such as writing a letter, playing a game or printing payroll checks
Describe the following networking devices: Network adapter (also called a NIC) Modem Switch Router Wireless access point
•A network adapter is used to connect a computer to a network -Also called network interface card (NIC) when in the form of an expansion card •A modem is a device that enables a computer to communicate over analog networking media-Term is often used interchangeably with network adapter •A switch is a central device that connects devices in a wired network but only sends data to the intended recipient-Contains ports to which devices are connected-Hub is similar but sends data to all recipients •A router connects multiple networks: Two LANs, two WANS, LAN and the Internet, etc.-Passes data to intended recipient only-Can plan the most efficient path-Are used to route traffic over the Internet •A wireless access point allows devices to connect to a network
What is a protocol?
•Protocol-A set of rules for a particular situation-Communications protocol•A set of rules that determine how devices on a network communicate
Explain the following protocols and standards: Ethernet TCP/IP 802.11 WiMax Bluetooth
•TCP/IP is the most widely used communications protocol-Consists of two protocols•Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)-Responsible for delivery of data•Internet Protocol (IP)-Provides addresses and routing information •Ethernet (802.3) is the most widely used standard for wired networks •Wi-Fi (802.11) is a family of wireless networking standards using IEEE standard 802.11-Current standard for wireless networks in homes and offices •WiMAX (802.16) is a set of standards for longer range wireless networking connections, typically MANs •Bluetooth is a networking standard for very short-range wireless connections
