WGU C182 Objective Assessment Questions and Answers Latest (2023 / 2024) (Verified Answers by Expert)
First users were the engineers who built and programmed computers, then employees who had received specialized training were users, and now today, anyone and everyone can be a user.
Sends files over the network at the request of clients. Responds over LAN, within one location/site. Support both application software and data files.
Turns a user-friendly domain name, like Google.com, into an Internet Protocol (IP) address like ((( 70.42.251.42 ))) that computers use to identify each other on the network.
Uses TWO KEYS a public and private key for performing encryption and decryption
PROVING you are who you say you are which can be done by: what you know, what you have!
TIER WHERE THE USER interface for the system is developed; SHIELDS THE USER from the underlying logic of the systems as well as the underlying data structures
SYSTEMS DEPLOYMENT Steps 1. System Conversion 2. Final Documentation 3. End User Training
CONNECTS MULTIPLES networks together; can be used to directly connect computers to a network; will relay messages to computers with APPROPRIATE IP ADDRESS
Requires that data is KEPT secure so that they are not accidentally provided or obtained by unauthorized users
Protecting EVERY LAYER that SURROUNDS ((( DATA )))
Can take on DIFFERENT FORMS depending on the complexity of the application; in certain instances, it is AN ACTUAL OBJECT that is an ACTUAL IMPLEMENTATION of the application
Creates a subset of the data by reducing the data from multiple dimensions to one dimension
The technology used in creating, maintaining, and making information accessible.
In charge of all aspects of the COMPUTER NETWORKS
Focuses on the design, development, and support of DATABASE MANAGEMENT systems (DBMSs).
Installs, configures, maintains, secures, and troubleshoots web severs
Processed data.
INFORMATION THAT HAS BEEN PUT TO USE information placed into a context. Refined information such that the user of the knowledge is able to call forth only relevant portions of information when needed.
Provides a social setting to knowledge; AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE ((( WHY ))) Can only come by having BOTH KNOWLEDGE and EXPERIENCE
The INPUT Processing, OUTPUT, STORAGE Cycle
Raw data is organized or structured for usefulness.
Information is output so user can see results.
Processed information is stored for permanent record.
A collection of components that work together to meet the needs of the user; typically : CATEGORIZED AS EITHER HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, NETWORKS AND USERS
Physical components of a computer system which include the system unit and its components and peripheral devices; TANGIBLE ASPECTS OF THE COMPUTER
A collection of computers and resources CONNECTED by various media so that they can COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER.
Systems Software and Applications Software
RULES provided by WHICH NETWORKS communicate with each other
STORES the programs BEING EXECUTED and the data they are using.
Controls THE SPEED at which instructions are processed.
Stands for Random Access Memory. It temporarily stores data before it is processed and sent to your screen or printer. IT IS VOLATILE (means data or information stored disappears when the computer is turned off or loses power).
Transistor components, magnetic core memory, smaller size, easier to program, disk drives and drums, called mainframe computers
Silicon chips (known as ICs – integrated circuits), reduced cost, called mini computers, networks introduced via dumb terminals
Written for a specific machine by the engineers who built and ran the computers; no need for OS since only one program could run at a time
Easier than machine but still required detailed, precise LOW LEVEL instructions
Function is to TRANSLATE ONE LANGUAGE TO ANOTHER; take source code and convert it to another form; source code by itself cannot be read by a computer
Programmer is limited to high level control constructs such as while loops, for loops, and if/else statements and not allowed to use primitive GOTO statements
A type of programming language for which most of its implementations EXECUTES INSTRUCTIONS DIRECTLY AND FREELY, without previously compiling a program into machine-language instructions.
Small programs that place Linux commands or DOS batch files into a file
The computer that the user is using; physically present with
Connects computers to each other with NO REAL UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IS BEING TRANSFERRED Used for private networks with local computers.
Like a hub, but this will only send data that is INTENDED FOR SPECIFIC COMPUTER
Can be connected to hub, switch, or router; many routers now also act as a wireless access point; sends out a wireless signal so computers on the network can connect without a cable
Contains one or more servers; client is a computer that will request information from another computer; server is a computer that takes requests and responds with the requested information; the software used facilitates communication with remote servers
Stores data files (web pages) and programs (scripts). Responds from anywhere on the Internet.
Monitors print jobs
Like web server or file server in that REQUEST ARE FILES and RESPONDED ARE THE FILES data delivered between client and server.
Devices connected along a SINGLE CABLE Size of network is restricted
Each device is connected to a CENTRAL DEVICE such as a hub or switch.
Each device is connected DIRECTLY TO ITS NEIGHBOR and messages are forwarded from device to device until the proper destination is reached.
Every device is connected directly to every other device in the network.
Identifies the server on which the web page can be found
Always ends with a period and a THREE or TWO LETTER EXTENSION which signifies the TYPE of organization or country associated with the page
Indicates the name of the file you are accessing, or the location of the document on the server
Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
1st – Must include a component that ensures the accuracy of the collected data 2nd – Must be entered into the system accurately 3rd – Data modification must be tracked
- Identify the organization’s information assets 2. Identify vulnerabilities of each asset 3. Determine threats 4. Prioritizing risks 5. Develop and enact policies that will reduce threats
An attacker issues a SQL command to a web server as part of the URL or as input to a form on a company’s website; web server might pass the command onto the database which then allows potentially anything to be done to the database
Placing malicious code into the buffer so that it can be executed once stored in memory; oldest and most well known software exploit; software engineers can protect against this when writing code
Informs companies of potential problems with software HACK ATTACKS so companies can fix the problems.
Individuals with MALICIOUS INTENT WHO VIOLATE SECURITY in order to commit crimes or acts of terrorism
Engage in BOTH WHITE and BLACK hat types of hacking activities
Type of virus that completely replaces an existing application and takes the name of the taken over file
Attempts to identify if a file contains a virus or some form of malware
Ensures proper storage of data by providing a means so that data is available even when storage devices are damaged or offline
Uses the same key for performing the encryption and decryption
Ensures that the user gains access only to the resources that the user should be able to access - Cost savings benefits 2. Increased efficiency and productivity 3. Increased facilitation of communication
Consists of programs that END USERS RUN to accomplish tasks
Consists of programs that MAKE UP THE OS software that directly supports the computer system itself
Works with hardware to provide a NETWORK SERVICE
A LAN that uses the Internet Protocol
Core components of the OS that is loaded when the computer is first booted.
An interface for the user, often personalized for that given user, that provides access to the kernel.
Administration and Support
Maintains all aspects of the system including hardware, software, and programming.
Installs, configures, and administers firewall security to protect systems and proactively work to stop intrusions.
Help desk and training.
Defines the transition of data to information from knowledge to wisdom. (Data Information Knowledge Wisdom)
The input directly received by the user (or computer). It is generally not usable until it has been converted into a relevant form.
Having been inferred from data; one or more processes have been applied to the data to transform it into a more useful form.
A collection of data and information used to support the management of an organization. Also refers to the technical components and human resources that enable the assembly, storage, and processing of data and the delivery of information. This has existed for a lot longer than computers.
RELEVANCE – the data being used must apply directly to the decision being made TIMELY – data must be efficient and must be provided in a timely manner THOROUGH – the data must be complete ACCURATE – data should be captured only once, where possible and should be captured as close to the point of activity as possible. RELIABLE – data should reflect stable and consistent data collection processes across collections points and over time
Raw data is entered BY THE USER
COMPUTER PROGRAMS that tell the computer what to do–how to execute commands and process information
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Most commonly used protocol; is required of all computers that communicate over the Internet.
A collection of protocols. TCP/IP is an example.
CPU, Memory and Storage, Peripheral Devices
“Executes programs’ instructions and commands various components in the computer. Referred to as the “”chip””.”
All peripheral devices where long term storage devices are used.
Permits information to move between each component; electrical channels that enable communication among the electronic components
Critical component of all computer based systems; consists of most of the hardware the computer needs in order to run; comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Case, Internal Bays, Buses, Ports, Hard Drive, Motherboard, CPU, CPU Cooler, Memory Module (RAM), Power Supply Unit (PSU), Expansion Slots/Cards
Control Unit (CU) – retrieves the instructions and the raw data that is input and coordinates or controls the sending of those instructions and data to the ALU Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) – does the actual processing of the data; completing mathematical calculations and logical operations to process the data and converting the input of the keyboard text entry to output displayed on the screen
Dynamic RAM (DRAM) – typically called main memory Static RAM (SRAM) – cache memory and registers
“BIOS stands for: Basic Input Output System; ROM stands for Read Only Memory. Typically stored in ROM chip on the motherboard. Is software NOT hardware, (“”basic”” operating system that runs when the computer is first turned on). Runs tests of memory and the CPU and initializes hardware components so that the actual Operating System can be loaded from the hard disk. Can’t choose the amount or contents.”
Vacuum tubes, relay switches, the need to program in machine language
Single chip processor, called microcomputer, first personal computer, rudimentary computer graphics, home use
Doubling of transistor count roughly every 18 – 24 months (exponential increase)
Punch cards, magnetic tape, hard disks, floppy disks, optical discs, flash memory, cloud storage
Improve language translator; requires that the components of the software all be defined before compilation can begin; code is more efficient
Characterized by the creation of windowed operating systems, easier real-world object modeling in programming code, and the application of inheritance in program code.
A computer being accessed over the network
Requires that a full pathway, or circuit, be established before transmission can begin and maintained during the entire transmission; like calling someone on the phone
A message’s pathway is only established as it is sent; the choice of pathway is based on availability and amount of message traffic
Creates and maintains client network connections to remote servers
A software emulator program that permits a computer user to use multiple computers and multiple platforms without the expense of purchasing multiple computers; allows a user to run software for different OS platform in their computer that would not otherwise be able to run that software; this allows multiple users on a network to access the software to support collaboration.
Responds to queries by pulling from the database. Typically only to local clients.
Two email servers communicate with each other
Link between two resources; links two routers without any host or network in between
Protocol, Domain name, Resource/Filename
Requires that data is correct
Requires that information is available when needed
Public – available through public sources; includes names and addresses Sensitive – not considered a threat to a person’s privacy if others learn of it; include email addresses Private – information that could be a threat if disclosed to others; includes social security and credit card numbers Confidential – information that an organization will keep secret; includes patentable information and business plans
Emails to people to redirect them to a website to perform some operation but the website is a fake and just takes the information
Allows you to obtain anything being sent over a network if the data being transmitted isn’t encrypted
Self contained programs that do not need other programs to propagate across computers and computer networks
Idea of obfuscating the information that resides on a computer or sent over a network so that if it is intercepted the hacker will be unable to use the information
TermText TermText 2
Information Technology The technology used in creating, maintaining, and making information accessible.
IT Professional Roles Administration and Support
System Administrator Maintains all aspects of the system including hardware, software, and programming.
Network Administrator In charge of all aspects of the computer network
Database Administrator Focuses on the design, development, and support of database management systems (DBMSs).
Security Administrator Installs, configures, and administers firewall security to protect systems and proactively work to stop intrusions.
Web Administrator Installs, configures, maintains, secures, and troubleshoots web severs.
Support IT Professionals Help desk and training.
Information Processed data.
DIKW Hierarchy Defines the transition of data to information to knowledge to wisdom. (Data Information Knowledge Wisdom)
Data in DIKW The input directly received by the user (or computer). It is generally not usable until it has been converted into a relevant form.
Information in DIKW Having been inferred from data; one or more processes have been applied to the data to transform it into a more useful form.
Knowledge in DIKW Information that has been put to use; information placed into a context. Refined information such that the user of the knowledge is able to call forth only relevant portions of information when needed.
Wisdom in DIKW “Provides a social setting to knowledge; an understanding of the “”why””. Can only come by having both knowledge and experience.”
Information Systems A collection of data and information used to support the management of an organization. Also refers to the technical components and human resources that enable the assembly, storage, and processing of data and the delivery of information. This has existed for a lot longer than computers.
Characteristics of Quality Data Relevance – the data being used must apply directly to the decision being madeTimely – data must be efficient and must be provided in a timely manner Thorough – the data must be completeAccurate – data should be captured only once, where possible and should be captured as close to the point of activity as possible.Reliable – data should reflect stable and consistent data collection processes across collections points and over time
IPOS The Input-Procession-Output-Storage Cycle
Input Raw data is entered by the user.
Processing Raw data is organized or structured for usefulness.
Output Information is output so user can see results.
Storage Processed information is stored for permanent record.
Computer System A collection of components that work together to meet the needs of the user; typically categorized as either hardware, software, networks, or users.
Hardware Physical components of a computer system which include the system unit and its components and peripheral devices; tangible aspects of the computer.
Software Computer programs that tell the computer what to do–how to execute commands and process information
Network A collection of computers and resources connected by various media so that they can communicate with each other.
User Those who use a computer.
Software Categories Systems Software and Applications Software
Evolution of Users First users were the engineers who built and programmed computers, then employees who had received specialized training were users, and now today, anyone and everyone can be a user.
Protocol Rules provided by which networks communicate with each other.
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Most commonly used protocol; is required of all computers that communicate over the Internet.
Protocol Stack A collection of protocols. TCP/IP is an example.
Components of a Computer CPU, Memory and Storage, Peripheral Devices
CPU “Executes programs’ instructions and commands various components in the computer. Referred to as the “”chip””.”
Memory Stores the programs being executed and the data they are using.
I/O Subsystem All peripheral devices where long term storage devices are used.
Bus Permits information to move between each component; electrical channels that enable communication among the electronic components
System Unit Critical component of all computer based systems; consists of most of the hardware the computer needs in order to run; comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Internal Components of the System Unit Case, Internal Bays, Buses, Ports, Hard Drive, Motherboard, CPU, CPU Cooler, Memory Module (RAM), Power Supply Unit (PSU), Expansion Slots/Cards
Parts of the CPU Control Unit (CU) – retrieves the instructions and the raw data that is input and coordinates or controls the sending of those instructions and data to the ALUArithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) – does the actual processing of the data; completing mathematical calculations and logical operations to process the data and converting the input of the keyboard text entry to output displayed on the screen
System Clock Controls the speed at which instructions are processed.
RAM Stands for Random Access Memory. It temporarily stores data before it is processed and sent to your screen or printer. It is volatile (means data or information stored disappears when the computer is turned off or loses power). You can choose the amount of RAM your computer has.
Types of RAM Dynamic RAM (DRAM) – typically called main memoryStatic RAM (SRAM) – cache memory and registers
BIOS ROM “BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System; ROM stands for Read Only Memory. Typically stored in ROM chip on the motherboard.Is software not hardware, (“”basic”” operating system that runs when the computer is first turned on).Runs tests of memory and the CPU and initializes hardware components so that the actual Operating System can be loaded from the hard disk.Can’t choose the amount or contents.”
1st Generation of Computers Vacuum tubes, relay switches, the need to program in machine language
2nd Generation of Computers Transistor components, magnetic core memory, smaller size, easier to program, disk drives and drums, called mainframe computers
3rd Generation of Computers Silicon chips (known as ICs – integrated circuits), reduced cost, called mini computers, networks introduced via dumb terminals
4th Generation of Computers Single chip processor, called microcomputer, first personal computer, rudimentary computer graphics, home use
Moore’s Law Doubling of transistor count roughly every 18 – 24 months (exponential increase); observation, not physical law
Evolution of Storage Punch cards, magnetic tape, hard disks, floppy disks, optical discs, flash memory, cloud storage
Machine/Low-level Language Written for a specific machine by the engineers who built and ran the computers; no need for OS since only one program could run at a time
Assembly Language Easier than machine but still required detailed, precise low level instructions
Language Translator Programs Function is to translate one program language into another; take source code and convert it to another form; source code by itself cannot be read by a computer
Complier Improve language translator; requires that the components of the software all be defined before compilation can begin; code is more effcient
Structured Programming Programmer is limited to high level control constructs such as while loops, for loops, and if/else statements and not allowed to use primitive GOTO statements
Object Oriented Programming Initially introduced in Smalltalk in 1970’s and early 80’s
Interpreted Code Runs inside a special environment; is better for testing
Shell Scripting Small programs that place Linux commands or DOS batch files into a file
Local Computer The computer that the user is using; physically present with
Remote Computer A computer being accessed over the network
Network Hub Connects multiple computers together; broadcasts the transmission, sending the data to every device in the network
Network Switch More functional than a hub; records and recognizes the local network addresses (MAC or IP) or all computers connected to it
Router Connects multiple networks together; can be used to directly connect computers to a network; will relay messages to computers with appropriate IP addresses
Wireless Access Point Can be connected to hub, switch, or router; many routers now also act as a wireless access point; sends out a wireless signal so computers on the network can connect without a cable
Circuit Switched Network Requires that a full pathway, or circuit, be est. before transmission can begin and maintained during the entire transmission
Packet Switched Network A message’s pathway is only est. as it is sent; the choice of pathway is based on availability and amount of message traffic
Workstations Creates and maintains client network connections to remote servers
Virtual Machine (VM) A software emulator program that permits a computer user to use multiple computers and multiple platforms without the expense of purchasing multiple computers; allows a user to run software for different OS platform in their computer that would not otherwise be able to run that software; this allows multiple users on a network to access the software to support collaboration.
Server Computers that have greater hard disk storage, faster response time and are used to respond to request from other computers on the network
Client-server Network Contains one or more servers; client is a computer that will request information from another computer; server is a computer that takes requests and responds with the requested information; the software used facilitates communication with remote servers
File Server Sends files over the network at the request of clients.Responds over LAN, within one location/site.Support both application software and data files.
Web Server Stores data files (web pages) and programs (scripts).Responds from anywhere on the Internet.
Database Server Responds to queries by pulling from the database.Typically only to local clients.
Print Server Monitors print jobs
Mail Server Two email servers communicate with each other
FTP Server Like web server or file server in that requests are for files and responses are the files
Point-to-Point Network Link between two resources.Simplest for of a network.Limits how devices can communicate with each other
Bus Network Devices connected along a single cable.Size of network is restricted.
Star Network Each device is connected to a central devices such as a hub or switch.
Ring Network Each device is connected directly to its neighbors, and messages are forwarded from device to device until the proper destination is reached.
Mesh Network Every device is connected directly to every other device in the network.
Domain Name Server (DNS) Used to translate from an IP alias to an IP address
Parts of URL (Uniform Resource Locator) Protocol, Domain name, Resource/Filename
Domain Name Identifies the server on which the web page can be found
Domain Name Parts Top level domain (TLD) name and Host name
Host Name Identifies the organization that is responsible for the information on the page or provides the server space where the information is stored
TLD(Top Level Domain) Name Always ends with a period and a three or two letter extension which signifies the type of organization or country associated with the page
Resource/Filename ID Indicates the name of the file you are accessing, or the location of the document on the server
CIA Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
Confidentiality Requires that data bet kept secure so that they are not accidentally provided or obtained by unauthorized users
Integrity Requires that data is correct
Availability Requires that information is available when needed
Data Integrity Efforts 1st – Must include a component that ensures the accuracy of the collected data2nd – Must be entered into the system accurately3rd – Data modification must be tracked
Strategic Risk Analysis 1. Identify the organization’s information assets2. Identify vulnerabilities of each asset3. Determine threats4. Prioritizing risks5. Develop and enact policies that will reduce threats
Information Security Classifications Public – available through public sources; includes names and addressesSensitive – not considered a threat to a person’s privacy if others learn of it; include email addressesPrivate – information that could be a threat if disclosed to others; includes social security and credit card numbersConfidential – information that an organization will keep secret; includes patentable information and business plans
Defense in Depth Protecting every layer that surrounds data
Phishing Emails to people to redirect them to a website to perform some operation but the website is a fake and just takes the information
SQL Injection An attacker issues a SQL command to a web server as part of the URL or as input to a form on a company’s website; web server might pass the command onto the database which then allows potentially anything to be done to the database
Buffer Overflow Placing malicious code into the buffer so that it can be executed once stored in memory; oldest and most well known software exploit; software engineers can protect against this when writing code
Hacking When an individual obtains unauthorized access to a host
White Hat Hacker Informs companies of potential problems with software so companies can fix
Black Hat Hacker Individuals with malicious intent who violate security in order to commit crimes or acts of terrorism
Grey Hat Hacker Engage in both white and black hat types of hacking activities
Packet Sniffing Allows you to obtain anything being sent over a network if the data being transmitted isn’t encrypted
Virus Software that attaches itself to another legitimate software application
Worms Self contained programs that do not need other programs to propagate across computers and computer networks
Trojan Horse Type of virus that completely replaces an existing application and takes the name of the taken over file
Denial of Service (DOS) One or more attackers attempt to flood a server with so many incoming messages that the server is unable to handle legitimate business
Firewalls Can be either software or hardware; hardware is a dedicated server; software contains a list of the rules that describe the types of messages that should either be permitted to make it through, or those that should be blocked
Anti-viral Software Attempts to identify if a file contains a virus or some form of malware
Redundancy Ensures proper storage of data by providing a means so that data is available even when storage devices are damaged or offline
Encryption Idea of obfuscating the information that resides on a computer or sent over a network so that if it is intercepted the hacker will be unable to use the information
Symmetric Key Encryption Uses the same key for performing the encryption and decryption
Public Key Encryption Uses two keys, a public and private key for performing encryption and decryption
Security Education Users learn how to protect their passwords and other security measures
Authentication Proving you are who you say you are which can be done by: what you know, what you have (two factor authentication)
Role-based Access Control Ensures that the user gains access only to the resources that the user should be able to access
Computer Network Advantages 1. Cost savings benefits2. Increased efficiency and productivity3. Increased facilitation of communication
Application Software Consists of programs that end users run to accomplish tasks
System Software Consists of programs that make up the OS; software that directly supports the computer system itself
Server Software Works with hardware to provide a network service
Local Applications Software that is stored on an individual computer
Intranet A LAN that uses the Internet Protocol
Cloud Computing Offers, as a service, the ability to offload computation and storage from your local computer
Operating Systems Primary task is to allow a computer user to easily access the hardware and software of a computer system
Kernel Core components of the OS that is loaded when the computer is first booted.
Device Drivers Provide specific interfaces between the OS running a computer and hardware devices.
Shell An interface for the user, often personalized for that given user, that provides access to the kernel.
Services Os programs that are usually started when the OS is loaded and initialized, but they run in the background. Also called daemons.
Utility Programs Programs that allow the user to monitor and improve system performance.
Proxy Server Acts as a giant cache of web pages that anyone in the organization has recently retrieved
Proprietary Software Software purchased from a vendor; also known as commercial
Shareware Provides a trial version of the software.
Freeware Usually software that has become obsolete; is free
Public Domain Software that has been moved into the public domain; can be used however you feel
Open Source Created in the Open Source Community and made freely available as source code
Copyrights Protect an original work (in its tangible, expressed form), but not the ideas behind the work for the duration of the author’s life plus 70 years.
Patents Protect the creation of inventive concepts as well as the tangible work product for 20 years from the filing date
End User License Agreement (EULA) Gives the purchaser the right to use the software
Decimal Uses base 10 to represent numbers (0 – 9)
Binary Uses base 2 system (0 and 1)
Byte 8 bits; a single character of text in a computer
Octal Every value is represented with some combination of 8 digits (0 – 7)
Hexadecimal Uses a base 16
Character Representation ASCII and Unicode
Language Translators A program that takes one program, written in a high level language, and creates a machine language program as output
Compiled Language Translates the entire program, creating an executable program which can be run at a later time
Interpreted Language Takes the most recently entered instruction, translates it into machine language, and executes it
Script Sometimes uses to refer to a small program that have been traditionally used for automation
Algorithms A formula or procedure for solving a problem. Can also be described as a set of steps that are followed in order to complete a process
Multi-tier Development Separation of different aspect of a system
N-tier Development Often used to indicate that the number of tiers a system will be broken down into will vary between different software development projects
Presentation Tier Tier where the user interface for the system is developed; shields the user from the underlying logic of the systems as well as the underlying data structures
Logic Tier Tier that sits between the user interface and the data.
Data Tier Tier where data is stored, retrieved and updated from database tables
Model-View-Controller (MVC) Is a development technique used in the implementation of user interfaces
The Model Can take on different forms depending on the complexity of the application; in certain instances, it is an actual object that is an actual implementation of the application
The View The part of the application that represents the user interface; used to capture input from the user to be passed on via the controller to the model
The Controller The part of an application that interacts with the user and passes the user requests to the model
Data Validation Ensuring that users enter the correct data type
String Data Alphanumeric or text character
Floating-point Number with a decimal point
Boolean/Logical True/False
Flat File Database One large single table; used if the amount of data that is being recorded is fairly minimal
Relational Database Has multiple tables (relations) with interrelated fields; most common structure for databases
Hierarchical Database Organizes data using a tree like or organizational chart type structure
Database Management System (DBMS) Used to create, manipulate, and access the data in a database
Relation Often presented as a table
Tuples Rows of a relation
Attributes Columns of the relation
Field Contains the data of an attribute for a record within a relation
Query A search of data in the relation or relations that fit specific parameters
Projection A query that returns all of the records from the relation, but only select attributes or fields
Sort Sorting records based on some field(s) such as ascending order by last name
Join Withdraws information from multiple relations
Primary Key A field int he relations that contains a unique value
Business Intelligence A specific information system to help an organization reach its strategic goals
Data Warehouse A collection of organized databases
Database Information Processing (OLAP) Data is processed through a suite of analysis software tools
Slicing Creates a subset of the data by reducing the data from multiple dimensions to one dimension
Dicing Same as slicing except that the result can be in multiple dimensions
Drilling up and down Shifts the view of the data; down provides more detail, up provides summarized data
Rolling up Similar to drilling up but it collapses the data from multiple items into a single value
Pivot Rotates data to view the data from a different perspective
Online Data Processing (OLDP) Deals with data in real time
Event-driven Processing Uses business event to trigger messages to be sent by middleware between software modules that are completely independent of one another
Batch Processing Processing large amounts of data all in one batch when the computer system is not busy
ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) Interacts with a database via a database driver
Structured Query Language (SQL) A standard query language that is used to communicate in may DBMSs
Database Interacting Format SELECT fields FROM tables WHERE fields from tables match criteria
SELECT Used to inform the DBMS what fields or attributes are of interest
FROM Used to inform the DBMS what tables are to be interrogated by the query and if more than one table, how they are to be combined or joined
WHERE Used to inform the DBMS of the specific criteria the data should match to be returned as the output of the query
Project phases Initiation, planning, executing and controlling, and closing
Project Initiation Problem definition, resource allocation, risk assessment
Project Planning Organize activities, time estimation, cost estimation
Project Executing and Controlling Reports Variance reports, Status reports, Resource Allocation reports
Scope Creep Adding to the scope of the project; can impact the allocation of resources.
Unnecessary Requirements “Requirements that are not actually needed but are “”nice to have”””
System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) A process for planning, creating, testing, and deploying information systems, including hardware and software
Common Steps in SDLC Preliminary investigation, Analysis, Logical design, Physical design, Implementation, Maintenance
Preliminary investigation Assesses the feasibility of the proposed project and selects a development methodology
Analysis Determines the user requirements for the new system and develops logical models of the system
Logical design Logical models are revised to ensure that the new system will meet the user requirements identified in the first step
Physical design Logical models are converted into physical models
Implementation Begin converting the models from the previous steps into the actual system; this step also includes installing hardware, testing the system, and training the end users
Maintenance Modifications or corrections to the system are made
Alpha Testing System developers assist end users as they interact with new system; simulated data is used
Beta Testing Performed by the end user without any assistance from the system developers; live data in a real working environment is used.
User Acceptance Testing Employed to assess whether the system does what the user expects and to ensure that it functions in a way that is useful to the user
System Deployment 1. System Conversion2. Final Documentation3. End User Training
Direct Conversion Old system is turned off and the new system is turned on at a specific data and time
Parallel Conversion There is a period of time in which both systems are operating concurrently
Pilot Conversion Involves starting the conversation with a portion of end users
Phased Conversion Deploys a subset of the system first, rather than deploying the whole system at once
Business Continuity The activity performed by an organization to ensure that critical business functions will be available to customer, suppliers, regulators, and other entities that must have access to those functions.
Image backups Create a copy of everything that is on a hard drive
Full backup Everything on the hard drive is copied each and every time a backup is performed
Incremental backup An initial full backup is completed and then subsequent backups only capture the changes since the last backup
Data mirroring The OS writes data (and changes to data) to multiple hard drives at the same time.
Off-Site Storage A secure location for storing backup media
Hot Site Physical location where an organization can move its operations that includes everything for normal business operations; quickest return to business but very expensive.
Cold Site Physical location like a shell that can be used for operations should the need arise; not equipped with hardware, servers, etc.; cheaper to have
Site Sharing Having multiple data centers located in disparate regions; typically used by large organizations.
The Internet of Things (IoT) Refers to the myriad types of devices that can and will be connected to the Internet in the next few years.
Big Data Refers to data sets that are so large and complex that they will require more advanced database management/processing tools.
SaaS Software as a Service. Can access and use software through the Internet.
PaaS Platform as a Service. Intention is to be able to quickly and reliably develop and deliver applications.
LaaS Infrastructure as a Service. All resources an IT dept. needs are located outside of the organization and are accessible by anyone, anywhere.
Ethics A code of moral conduct or a set of principles that govern behavior.
Administrator Ethics Privacy, Ownership, Control, Accuracy, Security