WGU C182 Final Exam Study Guide 2023-2024

WGU C182 Final Exam Study Guide 2023-2024 kandace_johnson79 Created 19/10/24 Save Share

• Overview of Operating Systems and Information Technology

Definition and Role of Operating Systems Information Technology (IT) Defined An operating system (OS) is software that manages computer hardware and software resources, providing services for computer programs.• The OS acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, allowing users to control software actions and access hardware functionalities.• Examples of popular operating systems include Windows, macOS, and Linux, each with unique features and user interfaces.• The OS is responsible for managing system resources such as CPU, memory, and storage, ensuring efficient operation of applications.• Key functions of an OS include process management, memory management, file system management, and device management.• Information Technology refers to the use of technology to create, maintain, and make information accessible.• IT encompasses a wide range of technologies, including hardware, software, networks, and databases.• The role of IT in organizations includes supporting business operations, enhancing communication, and enabling data management.• IT is crucial for globalization, allowing companies to reach a wider customer base through digital platforms.• Case Study: Companies like Amazon and Alibaba leverage IT to expand their market reach globally.• Give it a go

• Computer Architecture and Components

Central Processing Unit (CPU) Types of Software and Their Functions

• Networking and Communication

Network Types and Architectures The CPU is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside a computer.• It consists of two main components: the Control Unit (CU) and the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).• The CU directs the operation of the processor and its interaction with other components, while the ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations.• The performance of a CPU is influenced by its clock speed, number of cores, and cache size.•

Example: Modern CPUs can have multiple cores, allowing them to perform multiple

tasks simultaneously.• Software can be categorized into system software (e.g., operating systems) and application software (e.g., productivity tools).• Productivity software includes applications like word processors and spreadsheet programs, which enhance user productivity.• Cloud-based software, such as Software as a Service (SaaS), allows users to access applications over the internet without local installation.• Proprietary software requires a purchase for use, while open-source software is freely available for modification and distribution.• Shareware allows temporary use of software before requiring payment for continued use.• Networks can be categorized into client-server and peer-to-peer models, each with distinct characteristics.• In a client-server model, one computer (the server) provides resources or services to other computers (clients).• Peer-to-peer networks allow each computer to act as both a client and a server, sharing resources directly with one another.•

Data Transmission and Security

• Databases and Information Systems

Database Fundamentals Information Systems and Their Components Mesh network topology connects each device directly to every other device, enhancing redundancy and reliability.•

Example: A home network often uses a client-server model for file sharing and

internet access.• Data transmission over long distances typically uses radio signals or fiber optics, depending on the application.• Security measures, such as updating security software, are essential to protect data integrity and confidentiality.• The phenomenon of Moore's Law predicts that the number of transistors on a chip will double approximately every two years, impacting computing power.• Data mirroring is a disaster recovery strategy that saves information to multiple hard drives simultaneously, ensuring data availability.• Security Breach Notification laws govern how companies must respond to data breaches, ensuring transparency and accountability.• Databases are structured collections of data that support data management and retrieval.• The three main categories of databases are flat file, relational, and hierarchical databases, each with unique structures and use cases.• A primary key is a unique identifier for records in a relational database, ensuring data integrity.• SQL (Structured Query Language) is used to interact with databases, with commands like SELECT, INSERT, and FROM to manage data.• Example: A relational database for a library might use a primary key to uniquely identify each book.• An information system is a collection of components that work together to manage and process information.• Key components of an information system include databases, networks, hardware, software, and procedures.•

Programming Languages and Concepts High-Level Languages Control Flow Statements Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) Computer Generations and Architecture The role of a database administrator includes implementing security protocols to protect data from unauthorized access.• User acceptance testing involves having end users test the system in an operational setting to ensure it meets their needs.•

Case Study: Companies often implement information systems to streamline

operations and improve decision-making processes.• High-level languages are designed to be easy for humans to read and write, abstracting away the complexities of machine code.• Examples include Python, Java, and C++, which allow developers to write code using natural language elements and mathematical notation.• They are generally compiled or interpreted, with interpreted languages running inside an environment called an interpreter.• The GOTO statement allows for jumping to different parts of a program, but can lead to 'spaghetti code', which is difficult to read and maintain.• Structured programming emerged as a solution, replacing GOTO with constructs like loops (while, for) and conditional statements (if-else).• This approach enhances code clarity and maintainability, promoting better programming practices.• OOP is a programming paradigm based on the concept of 'objects', which can contain data and methods.• Objects are standalone entities that manage their own state and behavior, facilitating modular programming.• Key principles of OOP include encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, which help in code reusability and organization.•