ib com sci

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system.

Software

The programs and applications that run on computer hardware.

Peripheral Devices

External devices connected to a computer, such as a mouse.

Network

A series of interconnected nodes (points) in a system.

Human Resources (HR)

Department that deals with administration and management.

Clients

Hardware or software that accesses services provided by a server.

Fat Clients

Clients that perform most processing without relying on the server (e.g., Microsoft Word).

Thin Clients

Clients that rely on the server for most processing (e.g., Google Docs).

Hybrid Clients

Clients that blend fat and thin client characteristics (e.g., Spotify Premium, Call of Duty).

Server

A combination of hardware and software that processes and delivers data to clients.

Router

Device that forwards data packets between networks and manages connections.

Firewall

A system that prevents unauthorized access to/from a network.

Intranet

A private network within an organization.

Observation

A method of analysis that involves monitoring a system while it works.

Focus Groups

Group discussions to gather feedback on a system.

Interviews

Direct face-to-face conversations to obtain user feedback.

Prototype Development

The phase that ensures the system meets requirements and matches capabilities.

Iterative System

A system design approach that quickly identifies and fixes problems.

Unit Testing

Testing of individual components of the system.

Pair Programming

A technique that ensures compatibility of components through teamwork.

Usability

The ease of use and learnability of a system.

User Experience (UX)

The overall satisfaction and accessibility of the user while interacting with a system.

User Interface (UI)

The means by which a user interacts with a system.

Change Management

Approaches to help users transition to new systems.

Legacy System

An existing system that may incur higher costs and security risks.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Cloud-based software offered on a subscription basis.

Data Migration

The process of transferring old data to new systems.

Direct Installation

Switching an old system off and a new system on, with no backup.

Parallel Installation

Running both old and new systems simultaneously to ensure backup.

Phased Installation

Gradual implementation of a new system over time.

Pilot Installation

Testing a new system on a small scale before full deployment.

Documentation

Materials providing help, support, and instructions for a system.

Training

Methods used to teach users how to operate a system.

Backup Solutions

Methods to prevent and recover from data loss due to errors or disasters.

Software Deployment

The process of distributing and installing updates for applications.

Updates

Regular application and system updates necessary for maintaining functionality and security.