BUS 221 Final Exam

Data

Raw facts without context.

Information

Processed data that has meaning and value.

Knowledge

Insights gained from information and experience.

Information System

A system that collects, processes, stores, and distributes information.

Components of IS

Hardware, software, data, procedures, and people.

Quality Information

Data that is accurate, timely, relevant, and consistent.

TPS

Information system that handles routine, daily business transactions.

DSS

Supports complex decision-making using models and analysis.

Executive Information System

System for high-level strategic decisions.

What-if Analysis

Evaluates outcomes when variables change.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Temporary, fast memory used by the CPU. This is temporary storage as opposed to a hard-drive (long-term storage)

Secondary Storage

Permanent storage such as HDDs or SSDs.

CPU

Central Processing Unit that performs instructions.

ALU

Performs arithmetic and logical operations.

Control Unit

Manages and coordinates CPU operations.

Input Device

Hardware used to enter data (keyboard, mouse).

Output Device

Hardware that displays or produces results (monitor, printer).

System Software

Software that manages hardware (operating systems).

Application Software

Programs used for specific tasks.

Database

Organized collection of related data.

DBMS

Software that manages databases.

Table

Collection of related records.

Record

Collection of related fields.

Field

Single piece of data in a record.

Primary Key

Unique identifier for a record.

Structured Data

Data stored in a fixed format (tables).

Unstructured Data

Data without predefined format (emails, videos).

Semi-structured Data

Data with tags/metadata (XML, JSON).

Data Warehouse

Large collection of historical data for analysis.

Privacy

Protection of personal information.

HIPAA

Protects the confidentiality of medical and health information.

COPPA

Protects children's (under the age of 13) online data.

FACTA

Protects consumer credit information from the risks of identity theft.

Social Engineering

Taking advantage of the human element of a security system to trick others into revealing private information.

Phishing

Fraudulent emails that seem to come from legitimate sources used to steal information.

Malware

Malicious software such as viruses or worms.

Virus

Program that attaches to a host file and replicates.

Worm

Self-replicating malware that spreads without user action.

Trojan Horse

Malware disguised as legitimate software.

Authentication

Verifying user identity.

Authorization

Determining access rights.

Encryption

Scrambles data to protect confidentiality.

Firewall

Blocks unauthorized network traffic.

Bandwidth

Maximum data transmission rate.

Latency

Delay in data transmission.

Attenuation

Signal weakening over distance.

LAN

Local Area Network within a small area.

WAN

Wide Area Network across large geographic areas.

Domain Name System (DNS)

Translates domain names to IP addresses.

URL

Address of a web resource.

Intranet

Private network for internal users.

Extranet

Private network extended to partners.

Static Website

A static website is a site where the content does not change unless someone manually updates the files. Each page is prebuilt and served exactly the same way to every visitor — no database or dynamic content generation.

Data-driven Website

A site that pulls its content from a database rather than using fixed, pre-written pages. This means the page can change automatically based on user input, searches, accounts, or updated data—allowing personalized, dynamic, or frequently updated content.

Cloud Computing

On-demand computing resources over the internet.

SaaS

Software delivered online via subscription.

Feasibility Study

Determines viability of a proposed system.

Parallel Conversion

Running old and new systems simultaneously.

Pilot Conversion

New system tested with a small group first.

Phased Conversion

Gradual implementation of new system.

Plunge/Direct Conversion

Immediate switch to the new system.

SCM

Managing flow of goods, information, and finances.

CRM

Managing customer interactions and relationships.

ERP

Integrates all major business processes into one system.

Knowledge Management

Capturing and sharing organizational knowledge.

Structured Decisions

Routine decisions with clear procedures.

Unstructured Decisions

Decisions requiring judgment; no set rules.

Sensitivity Analysis

Examining how changes in one factor affect outcomes.

Machine Learning

Systems that learn patterns from data.

Expert System

Mimics human expert decision-making.

Intelligent Agents

Programs that perform tasks autonomously.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Systems that interpret human language.

Robotics

Machines performing physical tasks automatically.

Fuzzy Logic

Reasoning using approximate values.

Virtual Reality

Fully immersive simulated environment.

Augmented Reality

Digital overlays added to the real world.

Blockchain

Distributed, tamper-resistant digital ledger.

Cryptocurrency

Digital currency using blockchain technology.

VPN

This provides a secure "tunnel" through the internet for transmitting messages and data and allows remote users to have a secure connection to an organization's network.

Roaming

Using a cellular phone outside a carrier's limited service area.

Search Engine

An information system that enables users to retrieve data from the Web by using search terms.

Application Service Provider (ASP)

Provides access to various types of software or services for a fee.

Misinformation

Fake information that is distributed to an audience, regardless of intent to mislead

Disinformation

A story or hoax created to intentionally misinform or deceive readers.

Deepfake

Fake videos or audio recordings that look and sound just like real events.

Fake News

Fake information that is knowingly distributed.

Keystroke Loggers

Software or hardware devices that monitor and record keystrokes.

Spoofing

An attempt to gain access to a network by posing as an authorized user in order to find sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card information.

4 major components of an information system

1. Data

2. Database

3. Process

4. Information

Elements of useful information

1. Timely

2. Integrated with other data

3. Consistent & Accurate

4. Relevant

5 components of a Database Management System (DBMS)

1. Database Engine

2. Data Definition

3. Data Manipulation

4. Application Generation

5. Data Administration

5 Phases of building a successful information system

1. Planning

2. Requirements gathering & analysis

3. Design

4. Implementation

5. Maintenance

5 elements of a feasibility study

1. Economic

2. Technical

3. Operational

4. Scheduling

5. Legal

Volatile Memory

Volatile memory is computer memory that loses its data when power is turned off. The most common example is RAM (Random Access Memory), which temporarily stores data that the CPU is actively using.

Non-volatile Memory

Non-volatile memory is computer storage that retains its data even when the power is turned off. Examples include hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, and ROM.

Broadband

A high-speed internet connection that can transmit large amounts of data quickly using multiple channels. It's much faster than traditional dial-up and supports activities like streaming, video calls, and large downloads.

Narrowband

Narrowband is a low-speed data transmission method that provides limited bandwidth and can only send small amounts of data at a time. It's slower than broadband and is typically used for simple, low-data applications like basic texting or older dial-up connections.

Prototyping

A working model or sample version of a system is built quickly, allowing users to see features, give feedback, and suggest changes before the final system is completed. It helps refine requirements early and reduces misunderstandings between users and developers.

Non-Fungible Token (NFT)

One-of-a-kind crypto asset in which each token is unique and backed by a blockchain.