D075 Information Technology Management Essentials Unit 2

Flashcards covering the foundational components of IT infrastructure, hardware, software, networks, cybersecurity threats, and project management tools based on the Unit 2 lecture notes.

Information Technology (IT)

The study, design, development, implementation, support, and management of computer-based information systems, particularly software and hardware.

IT Infrastructure

The underlying foundation or basic framework that serves as the backbone a business is built on.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Known as the central processor, ‘brain’, and ‘director’ of the computer.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Short-term working memory that supports the CPU and is known as primary storage; data is erased when the computer is turned off.

Motherboard

The main circuit board where the CPU and the circuits sit.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Hardware that connects a computer to a network and provides a unique $48$-bit MAC address.

Application software

Software that an end user chooses to use to perform a specific task, such as MS Word and MS Excel.

System software

Software that supports the computer’s essential functions, including scheduling tasks and executing applications like MS Windows and macOS.

Utility software

Software that performs a particular function in the background, such as virus protection software and printer drivers.

Network nodes

Devices connected within a computer network, including laptops, smartphones, servers, routers, and smart TVs.

End users

People who use hardware, software, networks, and databases on a daily basis.

Best Practice

A management process or technique that is most effective at arriving at a desired outcome.

Moore's law

An observation made by Gordon Moore in $1965$ stating that computing power doubles every $18$ months.

Hypertext markup language (HTML)

The language used to display documents in a web browser.

Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP)

The foundation of data communications for the World Wide Web.

Routers

Network hardware used to forward information throughout a network.

Switches

Network hardware used to filter information to the correct part of a network.

Hubs

A common point of connection on a network that acts as a traffic cop for communication.

Mainframe computers

Massive, room-sized computers used by huge organizations to process and store enormous amounts of bulk data.

Midrange computers

Computers that are smaller than mainframes but perform similar functions on a smaller scale for small to medium-sized businesses.

Microcomputers

The least potent computers in terms of processing, typically found in four configurations: desktop, laptop, tablet, and handheld.

Process

Any task that a computer performs.

Multitasking

The ability of a computer to run more than one process at a time.

Relational databases

Databases consisting of hundreds of related tables.

Software suite

A collection of business computer application programs with associated functionality that share a familiar graphical user interface (GUI).

Object linking

A dynamic method of sharing data between applications where the data stays connected to the source file.

Cybersecurity

The convergence of technologies, practices, and processes designed to protect networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access.

TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol; the most common network protocol used for communication and data transfer.

Network Operating System (NOS)

Software responsible for controlling network traffic, administering packets, managing files, and maintaining security.

Local area network (LAN)

A computer network that is relatively small, typically covering a single building, house, or department.

Campus area network (CAN)

A network that connects two or more LANs, such as across a university campus.

Metropolitan area network (MAN)

A network that connects two or more LANs or CANs within the boundary of a town or city.

Wide area network (WAN)

A network encompassing a wide geographical area that often relies on telephone company transmission facilities.

Peer-to-peer (P2P)

Computer networks that connect directly to one another without using a server.

Network Topology

The mapping of a physical network and the logical interconnections between nodes (Bus, Star, Ring, and Mesh).

Firewall

A combination of specialized hardware and software ensuring only authorized personnel can access an organization's intranet.

Computer Virus

Infectious computer files that reproduce by making copies of themselves within a host, requiring a host program to function.

Worms

Programs that use networks to travel by sending copies of themselves to other parts of the network without requiring a host program or user intervention.

Ransomware

Malware that encrypts a user's files or locks their computer and demands payment for the decryption key.

Rootkits

Software tools that provide stealthy and persistent access to a compromised system by hiding their presence from security software.

Botnets

A collection of compromised computers known as "bots" or "zombies" remotely controlled by an attacker.

Trojan Horses

Programs that mislead users of their true intent and may release harmful viruses or worms when executed.

Spyware

Programs installed covertly to capture or take control of a system, often monitoring keystrokes and behavior.

Adware

Programs that automatically display or download advertising to a computer to generate revenue for the developer.

Denial-of-Service (DoS)

A program intended to make a computer or its resources unavailable to intended users.

Keylogging

A program that records every keystroke made at a workstation's keyboard to steal sensitive login information.

Knowledge management systems (KMS)

Collaborative systems that organize, create, and distribute an organization's collective knowledge to users and customers.

Gantt chart

A real-time graphical display used in project management to illustrate a project's schedule.