Module 1: Introduction to Computer Information Systems Review

Flashcards covering key concepts from Module 1: Introduction to Computer Information Systems, including definitions and differentiations of Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Information Systems, Data, Information, and Knowledge, as well as types of data within information systems.

What are the main disciplines differentiated in Module 1?

Computer Science, Information Technology, and Computer Information Systems.

What three core concepts related to information are differentiated in Module 1?

Data, information, and knowledge.

What is the primary focus of Computer Science?

The study of computation, algorithms, data structures, and the theoretical foundations of information and computation.

What are the four core components of Computer Science degrees?

Algorithms, Data Structures, Programming Languages, and Computational Theory.

In Computer Science, what is an algorithm?

A well-defined, step-by-step procedure or set of rules designed to solve a specific problem or perform a computation.

What are data structures in Computer Science?

Methods of organizing, storing, and managing data in a computer so that it can be accessed and manipulated efficiently.

What are programming languages used for in Computer Science?

Formal languages used to communicate instructions to a computer, expressing algorithms and creating software.

What branch of Computer Science explores the fundamental capabilities and limitations of computation?

Computational Theory.

What is Information Technology (IT)?

A field encompassing the use of computers, storage, networking, physical devices, infrastructure, and processes to create, process, store, secure, and exchange electronic data.

What are the four fundamental components that are the focus of Information Technology degrees?

Hardware, Software, Data, and Networks.

In IT, what does hardware refer to?

The physical components of computer systems, such as servers, workstations, routers, and storage devices.

In IT, what does software encompass?

The programs and instructions that run on hardware, enabling specific tasks, including operating systems and application software.

How is data defined in IT?

Collected observations or measurements represented as text, numbers, or multimedia; the raw material processed into meaningful information.

What does networking refer to within IT?

The design, implementation, and maintenance of communication networks that enable devices to connect and exchange data.

What is the role of technical support within IT?

Providing assistance to users encountering problems with hardware, software, or network connectivity, including help desk support and troubleshooting.

What are Computer Information Systems (CIS)?

Integrated sets of components for collecting, storing, processing, and communicating information that support decision-making, coordination, control, analysis, and visualization in an organization.

How does the emphasis of Computer Information Systems (CIS) differ from Information Technology (IT)?

IT focuses on the tools, while CIS emphasizes how those tools are used to achieve organizational goals.

What are the six key components that integrate to form a functional Information System (CIS)?

Hardware, software, data, networks, people, and processes.

In CIS, who are the 'people' components?

The users, developers, administrators, and managers who interact with and manage information systems.

Within CIS, what are 'processes'?

Established procedures and workflows that define how data is collected, processed, and used within an organization.

Why is cybersecurity a fundamental concern for Computer Information Systems?

It involves protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft, often targeting user behaviors.

What is 'data' at its most basic level of abstraction?

Raw values, unprocessed facts, figures, or symbols that describe characteristics of an event or object, lacking context in raw form.

What are some characteristics of data?

Unorganized and unstructured, can be quantitative or qualitative, and represents isolated facts or observations.

Within computer data, what is a 'value'?

A literal or absolute piece of data, such as numbers, words, or messages.

Within computer data, what is a 'variable'?

A place within the computer to store data values that can change over time and circumstances.

How is 'format' defined in the context of data within a computer?

The way a value is displayed and visible, which changes what we 'see' but does not alter the underlying words or ideas.

How is 'information' defined in relation to data?

Data that has been processed, organized, structured, and converted into a meaningful and useful context, answering 'who,' 'what,' 'when,' and 'where.'

What are some characteristics of information?

Organized and structured, contextualized and relevant, providing meaning and understanding.

What is 'knowledge'?

The understanding, awareness, and practical skills gained through experience, education, or study, applying information to solve problems, make predictions, and create new insights.

What are some characteristics of knowledge?

Integrated and synthesized, based on experience and understanding, actionable and applicable, representing patterns, relationships, and principles.

Describe the relationship between data, information, and knowledge.

Data is the input for information, and information is the input for knowledge, involving increasing levels of processing and understanding.

What is Configuration Data?

Data that establishes local settings for how an information system should appear or function, like background images or icon locations.

What is Master Data?

Data used frequently by an information system but rarely changes, such as customer addresses or phone numbers.

What is Metadata?

Data about data, providing details about the data, such as the date, time, location, and type of camera used for a photograph.

What is Transaction Data?

Data that updates values (typically in a database), where an old value is replaced by a new value, such as bank account payments or temperature readings.