Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS) - Key Concepts (Flashcards)

A comprehensive set of Question-and-Answer flashcards covering key IT/IS concepts from the notes.

What is Information Technology (IT)?

Combines hardware, software, data, processes, and people to manage, communicate, and share information; supports business and society.

What is Information System (IS)?

A system with five components—hardware, software, data, processes, and people—that transforms data into useful information.

What is Hardware?

Physical devices of an information system, including computers, servers, and peripherals.

What is Software?

Programs that control hardware and produce desired outputs from data.

What is System Software?

Software that manages and controls computer hardware, allowing other software to run (e.g., operating systems).

What is Application Software?

Programs designed to perform specific tasks for users (e.g., word processors, spreadsheets).

What is Data?

Raw facts processed by an information system into useful information.

What is a Business Process?

A set of tasks or activities performed to achieve a specific organizational goal.

What are Processes in IS?

Tasks and business functions performed by people to achieve results, guided by rules and procedures.

What are Stakeholders?

Individuals or groups with an interest or concern in a system or project.

What is E-Commerce?

Internet-based commerce; includes B2C, B2B, and C2C transactions.

What is B2C?

Business-to-consumer online transactions (e.g., Amazon selling to customers).

What is B2B?

Business-to-business transactions (e.g., suppliers providing goods to manufacturers).

What is C2C?

Consumer-to-consumer online transactions (e.g., eBay, Etsy).

What is a Systems Analyst?

IT professional who investigates, analyzes, designs, develops, installs, evaluates, and maintains information systems.

What are the Key Skills of a Systems Analyst?

Technical knowledge, communication, business understanding, critical thinking, problem-solving.

What is Modeling?

Graphical representation of business processes or systems to analyze, test, and improve operations (e.g., DFD, UML, MBSE).

What is MBSE?

Model-Based Systems Engineering; method using models to design and analyze systems.

What are CASE Tools?

Computer-Aided Software/Systems Engineering tools for development, documentation, and management of IS.

What is an IDE?

Integrated Development Environment; software providing coding, debugging, and testing tools for developers.

What is ALM?

Application Lifecycle Management; tools and processes to manage software development from planning to deployment.

What are Enterprise Computing Systems?

Large-scale, integrated systems supporting company-wide operations.

What are Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)?

Support operational employees by processing daily transactions efficiently.

What are Business Support Systems?

Systems that help managers make decisions using analyzed data.

What are Knowledge Management Systems?

Store, retrieve, and manage knowledge to support decision-making and learning.

What are User Productivity Systems?

Software tools that increase individual productivity (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).

What are Digital Assistants?

AI-powered systems (e.g., ChatGPT, Siri) assisting users with tasks and information.

What is Systems Integration?

Combining multiple systems to operate seamlessly as one.

What is SDLC?

Systems Development Life Cycle; phases: Planning → Analysis → Design → Implementation → Operations & Maintenance.

What is Structured Analysis?

Traditional SDLC method using step-by-step planning, analyzing, designing, implementing, and supporting systems.

What is Object-Oriented Analysis (O-O)?

Models data and processes as objects representing real-world entities.

What are Agile Methods?

Incremental, iterative development with prototyping and constant user feedback.

What is the Waterfall Model?

Sequential SDLC method; one phase must finish before the next begins.

What is the Spiral Model?

Iterative SDLC model focused on risk analysis and repeated refinement.

What are IT Department Functions?

Application development, systems support/security, user support, database admin, network admin, web support, quality assurance.

What is Application Development?

Creating software applications to meet business needs.

What is Systems Support & Security?

Maintaining system functionality and protecting data from threats.

What is User Support / Help Desk?

Assists users with technical issues and system usage.

What is Database Administration?

Manages databases, ensures data integrity, performance, and security.

What is Network Administration?

Maintains and secures the organization’s networks and communication systems.

What is Web Support?

Maintains websites, web applications, and online services.

What is Quality Assurance (QA)?

Ensures systems and software meet quality standards before deployment.

What is a Prototype?

Early working version of a system used to gather user feedback.

What is a Business Profile?

Captures operations, customers, products, and supply chain; guides system design (e.g., Home Depot).

What is a Ridesharing Disruption Example?

Uber and Lyft bypass traditional taxi operations using app-based models.

What is a Legacy System?

Older information system still in use that may be outdated but operational.

What is Cloud Computing?

Accessing software and data over the internet rather than local devices.

What is BYOD?

Bring Your Own Device; policy allowing employees to use personal devices for work.

What is Big Data?

Extremely large datasets analyzed to uncover patterns, trends, and insights.

What are AI & Machine Learning?

Technologies enabling systems to learn from data and make decisions or predictions.

What is Moore’s Law?

Observation that computing power roughly doubles every two years.

What is ERP?

Enterprise Resource Planning; integrated systems managing core business processes.

What is RFID?

Radio Frequency Identification; uses electromagnetic fields to track items automatically.

What are BPM & BPMN?

Business Process Modeling & Notation; tools for visualizing business processes.

What is a Stakeholder?

Individual or group with an interest or concern in a system or project.