Compsci Topic 1

Bazinga

What are the 5 stages of the system life cycle?

Analysis, Design, Implementation, Operation, Maintenance

Why might a new system be created?

To replace outdated/inefficient systems, increase productivity, reduce costs, or minimize errors

What are the 4 components of a computer system?

Hardware, software, people, and environment

What is a feasibility study?

An evaluation of a project’s potential based on technical, economic, legal, operational, and scheduling criteria

What is change management?

The process of helping individuals/organizations transition to a new system, maximizing benefits and reducing resistance

Name three organizational issues that must be considered during system planning.

Lack of training, lack of stakeholder participation, poor system usability, weak business strategies, cultural resistance

Why is stakeholder participation important?

Ensures needs are met, builds buy-in, and reduces resistance to change

Why is end-user ownership important?

Encourages responsibility, engagement, and successful system adoption

What is a legacy system?

An old but still-used system that is difficult to replace due to compatibility or data issues

Why does NASA still use legacy systems?

They continue to serve essential needs despite newer technologies

What is a business merger?

The combining of two or more companies into one entity

What are the 4 integration strategies in mergers?

Keep both systems, replace both, combine the best parts, or choose one and drop the other

What is SaaS?

Cloud-based software delivered via subscription, accessible with internet + browser

Give 3 examples of SaaS.

Google Workspace, Dropbox, Salesforce

Give 2 advantages of SaaS.

Low cost, automatic updates, fewer IT staff needed

Give 2 disadvantages of SaaS.

Reliance on internet, security/confidentiality risks, long-term costs

What is changeover?

The process of retiring the old system and moving to the new one

What are the 4 types of changeover?

Parallel, Direct (Big Bang), Pilot, Phased

Which changeover method is safest but most expensive?

Parallel

Which changeover method is fastest but riskiest and least expensive?

Direct (Big Bang)

Which changeover method introduces the system at one site first?

Pilot

Which changeover method installs the new system module by module?

Phased

What is data migration?

The transfer of data between systems (formats, storage types, databases)

Name 3 problems with data migration.

Data loss, incompatibility, misinterpretation

What are 4 steps of a data migration process?

Data extraction, cleansing, transformation, loading/testing

What is functional testing?

Checks if features (commands, menus, inputs) work as intended

What are the 4 types of data in validation testing?

Normal, Boundary, Extreme, Abnormal

What is alpha testing?

Internal testing by developers before public release

What is beta testing?

External user testing for feedback before release

What is dry-run testing?

Programmer mentally checks algorithm/code with pen and paper

What is unit testing?

Testing individual modules of a system

What is integration testing?

Testing the full system to ensure modules work together

What is user acceptance testing (UAT)?

Final testing by end-users before ownership is transferred

What is debugging?

Finding and fixing errors (bugs) in a program

Define validation.

Ensures the system meets user needs

Define verification.

Ensures the system meets specifications

What is internal documentation?

Code comments, headers, naming conventions within the source code

What is external documentation?

Manuals, FAQs, guides, design docs outside the code

Name 3 methods of providing user documentation.

Manuals, FAQs, Embedded Assistance, Email Support, Live Chat, Remote Desktop

Why is user training important?

Users can’t fully utilize a system without proper training

What are 3 types of user training?

Self-instruction, Formal Classes, Online/Remote Training

What is data loss?

Loss of data due to system failure, negligence, or cyberattacks

Name 3 methods to prevent data loss.

Regular backups, antivirus/firewalls, offsite/cloud storage, redundancy, failover systems

What is redundancy in computing?

Duplication of data/storage for protection against loss

What is a failover system?

Backup system that takes over automatically if the main one fails

What is a release?

Final working version of software after testing

What is an update?

Minor improvements/bug fixes (usually free)

What is a patch?

Fixes known bugs/vulnerabilities (may cause new issues)

What is an upgrade?

Major new features + fixes and hardware changes (usually requires purchase)