System Technologies, Networking, Social Implications, and Information Management

Flashcards covering key Concepts and Q&As from System Technologies, Networking, Internet Services, Social Implications, and Information Management.

What are four areas where computers can save a company money?

Saving on labour costs by reducing the number of employees, saving on paper costs via electronic documents, saving on communication costs using VoIP (e.g. Skype), and providing reliable 24/7 operation leading to improved production.

What financial benefits does an insurance company gain from using computers?

Analysing large datasets for insights, increasing productivity via electronic communication, accessing accurate up-to-date information, lowering payroll costs through fewer employees, saving costs on printing & communication, and achieving better accuracy with fewer human errors.

What are examples of tasks computers can perform that humans cannot?

Monitoring nuclear reactors and controlling spacecraft landings on Mars.

What are three examples where computers ensure accuracy?

Factory assembly lines, determining student results, and laser surgery (e.g. cataract operations).

What resources are saved through the use of computers?

Paper (through paperless offices), electricity (via automated sensors for lights & AC), and reduced carbon emissions through monitoring systems.

How do computers eliminate time and distance for businesses?

Distance only matters for physical goods; businesses can operate globally across time zones anytime.

What are examples of ICT enabling collaboration?

Video conferencing (seeing others globally) and sharing files to work simultaneously on documents.

What social networking tools are listed in the lecture notes (excluding wikis)?

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Blogs.

What basic hardware components determine computer power?

CPU, RAM, GPU, and SSD/HDD.

What does it mean if a computer uses a Linux platform?

The computer runs a Linux operating system.

What is the difference between a server and ordinary PCs?

A server is powerful and provides services to users, whereas PCs are used for user-level tasks (e.g. typing).

What is the definition and what are examples of power users?

Power users require high-end hardware/software and use advanced functions. Examples include gamers, engineers, architects, video editors, and scientists.

How is hardware convergence defined, and what is an example?

Combining functions of multiple devices into one single device. Example: smartphones or tablets combining phone, camera, GPS, etc.

What is the definition of integration of input modes?

Combining two or more input methods or devices into a single system or device to improve efficiency, flexibility, and productivity.

What is Metadata?

Additional information of a file.

What is the difference between Read-only and hidden files?

Read-Only files can be viewed but not edited or modified. Hidden files are not visible to users, usually for system or security purposes.

What is a 3D printer?

A device that creates three-dimensional objects from a digital model by adding material layer by layer until the object is complete.

What is Utility software?

System software that maintains, manages, and optimizes a computer. Examples include disk cleanup, antivirus, defragmenter, and backup.

What is disk defragmentation?

Rearranging scattered files on a disk for faster access.

What is the difference between a software Patch and a Service Pack?

A Patch is a small update/fix for specific bugs or issues. A Service Pack is a collection of patches/updates over a period, often improving performance or adding minor features.

What is a software Bug?

An error or flaw in software causing it to behave unexpectedly or incorrectly.

What is the definition of a scheduler in system software?

A system utility that manages and schedules tasks or programs to run automatically at specified times.

What is printer spooling?

The process of storing print jobs temporarily on a computer or print server before sending them to the printer.

What benefits does a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) provide?

Temporary power, prevention of data loss, surge protection, and safe shutdown.

What is file synchronization?

The process of keeping files in two or more locations identical and up-to-date.

What is the Digital Divide?

The gap between people with and without ICT access.

What is Telecommuting?

Working remotely using ICT and internet connections.

What is the role of an ISP (Internet Service Provider)?

An ISP provides internet access and services to users for a fee using a fast, permanent internet connection.

What is the difference between bandwidth and a data cap?

Bandwidth is the amount of data transmitted per second (determining connection speed), whereas a data cap is the monthly limit of data usage.

What is internet throttling?

The slowing down of internet speed by an ISP when excessive data is used.

What is the difference between shaped and uncapped internet connections?

Uncapped means there is no data limit for uploads/downloads. Shaped means certain services (e.g. browsing, email) get preference over others (e.g. gaming).

What is the difference between ADSL and SDSL?

ADSL has a higher download speed than upload speed ($\text{Download} > \text{Upload}$), making it ideal for home users who mostly browse and stream. SDSL has equal download and upload speeds ($\text{Download} = \text{Upload}$), suitable for businesses uploading large amounts of data.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

A network where devices connect to the internet for remote monitoring and control.

What is FTP (File Transfer Protocol)?

A protocol used to transfer files between remote computers.

What does 'https' signify in a URL?

Secure, encrypted website communication.

What is social engineering in computer security?

Using deception to manipulate someone into giving out confidential information.

What is Pharming?

An attack where a computer is hacked so that typing a correct URL redirects the user to a fake website.

What is a Botnet?

A network of compromised (infected) computers working together under remote control to perform attacks.

What is Ransomware?

Malware that locks or encrypts files and demands payment to unlock them.

What is the difference between a Bot and a Botnet?

A Bot is an individual infected computer controlled remotely. A Botnet is a network of these infected computers working together for attacks.

What is a DDoS attack?

A Distributed Denial of Service attack uses many computers to overwhelm a server and make it unavailable.

What is the GIGO principle?

Garbage In, Garbage Out — a principle describing that entering invalid data results in invalid output.

What is BYOD and what are its challenges in schools?

Bring Your Own Device (employees/students bringing their own devices to a network). Challenges include network overload, security risks (malware/hacking), inequality between students, and device management challenges.

What is Augmented Reality (AR)?

A technology that adds digital elements such as images, sounds, or information to the real world through a device like a smartphone, tablet, or AR glasses.

What is a MOOC?

A Massive Open Online Course — a free course offered over the web aimed at large-scale participation.

What is SaaS (Software as a Service)?

Software that you use online instead of installing it on your own computer (e.g. Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoom, Dropbox).

What is User-Centred Design?

Designing systems or products around the user's needs and experiences, not just technical requirements.

What is Plagiarism?

Using someone else's work or ideas without acknowledgment, or copying text/images without citing.

What is the difference between a citation and a footnote?

A citation is a brief in-text reference (author, year), while a footnote provides additional details or explanations at the bottom of the page.

When does data become information?

When data is processed into a meaningful and useful form.