Information Technology Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts in Information Technology, including definitions and explanations related to systems, software, networking, data management, and ethical considerations.

Information Technology (IT)

The technology used to create, maintain, and make information accessible using systems for information storage, retrieval, and exchange.

Focuses on the technology supporting information systems

IT is responsible for

the storage, processing, and distribution of information.

IT provides support to users by

first analyzing the needs and issues, then identifying and implementing solutions so users can stay productive with minimal technical interruption.

Networks support

communication between the elements of an IT system put in place to enable the exchange of data between organizational servers and to give employees access to resources

The internet contains

Resources available for the public, including commercial sites (e-commerce), blogs, social media, and news

The intranet contains

Resources only available for users or systems of a specific organization

An extranet makes resources available

within an organization, but it also makes that information available to other specific organizations or users, such as contracted, third-party consultants

Computer engineering (CE)

focuses on the design of hardware systems and the software that makes them work. Hardware and architecture.

Drivers for peripheral devices like keyboard and the development of solutions that use computers embedded in other devices like alarm systems, refrigerators, self driving car

Computer Science (CS)

Addresses the design and implementation of software with an emphasis on developing ways to solve computing problems and creating new ways to use your computer.

Computing related tasks like robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and algorithms designed to solve problems

Software Engineering (SE)

Focuses on the development and maintenance of software systems

Information Systems (IS)

Integrate IT solutions meant to reach organizational goals

systems that generate, process, and distribute information and support organizational communication and collaboration

System Administrator

Responsible for providing tech support for hardware and software issues end users encounter

Network Aministrator

Responsible for designing, planning, setting up, and maintaining an organization’s network

Database Administrator

Responsible for installing and configuring databases

Security Administrator

Responsible for installing, administering, and troubleshooting network security issues

Web Administrator

Responsible LE for

Input-Process-Output (IPO) Model

A model that explains the four main functions of a computer system: input, processing, output, and storage.

Client-Server Model

A network model where one machine (the server) provides resources or services for multiple other machines (clients).

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Model

A network model where each machine can act as both a client and a server, allowing direct sharing of resources among users.

Network

A collection of computers and devices connected to share resources and communicate with each other.

Database Management System (DBMS)

A system that manages databases, allowing for the storage, modification, and extraction of data.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

A standardized language used to manage and manipulate relational databases.

Big Data

Large sets of data that may be analyzed computationally to reveal patterns, trends, and associations.

Cybersecurity

The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.

System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

A process used by IT professionals to develop and manage systems, encompassing several phases: initiation, planning, execution, and closure.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

A software distribution model in which applications are hosted by a service provider and made available to customers over the internet.

Cloud Computing

The delivery of computing services over the internet, allowing for on-demand availability and flexibility.

Open Source Software

Software that is made available with its source code, allowing users to modify and distribute it.

Proprietary Software

Software that is owned by an individual or a company, restricting its use, modification, and distribution without permission.

Data Governance

The management of data availability, usability, integrity, and security in enterprise systems.

Ethics in IT

The moral principles that guide the conduct of individuals and organizations in the information technology field.

Agile Methodology

An approach to software development that emphasizes flexibility, customer collaboration, and responsiveness to change.

User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

The phase of software development where users test the system to ensure it meets their needs before the final rollout.

Computer Hardware

The physical components of a computer system that are tangible and can be touched or seen.

Software Testing

A process to evaluate the functionality of a software application to ensure it meets specified requirements.

Firewall

A network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

Data Analytics

The process of examining data sets to draw conclusions about the information they contain and to identify patterns.

Data Integrity

The accuracy and consistency of data stored in a database or data warehouse.

Networking Protocols

Agreed-upon rules governing how data is transmitted over a network.