TSA Foundations of Information Technology Study Guide Rated A+

TSA Foundations of Information Technology Study Guide Rated A+ Infrastructure The underlying framework or basic foundation for something. paradigm shift a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions. Information Technology the study, design, development, implementation, support, and management of computer-based information systems. Information Technology Infrastructure A combination of hardware and software installed on a network that allows employees of a business to be productive. Hardware the physical parts of a computer system such as the monitor, keyboard, and hard drive CPU (Central Processing Unit) the "brain" of a computer, where data manipulation actually takes place Motherboard the main circuit board of the computer Network Interface Card (NIC) A card that enables one computer to send and receive data to and from another computer. RAM (Random Access Memory) ____________ is a memory chip in a computer which holds all programs and data when they are in use. Temporary storage. Software a set of computer instructions that tell the computer how to work and actually perform computer tasks. 3 types of software system, utility, application Application Software computer software created to allow the user to perform a specific job or task System Software software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals. Utility Software software that performs a particular function in the "background"; it requires little or no interaction with the user, but it is essential to the computer functioning. Examples include virus protection and printer drivers. It works on an exception basis to notify user. Networks Include devices such as routers, switches, and communication links that allow the computer systems to communicate with each other no matter the distance or location. They are sometimes known as the "backbone" of the IT infrastructure. Data after the finances, are the most valuable asset a company can acquire. Systems Analyst focuses on IS issues. This person develops ideas and suggestions for ways that IT can support and improve business processes and helps designs new business processes and policies. End Users people who use the hardware, software, networks, and databases in their performance of their daily work. Processes the applications that a business uses in its daily operations. Off-the-shelf software Software mass-produced by software vendors to address needs that are common across businesses, organizations, or individuals. IT Professionals Specialties Hardware, Software, and Network Best Practice a desired outcome Moore's Law computing power doubles every 18 months HTML HyperText Markup Language, the authoring language used to create web pages. HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol, Protocol used to define how messages are transmitted and formatted on the Internet. Router (computer science) a device that forwards data packets between computer networks Switches A device used to connect two or more net