WGU D075 FINAL REVIEW WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS

Random-access memory (RAM) This is for short-term and is considered working memory Infrastructure The underlying foundation or basic framework for an organization or project. IT infrastructure (also called IT architecture) A combination of hardware—like computers, monitors, and printers—and software—like Microsoft Excel and Adobe Photoshop—installed on a network that allows employees of a business to be productive. Central Processing Unit (CPU) The microprocessor chip which is the "brains" of the computer and executes instructions required by the software; a monitor to output information to an end user. Network Interface Card (NIC) A card that is plugged into a slot on the motherboard inside of the computer and allows a network cable to be plugged in so it can interface or communicate with other computers. Peripheral devices Reside outside of the computer, like printers and scanners, are also considered hardware and are connected to the computer via a USB connection or, at times, wirelessly via a network Software A set of computer instructions that tell the computer how to work and actually perform computer tasks. Software What are application, system, and utility examples of? Utility software Software that performs a particular function in the "background"; in other words, it requires little or no interaction with the user, but it is essential to the functioning of the computer. Utility software What is this an example of: virus protection software and printer drivers. Computer networks Includes devices such as routers, switches, and communication links that allow the computer systems to communicate with each other no matter the distance or location. People Key to an IT infrastructure. Software technicians Install software and assist users in using the software Systems analysts This person takes manual processes and find ways for IT to improve the flow, make the process faster, or automate a manual function. Programmers This person takes the designs from the systems analysts and codes the application programs to meet specifications of the business, then they test the software before it is implemented. Programmers This "development" group is vital to the business, as they make IT unique to their business requirements. Processes This is the final component of an IT infrastructure it is the applications that a business uses in its daily operations. Processes What are these examples of: Amazon facilitates web purchases, the DMV issues and updates drivers' licenses Off-the-shelf software Written by a company and it meets the needs of the business "right out of the box." Example: Microsoft Office Best Practice The most effective way of arriving at a desired outcome Moore's Law Observation that computing processing power doubles every 18 months Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) The major markup language used to create web pages. Mainframe Computers Massive, room-sized computers that process and store enormous amounts of bulk data and information. They are typically used by very large organizations like credit card processors who employ them for transaction processing and vital applications. They require a huge amount of physical space and have special requirements like specialized air-conditioning units and fire protection systems. Midrange Computers Less powerful and smaller in physical size than mainframe computers, they do many of the same things but on a smaller scale. Microcomputers The least powerful computers in terms of processing and come in four typical configurations: desktop, laptop, tablet, and handheld. Handheld computers Often referred to as personal digital assistants or PDAs, are compact but far less powerful than desktops or laptops. They contain embedded operating systems and are well suited for a business environment, as they are typically used to organize information. Hardware The physical parts of the computer Software A collection of computer programs that accomplish a specific task. System Software Software that runs in the background and requires very little or no user intervention. Users do not turn on this software directly; the computer does when it gets electricity. Operating System (Platform) A collection of computer programs that work together to manage hardware and software to ensure that they are working properly. Operating System (Platform) The groundwork for all system software and performs jobs like allocating memory, administering input and output, and managing files. The most popular in today's market are Microsoft Windows, Mac iOS, Linux, and UNIX. File Management This is one of the most important jobs of an operating system that is, storing and organizing files in the memory of a computer. Graphical User Interface (GUI) The visual system of computer screen designs that allow a user to interact with an electronic device. Cache A hardware or software component that stores data so that future requests for that data can be served faster. Random Access Memory (RAM) A type of memory that allows data to be accessed in any order without physical movement of the silicone media. Registers A location in a store of data used for a specific purpose and with quick access time. Solid State Drive (SSD) A storage device that uses integrated circuit assemblies as memory to store data persistently, typically using flash memory. Disk Storage Nonvolatile, secondary storage on a physical device like a hard drive or optical disk with a read/write apparatus. File Allocation Table (FAT) A table of contents that directs the read/write arm of the hard drive to the location where data exist and accesses the data upon the user's request. System Software It is important to know that application software will not work without this. For instance, Microsoft PowerPoint does not work or even exist without Windows or another OS working in the background. Application Software The most commonly used in business. Examples are email, word processors, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and project management software. Database Management System Software (DBMS) Used to create a collection of related files called tables that consist of records (rows) of data separated by fields (columns) that can be queried to produce populations of information. Relational Databases Databases that can consist of hundreds of related tables Presentation Software An application software used to present information in a slideshow format. Copy and Paste Productivity suites offer three ways of sharing data and information, this is the most basic. Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) The second and third methods of sharing information and data that Productivity suites offer is? Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) A Microsoft technology that allows a user to share information and data from an entire area in one application in part of another application. Routers Forwards information throughout a network, switches and filters the information to the correct part of a network, and hubs are a common point of connection on a network. Server Houses information in a central location, and clients access that information through a connection Application Software Provides users the ability to perform tasks such as word processing, information management, and presenting. System software Thousands of programs running in the background of a computer to make sure a computer works Database Software Software that creates a collection of tables to provide easy access to information. Structured Data For data to be useable, it needs to be formatted into _________by using some sort of database. From there the data can be used for marketing, accounting, research and development, and much more. Application Software Performance of a specific task for the user is the defining characteristic of what type of Software? Computer Network Two or more computers connected together to communicate and share resources. The shared resources may refer to computer files, folders, software, and peripheral hardware like printers, scanners, and webcams. Node Any device that is connected as part of a computer network, including computers, hubs, printers, and switches. Computer Network What are these the four basic components used to build? 1. network interface controller (NIC) 2. protocol 3. physical cable system 4. network hub Ethernet Card The most common Network Interface Controller (NIC) These cards provide the computer with a unique 48-bit address MAC (media access control) Responsible for the transmission of data packets to and from the network interface card, and to and from another remotely shared channel. Protocol A standard language that devices connected to a network use to communicate and transfer data. Network Protocol A convention or standard (rule) that controls or allows communication and data transfer between two computers. Twisted Pair cable The most common type of cable wire. Ethernet network cables are specialized wires with adapters that plug into the NIC. Network Hub A central location of the computer network that serves as a traffic cop for network connection and communication. Network Hub Ensure that computer traffic collisions are eliminated. Cables from network computers and other devices are plugged into it. Twisted Pair cable A specialized wire that cancels out electromagnetic interference from other electronic devices and increases reliability. Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) This protocol is a defined process, established by a standards institution, for all devices on a network to communicate with each other and ensure that data transmitted are received correctly and without errors. Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) The most common network protocol. It allows devices of different manufacturers and software to communicate seamlessly. Network Operating System (NOS) Software that controls an entire networkand is responsible for controlling network traffic, administering packets, managing files, administering certain functions like backup, and maintaining network security. Network Administrator The person(s) responsible for smooth network operations, network performance, and implementation of new nodes or even new networks. Bus Topology (Linear Bus) A network topology where each of a network's nodes is connected to a common linear backbone that has two endpoints. Data are transmitted between the two endpoints and the nodes are connected to the backbone. Bus Topology One advantage of a ________ is that all nodes can receive data virtually simultaneously. A disadvantage, however, is that if the backbone is down, all nodes on the backbone are down as well. Star Topology With this topology often, the hub is a server with networked computers and nodes as clients; thus, it is called a client/server model Star Topology This topology has similar disadvantages to the linear bus configuration; if the central hub fails, every node attached to the hub will also fail. It the most common of all topologies. Ring Topology With this kind of topology, each computer (node) is connected to two other computers in the network with the first and last computers being connected to each other. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) A computer network that connects two or more LANs or CANs together but within the boundaries of a town or city. An example might be a bank with different branch locations that are all connected. Wide Area Network (WAN) Computer networks that encompass a large geographical area and connect LANs, CANs, and MANs together. They often rely on a telephone company's transmission facilities to connect the smaller networks together.