Business Technology Practice Final Exam

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• The internal operating unit of a computer
• Temporarily stores data and program instructions during processing

Primary Storage

• RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for current data and programs. Volatile (data lost when power off).
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent storage for firmware and system software. Non-volatile (data remains when power off).
• Registers: Small, fast storage locations within the CPU for immediate data manipulation. Volatile (data lost when power off).
• Cache Memory: High-speed memory that stores frequently accessed data for quick retrieval. Volatile (data lost when power off).

Secondary Storage

• Storage remote to the CPU that permanently holds data, even when the computer is turned off (e.g., hard drive).

Secondary Storage Types

• Magnetic Tape: Sequential access, high storage capacity, low cost per unit, used for backups and archiving.
• Magnetic Discs (HDDs): Random access, high storage capacity, cost-effective for large storage, moving parts (spinning platters and read/write heads).
• Solid State Drives (SSDs): No moving parts, faster data access, more durable, lower power consumption.
• Optical Storage (CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray): Use laser technology, portable, relatively lower storage capacity compared to HDDs and SSDs, good for media storage.
• Flash Memory: Non-volatile, no moving parts, used in USB drives, memory cards, and SSDs, quick data access, portable.

Input Technologies

• Keyboard, mouse, microphone, touch screen, camera

Output Technologies

• Monitor, speakers, projector, headphones

Byte Sizes (in order)

• Byte (B) < Kilobyte (KB) < Megabyte (MB) < Gigabyte (GB) < Terabyte (TB) < Petabyte (PB)

Binary ASCII Conversion

• Convert the ASCII value to binary by repeatedly dividing by 2 and recording the remainder until reaching 0.
• Example: 'A' (ASCII 65) = 01000001 in binary. (Dividing successively by 2 until result is 0)

Cost, Size, and Speed Relationship

• Moving from Register to Magnetic Tape: Cost decreases, speed decreases, size increases.

Operating Systems

• Open Source: Linux, Haiku
• Proprietary: Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Bandwidth and Broadband Measurement

• Bandwidth: Measured in bits per second (bps).
• Broadband: Measured in megabits per second (mbps)

Personal Area Networks (PAN)

• Bluetooth headsets connected to a smartphone
• Wireless keyboards and mice connected to a computer
• Fitness trackers syncing with a smartphone

Local Area Networks (LAN)

• Home Wi-Fi network connecting multiple devices (computers, smartphones, TVs).
• Office network connecting employees' computers, printers, and servers within a building

Clients and Servers

• Clients: Computers that request network resources/services
• Servers: Computers that manage and provide network resources/services to clients

Wired Communication Media

• Twisted-Pair Wire (Common, affordable, low-speed - 1 Mbps to 100 Mbps)
• Coaxial Cable (Faster than twisted-pair, moderate cost - 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps, 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps)
• Fiber Optics (High-speed, high-cost - 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps, 100 Mbps to 10+ Gbps)

Satellite Speeds

• General range for satellite speeds: 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps

Electromagnetic Spectrum

• Microwaves is the most common wavelength.

Telecommunications Satellites

• Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO): High altitude (~35,786 km), continuous area coverage, high latency, expensive.
• Middle Earth Orbit (MEO): ~2000-35,786 km, lower latency, moderately priced, needs more sats.
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): ~160-2000 km, low latency, least expensive, needs the most sats.

Internet of Things (IoT)

• Network of interrelated physical devices that communicate and exchange data over the internet.

Cloud Computing

• Delivery of computing services (storage, processing, software) over the internet, allowing on-demand access to resources without active management.

Basic Cloud Characteristics

• "No need to know"
• "Flexibility and elasticity"
• "Pay as much as used and needed"
• "Always on, anywhere and anytime"

Edge Computing

• Processing data closer to its source, reducing latency and bandwidth costs. Typically at the "edge" of a network.

Web 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0

• Web 1.0: Primarily reading information
• Web 2.0: Publishing content and building communities
• Web 3.0: Internet of value (publish, own digital content, execute digital agreements)

Ledger

• A comprehensive record-keeping book for all financial transactions

Blockchain Creation

• Distributed database with shared copies.
• Transactions recorded as blocks
• Blocks processed sequentially.
• All participants approve new blocks
• Blocks linked with cryptographic hashes
• Digital signatures for recording.

Crypto Currency and Cryptography

• Cryptocurrency: Digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates independently of a central bank.
• Cryptography: Securing information with codes, so that only intended recipients can read and process it

Common Python Data Types

• Numbers
• Strings
• Lists
• Booleans
• Variables

Objects and Classes

• Objects are instances of a class.
• A class is a collection of objects that share the same variables.

Function Syntax

• def function(a, b):

Input and Output Functions

• Input()
• Print()

For Loops Notation

• for x in range (start, stop, step)
  • Start: Starting value.
  • Stop: Ending value (exclusive)
  • Step: Increment between values

While Loops

• Execute a code block as long as a condition remains true.
  • while condition:
    • # code block

Business Intelligence (BI)

• Wide category of applications, technologies, and processes to gather, store, access, and analyze data to enhance decision-making.

Data Mining Operations

• Predicting trends and behaviors
• Identifying previously unknown patterns and relationships

Decision Trees

• A model for decision-making and predictive analysis.

Turing Test

• Measure of a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behavior indistinguishable from a human's.

Types of AI

• Reactive AI: Reacts to specific inputs with predefined responses, without memory.
• Limited Memory AI: Uses past experiences to inform current decisions.
• Theory of Mind AI: Understands mental states of itself and others.
• Self-Aware AI: Possesses self-consciousness and awareness.

Expert Systems Components

• Knowledge base
• Inference engine
• User Interface

Expert System Benefits

• Increased output and productivity
• Increased quality
• Capture and dissemination of scarce resources
• Operation in hazardous environments
• Transfer of expert knowledge

Expert System Difficulties

• Transfer of human expertise
• Potential liability
• Automating the process may not be possible

Neural Networks

• Artificial intelligence modeled after the human brain.
• Input Layer: Receives input data
• Hidden Layers: Process inputs using weighted connections and activation functions.
• Output Layer: Produces final output based on processing from hidden layers.

Information Security Vulnerabilities

• Lack of management support
• Smaller, faster, and cheaper computers and storage devices

Unintentional Information System Threats

• Most significant: Human Error

Communication Controls

• Firewalls, anti-malware systems, and encryption.

Remote Software Attacks Requiring User Action

• Phishing attacks
• Spear phishing attacks
• Denial of service attacks

Remote Attacks Needing No User Action

• Viruses, worms

What are some attacks by a programmer developing a system?

• Logic bombs, back doors

Define Emerging Technologies

• Cutting-edge technologies in the early stages of adoption, poised to significantly impact society, economy, and industries.

Importance of Emerging Technologies

• Drive innovation
• Create competitive advantage
• Address complex challenges
• Engine for transformative changes

Five Key Themes in Emerging Technologies

• Intelligent systems
• Smart cities
• Augmented experiences / immersive technologies
• Quantum computing
• 3D printing

Examples of Intelligent Systems

• Wearable internet
• Intelligent cars & smart highways
• Intelligent sensors and wireless networks

Smart Cities

• Many cities connecting services, utilities, and roads to the internet.

Augmented Reality (AR) key features:

• Interactivity in real time
• Integration of 3D digital content
• Enhance perception
• Provide contextual info about the physical world

Immersive Technologies (VR, MR):

• VR transports users to virtual environments (e.g., Oculus).
• MR combines virtual and physical worlds (e.g., Apple Vision Pro).

Quantum Computing Key Concepts

• Quantum bits (qubits)
• Superposition

3D Printing

• Manufacturing process creating 3D objects by adding material layer by layer.

Gartner Hype Cycle Phases

• Innovation trigger
• Peak of inflated expectations
• Trough of disillusionment
• Slope of enlightenment
• Plateau of productivity

Gartner Magic Quadrant

• Niche players
• Challengers
• Visionaries
• Leaders

Websites vs. Apps

• Websites: Accessed via browser, often free with internet connection.
• Apps: Downloaded, installed, often require internet access, may be device-specific.