Information Technology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Moore's Law?

The increase in physical size of CPUs over time.

The reduction of software costs for businesses.

The doubling of transistors on a microchip approximately every two years. (correct)

The enhancement of cloud computing capabilities.

Which of the following best represents a type of knowledge in the DIKW model?

Wisdom gained from experience.

Data collected from surveys.

Information analysis leading to insights.

Knowledge created from academic research. (correct)

Which component is NOT part of a Management Information System (MIS)?

Competitor analysis (correct)

Software

Hardware

Data

How does a Database Management System (DBMS) primarily function?

It enables users to create, manipulate, and manage databases. Signup and view all the answers

What key distinction exists between application software and systems software?

Application software is more user-oriented, while systems software manages hardware resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements best describes Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

A technique for improving a website's visibility on search engines without paying for placements. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a hacker from a cracker?

Hackers seek to improve network security, while crackers aim to exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a key principle of GDPR?

Explicit consent must be obtained from individuals before processing their personal data. Signup and view all the answers

How can future-proofing benefit businesses in the context of technological changes?

By anticipating and integrating emerging technologies into current strategies. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary functions of a Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

Processing instructions and performing calculations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best contrasts Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN)?

LANs are used for connecting devices in close proximity, whereas WANs connect devices across broader distances. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately represents the relationship between knowledge and wisdom in the DIKW model?

Wisdom is the application of knowledge to make decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a main advantage of open-source software compared to proprietary software?

It allows users to modify and distribute the code. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a Database Management System (DBMS) serve in relation to databases?

To facilitate data manipulation and user access management. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential characteristic of cloud computing's Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) model?

It provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT typically considered a disruptive technology?

LED light bulbs replacing incandescent bulbs. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Week 1

Moore's Law states a trend of increasing transistor density on integrated circuits.
Disruptive technology examples include smartphones, personal computers, and the internet.
Businesses can future-proof themselves through anticipating technological advancements and adapting to emerging market trends.

Week 2

Data is raw facts, information is processed data that is meaningful, knowledge is understanding derived from information, and wisdom is applying knowledge to make sound judgments.
The DIKW model represents the progression from data to wisdom, while the DAKIR model includes knowledge and insight.
Different knowledge types include factual, conceptual, procedural, and metacognitive knowledge, with examples varying based on context.
A database is a structured collection of data, managed by a Database Management System (DBMS).
The DBMS structure consists of tables, records, and fields.

Week 3

A Management Information System (MIS) is a system for gathering, storing, and processing information within a company.
MIS consists of six components: input, processing, output, storage, feedback, and control.
Various information systems, including transaction systems and decision support systems, serve specific business functions.
Information management involves planning and controlling the collection, usage, and distribution of information.
A Central Processing Unit (CPU) manages data processing and its speed is measured in Hertz (Hz) or Gigahertz (GHz).
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory for temporary storage, ROM (Read-Only Memory) stores permanent data, and secondary storage like hard disks offers long-term storage.
Embedded systems are computer systems integrated into larger devices; examples include car navigation systems and digital cameras.

Week 4

Computer software's levels of abstraction refer to different levels of complexity, from the hardware to the user interface.
Programming languages are used to create software instructions - some require compilation, and some interpret instructions.
Application software supports specific user tasks, and system software manages the computer's hardware and software resources.
Open-source software offers freely accessible source code, allowing modifications and improvements. Advantages include cost-effectiveness and community support, while disadvantages include potential security vulnerabilities and the need for user effort.

Week 6

A domain name is a unique identifier for websites, used to locate websites.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) make internet access possible. ISPs are responsible for managing internet infrastructure.
Cloud computing is internet-based computing where resources are accessed via a network and provided on demand. It includes PaaS, SaaS, and IaaS. Cloud computing offers flexibility, scalability, and cost savings.
E-commerce is facilitated by online transactions. E-commerce models include business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B) and consumer-to-consumer (C2C) models.
Porter's Five Forces model outlines competitive forces in an industry. This model considers the threat of new entrants, the bargaining power of buyers, the bargaining power of suppliers, the threat of substitute products, and rivalry amongst existing competitors.

Week 7

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is used to improve a website's ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs).
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising involves businesses paying for ad placements based on clicks. PPC campaigns require careful budget management, target audience analysis, and ongoing performance monitoring.

Week 9

A computer virus is malicious software designed to cause harm to computer systems.
Hackers use their technical skills without malicious intent, while crackers exploit systems for personal gain.
Software development has distinct stages, including planning, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. These stages are iterative to accommodate feedback and changes throughout development.

Week 10/11

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) sets standards for data protection across the European Union.
Intellectual property encompasses copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, securing ownership of creative endeavours and products.
Market analysis involves understanding the market to make informed business decisions. Market analysis includes assessing market size, identifying target customers, and understanding competitive landscapes. Three stages of market analysis can include exploratory, descriptive, and predictive phases.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of information technology, including Moore's Law, disruptive technologies, and the DIKW model. Understand the differences between data, information, knowledge, and wisdom, as well as the structure of databases and Management Information Systems. This quiz covers essential topics that are crucial for navigating the tech landscape.