F.11 Information system architecture

Question 1

What are the three main components of information technology systems?

Answer 1

Hardware, software, and networks.

Question 2

Define information systems.

Answer 2

Integrated sets of components for collecting, storing, and processing data and for providing information, knowledge, and digital products.

Question 3

What additional components are added to information technology systems via usage?

Answer 3

Data, people, and processes.

Question 4

What are input devices?

Answer 4

Devices that convert incoming data and instructions into electrical signals comprehensible to a digital computer.

Question 5

Give examples of input devices.

Answer 5

• Keyboards
• Mice
• Microphones
• Cameras
• Scanners
• Sensors

Question 6

What are output devices?

Answer 6

Devices that convert digitized signals into forms comprehensible to a user.

Question 7

List examples of output devices.

Answer 7

• Video display terminals
• Printers
• Speakers
• Headphones

Question 8

What is a microprocessor?

Answer 8

Electronic circuitry imprinted on silicon chips that perform functions by executing instructions.

Question 9

What is the role of storage devices in a computer?

Answer 9

To retain data.

Question 10

What types of software exist?

Answer 10

• Programming software
• System software
• Application software

Question 11

What is malware?

Answer 11

Malicious software designed to harm or exploit any programmable device.

Question 12

What are computer viruses?

Answer 12

Malicious programs that replicate themselves and spread from one computer to another.

Question 13

True or False: Computer worms need a host program to spread.

Answer 13

False.

Question 14

Define scareware.

Answer 14

Programs that frighten users into purchasing rogue applications.

Question 15

What is ransomware?

Answer 15

Software that blocks access to a computer system and demands a ransom.

Question 16

What is adware?

Answer 16

Software that extracts user information to direct specific advertisements, not necessarily harmful.

Question 17

What is middleware?

Answer 17

Software that connects or mediates between software components in a distributed computing environment.

Question 18

What are the main components of computer networks?

Answer 18

• Nodes
• Links

Question 19

What is a Local Area Network (LAN)?

Answer 19

A network designed to connect computers in a specific area.

Question 20

What does network topology refer to?

Answer 20

The arrangement of links and nodes in a computer network.

Question 21

List three types of network topologies.

Answer 21

• Bus
• Mesh
• Star

Question 22

What is a database?

Answer 22

A collection of data organized for rapid search and retrieval by computers.

Question 23

Define database schema.

Answer 23

A blueprint for a particular database describing how it should be implemented.

Question 24

True or False: People are often regarded as external to information systems.

Answer 24

True.

Question 25

Who are considered stakeholders in information systems?

Answer 25

* Clinical Users * Non-clinical Users * Secondary Users * Designers, Developers, Vendors * Patients, Society * Operators and supporters * Funders * Architects, Strategists * Project Managers * Media

Question 26

What is a sociotechnical system?

Answer 26

An approach that emphasizes the interaction between technology and the social context in which it is used.

Question 27

Define enterprise architecture.

Answer 27

A blueprint describing how an enterprise's data, applications, and technology infrastructures align with business goals.

Question 28

What is information system architecture?

Answer 28

The fundamental concepts or properties of an information system in its environment.

Question 29

What does IS architecture model?

Answer 29

* System boundaries * Inputs * Processes * Outputs

Question 30

What is IS architecture?

Answer 30

IS architecture can be described from different perspectives to varying levels of abstraction and in terms of various components.

Question 31

What does IS architecture model?

Answer 31

IS architecture models system boundaries, inputs, processes, and outputs.

Question 32

What is critical to define in an information system?

Answer 32

It is critical to define the information system boundaries clearly.

Question 33

What does enterprise architecture consider?

Answer 33

Enterprise architecture considers the business layer and how information systems support the business.

Question 34

How can information systems be analyzed?

Answer 34

Information systems can be disaggregated into subsystems and linked to other information systems via interfaces.

Question 35

What aspect of information systems can be considered throughout their lifecycle?

Answer 35

Information systems can be considered throughout their entire lifecycles.

Question 36

What are architectural patterns?

Answer 36

Architectural patterns are abstract descriptions of recommended architectural approaches that have been tested and proven successful.

Question 37

What is an example of an architectural pattern?

Answer 37

Client-server architecture is an example.

Question 38

What does client-server architecture involve?

Answer 38

It involves processing workloads shared between servers and clients connected via a network.

Question 39

What are the three clusters of functions in tiered architectures?

Answer 39

* Presentation * Applications * Data management

Question 40

What defines peer-to-peer architectures?

Answer 40

In peer-to-peer architectures, every node has the same capabilities and responsibilities.

Question 41

What is functional suitability in IS architecture?

Answer 41

Functional suitability is the degree to which the system provides functions that meet agreed requirements.

Question 42

What does performance measure in an IS architecture?

Answer 42

Performance measures the degree to which the system meets requirements in terms of time, resource usage, and capacity.

Question 43

What is usability in the context of IS architecture?

Answer 43

Usability is the degree to which specified users can use the system to achieve specified goals effectively and efficiently.

Question 44

What does compatibility refer to in IS architecture?

Answer 44

Compatibility refers to the degree to which the system can exchange data with other systems.

Question 45

What is meant by reliability in IS architecture?

Answer 45

Reliability is the degree to which the system continues to operate effectively over a given period.

Question 46

What does security measure in an IS architecture?

Answer 46

Security measures the degree to which the system protects data and information consistent with specified access parameters.

Question 47

What is maintainability in the context of IS architecture?

Answer 47

Maintainability is the degree of ease with which the intended maintainers can modify the system.

Question 48

What does portability refer to in IS architecture?

Answer 48

Portability refers to the ease with which a system can be transferred to different environments.

Question 49

What is reusability in IS architecture?

Answer 49

Reusability is the degree to which a system can be deployed in other systems with little or no change.

Question 50

What does scalability measure in IS architecture?

Answer 50

Scalability measures the degree to which the system can accommodate load increases without performance decreases.