Information Technology Flashcards

(70 cards)

1
Q

What are the components of a database?

A

Desktop client

Application Server

Database Server

Think: Your desktop computer runs applications and saves to a database

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2
Q

If it is not possible to segregate duties in an IT System- what actions should be taken to compensate for internal control purposes?

A

Include Computer Logs.

Control Group should review the logs.

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3
Q

What is a hash total?

A

An input control number- a meaningless sum of values included in the input.

Example would be summing a list of SSNs to make sure the data is the same once entered as it was prior to input into the system.

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4
Q

What is a limit check?

A

Checks to see if numbers surpass a certain limit- i.e. in an age field is the number greater than 110.

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5
Q

What are the characteristics of Magnetic Disks?

A

Random Access - Finds data in random spots

Faster data retrieval

Uses Boundary Protection for data

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6
Q

What is the duty of a design engineer?

A

Determine language used for a specific computer- on a computer-to-computer basis

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7
Q

List the types of computers from smallest to largest

A

PDA/Smartphone/Tablet

Microcomputer - PC- Laptop (cost-effective)

Minicomputer - Like a Mainframe- but smaller

Mainframe - Large computer with terminals attached

Supercomputer - Very powerful and very big

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8
Q

What is a CPU?

A

Computer Processing Unit

It processes commands within a computer.

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9
Q

What is the primary benefit of E-commerce?

A

E-commerce makes business transactions easier.

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10
Q

What is a Gateway?

A

Connects one network to another

Note: the Internet is connected by Gateways

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11
Q

What is a query?

A

A type of Ad Hoc report- initiated by a user.

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12
Q

What are Parity Checks?

A

A control that detects internal data errors.

A bit is added to each character- it checks to see if a bit was lost.

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13
Q

What is a Data Definition Language?

A

Defines SQL Database

Controls SQL Tables

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14
Q

What is the purpose of a WAN (Wide Area Network)?

A

It connects computers that are far apart.

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15
Q

What are the characteristics of a Relational Database?

A

Logical structure

Uses rows and columns similar to spreadsheet

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16
Q

What is the purpose of Automated Equipment Controls?

A

They prevent and detect hardware errors.

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17
Q

What is a File Server?

A

A file server stores shared programs and documents.

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18
Q

What are the characteristics of a VAN (Value-Added Network)?

A

Privately-owned Network

Serves as 3rd Party Between 2 Companies

Routes EDI Transactions

Accepts wide range of Protocols

Very Costly

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19
Q

What is the most common database language?

A

SQL - Structured Query Language

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20
Q

What is Data Mining?

A

Using artificial intelligence and pattern recognition to analyze data stores within a Data Warehouse.

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21
Q

What are the risks of E-commerce?

A

Compromised data or theft.

Less paper trail for auditors.

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22
Q

What is a Data Control Language?

A

Controls Access to SQL Database

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23
Q

What does an output control check for?

A

Checks to see if output data is valid- distributed and used in an authorized manner.

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24
Q

What is security software?

A

Software that controls access to IT systems.

Note: Don’t confuse this with anti-virus software

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25
What does a processing control check?
Checks if data processing produced proper output
26
What are the characteristics of a virus?
Takes over a computer Needs a host program to run
27
What are the characteristics of an Ad Hoc computer report?
User initiates the report. The report is created upon demand.
28
Which duties should a Systems Programmer NOT have?
In order to maximize internal control- a Systems Programmer should NOT have application programming duties/abilities or be an Operator on the system.
29
What is an Accounting Information System (AIS)?
A type of Management Information System (MIS) that processes accounting transactions.
30
What are the duties of a systems analyst?
Designs or purchases IT system Responsible for flowcharts Liaison between Users and Programmers Note: Think IT Manager
31
What are the duties of a Systems Operator?
Schedules and Monitors Jobs Runs IT Help Desk
32
What is a Cold Site?
If a main system goes down- a Cold Site will take time to get set up and running.
33
What is Job Control Language?
It schedules and allocates system resources.
34
What are the characteristics of an Expert System (ES)?
Computer uses reasoning Structured No human interpretation needed
35
What are the units of computer data from smallest to largest?
Bit - 1 (on) and 0 (off) Byte - 8 bits to a byte/character Field - group of related characters/bytes (i.e. Name- Zip Code- Serial #) Record - Group of related fields (i.e. Member name- address- phone number) File - Group of related records (i.e. Membership directory)
36
What duties should a System Operator NOT have?
For internal control purposes- they should not be a Programmer on the system.
37
What is the purpose of a Compiler?
Takes Source language (English) and converts to Object (Computer) Language
38
What are the advantages of a database?
Data is more accessible Reduced redundancy
39
What is the purpose of a LAN (Local Area Network)?
It connects computers in close proximity.
40
What is a Data Manipulation Language?
Queries SQL Database tables
41
What are the characteristics of a Hierarchical Database?
Has various levels Uses trees to store data
42
What are examples of Output Devices?
Speakers Monitors Printers
43
What is the purpose of a Database?
Located on a File Server- a Database allows users to share documents.
44
What is a validity check?
Checks to see if data in existing tables or files belongs in the set For example- is there a # in an alpha-only field or a letter in a numeric-only field
45
What are the characteristics of an Executive Information System (EIS)?
Specialized for Company Executive needs Assists with Strategy Only No Decision-Making Capabilities
46
What is a field check?
An input check that prevents invalid characters- i.e. checks for alphabetic letters in a SSN field
47
What are the characteristics of Magnetic Tape storage?
Sequential Access - Sorts data in order Slower data retrieval Header Label prevents Operator error by loading wrong tape External Labels prevent accidental destruction by operator
48
What is an Echo Check?
Transmitted data is returned to the sender for verification (it echoes back to the sender)
49
How can source programs be recognized?
They are written in a language close to English.
50
What is the purpose of online transaction processing?
To process a company's routine transactions.
51
What is a check digit?
An input control that adds an identification number to a set of digits - usually at the end
52
What are the characteristics of a computer worm?
Takes over multiple computers Doesn't need a host program to run
53
How does Online Analytical Processing work?
It uses a Data Warehouse to support management decision making.
54
What is a Change Control?
It authorizes program changes and approves program test results.
55
What is a Hot Site?
A disaster recovery system where if the main system goes down- a Hot Site is ready to take over immediately.
56
What are object programs?
Programs written in base computer language- not similar to English.
57
What is the purpose of a Digital Signature?
It confirms a message has not been altered.
58
What is RAM?
Random Access Memory. Internal memory in the computer used during immediate processing.
59
What are the characteristics of batch processing?
Data held- updates multiple files all at once Leaves a better audit trail Uses Grandfather-Father-Son backup (3 levels of backup kept in 3 locations)
60
What are the duties of a Systems Programmer?
Writes- Updates- Maintains- & Tests software- systems- and compilers
61
What is End-User Computing?
The User develops and executes their own application.
62
What are the benefits of Electronic Data Interchange?
Uses globally-accepted standards Efficient
63
When are Exception reports generated?
Exception reports are produced when Edit Tests- Check Digits- or Self-Checking Digits identify a problem
64
What are the disadvantages of a database?
Cost of installation Skilled personnel required to maintain
65
What is the purpose of a Management Information System (MIS)?
To assist with decision making.
66
Which IT personnel roles should always be segregated?
Operators Programmers Librarians
67
What is the purpose of a Firewall?
Prevents unauthorized access to a network.
68
What are the characteristics of a Decision Support System (DSS)?
Computer provides data Gives Interactive Support Human interpretation needed
69
What are examples of input devices?
Keyboard Mouse Scanner Magnetic Ink Reader Magnetic Tape Reader EDI Point of Sale Scanner
70
What is the primary duty of a Systems Administrator?
A Systems Administrator controls database access.