CS 330 Management Information Systems MIDTERM 1
Ch. 1 & 2 University of Waterloo
Why is understanding IT important? - For knowing your options
Define: IT infrastructure - The shared technology resources that provide the platform for the
firm's information system applications (includes hardware, software and services like training
and consulting)
List the components of IT infrastructure - 1. Internet platforms
2. Computer hardware platforms
3. Operating systems platforms
4. Enterprise software applications
5. Networking/telecommunications
6. Consultants and system integrators
7. Data management and storage
What are different types of capacity? - Bit, byte, KB, MB, GB
What are different types of clock speed? - MHz, GHz
What are different types of chip density? - 45, 32, 22, 14 nm technology
,What are different types of word lengths? - 32 bit, 64 bit
Define: Processor (a.k.a. CPU) - Where symbols, characters, and numbers are manipulated
Brain of the computer
Integrates arithmetic, logic, and control circuits on a single chip
Typically have multiple cores (2 or 4 is common)
Define: Primary storage - Where data and program instructions are stored temporarily during
processing
eg. Registers, cache, RAM
Define: Secondary storage - Stores data and programs even when the computer is turned off
eg. Magnetic disks (HD), optical disks (DVDs), flash drives, solid state drives (SSD)
Define: Input devices - Convert data and instructions from the outside world into electronic
form
eg. Keyboard, mouse, touchpad, scanner
, Define: Output devices - Converts electronic data produced by the computer into a form
understood by humans or the outside world
eg. Printer, speaker, monitor
Define: Communication devices - Provide connections between the computer and
communications networks
eg. Network interface card (ethernet or Wifi), bluetooth
Define: Multicore processors - Each core acts like a separate processor with some individual
memory, some shared memory and shared access to the rest of the computer
Define: Processing power - Typically reported as clock speed (frequency)
What is processing power based on? - - The number of bits that can be processed at one time
(word length)
- The amount of data that can be moved between the processor, primary storage, and other
devices (data bus width and speed)
- Clock speed
Can 32-bit applications run on 64-bit applications? - Yes, but they can't the other way around
Is 64-bit faster? - Yes, but it depends on:
- Whether the computation involves large numbers
- Whether the application is designed to take advantage of 64-bit architecture
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller smartzone. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $12.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.