Types of operating system are:

• Real-time operating system- very fast small OS, built into a device, respond quickly to user input, MP3 players, and Medical devices.
• Single user/Single tasking OS- one user works on the system, performs one task at a time, MS-DOS and Palm OS, take up little space on disk, run on inexpensive computers.
• Single user/Multitasking OS- user performs many tasks at once, most common form of OS, windows XP and OS X, require expensive computers, tend to be complex.
• Multi-user/Multitasking OS- many users connect to one computer, each user has a unique session, UNIX, Linux, and VMS, maintenance can be easy, requires a powerful computer.

• User interface-How a user interacts with a computer, require different skill sets.
• Graphical user interface (GUI)- most common interface (Windows, OS X, Gnome, KDE), uses a mouse to control objects, uses a desktop metaphor, shortcuts open programs or documents, open documents have additional objects, task switching, dialog boxes allow directed input.
• Command-line interfaces- older interface (DOS, Linux, UNIX), user types commands at a prompt, user must remember all commands, included in all GUIs.

• Many different applications supported
• System call- provides consistent access to OS features
• Share information between programs- copy and paste, object linking and Embedding.

• Programs need to access hardware
• Interrupts- CPU is stopped, hardware device is accessed.
• Device drivers control the hardware

• Organized storage
• Long file names
• Folders can be created and nested
• All storage devices work consistently

• Utilities- provides services not included with OS, goes beyond the four functions, firewall, anti-virus and compression, prices vary.
• Backup software- archives files onto removable media, ensures data integrity, most OS include a backup package, many third-party packages exist.
• Anti-virus software- crucial utility, finds, blocks, and removes viruses, must be updated regularly, McAfee and Norton Anti-Virus.
• Firewall- crucial utility protects your computer from intruders, makes computer invisible to hackers, zone Labs is a home firewall, and Cisco sells hardware firewalls.
• Intrusion detection- often part of a firewall package, announces attempts to breach security, snort is a Linux-based package.
• Screen savers- crucial utility for command-line systems (Prevents burn in), merely fun for GUI systems, screen saver decorates idle screens.

• Microsoft Windows is the most popular- installed more than other OS combined, installed on about 95% of computers, apple and Linux represent the other 5%
• DOS- Disk Operating System, single user, single-tasking OS, command line interface, 16-bit OS, powerful, fast, supports legacy applications.
• Windows NT- designed for a powerful system, 32-bit OS, very stable, Windows NT Workstation (Single user, multitasking OS), Windows NT Server (Multi-user, multitasking OS, network operating system)
• Windows 9x- 95, 98, and Millennium Edition (Me), 32-bit OS (Supported 16-bit programs well), very pretty not stable OS, still found in large corporations, 95 introduced the start button, 98 introduced active desktop, Me improved multimedia software.
• Windows 2000- look of 9x with NT stability, optimized for office and developers, application software ran very well, entertainment software ran very poorly.
• Windows XP- Microsoft�s newest desktop product, different look from 2000, many different versions, digital multimedia support was enhanced, communications was enhanced, mobile computing became a priority.
• UNIX- runs on all computer types, 32- or 64-bit, very stable and fast, command-line interface can cost thousands of dollars.
• Linux- free or inexpensive version of UNIX, 32-bit OS, very stable and fast, most flavors are open source, X Windows GUI (command-line interface is available).
• Macintosh operating systems- OS X, based on FreeBSD Linux, very stable and easy to configure, only runs on Mac hardware.

• Network Operating System, fast and stable, runs on servers, multi-user and multitasking OS, 32- or 64-bit, file and print sharing, data integrity, backups copies data onto tape, RAID copies data onto other drives, data security.

• NT Server- same core as NT Workstation, security added, multi user capability added, RAID support included.
• Windows 2000 Server- same technology as 2000 workstation, active Directory (AD) (Central database of server resources, simplifies network management), distributed programs supported, server Standard Edition, advanced Server Edition, data Center Edition.
• Windows 2003 Server- designed to compete with UNIX, XP like interface, better support for XP computers, MS .NET framework supported, distributed programs are supported, server Standard Edition, data Center Edition.
• UNIX for servers- oldest NOS in widespread use, stable secure and fast, main OS for Internet and Web, large organizations depend on UNIX.
• Linux for servers- popular in small businesses, stable, fast, and inexpensive, Linux�s popularity is growing.

• Devices have EOS built in
• Cell phones, PDAs, medical equipment
• Stable and fast
• Windows XP embedded- based on Windows XP, customized for each device
• Windows CE- not based on a desktop OS, customized for each device, PDA and cell phones, Microsoft Automotive will run in cars.
• Palm OS- standard on Palm PDA, first PDA OS for consumers, can be found on cell phones.
• Pocket PC- developed to compete with Palm, not customizable, interacts securely with business networks, can control PCs through PC.
• Symbian- found in smart cell phones, games, Instant Messaging, Internet, full color display.

• Commercial software- software that must be purchased, stand-alone products, software suites, shareware.
• Freeware- no obligation to purchase, software may be distributed freely, public domain software.
• Open source- programs distributed with source code, allows users to modify the software, modifications and comments are welcome, Linux and Open Office.

• Creates text documents
• Graphics and other objects are supported
• Professional quality can be achieved
• Simple web pages may be created
• Interface- document area, menu bar, toolbars, rulers, and scroll bars, status bars.
• Typing enters entering and editing text- text, cursor indicates position, blocks of text can be manipulated, and most other programs include text tools.
• Formatting text- controls the document�s appearance, character formatting tools, paragraph formatting tools, document formatting tools

• Calculates numbers and finances, data viewable in many ways, complex calculations can be automated, interface (Rows, columns and cells, formula bar, labels describe cell contents, values, dates, formulas).

• Creates slides or transparencies, complete set is a presentation, enhances a speech or lecture, color and animation enhance the slides, interface, creating a presentation, presenting slide shows.

• PIM software, keep track of contact information, track upcoming events and times, MS Outlook is popular, data organization.

1. Define and differentiate bitmap and vector file formats.
2. List common uses for vector and bitmap file formats.
3. Identify four ways to load a graphic file into a computer.
4. List five types of graphic software and their uses.
5. Define the terms multimedia and interactivity.

• Bitmapped images- most common image type, also called raster images, image is drawn using a pixel grid, each grid contains a color, color depth, used to store drawings or photographs, resizing image can reduce quality.
• Vector images- drawn using mathematical formulas, formulas describe the line properties, CAD and animation software, resizing image will not reduce quality.
• File formats and compatibility- method for storing an image, each method has pros and cons, some formats are proprietary, graphic software can handle all formats.
• Common bitmapped file formats- BMP, EMF, GIF, JPG, PICT, PNG, TIFF.
• Vector file formats- most vector formats are proprietary, two universal formats exist, DXF, IGES.

• Scanners- like a photocopier, image is saved onto disk, scanners import a variety of formats.
• Digital cameras- stores digitized images, uses long-term storage, image is usually a JPG file.
• Digital video cameras- stores full motion video, uses long-term storage, movie can be transferred to DVD.
• Clip art- originally a book with images, now a CD with images, most office suites include a selection, additional clip art is online.

• Paint programs- create bitmap images, includes sophisticated tools, artists draw with several brushes, objects drawn become permanent, Windows Paint.
• Draw programs- create vector-based images, used when accuracy is critical, objects have an outline and fill, adobe Illustrator.
• Photo-editing software- modifies and manipulate digital images, work at the pixel level, images can be enhanced, picture flaws can be repaired, pictures can be completely changed, Photoshop and GIMP.
• Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)- generates vector files, engineering and design fields, and drawings accurate to the millimeter, AutoCAD.
• 3D modeling software- generates three dimensional images, image can be shaped on screen, image is animated frame by frame
• Computer generated imaging- generates photo realistic images, used for movies and television, software eliminates tedious parts.

• Medium- way of sharing information, voice, pictures, text, more effective with multiple mediums, multimedia presents information with one medium.
• Interactivity- users and program respond, users can control the content, main difference between TV and computer.

• Simultaneous access to data- data files are shared, shared files stored on a server, software can be shared.
• Shared peripheral device- printers and faxes are common shares, reduces the cost per user, devices can be connected to the network, print servers control network printing
• Personal communication- E-mail, conferencing, voice over IP.
• Easier data backup- backup copies data to removable media, server data backed up in one step.

• Local Area Network (LAN)- contains printers, servers and computers, systems are close to each other, contained in one office or building, organizations often have several LANS.
• Wide Area Networks (WAN)- two or more LANs connected, over a large geographic area, typically use public or leased lines, the Internet is a WAN.

• Campus Area Networks (CAN)- a LAN in one large geographic area, resources related to the same organization, each department shares the LAN.
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)- large network that connects different organizations, shares regional resources, a network provider sells time
• Home Area Network (HAN)- small-scale network, connects computers and entertainment appliances, found mainly in the home.
• Personal Area Network (PAN)- very small-scale network, range is less than 2 meters, cell phones, PDA, MP3 players.

• Server-based network- node is any network device, servers control what the node accesses, users gain access by logging in, and server is the most important computer.
• Client/Server network- nodes and servers share data roles, nodes are called clients, servers are used to control access, database software, and server is the most important computer.
• Peer to peer networks (P2PN)- all nodes are equal, nodes access resources on other nodes, each node controls its own resources, most modern OS allow P2PN, distributing computing is a form, Kazaa.

• Topology- logical layout of wires and equipment, choice affects, several different types.
• Packets- pieces of data transmitted over a network, packet header, packet payload, and packet error control.
• Bus topology- also called linear bus, one wire connects all nodes, terminator ends the wires
• Star topology- all nodes connect to a hub, most common topology.
• Ring topology- nodes connected in a circle, tokens used to transmit data.
• Mesh topology- all computers connected together, Internet is a mesh network.

• Twisted-pair cabling- most common LAN cable, called Cat5 or 100BaseT, four pairs of copper cable twisted, may be shielded from interference, speeds range from 1 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps.
• Coaxial cable- similar to cable TV wire, one wire runs through cable, shielded from interference, speeds up to 10 Mbps, nearly obsolete.
• Fiber-optic cable- data is transmitted with light pulses, glass strand instead of cable, immune to interference, very secure, hard to work with, speeds up to 100 Gbps.

• Data transmitted through the air, LANs use radio waves, WANs use microwave signals, easy to setup, difficult to secure.

• Network interface cards- network adapter, connects node to the media, unique Machine Access Code (MAC)
• Network linking devices- connect nodes in the network, cable runs from node to device, crossover cable connects two computers.
• Hubs- center of a star network, all nodes receive transmitted packets, slow and insecure.
• Switches- replacement for hubs, only intended node receives transmission, fast and secure.
• Bridge- connects two or more LANs together, packets sent to remote LAN cross, segment the network on MAC addresses.
• Router- connects two or more LANs together, packets sent to remote LAN cross, network is segmented by IP address, connect internal networks to the Internet, need configured before installation.
• Gateway- connects two dissimilar networks, connects coax to twisted pair, most gateways contained in other devices.

• Cabling specifications- bandwidth measures cable speed, maximum cable length, connector describes the type of plug
• Ethernet- very popular cabling technology, 10 Base T, 10Base2, 10Base5, maximum bandwidth 10 Mbps, maximum distances100 to 500 meters.
• Fast Ethernet- newer version of Ethernet, bandwidth is 100 Mbps, uses Cat5 or greater cable, requires a switch.
• Gigabit Ethernet- high bandwidth version of Ethernet, 1 to 10 Gbps, Cat 5 or fiber optic cable, video applications.
• Token ring- uses shielded twisted pair cabling, bandwidth between 10 and 25 Mbps, uses a multiple access unit (MAU), popular in manufacturing and finance.

• Language of the network- rules of communication, error resolution, defines collision and collision recovery, size of packet, naming rules for computers
• TCP/IP- transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, most popular protocol, machines assigned a name of 4 numbers, dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, required for Internet access.
• IPX/SPX- Internet Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange, older protocol, associated with Novell Netware, replaced by TCP/IP.
• NetBEUI- network BIOS Extended User Interface, used by Windows to name computers, transmission details handled by TCP/IP.
• Token Ring- popular in manufacturing and finance, nodes communicate when they have the token.

• Plain Old Telephone System (POTS)- standard phone line, two-way voice communication, uses analog transmission techniques, data communication is slow.
• Modems- modulator/demodulator, speed measured in bits per second (bps), V.92 is the current modem standard, several modem types.
• Modem uses- connection to the Internet, file transfer

• Digital phone lines- local telephone companies are upgrading, service faster and more reliable, new phones will be needed, modems will need to be upgraded.
• Broadband connection- any data connection faster than 56 Kbps, common in business, becoming popular in home installations.
• ISDN lines- integrated Services Digital Network, basic rate uses three channels, and primary rate uses 24 data channels.
• T lines- high-capacity voice/data lines, used to control phone and data, several variants, T1 transmits at 1.544 Mbps, T3 transmits at 44.736 Mbps.
• DSL technologies- digital Subscriber Line, popular with home users, speeds range from 100 Kbps to 30 Mbps, Asymmetrical DSL (ADSL), Symmetrical DSL (SDSL), requires a DSL modem.
• Cable modem connections- popular with home and office users, speeds between 1 and 3 Mbps, requires a cable modem.
• ATM- Asynchronous Transfer Mode, efficient transfer of video and sound, requires a special NIC and hardware.

• Benefits- no cable to pull, mobile devices access network resources, mobility and flexibility for office workers.
• Wireless 802.11- also called Wi-Fi, IEEE standard, several versions, uses the same type of devices.
• Wireless Access Point- center of a wireless network, WAPS combined cover a larger area, distance to WAP determines bandwidth, range is 50 to 150 meters, extension points can extend range.
• Wireless Adapters- Used by devices to connect, includes signal strength software.

• Dial-up connections- standard phone lines and a modem, computer dials a number for your ISP, all Internet programs use the connection, and applications might need configured.
• High-speed broadband connections, any connection faster than dialup, networks shares the broadband connection.
• ISDN- offers speeds up to 1.5 Mbps, uses standard phone lines, and requires special equipment, simultaneous use of phone and data.
• DSL- offers speeds up to 30 Mbps, uses modified phone lines, simultaneous use of phone and data, Asynchronous DSL, Synchronous DSL, Variable DSL.
• Cable modems- speeds up to 3 Mbps, uses cable TV wires, requires a cable modem, simultaneous use of TV and data.

• Application programming interface (API)- simplifies connection to network devices, allows any application to access Internet, UNIX API uses sockets, Windows API uses winsock.
• Network drivers- control access to the hardware, Ethernet and dial-up require a driver, API connects to the driver.

• Wireless WAN (WWAN)- Wireless network over a large area, uses radio signals to transfer data, speeds range from 1 to 100 Mbps, antennas required, subject to atmospheric disturbances.
• Satellite services- Internet access in remote regions, suitable for home and office use, needs a VSAT at the client, modem connects to the VSAT.
• Wireless LANs (WLAN)- network without wires, connects to a broadband LAN connection, WAP are wired directly into the LAN, nodes use wireless.
• Wireless security- crucial to protect wireless transmissions, Encryption protects transmissions, Wireless Encryption Protocol is quite weak, Wi-Fi Protected Access is stronger, MAC address of trusted computers, war driving.

• Online shopping- purchasing through a web site, also called Business to Consumer (B2C), list of products is nearly endless.
• Online stores versus brick and mortar- brick and mortar implies a physical store, brick and mortar properties, online store properties.
• Using online catalogs- good online stores have a catalog, products are often arranged by category, products can be found by keyword.
• Paying for purchases- Vendors accept several payment methods, may need to create an account.
• Getting customer service- needed to resolve problems, understand the policies before ordering, contact information, return policies, shipping policies, charges and fees.
• Online banking- most teller services handled online, balances can be obtained, bills can be paid, access is typically very secure, not available at all banks.
• Online finance- broker and investment services, costs less than a traditional broker, stocks and bonds can be traded, loans can be procured, tax returns can be filed.

• Business to business (B2B)- business transaction between companies, accounts for the majority of e-commerce, initially private networks were used, common transactions.
• Intranets and extranets- business partners must work together, Intranet uses Internet technologies, Extranets open the Intranet to clients, very simple to use and setup.
• Telecommuters- employee working outside of the office, connects to the office through technology, several technologies are used.

• Improved security measures- before 1998, Web security was nonexistent, now safer than restaurant purchases, all reputable sites protect their customers.
• Secure web pages- allows safe transmission of credit card, use the secure socket layer (SSL), secure pages are easily identified.

• Information systems- collects, stores and organizes information, retrieves value from data, harness many types of data, computer�s reason for existence.
• Components of an information system- physical means of storing information, procedures for ensuring data integrity, rules regarding data use and distribution, means of distributing the data, tools to organize the data.

• Office automation systems- performs various office tasks, allows users to efficiently handle data, tedious tasks become simple, built using off the shelf systems, allow seamless integration of data.
• Transaction processing systems (TPS)- transaction is a complete event, tracks and processes transactions, each step is monitored, errors must be remedied immediately.
• Management information systems (MIS)- tools for managers and decision makers, organize and evaluates information, summarizes reports based on need.
• Decision support system- organizes information for better decisions, different data and criteria are evaluated, often based on spreadsheet software, provides tailored and structured reports.
• Expert systems- performs tasks done by a person, analyzes data and suggests an action, requires a large knowledge base, inference engines.

• Intranets- private network using Internet technology, employees use to access data, databases are stored on the Intranet, access to outside users is blocked.
• Extranets- outside access to an intranet, goal is to simplify a process, just-in-time inventory.
• Virtual Private Networks- secure connection over the Internet, tunneling provides security, employees use to work from home, networks use to connect securely, once established, the VPN is transparent.
• Electronic data interchange (EDI)- electronic transfer of data, data transferred in a precise manner, networks often share an information system, over time can save organizations money.
• Data warehousing- provides 24x7 access to data, fault tolerant, data security.
• Data scrubbing- provides for data consistency and validity, compares data to a set of rules, should be performed at all levels, as rules change data is rescrubbed.

• Server farms- collection of servers and mainframes, servers are either distributed or collected, uses of server is critical.
• Enterprise storage- methods and technologies to store data, efficiently store large amounts of data, data is accessible at all times, RAID and NAS are two types.
• RAID- redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks, links a number of hard drives, provides data redundancy, can speed access to data.
• NAS- network Attached Storage, disk storage connected to network media, disk system processes and delivers data, storage Area Networks (SAN).
• Backup- protects files and settings, can restore data to an earlier point, crucial to any information system, transaction rollback, tape backup.
• Nonstop and redundant systems- mission critical system, must run 24x7, most information systems mission critical, redundant systems are backup computers.
• Scalable and interoperable systems- scalability, interoperable systems.

• Integral part of any organization
• Maintains equipment, software and data
• Enables other employees to function
• Requires highly trained employees
• Various names- Information Systems (IS), Information Technology (IT), Management Information Systems (MIS).

System development life cycle.

• Organized way to build information systems
• Consists of five phases- entire usable life of the system.
• Phase 1: needs analysis- users identify a need, solves three main problems, technology analysts talk with users, define the problem using a description tool, a solution is presented to a manager.
• Phase 2: Systems design- solution is defined, several design tools, CASE tools used to build prototypes.
• Phase 3: Development- solution for the problem is built, programmers play a key role, solutions may be purchased, solutions may be built locally, technical writers create instructions, solution is repeatedly tested.
• Phase 4: Implementation- installation of hardware and software, users must convert to the solution, trainers and support personnel are critical.
• Phase 5: Maintenance- IT professionals continue to monitor, bugs is fixed, new features are added, users often suggest bugs or features.

Evolving system design method.

• Problems with SDLC- SDLC is an old process, very slow process, companies need to respond quickly.
• Rapid Application Design (RAD)- develops IS systems quickly, several products exist, slightly different development phases.
• RAD Phase 1: Requirements planning- requirements for project are defined, joint requirements planning (JRP), managers from affected departments provide guidance.
• RAD Phase 2: User design- joint application design (JAD), user provides the details, system analyst solve the technical details.
• RAD Phase 3: Rapid construction- IS professionals develop the project, a variety of tools can be used, users approve each portion.
• RAD Phase 4: Transition- system is tested on sample data, users are trained on the sample, new system runs parallel to existing, phase complete when bugs are gone, old system removed.
• RAD Phase 5: Maintenance- traditionally not part of RAD, all systems needs periodic maintenance.
• Object Oriented Systems Analysis- OOSA, project elements are defined using objects, objects are linked together, Java and C++ are typical tools.

Basics security concept.

• Threats- anything that can harm a computer, vulnerabilities are weaknesses in security, security attempts to neutralize threats
• Degrees of harm- level of potential damage, include all parts of system
• Countermeasures- steps taken to block a threat protect the data from theft, protect the system from theft.

Threats to users.

• Identity Theft- impersonation by private information, reported incidents rising, methods of stealing information.
• Loss of privacy- personal information is stored electronically, purchases are stored in a database, data is sold to other companies, public records on the Internet, Internet use is monitored and logged, and none of these techniques are illegal.
• Cookies- files delivered from a web site originally improved a site�s function, cookies now track history and passwords, browsers include cookie blocking tools.
• Spyware- software downloaded to a computer, designed to record personal information, typically undesired software, hides from users, several programs exist to eliminate.
• Web bugs- small programs embedded in gif images, gets around cookie blocking tools, companies use to track usage, blocked with spyware killers.
• Spam- unsolicited commercial e-mail, networks and PCs need a spam blocker, stop spam before reaching the inbox, spammers acquire addresses using many methods, CAN-SPAM Act passed in 2003.

Threats to hardware.

• Affect the operation or reliability
• Power-related threats- power fluctuations, power loss, countermeasures
• Theft and vandalism- thieves steal the entire computer, accidental or intentional damage, countermeasures.
• Natural disasters- disasters differ by location, typically result in total loss, disaster planning.

Threats to data.

The most serious threat- data is the reason for computers, data is very difficult to replace, and protection is difficult.

• Viruses- software that distributes and installs itself, ranges from annoying to catastrophic, countermeasures.
• Trojan horses- program that poses as beneficial software, user willingly installs the software, countermeasures.
• Cybercrime- using a computer in an illegal act, fraud and theft are common acts.
• Internet fraud- most common cybercrime, fraudulent web site, have names similar to legitimate sites.
• Hacking- using a computer to enter another network, cost users $1.3 trillion in 2003.
• Distributed denial of service attack- attempt to stop a public server, hackers plant the code on computers, code is simultaneously launched, too many requests stops the server.
• Cyberterrorism- attacks made at nations information, targets include power plants, threat first realized in 1996, Organizations combat cyber terrorism.

Taking protective measures.

Avoiding identify theft.

• Guard your papers- shred unneeded paper, pick up you mail quickly, check statements immediately, and keep records for 3 years.
• Guard your personal information- be wary giving out information, avoid giving account numbers, never give personal information in e-mail, ensure online shopping is secure.
• Look at the big picture- review your credit report yearly, develop an efficient filing system, and know your liability limits.

Protecting your privacy.

• Keep marketers at bay- be wary filling out forms, guard your primary email address.
• Know your legal rights- 1966 Freedom of Information Act, 1970 Fair Credit Reporting Act, Privacy Act of 1974, 1986 Electronic Communications Act, Financial Modernization Act of 1999, 2001 USA Patriot Act.

Managing cookies and spyware.

• Dealing with cookies- browsers provide settings to block cookies, no cookies to all cookies allowed, without cookies some sites crash, cookies can be deleted.
• Cookie types- session cookies, persistent cookies, first-party cookies, third-party cookies.
• Removing web bugs and spyware- install a spyware removal program, install a popup blocker.
• Evading spam- contact your ISP, use mail program�s filters, use an anti-spam program, use an online account for purchasing.

Protecting your system.

• Limit physical access- easiest way to harm or steal data, build an account for each user, require a password for access.
• Use a firewall- protects from unauthorized remote use, makes your computer invisible, cost between $0 and $80.
• Backup often- backup is a copy of a file, restore replaces a file on disk, organizations backup at least daily, home users should backup weekly.

Handling storage media.

• Store media in the proper container- floppy disks in a hard case, CD should be in a sleeve, thumb disks should be closed.
• Avoid magnetism- magnets erase the contents of disks
• Heat and cold- avoid extreme temperatures, floppy and CD-ROMS are susceptible.
• Moisture- does not use wet media, CD�s can be wiped off, Floppy disks must dry for days.
• Dust, dirt, and fingerprints- dirty or scratched media will fail, handle media by the edge, clean CDs with gentle strokes.