Topic 1 - System Fundamentals - Flashcards
What are the pros and cons of the Direct Changeover method in software system implementation?
Pros: Swift changeover, immediate availability of the new system.
Cons: Lack of backup in case of failure, risk of system downtime.
What are the pros and cons of the Parallel method in software system implementation?
Pros: Backup available if the new system fails, output from both systems can be compared for verification.
Cons: Running both systems concurrently is expensive.
What are the pros and cons of the Pilot method in software system implementation?
Pros: All features tested before full adoption, pilot staff can train others, failure impacts only a small part of the organization.
Cons: No backup for the pilot group in case of failure.
What are the pros and cons of the Phased method in software system implementation?
Pros: Allows gradual adaptation to the new system, training can be conducted in stages.
Cons: Lack of backup for phased-out parts of the system if failure occurs.
What is data migration?
Moving data from one system to another, typically necessary when transitioning to a new system.
What are some possible problems encountered during data migration?
Incompatible file formats
Differences in data structure
Validation rule disparities
Incomplete data transfers
Variances in data, currency, or character conventions
Give an example of a problem related to incompatible file formats during data migration.
Different systems might use different versions of the same software, resulting in different file formats.
What is an example of a disparity in data structure that can occur during data migration?
Data stored in arrays in one system and linked lists in the other, or data stored in tables in one system and spreadsheets in the other.
What is a risk associated with incomplete data transfers during migration?
Some data may be lost, leading to potential inaccuracies or missing information in the new system.
How can differences in validation rules impact data migration?
Different rules for what constitutes valid data between systems can result in data being rejected or altered during the migration process.
What are legacy systems?
Old technology, computer systems, or applications that are no longer supported or available for purchase.
Why may modernizing legacy systems be challenging?
Modernization can be expensive or/or time-consuming.
Give an example of a legacy system.
Floppy disks or Windows XP.
What characterizes a legacy system?
It is outdated technology that is no longer actively supported or developed.
What challenges might organizations face with legacy systems?
They may encounter difficulties in integrating with modern technologies, maintaining security, and supporting evolving business needs.
What are the characteristics of local software?
Runs on your computer
Requires a one-time fee
Installation required
Updates may not be automatic
Users may have different versions depending on update status
What distinguishes remote software, or SAAS (Software-as-a-Service)?
Accessed through a web browser
Subscription fee
Can be used on any number of computers via web browser
Automatic updates ensure users always have the same version
What are some advantages of SAAS (Software-as-a-Service)?
Employees can operate software from anywhere
Cheaper
Requires fewer support staff
Pay-as-you-go or subscription model
Easy scalability to serve more users
What are some disadvantages of SAAS (Software-as-a-Service)?
Users have no control over system availability
Users have no control over security
Lack of control if the SAAS provider is acquired
Potential for large-scale data corruption
What distinguishes SAAS from local software in terms of maintenance?
SAAS is easier to maintain as individual computer problems are not a concern.
What is the primary focus of static testing?
Verifying documentation and planned specifications to ensure they lead to the correct system being built.
What does dynamic testing primarily involve?
Executing code to ensure it produces the required results, checking for bugs, and validating that the software meets business requirements.
What is the purpose of alpha testing?
To confirm that the software works as intended, identify bugs, and address UI issues before release outside of the company. Alpha testing is done internally
What distinguishes beta testing from alpha testing?
Beta testing involves potential end-users outside of the company, lasts for weeks, and aims to model real-world usage to gather feedback.
What characterizes black box testing?
It tests software by using it without accessing the codebase or internal workings, and no programming knowledge is required.
What distinguishes white box testing from black box testing?
White box testing involves examining a software program's code, while black box testing focuses on testing the software's functionality without accessing its internal structure.
What is the purpose of user acceptance testing?
To validate that the software meets business requirements and functions as intended, typically by testing with end-users.
What is automated testing?
Testing conducted using automated testing software, where preconstructed scenarios are executed, and the program output is automatically compared to expected results.
What is the primary advantage of automated testing?
It can rapidly complete complex and tedious tasks, leading to increased efficiency in the testing process.
What is a potential disadvantage of automated testing?
Automated testing may require significant setup and maintenance, and it may not be suitable for all types of testing scenarios.
What are the pros and cons of manual user documentation?
Pros: Doesn't require installation, computer, or internet connection.
Cons: Can be damaged or lost, cannot be updated.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of online user documentation?
Pros: Can be much longer than manual, can be updated, search capabilities.
Cons: Requires internet connection, can be difficult for inexperienced users to access.
What characterizes help files as a type of user documentation?
Pros: Easily accessible in software program, contain general instructions for use.
Cons: Requires installation first, lacks search capability.
What is a disadvantage of in-person user training?
Cons: Less personalized, students may become bored, lost, or lose pace.
What is a benefit of online training for user instruction?
Pros: Can be more personalized, focuses on the needs of students via online instructor.
What are the advantages of self-instruction for user training?
Pros: Low-cost (no teacher needed), flexible timeline, users can choose what to focus on.
What is a disadvantage of self-instruction for user training?
Cons: No guidance, users may feel lost, lack of structure means that users may not learn everything they need to.
What type of user documentation requires a computer and internet connection?
Online documentation.
Which type of user training may be more expensive if individual?
Online training - instructor training one student or a small group of students.
What is a limitation of help files as a type of user documentation?
Lacks search capability.
What are some causes of data loss?
Hardware/System Malfunction
Human Error
Software Corruption
Malicious Software (Viruses, etc.)
National Disasters (Power cuts = equipment damage)
How can data loss be prevented?
Failover Systems
Redundancy
Removable Media
Offsite/online storage
Physical Security
What is the purpose of failover systems in preventing data loss?
To provide a secondary system that can be switched to if the primary system fails, ensuring continuity of operations.
What does redundancy involve in preventing data loss?
Creating duplicates of a system's components and data so that a backup is always present in case of failure.
How does removable media help prevent data loss?
It allows for data backup to be stored on removable storage devices, providing a secondary copy of important data.
What is the purpose of offsite/online storage in preventing data loss?
To back up data at a different location or in the "cloud," ensuring that data remains accessible even if the primary location experiences issues.
How does physical security contribute to preventing data loss?
By securing data from natural disasters or physical tampering, minimizing the risk of loss or compromise.
What is a stakeholder?
A person with an interest or concern in something, especially a business.
What are some examples of stakeholders in the context of a business?
Company owner, users, managers, shareholders, employees.
What are requirements in the context of software?
The tasks a program should be able to achieve.
What method involves observing the system in use in the real world to gather requirements for software functionality?
Direct Observation.
What is a potential disadvantage of using interviews to gather requirements for software functionality?
Costly in terms of time and resources.
What method involves asking users directly for feedback to gather requirements for software functionality?
Interviews.
What is a potential drawback of using surveys to gather requirements for software functionality?
Users may not take it seriously.
What is a benefit of using direct observation to gather requirements for software functionality?
Opportunity to see users using a product in real-world scenarios.
What method involves sending users questionnaires to gather requirements for software functionality?
Surveys.
What is a prototype in the context of software development?
A plan or abstract representation of the end-product, often displaying the functionality of one or two key aspects, used to get feedback from stakeholders.
What is iteration in software development?
A cyclical process that involves prototyping, testing, analyzing test results, and refining the product until requirements are met, allowing constant improvement based on user or client feedback.
What is software deployment?
The process of releasing a new product or updates, including patches and fixes, to the end-users.
What is a bug in software development?
A software error or flaw that causes the program to produce incorrect or unexpected results.
What does usability refer to in software development?
Usability refers to how effectively and efficiently a product can be used by its intended users.
What are examples of usability problems in different devices?
Examples include short battery life in laptops, small screen size in phones, and buttons being too small or software being buggy in digital cameras.
What does accessibility refer to in software development?
Accessibility refers to how easily people, including those with disabilities, can use software.
How can accessibility be improved in software?
Improvements can include features like Braille keyboards, touch screens, voice recognition, and text dictation to cater to users with different needs.