Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
6. What advantages do fuel cells offer over batteries for
use in portable electronic devices? Do they have any
disadvantages?
7. What is the difference between data entry and data input?
8. What is RAID storage technology?
9. Explain the two-phase process for executing instructions.
10. Why are the components of all information systems
described as interdependent?
11. Identify the three components of the CPU and explain the
role of each.
12. What is the difference between sequential and direct access
of data?
13. Identify several types of secondary storage media in terms
of access method, capacity, portability, and cost per GB of
storage.
14. Identify and briefly describe the various classes of personal
computers.
15. What is the difference between cloud computing and grid
computing?
16. What is source data automation?
17. What is the overall trend in secondary storage devices?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.
Briefly describe how RFID technology works. Why is
RFID technology being used to track product inventory in
retail stores?
6. Identify and briefly describe the three fundamental
approaches to data storage.
7. Discuss the potential impact of converting to cloud com-
puting on an individual organization's IS infrastructure.
8. Briefly discuss several data-storage issues that face the mod-
ern organization.
9. If cost was not an issue, describe the characteristics of your
ideal computer. What would you use it for? Would you
choose a handheld, portable, desktop, or workstation com-
puter? Why?
10. How should organizations allocate grid computing
resources so they address only important research projects?
2.
What would be the advantages for a university computer
lab to install thin clients rather than standard desktop per-
sonal computers? Can you identify any disadvantages?
3.
What is a quad-core processor? What advantages does it
offer users?
4.
Describe a practical business problem that could be solved
through the use of a multiple-monitor solution.
5.
Briefly describe Moore's Law. What are the implications
of this law? Are there any practical limitations to Moore's
Law?
PROBLEM-SOLVING EXERCISES
1.
Use word processing software to document what your
needs are as a computer user and your justification for
selecting either a desktop or laptop computer. Find a Web
site that allows you to order and customize a computer, and
select those options that best meet your needs in a cost-
effective manner. Assume that you have a budget of $1,250.
Enter the computer specifications and associated costs into
an Excel spreadsheet that you cut and paste into the docu-
ment defining your needs. E-mail the document to your
instructor.
printers. Now do the same for three inkjet printers. Write
a brief memo on which printer you would choose and why.
Cut and paste the spreadsheet into a document.
3.
Enter data from Figure 3.3 (Moore's Law) into a spread-
sheet program. Use the forecasting capabilities of the pro-
gram to estimate the number of transistors on a chip for the
next six years, and draw a chart depicting this. Are there
basic limitations that can keep this forecast from being met?
If so, what are they?
2.
Develop a spreadsheet that compares the features, initial
purchase price, and ongoing operating costs for three laser
