Pass the WGU Courses and Certificates Introduction-to-IT Questions and answers with CertsForce

Compiled languages follow this process:

1.Source Code: You write code in a high-level language (like C++, Java, or C#).

2.Compiler: A compiler translates the entire source code into machine-executable code (object code) at once.

3.Executable File: The object code is often packaged into an executable file.

4.Execution: The executable file can be run directly by the computer's operating system.

Insourcing, the practice of developing software or handling IT tasks within the organization, offers several advantages. The primary advantage in this scenario focuses on skill development:

•Knowledge growth: By working directly on projects, in-house developers gain hands-on experience, enhancing their coding skills and understanding of the company's specific needs.

•Ownership: Insourcing provides developers with a sense of ownership over the project, often leading to increased motivation and problem-solving skills.

1.Integrity: This principle focuses on maintaining the accuracy and trustworthiness of data. It ensures that data remains unaltered and free from corruption. Key points related to integrity:

oData Accuracy: Integrity ensures that data reflects the true state of information. Any unauthorized changes or alterations are detected and prevented.

oHash Functions: Hash functions are commonly used to verify data integrity. These functions generate a fixed-size hash value (checksum) based on the original data. If any part of the data changes, the hash value will also change, indicating potential tampering.

oDigital Signatures: Digital signatures provide a way to verify the integrity of electronic documents. They use asymmetric encryption to sign data, ensuring that it has not been altered since the signature was applied.

oData Validation: Implementing input validation and proper access controls helps maintain data integrity by preventing unauthorized modifications.

2.Confidentiality and Availability:

oConfidentiality: This principle ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive data. It focuses on keeping information private and restricting access.

oAvailability: Availability ensures that authorized users can access data when needed. It prevents data from being unavailable due to system failures, attacks, or other disruptions.

3.Balancing the Triad:

oWhile all three principles are essential, they can sometimes conflict with each other. For example:

Enhancing confidentiality (e.g., strong encryption) may impact availability (e.g., longer decryption times).

Rigorous integrity checks can affect system performance.

oOrganizations must strike a balance based on their specific security requirements.

References

•CSO Online: The CIA triad: Definition, components, and examples

•Comparitech: What is the CIA triad — confidentiality, integrity, and availability?

•Preventive Approach: CIA Triad: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

1.Proprietary Software Definition:

oProprietary software, also known as commercial software, is software that is exclusively owned and controlled by a single entity (usually a software company or vendor).

oUsers must obtain a license to use proprietary software, and the terms and conditions of this license are outlined in an end-user license agreement (EULA).

2.Ownership and Access to Source Code:

oProprietary software is considered “closed-source” because the source code is not available to the public.

oOnly the original developers or copyright holders have access to the complete source code.

oUsers do not have the right to modify or distribute the software’s source code.

3.Rights Granted by a Proprietary Software License:

oWhen a business acquires a proprietary software license, it gains the following rights:

Right to Use: The business can use the software for its intended purpose.

Limited Access: Users can interact with the software’s user interface but cannot access or modify the underlying code.

Restrictions: The license may impose restrictions on copying, distribution, and reverse engineering.

Enforcement: Violating the license terms can result in legal action by the software vendor.

4.Comparison to Open Source Software:

oProprietary software differs from open source software, where the source code is freely accessible, modifiable, and distributable.

oExamples of proprietary software include Microsoft Windows, Adobe Photoshop, and commercial applications.

References

1.Montague Law: Proprietary Software License Explained for 2023

2.UpCounsel: Proprietary Software License: Everything You Need to Know

3.Wikipedia: Software License

4.TheCyberGarden: Software Licensing - The Proprietary Model and the Open Source Model

5.Toppr: What is Proprietary Software - Definition, Advantages, Disadvantages

the basic structure of a computer network is the one depicting cloud computing. In this image, a blue cloud labeled “Cloud” is connected to four different types of devices: a desktop computer, tablet, phone, and laptop. Each device has an icon representing its type, and all devices are connected to the cloud, symbolizing data access and storage on the cloud.

1.Lexical Analysis:

oThe source code is first tested by the compiler’s lexer, which breaks it down into tokens (such as keywords, identifiers, operators, and punctuation).

oThis step identifies the individual elements of the program.

2.Syntactic and Semantic Analysis:

oThe compiler performs syntactic analysis, checking the source code for syntax errors and ensuring it follows the correct language-specific rules.

oIf any errors occur, the compiler throws an error and stops the compilation.

oAdditionally, the compiler performs semantic analysis to find the meaning of the code.

oIt checks for logical errors, such as type mismatches, undeclared variables, and incorrect usage of operators.

3.Optimization:

oOnce the code is syntactically correct, the compiler performs low-level optimization to improve performance.

oThis may involve reducing memory usage or optimizing code for speed by rearranging instructions or eliminating unnecessary operations.

4.Output Code Generation:

oFinally, the compiler generates machine code corresponding to the original source code.

oThe resulting machine code resides in a binary file that the computer’s hardware can execute directly.

Why Do We Use Compilers?

•Compilers catch syntax and semantic errors before running the code, saving time and preventing crashes.

•They optimize code for efficient execution, resulting in faster, more compact programs.

Disadvantages of a Compiler:

•Compiled code is platform-dependent, meaning it produces a machine-specific executable file.

•Code compiled on one type of machine won’t run on another type without recompilation1.

References

1.GeeksforGeeks

2.Built In

3.Wikipedia

A BI system shines in this scenario because it leverages the power of data from various sources and turns that into actionable insights:

•Customer Sentiment Analysis: BI systems can incorporate natural language processing to analyze customer reviews, gauging sentiment and preferences towards organic food. Trends and patterns can be identified.

•Cost Analysis: BI can pull in data on ingredient costs (organic vs. conventional), preparing a comprehensive analysis of how switching to more organic food would impact operational expenses.

•Decision Support: By combining customer sentiment, cost analysis, and potentially market trends (through external data integration), a BI system can provide a holistic view of the trade-offs and the potential impact of increasing organic food usage.

•RAM (Random Access Memory) is the motherboard component used for short-term storage of data.

•RAM is a type of computer memory that can be read and written. It serves as temporary storage for data that the CPU (Central Processing Unit) needs to access quickly.

•When you run programs or open files, the data is loaded into RAM from storage devices (such as hard drives or SSDs). The CPU can then access this data rapidly, allowing for efficient execution of tasks.

•Unlike permanent storage (such as hard drives), RAM is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when the computer is powered off or restarted.

•RAM is crucial for overall system performance. The more RAM a computer has, the better it can handle multitasking, large applications, and data-intensive tasks.

•In summary, RAM provides fast, temporary storage for data that the CPU actively uses during program execution.

References:

1.AVG: What Is RAM, What Does It Do & How Much Do You Need

2.Crucial.com: What Does Computer Memory (RAM) Do?

1.Microsoft Windows: Developed and marketed by Microsoft, Windows is the most widely used desktop operating system globally. It accounts for nearly 72% market share for desktop and laptop computers. Windows provides an intuitive and user-friendly graphical desktop, making it easy to use and navigate. It is versatile and supports various tasks such as word processing, browsing, gaming, software development, video editing, and more1.

2.Linux: Linux is a popular open-source operating system. It was developed by programmer Linus Torvalds in 1991. Linux runs in many organizations, private offices, mobiledevices, supercomputers, and over the internet. It already contains almost all the features of the UNIX OS and has additional features. Various distributions of Linux exist, including Ubuntu, Debian, Solus, and Linux Mint. Linux is known for its security, compatibility, and flexibility2.

3.Android: Android is one of the most common operating systems today. It powers smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices. Developed by Google, Android is based on the Linux kernel. It dominates the mobile market and offers a wide range of applications and features for users2.

Comprehensive Detailed Step by Step Explanation:

1.Microsoft Windows:

oWindows is developed and maintained by Microsoft.

oIt provides a graphical user interface (GUI) and is user-friendly.

oWindows 10 is the current version, with earlier versions like Windows XP, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

oAdvantages: Compatibility with hardware, pre-loaded software, ease of use. Disadvantages: Cost, security threats, vulnerability to viruses.

2.Linux:

oDeveloped by Linus Torvalds in 1991.

oOpen-source and free of cost.

oUsed in various environments (organizations, supercomputers, etc.).

oDistributions like Ubuntu, Debian, and Linux Mint.

oAdvantages: Security, compatibility, flexibility. Disadvantages: Multiple versions, not ideal for gamers.

3.Android:

oDeveloped by Google.

oBased on the Linux kernel.

oDominates the mobile market.

oOffers a wide range of apps and features.

References:

1.Toppr: Commonly Used Operating System

2.Tecmint: Most Used Operating Systems in the World1

To determine a student’s previous academic year’s course load, the most crucial piece of information is the course identification number. This unique identifier allows for the retrieval of specific data related to each course, such as the number of credit hours or units associated with the course, which directly contributes to the calculation of the course load.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how this information is used:

1.Identify the Student: The database must have a record of the student for whom the course load is being determined.

2.Retrieve Course Records: Using the student’s identification, the database retrieves all course records associated with that student for the specified academic year.

3.Use Course Identification Numbers: Each course taken by the student will have a unique course identification number.

4.Determine Credit Hours: The course identification number can be used to look up the credit hours or units for each course, as this information is typically tied to the course ID in the database.

5.Calculate Course Load: By summing the credit hours for all courses taken in the previous academic year, the student’s course load can be calculated.

References: The process of determining course load and its impact on student performance is discussed in academic literature, which emphasizes the importance of course identification numbers in tracking academic progress1234.