Portfolio for 10001 CRP: Principles of Information Tech 1 A - Critical Thinking Questions
Unit 2 Critical Thinking Questions
Question 1
Question: Demonstrate your understanding of the binary representation of data by expressing the year of your birth (or another significant year) in binary form. Explain how you arrived at your answer.
Answer: I was born in the year 1995. To express this year in binary, I first need to convert the decimal number 1995 into its binary equivalent. The process involves dividing the number by 2 and recording the remainder. I will continue this division until the quotient is 0.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 1995 ÷ 2 = 997 remainder 1
- 997 ÷ 2 = 498 remainder 1
- 498 ÷ 2 = 249 remainder 0
- 249 ÷ 2 = 124 remainder 1
- 124 ÷ 2 = 62 remainder 0
- 62 ÷ 2 = 31 remainder 0
- 31 ÷ 2 = 15 remainder 1
- 15 ÷ 2 = 7 remainder 1
- 7 ÷ 2 = 3 remainder 1
- 3 ÷ 2 = 1 remainder 1
- 1 ÷ 2 = 0 remainder 1
Now, reading the remainders from bottom to top, the binary representation of 1995 is 11111001111.
Question 2
Question: The Lees are starting a small business, and they are considering the use of various secondary devices for their data storage. Which would be best: a file server, network attached storage, or the cloud? Why? What are some possible disadvantages of these options that they should be aware of?
Answer: For the Lees' small business, I would recommend using a cloud storage solution. Cloud storage provides flexibility, scalability, and remote access, allowing employees to access data from anywhere with an internet connection. Additionally, it typically includes automatic backups and security measures, reducing the need for an in-house IT infrastructure.
However, there are some disadvantages to consider. First, reliance on internet connectivity means that access can be disrupted during outages. Second, ongoing costs may accumulate over time, as cloud services often operate on a subscription model. Finally, data privacy can be a concern, as storing data off-site makes it vulnerable to potential breaches.
Question 3
Question: Many people are concerned about data privacy. What are three suggestions for a company that wants to be sure that their customers’ data stays private?
Answer: To ensure customers' data privacy, a company can implement the following strategies:
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Encryption: Use strong encryption methods to protect sensitive data both in transit and at rest. This ensures that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable without the appropriate decryption key.
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Access Controls: Implement strict access controls to limit who can view and manage customer data. By employing role-based access, only authorized personnel can access sensitive information, minimizing the risk of unauthorized exposure.
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Regular Audits and Compliance Checks: Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with data protection regulations (such as GDPR or CCPA) and to assess potential vulnerabilities. This proactive approach allows companies to identify and mitigate risks promptly.
Question 4
Question: What are some of the benefits and challenges of using flash drives to store data?
Answer: Flash drives offer several benefits for data storage. They are portable, lightweight, and can easily fit in a pocket or bag, making it simple to transfer files between different locations and devices. Additionally, flash drives usually have a decent amount of storage capacity and provide fast read and write speeds, making file retrieval quick and efficient.
On the other hand, there are challenges associated with using flash drives. They can be easily lost or damaged, which poses a risk of data loss. Moreover, while they are generally reliable, flash drives have a limited lifespan and can wear out after extensive use. Additionally, without proper encryption, data stored on flash drives is susceptible to unauthorized access if the drive falls into the wrong hands.
Question 5
Question: The concept of cloud computing began only about a decade ago. Since then, it has changed the way that many companies and individuals store their data. What changes will come to data storage in the next decade?
Answer: In the next decade, we can expect several transformative changes in data storage. First, advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning will play a significant role in managing and optimizing data storage solutions, leading to smarter data retrieval and storage strategies. Additionally, the development of quantum computing may revolutionize data storage capabilities, offering unprecedented speeds and storage potential.
Furthermore, as the internet of things (IoT) expands, there will be a surge in data generated by interconnected devices, necessitating more efficient storage solutions to handle the increased data load. Lastly, with growing concerns about data privacy and security, we can anticipate more robust security measures, including improved encryption techniques and decentralized storage solutions, to safeguard user data.
This portfolio contains complete answers for each critical thinking question. Please ensure to use a word processor for your submission and format as required.