Give Me A Portfolio Item About 10001 CRP: Principles of Information Tech 1 A - Critical Thinking Questions

Unit 3
Critical Thinking Questions
Please complete the following questions. Use a word processor to complete your work. Remember to use complete sentences and include both the questions and answers. Submit your work as a file attachment using the dropbox.

The answers to the Critical Thinking Questions are worth 10 points.

Question 1
A new operating system to be used on mobile phones is being developed. What characteristics does it need to have to be efficient on a mobile phone? As it isn’t always possible to have every characteristic that might be desirable, what trade-offs are reasonable to make? Describe the differences between this operating system and application software?

Question 2
What application software would a school newspaper or yearbook need in order to produce its work? What system software would support this work? Give THREE specific examples of each type of software. Explain why they are needed and what kinds of file extensions they might have.

Question 3
For an advanced math class, there is an option of locally installed, local network hosted, or cloud-based software. Which is the BEST choice, and why?

Question 4
Systems management involves allocating computer resources to keep all processes operating smoothly and at maximum efficiency. What aspects of computing do systems management tools handle? Which ones are the most important? Why?

Question 5
A small company is choosing which word processing software to use. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of choosing from licensed, open-source, freeware, and public domain software?

Critical Thinking Grading Rubric
Content
Full Credit
Completes all components of the questions.
Demonstrates in-depth understanding of the relevant concepts.
Answers in complete sentences.
Partial Credit
Completes some components of the questions.
Demonstrates some understanding of the relevant concepts.
Answers mostly in complete sentences.
Little Credit
Does not complete most components of the questions.
Demonstrates minimal understanding of the relevant concepts.
Answers in incomplete sentences.

1 answer

Portfolio Item for 10001 CRP: Principles of Information Tech 1 A - Critical Thinking Questions

Unit 3 Critical Thinking Questions

Question 1
A new operating system to be used on mobile phones is being developed. What characteristics does it need to have to be efficient on a mobile phone? As it isn’t always possible to have every characteristic that might be desirable, what trade-offs are reasonable to make? Describe the differences between this operating system and application software.

Answer 1
An efficient mobile operating system (OS) must have several essential characteristics to perform well on mobile devices. These include:

  1. Low Power Consumption: Mobile devices have limited battery life, so an OS should optimize power usage.
  2. User-Friendly Interface: A clear, intuitive interface is crucial for ease of use.
  3. Security Features: Robust security measures are necessary to protect user data.
  4. Responsive Performance: The OS should quickly respond to user inputs and perform tasks without lag.
  5. App Compatibility: It should support a wide range of applications, enhancing usability.

Reasonable trade-offs may include sacrificing some advanced features for improved battery life or user-friendliness for more complicated yet powerful tools.

The main difference between an operating system and application software is their purpose. The operating system serves as the backbone, managing hardware resources and providing an environment for application software to run. In contrast, application software performs specific tasks for users, such as word processing or web browsing.


Question 2
What application software would a school newspaper or yearbook need in order to produce its work? What system software would support this work? Give THREE specific examples of each type of software. Explain why they are needed and what kinds of file extensions they might have.

Answer 2
The production of a school newspaper or yearbook requires specific application software and is supported by system software.

Application Software Examples:

  1. Adobe InDesign: Used for layout design, it allows the manipulation of images and text effectively. Common file extensions include .indd (InDesign document) and .idml (InDesign Markup Language).
  2. Microsoft Word: Essential for writing articles and text content. Commonly used file extensions include .docx (Word document).
  3. Canva: An online design tool helpful for creating graphics and layouts. It often exports files in formats like .png (Portable Network Graphics) or .pdf (Portable Document Format).

System Software Examples:

  1. Windows 10: A widely used operating system that provides the necessary environment for running application software.
  2. macOS: The operating system for Apple devices, allowing compatibility with various applications.
  3. Linux: An open-source operating system that can be customized for specific needs, offering flexibility for users.

These software types are necessary to create, edit, design, and manage publications while ensuring that the hardware functions correctly under their operation.


Question 3
For an advanced math class, there is an option of locally installed, local network hosted, or cloud-based software. Which is the BEST choice, and why?

Answer 3
For an advanced math class, the BEST choice would be cloud-based software. This option offers several advantages, including accessibility from any device with internet access, which is essential for students who may use different computers or devices. Additionally, cloud-based software usually includes automatic updates and backups, reducing the need for manual maintenance. It allows for real-time collaboration among students, making it easier to work on group assignments. While locally installed software can provide strong performance, it lacks the flexibility and collaborative features inherent in cloud solutions.


Question 4
Systems management involves allocating computer resources to keep all processes operating smoothly and at maximum efficiency. What aspects of computing do systems management tools handle? Which ones are the most important? Why?

Answer 4
Systems management tools handle several aspects of computing, including:

  1. Resource Allocation: Ensuring CPU, memory, and storage are optimally used to avoid bottlenecks.
  2. Performance Monitoring: Tracking system performance metrics to identify issues early.
  3. Configuration Management: Managing software configurations to maintain consistency and prevent conflicts.
  4. Backup and Recovery: Ensuring data is backed up regularly and can be restored in case of system failure.

The most important aspects are resource allocation and performance monitoring, as they directly impact the efficiency and reliability of the system. Proper resource allocation prevents slowdowns, while effective performance monitoring helps identify issues before they become critical problems.


Question 5
A small company is choosing which word processing software to use. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of choosing from licensed, open-source, freeware, and public domain software?

Answer 5
When a small company considers word processing software, each type presents both advantages and disadvantages:

  • Licensed Software:

    • Advantages: Often comes with extensive support and updates. It may include advanced features not found in other options.
    • Disadvantages: Expensive, which can be a burden for a small business.
  • Open-Source Software:

    • Advantages: Usually free and customizable; collaborative community support can lead to frequent improvements.
    • Disadvantages: May lack professional support, and the user interface may not be as polished as licensed alternatives.
  • Freeware:

    • Advantages: Available at no cost, allowing access to essential tools without financial strain.
    • Disadvantages: Often has limited features and may include ads or prompts to upgrade to a paid version.
  • Public Domain Software:

    • Advantages: Completely free to use, modify, and share. Typically, there are no restrictions.
    • Disadvantages: May lack updates and support, leading to potential security vulnerabilities over time.

In conclusion, the choice depends on the small company’s financial situation, need for support, feature requirements, and willingness to engage in software management.