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SNHU - IT-201 Computer Platform Technologies
Written by: Chris Bell - October, 2012

Security and Auditing During a Technology Acquisition Process

1. What is the purpose of strategic planning?

Strategic planning is important for all of the departments in an organization. A strategic plan needs to be in place, followed and managed to be sure it's being implemented. Even if things don't quite work out the way they were planned the company will still be further along than if they hadn't had a plan in the first place.

2. What is the difference between a capital expenditure and an operating expenditure?

The term expenditure is also known as an expense for the company. A capital expenditure would be buying a new building and the operational expenditure would be paying the utilities and labor each month.

3. What are the major elements of the acquisition process?

The acquisition process includes defining the computer hardware and software the company currently has, defining what they need and purchasing, or acquiring, the new hardware or software needed. There will also need to be a detailed process in which it will be implemented as the previous system departs.

4. What are the four primary goals of security?

Confidentiality, integrity, privacy and availability are all goals of network security. Making sure that hackers stay out, employees can only access necessary areas and even IT employees are watched over to be sure they're not doing anything unethical or illegal.

5. What is the purpose of auditing?

Auditing is important for any process that's been put into action to be sure it's running smoothly with as little errors as possible. Auditing computer hardware and software isn't any different than auditing a company's process of writing up a sales order. Most processes can be quicker and more efficient when digging into the details a bit more. Audit, check previous errors, and prevent them from happening again.

6. Why is disaster planning important?

Disaster planning is similar to backing up files from the file management system. In order to correctly plan for a disaster you must have your files in at least two locations. It's important because the effects of losing files or hardware due to a fire or disaster can cripple a business.

7. Describe the differences between each level of RAID 1 through 6. What is RAID 10?

The difference between each RAID level is whether the blocks are stripped, mirrored or distributed parity. RAID 10 is the most sophisticated as it needs 3 disks minimum and the blocks are mirrored and stripped. RAID's 1-6 all use a minimum of two disks and are less effective than RAID 10. More about RAID levels here >>

8. Describe four disaster planning preparations that better prepare a business to recover from a disaster?

Some things that can prepare a business for a disaster would be to back up all files in a second location, having computers and phones lines ready with software already implemented in a second location and to simply realize that it's a possibility. The more you realize the threat the more prepared you'll be when it actually comes. Also, if your company sells products a second location is a great idea so that the company can conduct business as usual from there when something happens.