Networking Technology Basics
David L. Cannon · CISA · 2016
This chapter examines familiarity with basic concepts of networking technology equipment by name and theory of operation. The infrastructure comprises a unique architecture of computer hardware and special-purpose software. Auditors are vendor neutral. For example, in media production environments the de facto standard is Apple Mac for its highly integrated workflow with professional cameras and other media devices. In the MS Windows environment, IT help desk support primarily consists of hardware technician functions, yet in the Apple Mac environment, IT is focused on providing advanced application software feature support because Apple hardware requires almost no support. Every computer requires additional storage space, such as a hard disk or solid-state memory device. Data storage may be fixed in a semi-permanent location or removable. When a computer is turned on, the initial startup process is executed from internal programmable chips and data storage disks. Multiprocessor computers and computers based on multicore CPUs are designed to deal with the demands of process-intensive applications. Multiprocessor systems are ideal for high-security environments because the security software will be able to run without any interruption.