Test your basic knowledge |

DSST Introduction To Computing

Instructions:

Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
Match each statement with the correct term.
Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.

1. Web pages
HTML is a set of special instructions used to create ____ _____.
Programmers use assembly languages to write ______ software.
Overloading a computer system or network by making repeated requests to it and thereby denying access to legitimate users is called a _______ __ ________ attack.
Freeware is software that is copyrighted but is available for ____.

2. Keyboard
A bus network has two endpoints and all computers are connected to a single wire or _____.
One survey indicated that 75 to 80% of computer crimes are committed by current or _______ employees.
The BIOS (Basic ______________ System) also enables the computer to interpret keyboard commands and display characters on the monitor.
A ________ - mouse - microphone - scanner - and camera are all examples of computer input devices.

3. Network interface
A MAC address is a series of numbers assigned by the manufacturer to a _________ ________ card at the factory.
A typical computer includes the system and a variety of input - output and ______ devices.
Computer processing is the ____________ of data which transforms data into information.
By using a _______________ utility - files on a disk are rearranged so that they are stored in contiguous clusters.

4. Com
________ ________ plan and implement new or improved computer services.
What part of the URL http://instantcert.com/landing.html is the top level domain? ___
A data communications network that connects personal computers within a limited geographical area is called a ___.
A ___ is a string of characters that points to a specific piece of information anywhere on the web.

5. Hard
Primary storage - also known as RAM or _______ - is temporary data held in computer circuitry.
In programming - a variable represents a value that can ______.
A database index can be used to _________ data in alphabetical or numerical order.
One reason a tape drive takes longer to access data than a ____ drive is that tape drives use sequential access.

6. Instructions
Meeting ___________ software is an example of groupware.
Messages are divided into equal size packets and shipped over the network on a first come first _______ basis.
An example of parallel processing is when several ___________ work together sharing memory on the same task.
A programming language is a set of keywords and grammar rules used to create ____________ for a computer.

7. Before
A message which has been encrypted is called __________.
Using a technology called pipelining - the processor can start executing an instruction ______ the previous instruction completes.
____ and RPG-I are examples of fourth generation languages.
Examples of DTP software include MS __________ and PageMaker.

8. Action
Applications no longer had to include code to control low level hardware operations but instead called on operating system routines through simple standardized _________.
All the physical equipment in a computer system is called ________.
In programming - an event is defined as an ______.
Computer _____ temporarily stores instructions and data that the processor is likely to use frequently.

9. Record
A template is a ____________ document often provided with word processing software.
For example - the largest number an 8-bit variable can hold is ____ (2 to the power of 8 equals 256 - but a computer starts at 0 - so it can express anywhere from 0 through 255).
A unit of measure equaling one ______ digit is a bit.
A database index contains a list of keys and each key provides a pointer to the ______ that contains the rest of the fields related to that key.

10. Microcomputers
Common expansion cards include ________ cards - graphic cards - and memory cards.
Products which are announced but are never ________ are called vaporware.
Personal computers are also called ______________.
Cache is ____ when the computer power is turned off.

11. Organize
___ allows a block of program code to be reused in other programs.
A ________ - mouse - microphone - scanner - and camera are all examples of computer input devices.
A database index can be used to _________ data in alphabetical or numerical order.
RAM - which stands for Random Access Memory - stores __________ data which is waiting to be stored - processed - or output - and this data is lost if the computer is turned off.

12. Repeat
_______ are notes included in the program code by the programmer.
An iteration control structure directs the computer to ______ one or more instructions until a certain condition is met.
System software includes device drivers - utility programs - and the __________ system.
Spreadsheet instructions for ____________ are called formulas.

13. Data
Early computers stored ____ for calculations and programs on punched cards.
A service pack is a collection of Microsoft files for ________ improvements - bug fixes - and software updates.
UNIX was first developed by _____ Laboratories in 1969.
A named collection of data that exists on a storage medium such as a hard disk - floppy disk - or CD is called a ____.

14. Unique

15. Low level
Bandwidth is an expression of how much data can be sent through a communications channel in a given amount of ____.
Commands written for a specific CPU or microprocessor are ____ _____ languages.
____ is used by copyright holders to prevent piracy of their products but can be inconvenient to legitimate users.
Each connection _____ on a network is called a node.

16. Windows
Examples of operating systems include ________ - Linux - Unix - and Macintosh OS.
Examples of keywords include READ - ______ - IF - and THEN
___________ programming rules are called syntax.
RSI (Repetitive _______ Injury) affects tendons - muscles and nerves in the hands - wrists - arms and shoulders.

17. Transistors
Computer _____ temporarily stores instructions and data that the processor is likely to use frequently.
When a file is saved to disk - it isn't always saved in adjacent sectors; in other words - the data making up the file is spread out over the hard drive. This is called fragmentation. Fragmentation _____ ______ file retrieval.
Integrated circuits were able to do the work of thousands of _____________ or vacuum tubes on a single miniature chip.
POS (______ __ _______) terminals are computer-based devices or systems that allow the merchant to process credit cards - track customer purchase habits - and manage inventory.

18. Icons
A named collection of data that exists on a storage medium such as a hard disk - floppy disk - or CD is called a ____.
A spreadsheet ________ is a built-in formula which performs common calculations.
Small pictures on the desktop that represent documents - procedures and programs are called _____.
ENIAC was the first ____________ electronic computer in the United States.

19. Inference

20. WRITE
Telephone lines have traditionally been _______.
Examples of operating systems include ________ - Linux - Unix - and Macintosh OS.
A message which has been encrypted is called __________.
Examples of keywords include READ - ______ - IF - and THEN

21. Primary
In a relational database - the _______ key holds a unique value for each record.
The system's main interface screen is called the _______ and displays icons which provide fast access to information and programs.
With serial processing - instructions are executed ______________ in the order received.
The section of code that repeats is called a _____ or an iteration.

22. Fragmentation
The easiest way to reduce exposure to cellphone _________ is to use a headset.
_____________ occurs when stored files on a hard drive are scattered across noncontiguous sectors.
A ________ is a unit of measurement equaling 1024 bytes of data.
In a peer to peer network - workstations share responsibility for processing - storage - printing - and communications tasks without a ______.

23. Network
The GUI (Graphic User Interface) is sometimes called a computer __________ and Microsoft Windows is an example of an operating system that uses a GUI.
Common expansion cards include ________ cards - graphic cards - and memory cards.
A _____ of adjacent cells on a spreadsheet is called a range.
Micropayments are __________ payments for internet transactions as small as 25 cents.

24. Group
A _____ of adjacent cells on a spreadsheet is called a range.
Examples of OOP languages include C++ and _____.
Common expansion cards include ________ cards - graphic cards - and memory cards.
MIDI is a protocol used to communicate between electronic _______ instruments and the devices that control and manage them.

25. Million
Current versions of Windows support ____ ______ up to 255 characters long.
A megabyte is a unit of measurement roughly equaling one _______ bytes.
Usually - project management software allows the user to break a project down into a series of goals or events which are organized as a _________.
__________ appear as colored or underlined words on a webpag

26. Punctuation
The series of events which takes place in a set order and at specified intervals - that occurs when the processor retrieves an instruction from storage and executes it - is called the instruction _____.
___________ programming rules are called syntax.
The _______ ______ would be 'instantcert.com'; the top level domain just refers to the part after the period.
A spreadsheet ________ is a built-in formula which performs common calculations.

27. Security
The series of events which takes place in a set order and at specified intervals - that occurs when the processor retrieves an instruction from storage and executes it - is called the instruction _____.
A service pack is a collection of Microsoft files for ________ improvements - bug fixes - and software updates.
Examples of information managed by ____ software include addresses - phone numbers - appointments - and to-do lists.
Software designed to solve a specific problem is called ___________ software.

28. Change
______________ are the most expensive and fastest computers available.
In programming - a variable represents a value that can ______.
Output is the result of ___________.
CSMA/CD is the Ethernet protocol that handles __________.

29. Sort
This can also be called a _____ key - index - or keyword. Most database applications allow for multiple keys so that users can sort records in different ways.
In programming - an event is defined as an ______.
Word processing software is used to create - edit - print - format and store ____.
Cache is ____ when the computer power is turned off.

30. Records
The prefix '_____' means a thousand.
A megabyte is often abbreviated as ___.
In MS PowerPoint - the slide sorter view displays __________ of each slide - allowing you to change the order of your presentation.
In a relational database - information is organized in rows and columns. Rows are called _______.

31. Flowchart
E-waste includes discarded obsolete _________ - televisions - printers - cell phones - and other electronic devices.
_______________ is used to restore the file to its original condition by replacing the repeated patterns that were removed during file compression.
A _________ is a graphical representation of a series of steps needed to solve a problem.
A disk _________ is a section of a hard drive that is treated as a separate storage unit.

32. CAD
Applications no longer had to include code to control low level hardware operations but instead called on operating system routines through simple standardized _________.
One reason a tape drive takes longer to access data than a ____ drive is that tape drives use sequential access.
___ software is used to design products - maps - structures and civil engineering drawings.
Forging an email ______'s name is called spoofing.

33. Passwords
A keystroke logger can be used to steal __________.
_______ are notes included in the program code by the programmer.
To prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data - you encrypt data when you send it and this data is decrypted by its authorized recipient using an encryption ____.
This act established financial reporting regulations to prevent corporate ______.

34. Whistleblowers
A program that ______ itself repeatedly on to the computer's hard disk or into the computer's memory is called a worm.
The Sarbanes-Oxley act requires full disclosure in accounting systems and protects corporate ______________.
________ ________ plan and implement new or improved computer services.
Personal computers are also called ______________.

35. Fourth
Word processing software is used to create - edit - print - format and store ____.
______ generation languages are typically used for database applications.
One ___________ is one thousandth of a second.
Computer processing is the ____________ of data which transforms data into information.

36. Backup
The BIOS (Basic ______________ System) also enables the computer to interpret keyboard commands and display characters on the monitor.
Examples of graphics file _______ include BMP - GIF - JPEG - TIFF - and PNG.
Examples of utility programs include _______ and data recovery software - antivirus software - disk cleanup - etc.
_________ authentication devices verify a person's identity using the person's physical characteristics.

37. Syntax
____ is an internet protocol used to make phone calls over the internet.
UNIX is a proprietary multitasking operating system with built-in __________ capabilities that supports multiple users.
________ ________ plan and implement new or improved computer services.
In computer programming - ______ errors refer to typographical errors and incorrect use of the programming language.

38. Formula
An algorithm is a _______ or set of steps for solving a particular problem.
RAM - which stands for Random Access Memory - stores __________ data which is waiting to be stored - processed - or output - and this data is lost if the computer is turned off.
A _________ ________ card (NIC) is used by a computer to transmit and receive data over a network.
_____________ is the process of recomputing values in a spreadsheet.

39. Application
The internet backbone consists of high speed - high capacity transmission lines that use the newest communications technology to ________ data across the internet.
The main circuit board of the computer is called the ___________.
Software designed to solve a specific problem is called ___________ software.
The central computer is called a ____.

40. Telephone
Backups are used to ________ files lost by operator error - viruses - or hardware failures.
A modem is a device that sends and receives data over __________ lines to and from computers.
A megabyte is often abbreviated as ___.
______________ are the most expensive and fastest computers available.

41. Point of Sale
POS (______ __ _______) terminals are computer-based devices or systems that allow the merchant to process credit cards - track customer purchase habits - and manage inventory.
_______________ is used to restore the file to its original condition by replacing the repeated patterns that were removed during file compression.
Disposal of _______ is a major environmental problem caused by information technology.
Examples of word size in _____ computers include 16 - 32 - and 64 bits.

42. Cannot
Current versions of Windows support ____ ______ up to 255 characters long.
_____ data can be text - images - numbers - or sounds.
Cookies can save you time by not requiring you to _______ in the same information on subsequent visits to the same website.
The information on a ROM chip _____ be altered by the user.

43. WAN
Unlike a hub - a ______ sends packets only to the computer that is the intended recipient.
A communications network that covers a large geographic area such as a country is called a ___.
The system's main interface screen is called the _______ and displays icons which provide fast access to information and programs.
Syntax refers to the _______ in which computer programming commands must be entered.

44. Windows

45. Macro
______ generation computers were microprocessor based.
Reading through a program to make sure it is logical and free of errors is called _____ ________.
A _____ is a single keystroke or command used to automatically issue a longer - predefined series of keystrokes or commands.
NAP stands for ________________ Point.

46. Third
_____ generation computers used integrated circuits.
An electronic ______ ________ on the Internet where users conduct written discussions about a specific topic is called a newsgroup.
Plaintext is also called __________.
Most computer processing takes place in a component called the ___.

47. Disaster recovery
A _______ __________ plan is used to restore information technology functions after operations have been interrupted by an event such as a hurricane.
A computer resource is any component required to perform ____.
Early computers stored ____ for calculations and programs on punched cards.
A _____ _____ is an example of a sequential access device; it retrieves data by starting at the beginning of the tape and reading each record until the required data is found.

48. Windows
In everyday life - we generally use a base ___ system - meaning that we have 10 digits to choose from when we are expressing a number (i.e. 0 through 9).
Common platforms include Apple Macintosh - ________ platforms and PC platforms.
Computer resources include the ____ - RAM - storage space - and peripherals.
_________ authentication devices verify a person's identity using the person's physical characteristics.

49. Publisher
Examples of DTP software include MS __________ and PageMaker.
The motherboard contains the CPU and _______ chips as well as connections for the keyboard - mouse - and printer.
The desktop is a feature of the ____ (graphic user interface) and is found in OS software like MAC OS and MS Windows.
Floppy disk - external hard drive - CD-RW - tape - and USB flash drive are all examples of ______ media.

50. Fraud
This act established financial reporting regulations to prevent corporate ______.
A gigabyte is a unit of measurement roughly equaling one _______ bytes.
Some computers have a ______ chip containing the circuits for two microprocessors; this is called a dual core processor.
An example of importing data would be taking a column of numbers from a spreadsheet and importing it into a ______ __________.