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. Protocol
In a _____________ LAN - individual computer users share the services of a centralized computer.
Note that the URL starts by indicating what _________ should be used to access the page (HTTP).
Output is the result of ___________.
_______ are computer depictions of humans often found in computer games and training software.

2. Infrared
The monitor - speakers - and printer are examples of computer ______ devices.
FTP can be used on any _______ network such as a LAN or the Internet and is compatible with any operating system.
________ transmission sends data via light waves at a frequency too low for human eyes to see.
MIDI is a protocol used to communicate between electronic _______ instruments and the devices that control and manage them.

3. Value
____ is a graphics file format used on both PCs and Macs for high quality printable files.
The internet is an example of a WAN (______ ____ Network).
A spreadsheet _____ is any number used in a calculation.
The public key encryption software used to encrypt documents such as _____ is called PGP.

4. Ports
With a parallel implementation - the old and new systems are operated side by side until the new system is proven to be ________.
Settings automatically used by a program unless changed by the user are called _______ settings.
Messages are encrypted using a cryptographic _________ and a key.
Like hubs - switches have multiple ______.

5. Competitor
Examples of graphics file _______ include BMP - GIF - JPEG - TIFF - and PNG.
A browser ________ is spyware that changes browser settings without your knowledge.
Backbone connections are supplied by internet backbone __________ such as GTE - Sprint - UUNET and AT&T.
Proprietary information about a company concerns information a __________ might find valuable.

6. Slide show
White hat hackers are computer professionals who break into computer systems with the owner's __________ to identify security flaws.
In a relational database - the _______ key holds a unique value for each record.
DHCP is a protocol designed to automatically distribute IP _________.
In PowerPoint - the _____ _____ view presents the slides in the order in which the audience will view them.

7. Viruses
A ________ is a collection of interrelated files in a computer system.
Utility programs are designed to help monitor and configure ________ for the computer - the operating system - or applications.
Micropayments are __________ payments for internet transactions as small as 25 cents.
Logic bombs are _______ that are set to go off at a certain time.

8. Viruses
Memory - a programmable processor - an output device - and user-defined input were all concepts Babbage conceived for a calculating device he called a ___________ Engine in 1834.
SSL and TLS are protocols used to ________ transmit credit card data over the Internet.
Trojan horses can also carry ________ and destructive instructions.
Overclocking is popular with computer gamers but can be dangerous as components may _________ and be damaged or catch fire.

9. Scheduling
A compiler converts ______ code (the original code written by the programmer) into object code (an executable file).
The ________ ________ is the computer software that manages the basic operation of the computer.
Meeting ___________ software is an example of groupware.
Companies do this to keep _______ low.

10. Driver
A device ______ is system software used by the computer to control peripheral devices.
____ is a popular graphics file format used in applications such as web pages where flexibility in file size is important.
___________ programming rules are called syntax.
Digital Rights Management is a collection of technologies used to limit access and use of ___________ products such as music - movies and computer games.

11. Wozniak
Mac OS X was rewritten for _____ architecture in 2006 and has a reputation for being an easy to use - reliable - and secure operating system.
In 1976 - Steve Jobs and Steve _______ founded Apple Computer Corporation.
A _____ takes digital signals from a computer and converts them to analog signals to transmit over a telephone line.
White hat hackers are computer professionals who break into computer systems with the owner's __________ to identify security flaws.

12. Hard
_______ ________ was the first to define concepts that were to be later used in modern computers.
One reason a tape drive takes longer to access data than a ____ drive is that tape drives use sequential access.
A computer's ____ size is the number of bits that the processor may process at any one time.
A computer uses a ____ system (base 2). That means that it only has 2 digits to choose from (i.e. 0 and 1).

13. Mega

14. Pretty Good
A ________ is a unit of measurement equaling 1024 bytes of data.
_______ errors can be found with a debugger.
System software include device ________ - operating systems - and compilers.
PGP (_______ ______ Privacy) encryption software is available for free download on the web.

15. Instruction
Spelling and grammar checkers flag unrecognized words - misspelled words - and incorrect grammar with different color ________ lines.
For every software _____________ - the CPU control unit carries out four basic operations known as the machine cycle.
Common expansion cards include ________ cards - graphic cards - and memory cards.
In programming - a _________ is a prewritten module designed for a specific task.

16. PDA
Handheld computers and ____s are examples of embedded systems because the operating system resides on a single chip.
Word processing software is used to create - edit - print - format and store ____.
The more _____ in a word - the faster the computer.
If a ___________ on the bus is broken (i.e. one of the computers in the chain crashes) - the network may go down.

17. Disk drive
A file server is a centralized computer that acts like a __________ - storing programs and data shared by users on the LAN.
Multimedia technology presents information in a format which includes ____ - graphics - video and sound.
Meeting ___________ software is an example of groupware.
Most computer manufacturers use components (hard drives - processors - memory - etc.) supplied by other __________; this is called outsourcing.

18. Multimedia
If a ___________ on the bus is broken (i.e. one of the computers in the chain crashes) - the network may go down.
Web page design software allows users to create sophisticated web pages with ___________ features.
Secondary storage refers to devices and media that store data _____________.
On the job choices that reflect a person's values are called ____________ ethics.

19. Application
Applications no longer had to include code to control low level hardware operations but instead called on operating system routines through simple standardized _________.
In a relational database - a ___ field is used to sort data.
FTP can be used on any _______ network such as a LAN or the Internet and is compatible with any operating system.
Software designed to solve a specific problem is called ___________ software.

20. Telephone
Telephone lines have traditionally been _______.
The section of code that repeats is called a _____ or an iteration.
With ______ processing - the CPU must complete all steps in the instruction cycle before it begins to execute the next instruction.
A modem is a device that sends and receives data over __________ lines to and from computers.

21. Purchases
Proprietary information about a company concerns information a __________ might find valuable.
A communications network that covers a large geographic area such as a country is called a ___.
Adware is spyware that tracks surfing and online _________.
Built in 1951 - UNIVAC was considerably smaller and more powerful than ______.

22. Organize
In MS PowerPoint - the outline view helps you ________ the content of your material.
Examples of utility programs include _______ and data recovery software - antivirus software - disk cleanup - etc.
MIDI is a protocol used to communicate between electronic _______ instruments and the devices that control and manage them.
To be an algorithm - a set of rules must be unambiguous and have a clear _________ point.

23. Record
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.
Pirated software can be ___________ from the web - illegally copied by a friend - or purchased in a foreign country.
The columns are called _______.
A ________ is a unit of measurement equaling 1024 bytes of data.

24. Copies

25. Importing
Using components or labor from outside suppliers is called ___________.
_________ data is defined as converting data from one format to a format compatible with the program you are currently using.
The CPU consists of the control unit - the arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) and the _________ (high speed storage areas).
The public key encryption software used to encrypt documents such as _____ is called PGP.

26. Key
SSL and TLS are protocols used to ________ transmit credit card data over the Internet.
SSL (Secure _______ Layer) and TLS are protocols used to create a secure connection between a computer and a website.
The opposite of a variable is a _________ - which is a factor that remains the same throughout the program.
In a relational database - a ___ field is used to sort data.

27. Disk drive
In word processing - the __________ for a document refers to the way text - graphics - headings - and page numbers appear on a page.
When an employee uses their employer's computer time for non-work activities - this is called theft of time and ________.
Multimedia technology presents information in a format which includes ____ - graphics - video and sound.
Defragmentation can improve _____ ______ performance by helping the computer operate more efficiently.

28. Software
A _______ computer that holds a collection of data and/or applications for providing services to workstations or PCs is called a server.
_________ data is defined as converting data from one format to a format compatible with the program you are currently using.
Companies do this to keep _______ low.
The Windows registry is a database that maintains a record of installed ________ and peripheral devices - preferences - and settings.

29. Voice
In programming - an event is defined as an ______.
The goal is to overload the target server or network by suddenly bombarding it with thousands or even millions of _________ - making it unable to respond to requests from legitimate users.
_______________ are politically motivated hackers who attack computer systems intending to cause large scale physical or financial harm.
VoIP stands for ______ over Internet Protocol.

30. Employees

31. Bulletin board
Overloading a computer system or network by making repeated requests to it and thereby denying access to legitimate users is called a _______ __ ________ attack.
Groupware is software that allows several people to collaborate on projects over a _______.
An electronic ______ ________ on the Internet where users conduct written discussions about a specific topic is called a newsgroup.
_______________ is used to restore the file to its original condition by replacing the repeated patterns that were removed during file compression.

32. CAD
Nowadays - cash registers have been replaced by ___ terminals.
The cursor is often a blinking rectangle and its location is called the __________ point.
In programming - an event is defined as an ______.
___ software is used to design products - maps - structures and civil engineering drawings.

33. VPNs
Private networks that are connected to remote sites via the internet are called ____.
Public domain software is not ___________ and can be copied without fear of prosecution.
Common expansion cards include ________ cards - graphic cards - and memory cards.
The software that controls the search of the expert system's knowledge base and produces a conclusion is called the _________ engine.

34. Permanently
RSI (Repetitive _______ Injury) affects tendons - muscles and nerves in the hands - wrists - arms and shoulders.
In programming - a _________ is a prewritten module designed for a specific task.
With virtual memory - free _____ ____ space is used to extend the capacity of RAM.
Secondary storage refers to devices and media that store data _____________.

35. Icons
Small pictures on the desktop that represent documents - procedures and programs are called _____.
When an employee uses their employer's computer time for non-work activities - this is called theft of time and ________.
Plaintext is also called __________.
A unit of measure equaling one ______ digit is a bit.

36. Phased
Multimedia technology presents information in a format which includes ____ - graphics - video and sound.
With a ______ implementation - parts of the new system are implemented separately.
A single hard drive could be partitioned and labeled with multiple drive ________.
Early computers stored ____ for calculations and programs on punched cards.

37. Point of Sale
With ______ processing - the CPU must complete all steps in the instruction cycle before it begins to execute the next instruction.
POS (______ __ _______) terminals are computer-based devices or systems that allow the merchant to process credit cards - track customer purchase habits - and manage inventory.
___________ programming rules are called syntax.
A technique for increasing the speed of computer components such as motherboards - memory - processors - and graphics cards is called ____________.

38. Cannot
The section of code that repeats is called a _____ or an iteration.
The information on a ROM chip _____ be altered by the user.
The internet backbone consists of high speed - high capacity transmission lines that use the newest communications technology to ________ data across the internet.
ROM chips contain data that is nonvolatile - meaning that this data is not lost when the computer is turned ____.

39. Companies
ROM chips contain data that is nonvolatile - meaning that this data is not lost when the computer is turned ____.
________ ________ plan and implement new or improved computer services.
ISPs are connected to the internet backbone via a ___.
Most computer manufacturers use components (hard drives - processors - memory - etc.) supplied by other __________; this is called outsourcing.

40. Volatile
The contents of ________ memory - which includes RAM - are lost when the power is turned off.
Tests run by laboratories to compare the overall speed of microprocessors are called __________.
If a ___________ on the bus is broken (i.e. one of the computers in the chain crashes) - the network may go down.
A system of interconnected telephones - computers - or other communication devices that can communicate and share data is called a _______.

41. Served
FTP is a protocol used to copy _____ from one computer to another over the Internet.
VPN stands for ________ Private Network.
Messages are divided into equal size packets and shipped over the network on a first come first _______ basis.
Word processing software is used to create - edit - print - format and store ____.

42. Flash

43. Design
Drawings created with CAD (Computer Aided _______) software are 3D and can be rotated to view all sides.
VPN stands for ________ Private Network.
In programming - an event is defined as an ______.
A computer with a __ bit word size will transfer data within the microprocessor at 8 bytes at a time.

44. Fourth
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.
______ generation computers were microprocessor based.
The number of bits limits how big of a number can be expressed. To calculate this limit - simply do 2n - where n is the number of ____.
___________ programming rules are called syntax.

45. Socket
By holding down the ctrl - alt - and del keys - ________ OS will open the task manager which displays a list of active processes.
UNIX is a proprietary multitasking operating system with built-in __________ capabilities that supports multiple users.
SSL (Secure _______ Layer) and TLS are protocols used to create a secure connection between a computer and a website.
Fiber optic cable consists of dozens or hundreds of thin strands of ______ or plastic; it is more secure and can carry much more data than normal copper telephone wire.

46. Vacuum tubes
CSMA/CD manages collisions on the network by deleting colliding signals and __________ the network.
The goal is to overload the target server or network by suddenly bombarding it with thousands or even millions of _________ - making it unable to respond to requests from legitimate users.
The monitor - speakers - and printer are examples of computer ______ devices.
First generation computers used _______ _____ to store individual bits of data.

47. Overclocking
_______ storage is temporary and holds data waiting to be processed.
A ________ is a set of rules governing the exchange of data between hardware and software on a communications network.
A technique for increasing the speed of computer components such as motherboards - memory - processors - and graphics cards is called ____________.
__________ is the study of safe and efficient work environments.

48. Virtual
Cache is ____ when the computer power is turned off.
Settings automatically used by a program unless changed by the user are called _______ settings.
Open source software projects promote user modification - peer review - _____ distribution - and copying.
VPN stands for ________ Private Network.

49. Hardware
Commands written for a specific CPU or microprocessor are ____ _____ languages.
A ________ - mouse - microphone - scanner - and camera are all examples of computer input devices.
Early personal computers featured command-driven interfaces which required the user to ____ complicated instructions to operate the computer.
All the physical equipment in a computer system is called ________.

50. Remote
Transferring data from a ______ computer to a local computer is called downloading.
The system's main interface screen is called the _______ and displays icons which provide fast access to information and programs.
_______ is the operating system installed on more than 80% of the world's personal computers.
_____ generation computers used integrated circuits.