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. Central
Examples of graphics file _______ include BMP - GIF - JPEG - TIFF - and PNG.
_________ authentication devices verify a person's identity using the person's physical characteristics.
The hub prevents packet collisions - but if the hub goes down the _____ stops.
When talking about personal computers - the CPU (________ Processing Unit) is synonymous with the silicon chip known as the microprocessor - which is programmed to perform various tasks on the data it receives.

2. Line
This can also be called a command-_____ interface.
A message that has not been _________ is called plaintext.
Overloading a computer system or network by making repeated requests to it and thereby denying access to legitimate users is called a _______ __ ________ attack.
The GUI (Graphic User Interface) is sometimes called a computer __________ and Microsoft Windows is an example of an operating system that uses a GUI.

3. Expansion
____ is the communications protocol used by your browser to connect with web servers and display web pages on your computer.
An _________ slot is a slot on the motherboard where the user can plug in an expansion card.
In MS PowerPoint - the outline view helps you ________ the content of your material.
An advantage of a network is that it allows for the sharing of ___________ devices; users on a network can share devices such as printers and modems.

4. SQL
Examples of graphics file _______ include BMP - GIF - JPEG - TIFF - and PNG.
A ___________ allows users to enter data in rows and columns to create financial schedules and tables arranged as a grid on a display.
____ and RPG-I are examples of fourth generation languages.
A keyword has a predefined meaning for the ________ which translates each line of programming code into the machine language that the computer can understand.

5. Security
MAC addresses are set from the factory and cannot be ________ by the network admin.
This UNIX-based kernel also contributes to stronger _________.
Groupware is software that allows several people to collaborate on projects over a _______.
A ________ is a set of rules governing the exchange of data between hardware and software on a communications network.

6. Disaster recovery
A _______ __________ plan is used to restore information technology functions after operations have been interrupted by an event such as a hurricane.
____ is a graphics file format used on both PCs and Macs for high quality printable files.
_____ data can be text - images - numbers - or sounds.
Productivity software is designed to help people work more ___________.

7. Radiation
The easiest way to reduce exposure to cellphone _________ is to use a headset.
An algorithm is a _______ or set of steps for solving a particular problem.
Common platforms include Apple Macintosh - ________ platforms and PC platforms.
Transistors were smaller - cheaper - and more _________ than vacuum tubes.

8. Open source
Linux is an ____ _______ operating system that can be modified and freely distributed.
Built in 1951 - UNIVAC was considerably smaller and more powerful than ______.
_____ generation computers used integrated circuits.
Computer processing is the ____________ of data which transforms data into information.

9. Sort
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 ____.
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.
For every software _____________ - the CPU control unit carries out four basic operations known as the machine cycle.
________ ________ plan and implement new or improved computer services.

10. System
An electronic ______ ________ on the Internet where users conduct written discussions about a specific topic is called a newsgroup.
Programmers use assembly languages to write ______ software.
A _______ computer that holds a collection of data and/or applications for providing services to workstations or PCs is called a server.
By holding down the ctrl - alt - and del keys - ________ OS will open the task manager which displays a list of active processes.

11. Modern
UNIX was first developed by _____ Laboratories in 1969.
Examples of word size in _____ computers include 16 - 32 - and 64 bits.
_______ are small text files left on your hard drive by websites you visit.
A __________ file uses a uniform format to store data for each person or thing in the file.

12. Quickly
The TCP/IP protocol breaks data up into packets - which are fixed-length blocks of data - for transmission over the network. This permits the message to be broken up into small parts which are then transmitted over separate _______ and yet all end up
A keystroke logger can be used to steal __________.
Passwords are often encrypted using a hash function - which is a function that takes a string of characters of any length and converts it into a string of a ________ length.
Examples of cache include L1 - L2 - and L3. In all cases - cache is storage located closer to the processor than RAM and therefore can be accessed much more ________.

13. Intranets
A wizard is an interactive computer utility that asks a user questions to _____ the user through a task.
By using a _______________ utility - files on a disk are rearranged so that they are stored in contiguous clusters.
Private _________ that connect internal personnel and selected vendors are called extranets.
Linux is an ____ _______ operating system that can be modified and freely distributed.

14. Query
A computer's ____ size is the number of bits that the processor may process at any one time.
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.
With a relational database - users _____ records to locate and display them.
Desktop publishing software has reduced the time needed to create professional looking _______ projects.

15. Email
A keyword has a predefined meaning for the ________ which translates each line of programming code into the machine language that the computer can understand.
The public key encryption software used to encrypt documents such as _____ is called PGP.
A _______ __________ plan is used to restore information technology functions after operations have been interrupted by an event such as a hurricane.
This UNIX-based kernel also contributes to stronger _________.

16. Domain name

17. Timeline
A spreadsheet ________ is a built-in formula which performs common calculations.
This data is _____ when the computer is turned off.
Usually - project management software allows the user to break a project down into a series of goals or events which are organized as a _________.
ENIAC was the first ____________ electronic computer in the United States.

18. TIFF
____ is a graphics file format used on both PCs and Macs for high quality printable files.
Desktop publishing software has reduced the time needed to create professional looking _______ projects.
Word processing software is used to create - edit - print - format and store ____.
Examples of DTP software include MS __________ and PageMaker.

19. Calculations
IP addresses can be changed by the network _______________.
A service pack is a collection of Microsoft files for ________ improvements - bug fixes - and software updates.
Random access storage allows access to any location in any _____.
In addition to displaying information in rows and columns - spreadsheet software can perform ______________ on inputted data.

20. Overheat
NAP stands for ________________ Point.
Overclocking is popular with computer gamers but can be dangerous as components may _________ and be damaged or catch fire.
The Windows registry is a database that maintains a record of installed ________ and peripheral devices - preferences - and settings.
_______ is a version of UNIX popular for large websites and e-commerce servers.

21. Passwords
Database ______________ create - maintain - and supervise the day to day operation of databases.
VPN stands for ________ Private Network.
A named collection of data that exists on a storage medium such as a hard disk - floppy disk - or CD is called a ____.
A keystroke logger can be used to steal __________.

22. Cable
Analytical graphics are graphical forms that make _______ data easier to analyze.
_______ is a version of UNIX popular for large websites and e-commerce servers.
A bus network has two endpoints and all computers are connected to a single wire or _____.
__________ appear as colored or underlined words on a webpag

23. Voice
VoIP stands for ______ over Internet Protocol.
Alpha testing involves desk checking and _________.
In a ring network - all packets flow in only one __________; there are no data collisions.
Settings automatically used by a program unless changed by the user are called _______ settings.

24. LAN
A data communications network that connects personal computers within a limited geographical area is called a ___.
On the job choices that reflect a person's values are called ____________ ethics.
In PowerPoint - the _____ _____ view presents the slides in the order in which the audience will view them.
Most Information Systems departments are managed by a ___.

25. Recalculation
A _________ logger is a type of spyware that records each character you type.
In a ring network - all packets flow in only one __________; there are no data collisions.
_____________ is the process of recomputing values in a spreadsheet.
Servers can store files or provide services (i.e. printing) to ________ on the network.

26. Controlling
Backups are used to ________ files lost by operator error - viruses - or hardware failures.
Built in 1951 - UNIVAC was considerably smaller and more powerful than ______.
_____________ people is one important way to protect software and data.
Virtual reality is used in arcade games and in training simulators (example: _______ simulators).

27. Office
In programming - a variable represents a value that can ______.
Access (included with Microsoft _______) is an example of a popular Windows-based relational database application.
A message which has been encrypted is called __________.
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 ____.

28. Binary
In MS PowerPoint - the outline view helps you ________ the content of your material.
A unit of measure equaling one ______ digit is a bit.
Overclocking is popular with computer gamers but can be dangerous as components may _________ and be damaged or catch fire.
Logic bombs are _______ that are set to go off at a certain time.

29. Providers
Backbone connections are supplied by internet backbone __________ such as GTE - Sprint - UUNET and AT&T.
First generation computers used _______ _____ to store individual bits of data.
Logic bombs are _______ that are set to go off at a certain time.
The ______ is a marker on the monitor which indicates where the next character will appear.

30. Windows
Common platforms include Apple Macintosh - ________ platforms and PC platforms.
Cache speeds up _________.
____ testing involves checking a program by running it with real world data.
_______ is the operating system installed on more than 80% of the world's personal computers.

31. Execution
Linux is an ____ _______ operating system that can be modified and freely distributed.
In a peer to peer network - workstations share responsibility for processing - storage - printing - and communications tasks without a ______.
The CPU consists of the control unit - the arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) and the _________ (high speed storage areas).
The compiled program is saved as object code for later __________.

32. Work
Relocating business _________ to lower cost locations in foreign countries is called offshoring.
In programming - a variable represents a value that can ______.
A computer resource is any component required to perform ____.
Examples of keywords include READ - ______ - IF - and THEN

33. Disk drive
Defragmentation can improve _____ ______ performance by helping the computer operate more efficiently.
Servers can store files or provide services (i.e. printing) to ________ on the network.
The Sarbanes-Oxley act requires full disclosure in accounting systems and protects corporate ______________.
Cache speeds up _________.

34. Scrolling
_________ is the process of moving up - down - or sideways through the text or other screen display.
In a relational database - information is organized in rows and columns. Rows are called _______.
A _____ of adjacent cells on a spreadsheet is called a range.
Examples of information managed by ____ software include addresses - phone numbers - appointments - and to-do lists.

35. Access
Screening job applicants and limiting employee ______ to only information needed to do a specific job are examples of people controls.
The 1s and 0s used to represent digital data are known as _______ digits.
A ___________ allows users to enter data in rows and columns to create financial schedules and tables arranged as a grid on a display.
________ transmission sends data via light waves at a frequency too low for human eyes to see.

36. ENIAC
_____ data can be text - images - numbers - or sounds.
_________ authentication devices verify a person's identity using the person's physical characteristics.
All the physical equipment in a computer system is called ________.
Built in 1951 - UNIVAC was considerably smaller and more powerful than ______.

37. Web
A what-if analysis allows a user to change the contents of a spreadsheet cell and find out how that would change the _______ of the calculation.
Micropayments allow customers to purchase goods and services for amounts so small as to be impractical for ________ _____ transactions.
A keystroke logger can be used to steal __________.
A wiki is one or more ___ documents that can be viewed and changed by users.

38. Email
Public key encryption is used to transmit credit card data in secure e-commerce transactions and it is also used for secure ______.
An algorithm is a _______ or set of steps for solving a particular problem.
A program that ______ itself repeatedly on to the computer's hard disk or into the computer's memory is called a worm.
One ___________ is one thousandth of a second.

39. Numeric
This UNIX-based kernel also contributes to stronger _________.
A keyword has a predefined meaning for the ________ which translates each line of programming code into the machine language that the computer can understand.
An algorithm is a _______ or set of steps for solving a particular problem.
Analytical graphics are graphical forms that make _______ data easier to analyze.

40. Record
_____ generation computers used integrated circuits.
A virus is a program that __________ itself - either by making copies of itself or by attaching to another program.
A _____ _______ is a program that is disguised as an innocent program to gain control of your computer.
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.

41. Settings
Utility programs are designed to help monitor and configure ________ for the computer - the operating system - or applications.
Examples of cache include L1 - L2 - and L3. In all cases - cache is storage located closer to the processor than RAM and therefore can be accessed much more ________.
Most computer processing takes place in a component called the ___.
Handheld computers and ____s are examples of embedded systems because the operating system resides on a single chip.

42. Socket
FTP can be used on any _______ network such as a LAN or the Internet and is compatible with any operating system.
A technique for increasing the speed of computer components such as motherboards - memory - processors - and graphics cards is called ____________.
_______________ are politically motivated hackers who attack computer systems intending to cause large scale physical or financial harm.
SSL (Secure _______ Layer) and TLS are protocols used to create a secure connection between a computer and a website.

43. Windows
Trojan horses can also carry ________ and destructive instructions.
A ________ is a collection of interrelated files in a computer system.
A what-if analysis allows a user to change the contents of a spreadsheet cell and find out how that would change the _______ of the calculation.
Examples of operating systems include ________ - Linux - Unix - and Macintosh OS.

44. Mimic
Linux was created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds - a programmer from ________.
Financial software allows users to track income and expenses - manage __________ - create reports - and record tax information.
Virtual memory uses the hard disk to _____ primary storage (RAM).
The compiled program is saved as object code for later __________.

45. Change
In programming - a variable represents a value that can ______.
The ______ is a marker on the monitor which indicates where the next character will appear.
Any electronic system that uses a ___ but is not a general purpose computer is called an embedded system.
First generation computers used _______ _____ to store individual bits of data.

46. Bus
On the job choices that reflect a person's values are called ____________ ethics.
A hard drive - on the other hand - is a _______ access device - which allows it to go directly to the requested data.
___ - ring - and star are the three basic network topologies.
Spelling and grammar checkers flag unrecognized words - misspelled words - and incorrect grammar with different color ________ lines.

47. Bit
Examples of cache include L1 - L2 - and L3. In all cases - cache is storage located closer to the processor than RAM and therefore can be accessed much more ________.
Spreadsheet instructions for ____________ are called formulas.
A ___ is the smallest unit of data that a system can handle.
The contents of ________ memory - which includes RAM - are lost when the power is turned off.

48. Inference

49. Central
____ ________ software detects and corrects certain types of common problems on hard disks - floppies - and CDs.
An ______ _______ is an interactive computer program that helps users solve problems.
In a star network - all computers are connected to a _______ computer.
________ and assembly languages are low level languages.

50. Encryption
__________ uses mathematical formulas to create coded messages.
A browser ________ is spyware that changes browser settings without your knowledge.
An example of parallel processing is when several ___________ work together sharing memory on the same task.
_______________ is used to restore the file to its original condition by replacing the repeated patterns that were removed during file compression.