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. Operating system

2. Instructions
An electronic ______ ________ on the Internet where users conduct written discussions about a specific topic is called a newsgroup.
A programming language is a set of keywords and grammar rules used to create ____________ for a computer.
A wiki is one or more ___ documents that can be viewed and changed by users.
A collection of fields make up a _______.

3. Utility
_______________ are politically motivated hackers who attack computer systems intending to cause large scale physical or financial harm.
The JPEG graphics format has built-in _____________ that can be adjusted by the user.
In recent years - antivirus software has been one of the most popular categories of _______ software.
UNIX was first developed by _____ Laboratories in 1969.

4. Research
Such information includes information related to company finances - _________ - products and procedures.
Defragmentation can improve _____ ______ performance by helping the computer operate more efficiently.
Using a technology called pipelining - the processor can start executing an instruction ______ the previous instruction completes.
A named collection of data that exists on a storage medium such as a hard disk - floppy disk - or CD is called a ____.

5. Partition
In the same year - they released the ________ computer.
A disk _________ is a section of a hard drive that is treated as a separate storage unit.
CIO stands for _______ ____________ Officer.
Open source software projects promote user modification - peer review - _____ distribution - and copying.

6. Networking
Nowadays - cash registers have been replaced by ___ terminals.
UNIX is a proprietary multitasking operating system with built-in __________ capabilities that supports multiple users.
Most Information Systems departments are managed by a ___.
Databases use structured files to _________ data.

7. VPNs
_______ are small text files left on your hard drive by websites you visit.
MAC addresses are set from the factory and cannot be ________ by the network admin.
Private networks that are connected to remote sites via the internet are called ____.
Desktop publishing software has reduced the time needed to create professional looking _______ projects.

8. Bits
Input - output - and storage equipment that can be added to a computer to enhance its functionality are called __________ devices.
The more _____ in a word - the faster the computer.
To be an algorithm - a set of rules must be unambiguous and have a clear _________ point.
Examples of word size in _____ computers include 16 - 32 - and 64 bits.

9. Off
UNIVAC was the first commercially successful _______ computer.
ROM chips contain data that is nonvolatile - meaning that this data is not lost when the computer is turned ____.
______ - PROSPECTOR - CARES - CLUES and CLIPS are all examples of expert systems.
RAM usually consists of several _____ ______(chips) that plug directly into the computer's system board.

10. Telephone
A modem is a device that sends and receives data over __________ lines to and from computers.
A technique for increasing the speed of computer components such as motherboards - memory - processors - and graphics cards is called ____________.
______________ are the most expensive and fastest computers available.
Adware is spyware that tracks surfing and online _________.

11. Format
Common syntax errors include incorrect or missing punctuation - _________ errors - and omitting keywords.
A data communications network that connects personal computers within a limited geographical area is called a ___.
The more _____ in a word - the faster the computer.
Syntax refers to the _______ in which computer programming commands must be entered.

12. Millisecond
The ____ is a set of instructions contained in ROM that tell the computer how to find the operating system and load it into RAM.
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).
One ___________ is one thousandth of a second.
TCP/IP is an example of a network ________________ protocol.

13. Default
Settings automatically used by a program unless changed by the user are called _______ settings.
Fetch - ______ - execute and store are the four basic operations of the machine cycle.
A keyword has a predefined meaning for the ________ which translates each line of programming code into the machine language that the computer can understand.
In a relational database - a ___ field is used to sort data.

14. Companies
________ are used to transmit data between LANs of different network topologies or network operating systems.
_____________ people is one important way to protect software and data.
Most computer manufacturers use components (hard drives - processors - memory - etc.) supplied by other __________; this is called outsourcing.
In the same year - they released the ________ computer.

15. Packet
A ______ is a small unit of data transmitted over a network.
One survey indicated that 75 to 80% of computer crimes are committed by current or _______ employees.
Early computers stored ____ for calculations and programs on punched cards.
Transferring data from a ______ computer to a local computer is called downloading.

16. 255
System ______________ involves converting files - software and hardware to the new system.
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).
Transistors were smaller - cheaper - and more _________ than vacuum tubes.
A floppy disk - hard disk - and USB drive are all examples of _________ storage.

17. Commands
Cookies can save you time by not requiring you to _______ in the same information on subsequent visits to the same website.
Software obtained _________ is said to be pirated.
The toolbar displays menus and icons of commonly used ________ and options.
When you click the link - it takes you to a site that looks just like Paypal; you enter your login information on this fake site and now the _________ have your username and password.

18. Standalone
Multimedia authoring software combines video - text - animation - graphics and sound to create __________ multimedia applications.
FTP can be used on any _______ network such as a LAN or the Internet and is compatible with any operating system.
The internet is an example of a WAN (______ ____ Network).
_____ memory drives plug into the computer's USB ports and have memory capacities of up to several gigabytes.

19. Open source
Linux is an ____ _______ operating system that can be modified and freely distributed.
MAC addresses are set from the factory and cannot be ________ by the network admin.
A macro - or keyboard _________ - is useful when a user has to type the same pattern of keystrokes over and over.
Drawings created with CAD (Computer Aided _______) software are 3D and can be rotated to view all sides.

20. Whistleblowers
SSL and TLS are protocols used to ________ transmit credit card data over the Internet.
The Sarbanes-Oxley act requires full disclosure in accounting systems and protects corporate ______________.
Search agents and _____ search tools allow you to automate your search process across many sites.
A _______ __________ plan is used to restore information technology functions after operations have been interrupted by an event such as a hurricane.

21. Cleartext
Plaintext is also called __________.
Relocating business _________ to lower cost locations in foreign countries is called offshoring.
A _______ __________ plan is used to restore information technology functions after operations have been interrupted by an event such as a hurricane.
A MAC address is a series of numbers assigned by the manufacturer to a _________ ________ card at the factory.

22. Bit
A desktop ______ appears on the computer desktop and is a specialized utility that looks like a control and displays information.
Companies do this to keep _______ low.
A ___ is the smallest unit of data that a system can handle.
An organization that provides internet access is called an ___.

23. Processes
When data is ________ in one cell - data in other cells is automatically recalculated.
Relocating business _________ to lower cost locations in foreign countries is called offshoring.
A collection of fields make up a _______.
Packet _________ technology divides a message into packets that can be independently routed to their destination and then reassembled.

24. Compression
With ______ processing - the CPU must complete all steps in the instruction cycle before it begins to execute the next instruction.
On a hard disk - this waiting area is called a _______.
________ transmission sends data via light waves at a frequency too low for human eyes to see.
The JPEG graphics format has built-in _____________ that can be adjusted by the user.

25. Key
A disk _________ is a section of a hard drive that is treated as a separate storage unit.
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 ____.
VoIP stands for ______ over Internet Protocol.
When data is ________ in one cell - data in other cells is automatically recalculated.

26. Glass
Hubs have multiple ports. When a packet arrives at one port it is _______ to all other ports on the hub.
______ generation languages are typically used for database applications.
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.
In a relational database - information is organized in rows and columns. Rows are called _______.

27. Background
They are small programs which run in the ___________ and are used by devices such as modems - storage devices - mice - keyboards - monitors - printers - sound cards - network cards.
_______________ are politically motivated hackers who attack computer systems intending to cause large scale physical or financial harm.
In addition to displaying information in rows and columns - spreadsheet software can perform ______________ on inputted data.
Examples of DTP software include MS __________ and PageMaker.

28. Data
Alpha testing involves desk checking and _________.
E-waste includes discarded obsolete _________ - televisions - printers - cell phones - and other electronic devices.
A kilobyte is generally abbreviated as __.
One use of an intranet is to allow employees to access and exchange company _____ needed to do their jobs.

29. Business
ENIAC was the first ____________ electronic computer in the United States.
VPN stands for ________ Private Network.
Analytical graphics are also called _________ graphics and make sales figures and economic trends easier to understand.
They are small programs which run in the ___________ and are used by devices such as modems - storage devices - mice - keyboards - monitors - printers - sound cards - network cards.

30. Peripheral
Digital Rights Management is a collection of technologies used to limit access and use of ___________ products such as music - movies and computer games.
A template is a ____________ document often provided with word processing software.
Lettered ______ headings appear across the top frame of the spreadsheet.
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.

31. Downloaded
Word processing software is used to create - edit - print - format and store ____.
MAC addresses are set from the factory and cannot be ________ by the network admin.
In a relational database - information is organized in rows and columns. Rows are called _______.
Pirated software can be ___________ from the web - illegally copied by a friend - or purchased in a foreign country.

32. Calculations
Spreadsheet instructions for ____________ are called formulas.
Meeting ___________ software is an example of groupware.
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.
EarthLink - AT&T - and Road Runner are all examples of ISPs (Internet __________________).

33. Network
The bandwidth of a channel which carries digital data is typically measured in ____ ____ _________ (bps).
Groupware is software that allows several people to collaborate on projects over a _______.
White hat hackers are computer professionals who break into computer systems with the owner's __________ to identify security flaws.
The hub prevents packet collisions - but if the hub goes down the _____ stops.

34. Web browser
Examples include _____________ identification and retina scanners.
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.
A ___ ________ is software that enables a user to find and access the various parts of the Internet.
A job search agent is an automated program that searches one or more __________ databases and notifies you when it finds leads that match your search criteria.

35. Unzipped
A single hard drive could be partitioned and labeled with multiple drive ________.
Column headings are used to select an entire _______ with a mouse click.
Zipped files are _________ as part of the installation process.
Spreadsheet instructions for ____________ are called formulas.

36. Value
A _____ takes digital signals from a computer and converts them to analog signals to transmit over a telephone line.
A spreadsheet _____ is any number used in a calculation.
A typical computer includes the system and a variety of input - output and ______ devices.
A browser ________ is spyware that changes browser settings without your knowledge.

37. Device
Cyberspace is the world of communications in general; it includes wired and wireless communications - as well as the _________.
______________ are the most expensive and fastest computers available.
The Internet is a worldwide computer _______ that connects hundreds of thousands of smaller networks.
An IP address is a series of numbers used to identify a network ______.

38. TCP/IP
A wizard is an interactive computer utility that asks a user questions to _____ the user through a task.
The main circuit board of the computer is called the ___________.
SSL (Secure _______ Layer) and TLS are protocols used to create a secure connection between a computer and a website.
FTP can be used on any _______ network such as a LAN or the Internet and is compatible with any operating system.

39. Restore
Financial software allows users to track income and expenses - manage __________ - create reports - and record tax information.
A single hard drive could be partitioned and labeled with multiple drive ________.
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).
Backups are used to ________ files lost by operator error - viruses - or hardware failures.

40. Point of Sale
TCP/IP is an example of a network ________________ protocol.
Desktop publishing software has reduced the time needed to create professional looking _______ projects.
Adware is spyware that tracks surfing and online _________.
POS (______ __ _______) terminals are computer-based devices or systems that allow the merchant to process credit cards - track customer purchase habits - and manage inventory.

41. Operating
_________ systems were first used in second generation computers.
Random access is much faster than ___________ access storage (tape).
_____ data can be text - images - numbers - or sounds.
This can also be called a command-_____ interface.

42. Organize
The system's main interface screen is called the _______ and displays icons which provide fast access to information and programs.
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 ____.
VoIP stands for ______ over Internet Protocol.
A database index can be used to _________ data in alphabetical or numerical order.

43. Divide

44. Real world

45. Unique

46. Work
The ALU is an area of the CPU optimized to handle _____ calculations (i.e. Add and Subtract) as well as logic comparisons (i.e. AND - NOT - and OR).
White hat hackers are computer professionals who break into computer systems with the owner's __________ to identify security flaws.
The 1s and 0s used to represent digital data are known as _______ digits.
A computer resource is any component required to perform ____.

47. Pretty Good
Alpha testing involves desk checking and _________.
Screening job applicants and limiting employee ______ to only information needed to do a specific job are examples of people controls.
PGP (_______ ______ Privacy) encryption software is available for free download on the web.
According to security experts - _________ pose the greatest threat to their company's technology infrastructure.

48. GUI
PGP (_______ ______ Privacy) encryption software is available for free download on the web.
A program or instruction book that helps users learn how to use a product by taking the user through a series of _____ is called a tutorial.
The desktop is a feature of the ____ (graphic user interface) and is found in OS software like MAC OS and MS Windows.
Integrated circuits were able to do the work of thousands of _____________ or vacuum tubes on a single miniature chip.

49. PowerPoint
The hub prevents packet collisions - but if the hub goes down the _____ stops.
Harvard Graphics and MS __________ are examples of presentation graphics software.
A desktop ______ appears on the computer desktop and is a specialized utility that looks like a control and displays information.
The web protocol HTTP (__________ __________ Protocol) is a set of rules for exchanging information over the web.

50. Spammers
To convert seconds to milliseconds - _________ by 1000 (i.e. 5 seconds is equal to 5 -000 milliseconds).
A _______ __________ plan is used to restore information technology functions after operations have been interrupted by an event such as a hurricane.
In programming - a variable represents a value that can ______.
Spoofing makes it appear that a message came from someone other than the sender. This is a tactic often used by _________.