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. 10
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).
Spoofing makes it appear that a message came from someone other than the sender. This is a tactic often used by _________.
Examples of word size in _____ computers include 16 - 32 - and 64 bits.
According to security experts - _________ pose the greatest threat to their company's technology infrastructure.

2. TCP/IP
FTP can be used on any _______ network such as a LAN or the Internet and is compatible with any operating system.
Hubs have multiple ports. When a packet arrives at one port it is _______ to all other ports on the hub.
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.
___ software is used to design products - maps - structures and civil engineering drawings.

3. Secondary
Cache is ____ when the computer power is turned off.
With a relational database - users _____ records to locate and display them.
____ is a graphics file format used on both PCs and Macs for high quality printable files.
A floppy disk - hard disk - and USB drive are all examples of _________ storage.

4. Format
A ___ is a commonly used component that connects devices on the LAN.
Syntax refers to the _______ in which computer programming commands must be entered.
_________ data is defined as converting data from one format to a format compatible with the program you are currently using.
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.

5. Specific
Such information includes information related to company finances - _________ - products and procedures.
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.
A file extension is an optional file identifier that is separated from the main file name by a ______.
A hash function uses an algorithm to transform a given string of letters into a string that represents the original string (known as a _____).

6. Communications
TCP/IP is an example of a network ________________ protocol.
This UNIX-based kernel also contributes to stronger _________.
______ times for PC storage devices are measured in milliseconds.
System ______________ involves converting files - software and hardware to the new system.

7. Memory
While the computer is running - it remains in main ______ and manages nonresident programs.
To convert from word size to bytes - you must ______ by 8 because there are 8 bits in a byte. Therefore - when we're dealing with a 64 bit word size - we divide by 8 and the result is 8 bytes.
A computer resource is any component required to perform ____.
Examples of information managed by ____ software include addresses - phone numbers - appointments - and to-do lists.

8. Modern
_____ _____ languages are based on human languages and include C - C++ and FORTRAN.
Examples of word size in _____ computers include 16 - 32 - and 64 bits.
The JPEG graphics format has built-in _____________ that can be adjusted by the user.
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.

9. Disk scanner
The primary key could be a unique series of numbers or characters; it doesn't have to be meaningful--just _______.
What part of the URL http://instantcert.com/landing.html is the top level domain? ___
____ ________ software detects and corrects certain types of common problems on hard disks - floppies - and CDs.
The public key encryption software used to encrypt documents such as _____ is called PGP.

10. Directly
Random access storage devices are able to go _____ to the requested data
A compiler converts ______ code (the original code written by the programmer) into object code (an executable file).
_______________ is used to restore the file to its original condition by replacing the repeated patterns that were removed during file compression.
Secondary storage refers to devices and media that store data _____________.

11. Access
If an operating system attaches a special significance to a symbol - you won't be able to use it in a ________.
Cache is ____ when the computer power is turned off.
______ times for PC storage devices are measured in milliseconds.
A _____ takes digital signals from a computer and converts them to analog signals to transmit over a telephone line.

12. Storage
A typical computer includes the system and a variety of input - output and ______ devices.
Nowadays - cash registers have been replaced by ___ terminals.
Applications no longer had to include code to control low level hardware operations but instead called on operating system routines through simple standardized _________.
Drawings created with CAD (Computer Aided _______) software are 3D and can be rotated to view all sides.

13. Stress
White hat hackers are computer professionals who break into computer systems with the owner's __________ to identify security flaws.
RSI (Repetitive _______ Injury) affects tendons - muscles and nerves in the hands - wrists - arms and shoulders.
Computer _____ temporarily stores instructions and data that the processor is likely to use frequently.
RAM usually consists of several _____ ______(chips) that plug directly into the computer's system board.

14. Analog
Telephone lines have traditionally been _______.
With a ______ implementation - parts of the new system are implemented separately.
Analytical graphics are graphical forms that make _______ data easier to analyze.
A single hard drive could be partitioned and labeled with multiple drive ________.

15. Work
_____ data can be text - images - numbers - or sounds.
Telephone lines have traditionally been _______.
Examples of graphics file _______ include BMP - GIF - JPEG - TIFF - and PNG.
A computer resource is any component required to perform ____.

16. Windows
Freeware is software that is copyrighted but is available for ____.
________ transmission sends data via light waves at a frequency too low for human eyes to see.
Common platforms include Apple Macintosh - ________ platforms and PC platforms.
VPN stands for ________ Private Network.

17. Wikipedia
This is where the term __________ (a group edited encyclopedia) comes from.
Cyberspace is the world of communications in general; it includes wired and wireless communications - as well as the _________.
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 ____.
FTP can be used on any _______ network such as a LAN or the Internet and is compatible with any operating system.

18. Unzipped
TCP/IP is an example of a network ________________ protocol.
ENIAC was the first ____________ electronic computer in the United States.
A message which has been encrypted is called __________.
Zipped files are _________ as part of the installation process.

19. Word

20. Overheat
Overclocking is popular with computer gamers but can be dangerous as components may _________ and be damaged or catch fire.
Commands written for a specific CPU or microprocessor are ____ _____ languages.
Current versions of Windows support ____ ______ up to 255 characters long.
A spreadsheet ________ is a built-in formula which performs common calculations.

21. Record
An organization's internal _______ network is called an intranet.
A spreadsheet _____ is any number used in a calculation.
A unit of measure equaling one ______ digit is a bit.
A collection of fields make up a _______.

22. Network
________ and assembly languages are low level languages.
This can also be called a command-_____ interface.
Reading through a program to make sure it is logical and free of errors is called _____ ________.
The hub prevents packet collisions - but if the hub goes down the _____ stops.

23. Web pages
___ allows a block of program code to be reused in other programs.
A keystroke logger can be used to steal __________.
In MS PowerPoint - the outline view helps you ________ the content of your material.
HTML is a set of special instructions used to create ____ _____.

24. Charles Babbage
_____ data can be text - images - numbers - or sounds.
_______ ________ was the first to define concepts that were to be later used in modern computers.
IP addresses can be changed by the network _______________.
The motherboard contains the CPU and _______ chips as well as connections for the keyboard - mouse - and printer.

25. Cell
With a ______ implementation - parts of the new system are implemented separately.
The particular operating system and _________ model on which a computer system is based is called the platform.
A _________ is a graphical representation of a series of steps needed to solve a problem.
The location on a spreadsheet where a row and a column intersect is called a ____.

26. Network
A system of interconnected telephones - computers - or other communication devices that can communicate and share data is called a _______.
For every software _____________ - the CPU control unit carries out four basic operations known as the machine cycle.
___ software is used to design products - maps - structures and civil engineering drawings.
A _________ is a limited working system - developed to test design concepts.

27. Operating System
If a program exceeds its available RAM - the _________ _________ can use an area of hard disk called virtual memory to store parts of data files or programs until needed - thereby gaining almost unlimited memory capacity.
A desktop ______ appears on the computer desktop and is a specialized utility that looks like a control and displays information.
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 ____.
The motherboard contains the CPU and _______ chips as well as connections for the keyboard - mouse - and printer.

28. WAN
Sending out __________ looking emails which attempt to solicit passwords or financial information is known as phishing.
The Windows registry is a database that maintains a record of installed ________ and peripheral devices - preferences - and settings.
Spelling and grammar checkers flag unrecognized words - misspelled words - and incorrect grammar with different color ________ lines.
A communications network that covers a large geographic area such as a country is called a ___.

29. Disk drive
Screening job applicants and limiting employee ______ to only information needed to do a specific job are examples of people controls.
A file server is a centralized computer that acts like a __________ - storing programs and data shared by users on the LAN.
Individual computers (PCs - workstations) are called ________ and the centralized computer is called a server.
An _________ slot is a slot on the motherboard where the user can plug in an expansion card.

30. Billion
Messages are encrypted using a cryptographic _________ and a key.
Companies do this to keep _______ low.
A gigabyte is a unit of measurement roughly equaling one _______ bytes.
All the physical equipment in a computer system is called ________.

31. Guide
Many employers view IT _____________ with some degree of skepticism.
Examples of OOP languages include C++ and _____.
A programming language is a set of keywords and grammar rules used to create ____________ for a computer.
A wizard is an interactive computer utility that asks a user questions to _____ the user through a task.

32. Serial
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.
A collection of fields make up a _______.
With ______ processing - the CPU must complete all steps in the instruction cycle before it begins to execute the next instruction.
____ is an internet protocol used to make phone calls over the internet.

33. Bits
Transistors were smaller - cheaper - and more _________ than vacuum tubes.
A MAC address is a series of numbers assigned by the manufacturer to a _________ ________ card at the factory.
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 ____.
______ ____________ software allows scheduling of events - management of costs and allocation of resources associated with a project.

34. Dashboard
An algorithm is a _______ or set of steps for solving a particular problem.
The GUI (Graphic User Interface) is sometimes called a computer __________ and Microsoft Windows is an example of an operating system that uses a GUI.
MIDI stands for Musicial ___________ Digital Interface.
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.

35. Two
Random access storage allows access to any location in any _____.
A data communications network that connects personal computers within a limited geographical area is called a ___.
A unit of measure equaling 8 bits is a ____.
Public key encryption uses ___ keys.

36. Clients
Virtual reality is a computer generated artificial reality which projects a person into a sensation of _____ ____________ space.
Built in 1951 - UNIVAC was considerably smaller and more powerful than ______.
The opposite of a variable is a _________ - which is a factor that remains the same throughout the program.
Individual computers (PCs - workstations) are called ________ and the centralized computer is called a server.

37. File names
__________ is widely supported by web browsers and adds interactive functions to HTML pages.
In 1976 - Steve Jobs and Steve _______ founded Apple Computer Corporation.
Current versions of Windows support ____ ______ up to 255 characters long.
The cursor is often a blinking rectangle and its location is called the __________ point.

38. Scrolling
The hub prevents packet collisions - but if the hub goes down the _____ stops.
_________ is the process of moving up - down - or sideways through the text or other screen display.
RSI (Repetitive _______ Injury) affects tendons - muscles and nerves in the hands - wrists - arms and shoulders.
UNIVAC was the first commercially successful _______ computer.

39. Source
The internet is an example of a WAN (______ ____ Network).
Reading through a program to make sure it is logical and free of errors is called _____ ________.
A compiler converts ______ code (the original code written by the programmer) into object code (an executable file).
Logic bombs are _______ that are set to go off at a certain time.

40. Expansion
In word processing - the __________ for a document refers to the way text - graphics - headings - and page numbers appear on a page.
In MS Windows - the toolbar is located at the ____ of the window below the menu bar.
A newsgroup is also known as a ______ and there are thousands of them on the Internet.
An _________ slot is a slot on the motherboard where the user can plug in an expansion card.

41. Certification
A macro - or keyboard _________ - is useful when a user has to type the same pattern of keystrokes over and over.
A ____ network has no endpoints and all computers are connected in a continuous loop.
Many employers view IT _____________ with some degree of skepticism.
Many common viruses attach themselves to an existing executable program - and when that program is copied to and ____ on other computers - the virus infects those computers.

42. BIOS
The system's main interface screen is called the _______ and displays icons which provide fast access to information and programs.
The ____ is a set of instructions contained in ROM that tell the computer how to find the operating system and load it into RAM.
In programming - an event is defined as an ______.
With a ______ implementation - parts of the new system are implemented separately.

43. GUI
Multimedia authoring software combines video - text - animation - graphics and sound to create __________ multimedia applications.
Many employers view IT _____________ with some degree of skepticism.
_____ ______ cable transmits pulsating beams of light rather than electricity.
The ___ allows a user to operate the computer by using a mouse or keystrokes to select icons and commands from menus.

44. Formula
The ________ ________ is the computer software that manages the basic operation of the computer.
A _________ is a graphical representation of a series of steps needed to solve a problem.
An algorithm is a _______ or set of steps for solving a particular problem.
In a relational database - information is organized in rows and columns. Rows are called _______.

45. PowerPoint
By holding down the ctrl - alt - and del keys - ________ OS will open the task manager which displays a list of active processes.
Common expansion cards include ________ cards - graphic cards - and memory cards.
With a ______ implementation - parts of the new system are implemented separately.
Harvard Graphics and MS __________ are examples of presentation graphics software.

46. Security
A data communications network that connects personal computers within a limited geographical area is called a ___.
Overloading a computer system or network by making repeated requests to it and thereby denying access to legitimate users is called a _______ __ ________ attack.
This UNIX-based kernel also contributes to stronger _________.
By using a _______________ utility - files on a disk are rearranged so that they are stored in contiguous clusters.

47. Bit
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 ___ is the smallest unit of data that a system can handle.
An organization's internal _______ network is called an intranet.
A system of interconnected telephones - computers - or other communication devices that can communicate and share data is called a _______.

48. Hypertext
A desktop ______ appears on the computer desktop and is a specialized utility that looks like a control and displays information.
A program that ______ itself repeatedly on to the computer's hard disk or into the computer's memory is called a worm.
System software include device ________ - operating systems - and compilers.
HTML (__________ Markup Language) tags are used to structure and format web pages and links to other documents.

49. Securely
Hubs have multiple ports. When a packet arrives at one port it is _______ to all other ports on the hub.
SSL and TLS are protocols used to ________ transmit credit card data over the Internet.
The process of converting cyphertext to plaintext is ___________
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 ____.

50. Type
An example of importing data would be taking a column of numbers from a spreadsheet and importing it into a ______ __________.
Handheld computers and ____s are examples of embedded systems because the operating system resides on a single chip.
In word processing - the __________ for a document refers to the way text - graphics - headings - and page numbers appear on a page.
Early personal computers featured command-driven interfaces which required the user to ____ complicated instructions to operate the computer.