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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. Squiggly
Spelling and grammar checkers flag unrecognized words - misspelled words - and incorrect grammar with different color ________ lines.
Backups are used to ________ files lost by operator error - viruses - or hardware failures.
A virus is a program that __________ itself - either by making copies of itself or by attaching to another program.
_______ is the operating system installed on more than 80% of the world's personal computers.

2. Stopping
The web protocol HTTP (__________ __________ Protocol) is a set of rules for exchanging information over the web.
To be an algorithm - a set of rules must be unambiguous and have a clear _________ point.
An organization's internal _______ network is called an intranet.
A message that has not been _________ is called plaintext.

3. Network Access
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 MAC address is a series of numbers assigned by the manufacturer to a _________ ________ card at the factory.
In programming - a _________ is a prewritten module designed for a specific task.
NAP stands for ________________ Point.

4. Printed
UNIVAC was the first commercially successful _______ computer.
Desktop publishing software has reduced the time needed to create professional looking _______ projects.
A ________ is a unit of measurement equaling 1024 bytes of data.
ENIAC was the first ____________ electronic computer in the United States.

5. Bits per second
The information on a ROM chip _____ be altered by the user.
Random access storage devices are able to go _____ to the requested data
_______ are computer depictions of humans often found in computer games and training software.
The bandwidth of a channel which carries digital data is typically measured in ____ ____ _________ (bps).

6. Ports
Secondary storage refers to devices and media that store data _____________.
Like hubs - switches have multiple ______.
LISP is a programming language used primarily for creating __________ _____________ programs.
Random access is much faster than ___________ access storage (tape).

7. Period
Early computers stored ____ for calculations and programs on punched cards.
Rule-based detection software is used by merchants for online transactions to detect and prevent _____ by establishing criteria each transaction must meet.
A file extension is an optional file identifier that is separated from the main file name by a ______.
A spreadsheet _____ is any number used in a calculation.

8. Hardware
A template is a ____________ document often provided with word processing software.
Virtual reality is a computer generated artificial reality which projects a person into a sensation of _____ ____________ space.
All the physical equipment in a computer system is called ________.
________ and assembly languages are low level languages.

9. LAN
The prefix '_____' means a thousand.
Spelling and grammar checkers flag unrecognized words - misspelled words - and incorrect grammar with different color ________ lines.
Programmers use assembly languages to write ______ software.
A data communications network that connects personal computers within a limited geographical area is called a ___.

10. Musical
__________ is widely supported by web browsers and adds interactive functions to HTML pages.
Mac OS X was rewritten for _____ architecture in 2006 and has a reputation for being an easy to use - reliable - and secure operating system.
MIDI is a protocol used to communicate between electronic _______ instruments and the devices that control and manage them.
The most common type of database used on PCs is the relational database in which data is organized into related ______.

11. Machine
________ and assembly languages are low level languages.
In a peer to peer network - workstations share responsibility for processing - storage - printing - and communications tasks without a ______.
The instruction cycle is also often referred to as the ________ cycle.
Meeting ___________ software is an example of groupware.

12. Processing
Cookies can save you time by not requiring you to _______ in the same information on subsequent visits to the same website.
Cache speeds up _________.
This UNIX-based kernel also contributes to stronger _________.
ENIAC was the first ____________ electronic computer in the United States.

13. Syntax
System software includes device drivers - utility programs - and the __________ system.
The internet is an example of a WAN (______ ____ Network).
In computer programming - ______ errors refer to typographical errors and incorrect use of the programming language.
____ is used by copyright holders to prevent piracy of their products but can be inconvenient to legitimate users.

14. Driver
POS (______ __ _______) terminals are computer-based devices or systems that allow the merchant to process credit cards - track customer purchase habits - and manage inventory.
A device ______ is system software used by the computer to control peripheral devices.
Micropayments allow customers to purchase goods and services for amounts so small as to be impractical for ________ _____ transactions.
A MAC address is a series of numbers assigned by the manufacturer to a _________ ________ card at the factory.

15. Unique

16. Sender's

17. Group
To be an algorithm - a set of rules must be unambiguous and have a clear _________ point.
_______ ________ was the first to define concepts that were to be later used in modern computers.
Personal Information Management software helps users organize and manage daily ________ activities.
A _____ of adjacent cells on a spreadsheet is called a range.

18. Binary
Meeting ___________ software is an example of groupware.
_____ data can be text - images - numbers - or sounds.
A print server manages one or more printers and stores printed ______.
A unit of measure equaling one ______ digit is a bit.

19. Function
______ generation languages are typically used for database applications.
Utility programs are designed to help monitor and configure ________ for the computer - the operating system - or applications.
A spreadsheet ________ is a built-in formula which performs common calculations.
One survey indicated that 75 to 80% of computer crimes are committed by current or _______ employees.

20. Cookies
Micropayments allow customers to purchase goods and services for amounts so small as to be impractical for ________ _____ transactions.
Telephone lines have traditionally been _______.
____ is the communications protocol used by your browser to connect with web servers and display web pages on your computer.
_______ are small text files left on your hard drive by websites you visit.

21. Nonvolatile
The CPU consists of the control unit - the arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) and the _________ (high speed storage areas).
A hard drive - on the other hand - is a _______ access device - which allows it to go directly to the requested data.
Read-Only Memory chips contain fixed computer start up instructions - are loaded at the factory - and are ___________.
The JPEG graphics format has built-in _____________ that can be adjusted by the user.

22. Java
Examples of DTP software include MS __________ and PageMaker.
Examples of OOP languages include C++ and _____.
A cryptographic key is a number - word - or phrase that must be used to ________ a message.
Public key encryption uses ___ keys.

23. Resources
A programming language is a set of keywords and grammar rules used to create ____________ for a computer.
When plugged into a USB port - flash memory drives show up as an external drive and are a convenient way to transport and transfer _____.
System software helps the computer manage internal and external _________ and enables the computer to run applications.
Trojan horses can also carry ________ and destructive instructions.

24. Time
FTP can be used on any _______ network such as a LAN or the Internet and is compatible with any operating system.
Bandwidth is an expression of how much data can be sent through a communications channel in a given amount of ____.
The location on a spreadsheet where a row and a column intersect is called a ____.
A print server manages one or more printers and stores printed ______.

25. Permanently
Secondary storage refers to devices and media that store data _____________.
A compiler converts ______ code (the original code written by the programmer) into object code (an executable file).
____ testing involves checking a program by running it with real world data.
The easiest way to reduce exposure to cellphone _________ is to use a headset.

26. Editing
CIO stands for _______ ____________ Officer.
Values are the actual numbers or dates entered into ______.
____ is the communications protocol used by your browser to connect with web servers and display web pages on your computer.
Paint - photo _______ - and drawing software are all examples of graphics software.

27. Illegally
The most common user interface for UNIX systems is the ________ ____ interface.
When data is ________ in one cell - data in other cells is automatically recalculated.
Software obtained _________ is said to be pirated.
If an operating system attaches a special significance to a symbol - you won't be able to use it in a ________.

28. Command line
What part of the URL http://instantcert.com/landing.html is the top level domain? ___
Secondary storage refers to devices and media that store data _____________.
The most common user interface for UNIX systems is the ________ ____ interface.
In the same year - they released the ________ computer.

29. Hijacker
A computer uses a ____ system (base 2). That means that it only has 2 digits to choose from (i.e. 0 and 1).
Relocating business _________ to lower cost locations in foreign countries is called offshoring.
A browser ________ is spyware that changes browser settings without your knowledge.
A firewall is designed to protect a computer or network from _________.

30. Flowchart
Graphics software is designed to help users manipulate and ______ graphics.
Bandwidth is an expression of how much data can be sent through a communications channel in a given amount of ____.
A _________ is a graphical representation of a series of steps needed to solve a problem.
Random access storage allows access to any location in any _____.

31. MYCIN
The monitor - speakers - and printer are examples of computer ______ devices.
_______ is the operating system installed on more than 80% of the world's personal computers.
______ - PROSPECTOR - CARES - CLUES and CLIPS are all examples of expert systems.
POS (______ __ _______) terminals are computer-based devices or systems that allow the merchant to process credit cards - track customer purchase habits - and manage inventory.

32. Web
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 _____.
Nowadays - cash registers have been replaced by ___ terminals.
A wiki is one or more ___ documents that can be viewed and changed by users.
While the computer is running - it remains in main ______ and manages nonresident programs.

33. Decode
ISPs are connected to the internet backbone via a ___.
Fetch - ______ - execute and store are the four basic operations of the machine cycle.
Applications no longer had to include code to control low level hardware operations but instead called on operating system routines through simple standardized _________.
Defragmentation can improve _____ ______ performance by helping the computer operate more efficiently.

34. Volatile
When you install software or hardware - information is ______ in the registry.
The contents of ________ memory - which includes RAM - are lost when the power is turned off.
Common platforms include Apple Macintosh - ________ platforms and PC platforms.
Examples of DTP software include MS __________ and PageMaker.

35. Input
UNIX is a proprietary multitasking operating system with built-in __________ capabilities that supports multiple users.
Cache is ____ when the computer power is turned off.
_____ data can be text - images - numbers - or sounds.
Examples of random access storage include computer hard disk drives - RAM - ____ _____ - floppy drives and CD-ROM drives.

36. Click
Hubs have multiple ports. When a packet arrives at one port it is _______ to all other ports on the hub.
A _________ ________ card (NIC) is used by a computer to transmit and receive data over a network.
The system's main interface screen is called the _______ and displays icons which provide fast access to information and programs.
Examples of an event include a key press or a mouse ______.

37. Spammers
A ___ ________ is software that enables a user to find and access the various parts of the Internet.
Virtual machine technology allows users to simulate the hardware and software of one computer ____________ on another.
Cookies can save you time by not requiring you to _______ in the same information on subsequent visits to the same website.
Spoofing makes it appear that a message came from someone other than the sender. This is a tactic often used by _________.

38. Modern
One reason a tape drive takes longer to access data than a ____ drive is that tape drives use sequential access.
Examples of word size in _____ computers include 16 - 32 - and 64 bits.
Like hubs - switches have multiple ______.
Examples of DTP software include MS __________ and PageMaker.

39. File names
A newsgroup is also known as a ______ and there are thousands of them on the Internet.
Current versions of Windows support ____ ______ up to 255 characters long.
Backbone connections are supplied by internet backbone __________ such as GTE - Sprint - UUNET and AT&T.
Virtual memory uses the hard disk to _____ primary storage (RAM).

40. Copyrighted
Public domain software is not ___________ and can be copied without fear of prosecution.
Examples of an event include a key press or a mouse ______.
Virtual reality is used in arcade games and in training simulators (example: _______ simulators).
With ______ processing - the CPU must complete all steps in the instruction cycle before it begins to execute the next instruction.

41. Real world

42. Source
The opposite of a variable is a _________ - which is a factor that remains the same throughout the program.
A compiler converts ______ code (the original code written by the programmer) into object code (an executable file).
Most computer manufacturers use components (hard drives - processors - memory - etc.) supplied by other __________; this is called outsourcing.
_____________ is the process of recomputing values in a spreadsheet.

43. Bits
When an employee uses their employer's computer time for non-work activities - this is called theft of time and ________.
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 ____.
A _________ is a graphical representation of a series of steps needed to solve a problem.
Drawings created with CAD (Computer Aided _______) software are 3D and can be rotated to view all sides.

44. Bit
Examples of utility programs include _______ and data recovery software - antivirus software - disk cleanup - etc.
Embedded computers are also called microcontrollers and are small - specialized microprocessors installed in ____ and smart appliances.
A ___ is the smallest unit of data that a system can handle.
Most computer processing takes place in a component called the ___.

45. Cyberterrorists
In programming - a _________ is a prewritten module designed for a specific task.
_______________ are politically motivated hackers who attack computer systems intending to cause large scale physical or financial harm.
SSL and TLS are protocols used to ________ transmit credit card data over the Internet.
The instruction cycle is also often referred to as the ________ cycle.

46. Windows
A __________ file uses a uniform format to store data for each person or thing in the file.
A gigabyte is a unit of measurement roughly equaling one _______ bytes.
A device ______ is system software used by the computer to control peripheral devices.
By holding down the ctrl - alt - and del keys - ________ OS will open the task manager which displays a list of active processes.

47. Keyboard
______ times for PC storage devices are measured in milliseconds.
A ________ - mouse - microphone - scanner - and camera are all examples of computer input devices.
Virtual reality is used in arcade games and in training simulators (example: _______ simulators).
Common platforms include Apple Macintosh - ________ platforms and PC platforms.

48. Network
Common expansion cards include ________ cards - graphic cards - and memory cards.
Multimedia technology presents information in a format which includes ____ - graphics - video and sound.
With ______ processing - the CPU must complete all steps in the instruction cycle before it begins to execute the next instruction.
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.

49. Resetting
The section of code that repeats is called a _____ or an iteration.
A spreadsheet _____ is any number used in a calculation.
A floppy disk - hard disk - and USB drive are all examples of _________ storage.
CSMA/CD manages collisions on the network by deleting colliding signals and __________ the network.

50. Byte
Personal Information Management software helps users organize and manage daily ________ activities.
A wiki is one or more ___ documents that can be viewed and changed by users.
A unit of measure equaling 8 bits is a ____.
The location on a spreadsheet where a row and a column intersect is called a ____.