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. PDA
Handheld computers and ____s are examples of embedded systems because the operating system resides on a single chip.
File compression is a method of removing __________ elements of a file causing the file to require less storage space and less time to transmit.
____ is the communications protocol used by your browser to connect with web servers and display web pages on your computer.
Logic bombs are _______ that are set to go off at a certain time.

2. Intranets
_______ are small text files left on your hard drive by websites you visit.
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.
Private _________ that connect internal personnel and selected vendors are called extranets.
DHCP is a protocol designed to automatically distribute IP _________.

3. Com
What part of the URL http://instantcert.com/landing.html is the top level domain? ___
_____ data can be text - images - numbers - or sounds.
Common expansion cards include ________ cards - graphic cards - and memory cards.
The _______ ______ would be 'instantcert.com'; the top level domain just refers to the part after the period.

4. Execution
For a computer to be able to take advantage of dual core or quad core technology - the installed ________ __________ has to support it.
The compiled program is saved as object code for later __________.
________ and assembly languages are low level languages.
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 ____.

5. URL
A ___ is a string of characters that points to a specific piece of information anywhere on the web.
Computer _____ temporarily stores instructions and data that the processor is likely to use frequently.
______ - PROSPECTOR - CARES - CLUES and CLIPS are all examples of expert systems.
The bandwidth of a channel which carries digital data is typically measured in ____ ____ _________ (bps).

6. Flash

7. Network
Virtual reality is a computer generated artificial reality which projects a person into a sensation of _____ ____________ space.
According to security experts - _________ pose the greatest threat to their company's technology infrastructure.
If a ___________ on the bus is broken (i.e. one of the computers in the chain crashes) - the network may go down.
Common expansion cards include ________ cards - graphic cards - and memory cards.

8. Fragmentation
_____________ occurs when stored files on a hard drive are scattered across noncontiguous sectors.
One use of an intranet is to allow employees to access and exchange company _____ needed to do their jobs.
A cryptographic key is a number - word - or phrase that must be used to ________ a message.
In a star network - all computers are connected to a _______ computer.

9. Formatting
_____ _____ languages are based on human languages and include C - C++ and FORTRAN.
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 word processing - the __________ for a document refers to the way text - graphics - headings - and page numbers appear on a page.
___ allows a block of program code to be reused in other programs.

10. Access
FTP can be used on any _______ network such as a LAN or the Internet and is compatible with any operating system.
______ times for PC storage devices are measured in milliseconds.
A _________ logger is a type of spyware that records each character you type.
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.

11. Windows
_____ ____ is a special feature that automatically continues text on the next line when the user reaches the right margin.
Examples of operating systems include ________ - Linux - Unix - and Macintosh OS.
Common platforms include Apple Macintosh - ________ platforms and PC platforms.
Critics of certification exams maintain that a multiple choice test can't accurately measure a person's ability to deal with _____ ______ software and equipment.

12. Dashboard
The GUI (Graphic User Interface) is sometimes called a computer __________ and Microsoft Windows is an example of an operating system that uses a GUI.
____ is a popular graphics file format used in applications such as web pages where flexibility in file size is important.
Linux is an ____ _______ operating system that can be modified and freely distributed.
A megabyte is a unit of measurement roughly equaling one _______ bytes.

13. Repeat
An iteration control structure directs the computer to ______ one or more instructions until a certain condition is met.
In the same year - they released the ________ computer.
Overloading a computer system or network by making repeated requests to it and thereby denying access to legitimate users is called a _______ __ ________ attack.
In MS PowerPoint - the outline view helps you ________ the content of your material.

14. Data
A hash function uses an algorithm to transform a given string of letters into a string that represents the original string (known as a _____).
White hat hackers are computer professionals who break into computer systems with the owner's __________ to identify security flaws.
A megabyte is a unit of measurement roughly equaling one _______ bytes.
When plugged into a USB port - flash memory drives show up as an external drive and are a convenient way to transport and transfer _____.

15. Timeline
This act established financial reporting regulations to prevent corporate ______.
A database index can be used to _________ data in alphabetical or numerical order.
Pirated software can be ___________ from the web - illegally copied by a friend - or purchased in a foreign country.
Usually - project management software allows the user to break a project down into a series of goals or events which are organized as a _________.

16. Files
Multimedia authoring software combines video - text - animation - graphics and sound to create __________ multimedia applications.
The columns are called _______.
FTP is a protocol used to copy _____ from one computer to another over the Internet.
Examples of graphics file _______ include BMP - GIF - JPEG - TIFF - and PNG.

17. Windows

18. Clients
___________ and security are MS Windows' two major weaknesses.
Applications no longer had to include code to control low level hardware operations but instead called on operating system routines through simple standardized _________.
Servers can store files or provide services (i.e. printing) to ________ on the network.
RAM usually consists of several _____ ______(chips) that plug directly into the computer's system board.

19. Fourth
______ generation computers were microprocessor based.
First generation computers used _______ _____ to store individual bits of data.
A collection of fields make up a _______.
In programming - a variable represents a value that can ______.

20. Avatars
Desktop publishing software has reduced the time needed to create professional looking _______ projects.
Analytical graphics are also called _________ graphics and make sales figures and economic trends easier to understand.
_______ are computer depictions of humans often found in computer games and training software.
Data consists of ___ facts and figures that is processed to produce information.

21. Record
In a relational database - the _______ key holds a unique value for each record.
A collection of fields make up a _______.
Zipped files are _________ as part of the installation process.
A LAN (______ _____ Network) normally occupies a single building.

22. Client/server
Common platforms include Apple Macintosh - ________ platforms and PC platforms.
___ - ring - and star are the three basic network topologies.
A hash function uses an algorithm to transform a given string of letters into a string that represents the original string (known as a _____).
In a _____________ LAN - individual computer users share the services of a centralized computer.

23. Data
The internet backbone consists of high speed - high capacity transmission lines that use the newest communications technology to ________ data across the internet.
An organization that provides internet access is called an ___.
The desktop is a feature of the ____ (graphic user interface) and is found in OS software like MAC OS and MS Windows.
One use of an intranet is to allow employees to access and exchange company _____ needed to do their jobs.

24. Permission

25. Flowchart
A floppy disk - hard disk - and USB drive are all examples of _________ storage.
Private _________ that connect internal personnel and selected vendors are called extranets.
When plugged into a USB port - flash memory drives show up as an external drive and are a convenient way to transport and transfer _____.
A _________ is a graphical representation of a series of steps needed to solve a problem.

26. Gateways
Transmission is limited to ______ range.
Examples include _____________ identification and retina scanners.
In programming - a variable represents a value that can ______.
________ are used to transmit data between LANs of different network topologies or network operating systems.

27. JPEG
__________ appear as colored or underlined words on a webpag
Bandwidth is an expression of how much data can be sent through a communications channel in a given amount of ____.
Such information includes information related to company finances - _________ - products and procedures.
____ is a popular graphics file format used in applications such as web pages where flexibility in file size is important.

28. Processes
ISPs are connected to the internet backbone via a ___.
Pirated software can be ___________ from the web - illegally copied by a friend - or purchased in a foreign country.
The desktop is a feature of the ____ (graphic user interface) and is found in OS software like MAC OS and MS Windows.
In Windows - to see a list of active _________ - you must open the task manager.

29. Value
Access (included with Microsoft _______) is an example of a popular Windows-based relational database application.
A spreadsheet _____ is any number used in a calculation.
Computer resources include the ____ - RAM - storage space - and peripherals.
Virtual reality is used in arcade games and in training simulators (example: _______ simulators).

30. Bell
__________ includes the Web - chat rooms - blogs - member based services - conference calls and automatic teller machines (ATMs).
SSL (Secure _______ Layer) and TLS are protocols used to create a secure connection between a computer and a website.
UNIX was first developed by _____ Laboratories in 1969.
Integrated circuits were able to do the work of thousands of _____________ or vacuum tubes on a single miniature chip.

31. Private

32. Memory
A service pack is a collection of Microsoft files for ________ improvements - bug fixes - and software updates.
_______ errors can be found with a debugger.
Primary storage - also known as RAM or _______ - is temporary data held in computer circuitry.
A LAN (______ _____ Network) normally occupies a single building.

33. Wide Area
The internet is an example of a WAN (______ ____ Network).
When data is ________ in one cell - data in other cells is automatically recalculated.
Proprietary information about a company concerns information a __________ might find valuable.
Backbone connections are supplied by internet backbone __________ such as GTE - Sprint - UUNET and AT&T.

34. Connection
_______ is the operating system installed on more than 80% of the world's personal computers.
If a ___________ on the bus is broken (i.e. one of the computers in the chain crashes) - the network may go down.
In the same year - they released the ________ computer.
______ data is data that has been converted into discrete digits such as 0s and 1s.

35. Scheduling
Meeting ___________ software is an example of groupware.
A wizard is an interactive computer utility that asks a user questions to _____ the user through a task.
The _______ ______ would be 'instantcert.com'; the top level domain just refers to the part after the period.
The primary key could be a unique series of numbers or characters; it doesn't have to be meaningful--just _______.

36. Multiply
A unit of measure equaling one ______ digit is a bit.
To convert seconds to milliseconds - _________ by 1000 (i.e. 5 seconds is equal to 5 -000 milliseconds).
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.
Transmission is limited to ______ range.

37. Nonvolatile
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.
The Sarbanes-Oxley act requires full disclosure in accounting systems and protects corporate ______________.
The prefix '_____' means a thousand.
Read-Only Memory chips contain fixed computer start up instructions - are loaded at the factory - and are ___________.

38. Musical
NAP stands for ________________ Point.
Lettered ______ headings appear across the top frame of the spreadsheet.
MIDI is a protocol used to communicate between electronic _______ instruments and the devices that control and manage them.
______ - PROSPECTOR - CARES - CLUES and CLIPS are all examples of expert systems.

39. Memory
Examples include _____________ identification and retina scanners.
When troubleshooting a computer program - ________ software is used to help identify and solve problems.
While the computer is running - it remains in main ______ and manages nonresident programs.
A kilobyte is generally abbreviated as __.

40. Web page
A file server is a centralized computer that acts like a __________ - storing programs and data shared by users on the LAN.
HTML is a set of special instructions used to create ____ _____.
Dreamweaver - Macromedia Flash and MS FrontPage are all examples of ___ _____ design software.
A hard drive - on the other hand - is a _______ access device - which allows it to go directly to the requested data.

41. Short
A kilobyte is generally abbreviated as __.
Transmission is limited to ______ range.
FTP is a protocol used to copy _____ from one computer to another over the Internet.
__________ is widely supported by web browsers and adds interactive functions to HTML pages.

42. Served
Messages are divided into equal size packets and shipped over the network on a first come first _______ basis.
In a relational database - the _______ key holds a unique value for each record.
Rule-based detection software is used by merchants for online transactions to detect and prevent _____ by establishing criteria each transaction must meet.
The public key encryption software used to encrypt documents such as _____ is called PGP.

43. Addresses
________ and assembly languages are low level languages.
Defragmentation can improve _____ ______ performance by helping the computer operate more efficiently.
DHCP is a protocol designed to automatically distribute IP _________.
In MS PowerPoint - the outline view helps you ________ the content of your material.

44. Hypertext Transfer
White hat hackers are computer professionals who break into computer systems with the owner's __________ to identify security flaws.
____ is a popular graphics file format used in applications such as web pages where flexibility in file size is important.
Cookies can save you time by not requiring you to _______ in the same information on subsequent visits to the same website.
The web protocol HTTP (__________ __________ Protocol) is a set of rules for exchanging information over the web.

45. Byte
The BIOS (Basic ______________ System) also enables the computer to interpret keyboard commands and display characters on the monitor.
A wiki is one or more ___ documents that can be viewed and changed by users.
A unit of measure equaling 8 bits is a ____.
A collection of fields make up a _______.

46. Operating
Public key encryption is used to transmit credit card data in secure e-commerce transactions and it is also used for secure ______.
_________ systems were first used in second generation computers.
Analytical graphics are graphical forms that make _______ data easier to analyze.
Virtual reality is a computer generated artificial reality which projects a person into a sensation of _____ ____________ space.

47. Fiber optic
Access (included with Microsoft _______) is an example of a popular Windows-based relational database application.
HTML is a set of special instructions used to create ____ _____.
_____ ______ cable transmits pulsating beams of light rather than electricity.
In a star network - all computers are connected to a _______ computer.

48. Partition
On a hard disk - this waiting area is called a _______.
Transistors were smaller - cheaper - and more _________ than vacuum tubes.
A disk _________ is a section of a hard drive that is treated as a separate storage unit.
Most computer processing takes place in a component called the ___.

49. Tape drive
Random access is much faster than ___________ access storage (tape).
A _____ _____ is an example of a sequential access device; it retrieves data by starting at the beginning of the tape and reading each record until the required data is found.
The BIOS (Basic ______________ System) also enables the computer to interpret keyboard commands and display characters on the monitor.
A message that has not been _________ is called plaintext.

50. Memory
A single hard drive could be partitioned and labeled with multiple drive ________.
The motherboard contains the CPU and _______ chips as well as connections for the keyboard - mouse - and printer.
Plaintext is also called __________.
Cookies can save you time by not requiring you to _______ in the same information on subsequent visits to the same website.