Test your basic knowledge |

IT Literacy

Subjects : it-skills, literacy
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. Long-term repository for data (e.g. disks - tapes)






2. Communicates with peripherals; Coordinates the concurrent processing of tasks; Manages memory; Keeps track of location of all programs/files of hard drive






3. A reading tool that uses light to read universal product codes - inventory codes - and other codes created out of patterns of variable-width bars






4. 1) Paper is easier on eyes. 2) Books can be read anywhere w/o the need of electricity/batteries. 3) Books are aesthetically more pleasing. 4) Books can be highlighted and written in.






5. Part of the Internet - a collection of multimedia documents created by organizations and users worldwide. Documents are linked in a hypertext Web site that allows users to explore them with simpler mouse clicks.






6. Ongoing public discussions on a particular subject consisting of notes written to a central Internet site and redistributed through a worldwide newsgroup called Usenet. You can check into and out of them whenever you want; all messages are posted on






7. An individual responsible for maintaining a multi-user computer system






8. Function which enables users to change the appearance of a document by specifying the font - point size - and style of any character in the document - as well as the overall layout of text and graphical elements in the document






9. Part of the computer which processes information - performs arithmetic calculations - and makes basic decisions based on information values






10. Multimedia that enables the user to take an active part in the experience.






11. 1) Mathematical calculations faster w/ more accuracy; 2) storing vast amounts of data; 3) recall information






12. Technology in which browsers on client computers pull information from server machines; the browser needs to initiate a request before any information is delivered.






13. Process of saving data - esp. for data recovery. Many systems automatically back up data and software onto disks or tapes






14. Spreadsheet software function enabling users to change the appearance of cell contents






15. Programs that use computer hosts to reproduce themselves. Worm programs travel independently over computer networks - seeking out uninfected workstations to occupy. A form of software sabotage






16. Provides direct instruction in a clearly specified skill of subject






17. Unauthorized access and/or vandalism of computer systems; short for criminal hacking






18. The relatively easy use of a single color (or sometimes two) to add interest to a desktop-publishing product.






19. Horizontal






20. Grouping of 8 bits






21. Reference to a specific cell address; doesn't change when copied






22. A program that eliminates fragmented files by changing the assignment of clusters to files; Easier to find files/programs -> Faster computer






23. In desktop publishing - the pages that control the general layout of the document (such as the page borders - numbers - or header).






24. Uninterruptable Power Supply; A hardware device that protects computers from data loss during power failures






25. Built-in component of a word processor or a separate program that compares words in a documents with words in a disk-based dictionary - and flags words not found in the dictionary; may operate in batch mode - checking all the words at once - or inter






26. A computer model of a real life situation used to see how a model operates under certain conditions






27. The science of designing work environments that enable people and things to interact efficiently and safely






28. An error in programming






29. Technology in which information is delivered automatically to a client computer. The user subscribes to a service - and the server delivers that information periodically and unobtrusively. Contrast with pull technology.






30. A standard interface that allows electronic instruments and computers to communicate with each other and work together.






31. 1) Saves printing costs after initial software purchase. 2) Saves time traveling back to commercial printer b/c you can use a personal printer. 3) Reduces # of publication errors. 4) Allows more people to publish.






32. The process of simulation motion with a series of still pictures.






33. Created: 1) URL; 2) HTML; 3) HTTP://; 4) first 'browser'






34. 1) Save labor costs (work all the time - no breaks/vacations); 2) improve quality and increase production (esp. in repetitive tasks); 3) ideal for dangerous/impossible jobs for humans






35. Size and style of typeface






36. The illegal duplication of copyrighted software






37. All type - including roman - bold - and italics - of a single design (i.e. Helvetica)






38. Software which must be purchased through commercial channels and is copyrighted; Cannot be legally duplicated for others






39. 1) flexible schedule; 2) save time commuting and save $; 3) better for the environment (less gas consumption); 4) better ergonomics (working conditions); 5) save office space/expenses.






40. 1) Amount of network traffic; 2) size/type of file being transferred; 3) type/quality of network connection






41. A picture element (dot) on a computer screen or printout. Groups of pixels compose the images on the monitor and the output of a printout.






42. License for multiple copies or removing restrictions on software copying and use at a network site






43. Free software that is not copyrighted - offered through World Wide Websites - electronic bulletin boards - user groups - and other sources






44. Language that people speak/write everyday.






45. Megabyte; Approximately 1000K or 1 million bytes






46. ~Advantages 1)Share data - increase productivity 2)Share hardware - reduce costs 3)Allow people to work together/communicate ~Disadvantages 1)Easier spread of viruses 2)Privacy issues - especially access levels not set 3)Integrity of data - when shar






47. Software robots that systematically explore the Web - retrieve information about pages - and index the retrieved information in a database. (used by search engines)






48. Anything that can be communicated






49. Software programs that can ask questions - respond to commands - pay attention to users' work patters - serve as a guide and a coach - take on owner's goals - and use reasoning to fabricate their own goals.






50. Software that can be distributed and modified freely by users; example: Linux