Test your basic knowledge |

Technology In Action - 2

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. A list of commands that displays on the screen.






2. A method of optical storage for digital data; originally developed for storing digital audio.






3. A temporary storage area on the hard drive where the operating system 'swaps out' or moves the data or instructions from random access memory (RAM) that have not recently been used. This process takes place when more RAM space is needed.






4. 'A single-user - single-task operating system created by Microsoft. MS-DOS was the first widely installed operating system in personal computers.'






5. The set of programs that run on a computer to help a user carry out tasks such as word processing - sending e-mail - balancing a budget - creating presentations - editing photos - taking an online course - and playing games.






6. An output device for sound.






7. Comprises computing devices - softeare - or peripherals that use techniques - parts - and methods from an earlier time that are no longer popular.






8. A mouse with a rollerball on top instead of on the bottom. Because you move the trackball with your fingers - it doesn't require much wrist motion - so it is considered healthier for your wrist than a traditional mouse.






9. The process of installing all the files and programs from the distribution CD to the computer's hard drive.






10. The process of installing only those features of a software program that a user wants on the hard drive.






11. A small segment of data that is bundled for sending over transmission media. Each packet contains the address of the computer or peripheral device to which it is being sent.






12. The pre-installed software (often trial versions) on a new computer.






13. The first commercially available operating system to incorporate a graphical user interface (GUI) with user-friendly point-and-click technology.






14. An interface through which external devices are connected to the computer.






15. A power-management mode that saves the current state of the current system to the computer's hard drive.






16. A network in which the nodes are located within a small geographic area.






17. A single software program that incorporates the most commonly used tools of many productivity software programs.






18. A signal that tells the operating system that it is in need of immediate attention.






19. A nonimpact printer known for quick and quiet production and high quality printouts.






20. A pen-shaped device used to tap or write on tough-sensitive screens.






21. The set of computer programs or instructions that tells the computer what to do and enables it to perform different tasks.






22. 'Small blocks of memory - located directly on and next to the central processing unit (CPU) chip - that act as holding places for recently or frequently used instructions or data that the CPU accesses the most. When these instructions or data are sto






23. A single point that creates the images on a computer monitor. Pixels are illuminated by an electron beam that passes rapidly back and forth across the back of the screen so that the pixels appear to glow continuously.






24. Pernament storage - as in read-only memory (ROM).






25. The maximum speed at which data can be transmitted between two nodes on a network; usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps).






26. A small - tough-sensitive screen at the base of a notebook keyboard. To use the touchpad - you simply move your finger across the pad to direct the cursor.






27. 'Programs such as Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Organizer that strive to replace the various management tools found on a traditional desk such as a calendar - address book - notepad - and to-do lists.'






28. A network that uses public communication pathways (usually the Internet) to provide branch offices or employees who are not at the office with secure access to the company network. VPNs maintain privacy by using secure data communication protocols.






29. A mini-application developed for the Macintosh platform.






30. A specialized computing device designed to store and manage network data.






31. A unit of computer storage equal to approximately one thousand bytes.






32. When data merely travels the entire length of the communications medium and is received by all network devices.






33. 'A physical address - similar to a serial number on an appliance - that is assigned to each network adapter; it is made up of six 2-digit characters such as 01:40:87:44:79:A5.'






34. An expansion card that enables a computer to produce sounds that are omnidirectional or three dimensional.






35. 'Software that handles requests for information - Internet access - and the use of peripherals for the rest of the network nodes.'






36. 'A device that reads information from a magnetic strip on the back of a credit card-like access card (such as a student ID card); card readers are easily programmed by adding authorized ID card numbers - Social Security numbers - and so on.'






37. Documentation for a software product that is built directly into the software.






38. Any part of the computer you can physically touch.






39. 'A hierarchical structure that include files - folders - and drives used to create a more organized and efficient computer.'






40. A series of instructions to be followed by a computer to accomplish a task.






41. A hardware device used to enter typed data and commands into a computer.






42. 'A drive that uses the same kind of memory that flash drives use - but can reach data in only a tenth of the time a flash drive requires.'






43. Data that has been organized or presented in a meaningful fashion.






44. A UTP cable type that provides more than 1 GB of throughput.






45. A device similar to a switch in an Ethernet network. It takes the place of a wireless network adapter and helps relay data between network nodes.






46. 'The time it takes for the hard drive's read/write heads to move over the surface of the disk - between tracks - to the correct track.'






47. A server that processes and delivers incoming and outgoing e-mail.






48. Video interface technology that newer LCD monitors - as well as other mutlimedia devices such as televisions - DVD players - and projectors - use to connect to a PC.






49. A common output device that creates tangible or hard copies of text and graphics.






50. 'A Windows utility (found in the Control Panel) that allows the user to create a duplicate copy of all the data on a hard drive (or just the folders and files the user specifies) and copy it to another storage device - such as a DVD or external hard