REVIEWQuestions
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Select the best response for the following statements.
1.
Which is another word for software?
A.
hardware
B.
program
C.
programming statement
D.
interface
2.
Which are the two basic types of computer software?
A.
program, applications
B.
productivity, applications
C.
applications, systems
D.
systems, networking systems
3.
A group of programs that coordinate and control the resources of a computer system is called __________ .
A.
system software
B.
applications software
C.
language translator
D.
utility program
4.
The part of the operating system with which we are most familiar is the __________.
A.
formatting utility
B.
programming statement
C.
language translator
D.
user interface
5.
DOS was first introduced with the __________.
A.
Apple Macintosh
B.
IBM PC
C.
UNIX operating system
D.
Windows operating system
TRUE/FALSE
Circle T if the statement is true or F if the statement is false.
T
F
1. The first version of Windows was a true operating system.
T
F
2. The computer cannot run any applications without an operating system.
T
F
3. Apple Computer developed the first GUI for a PC.
T
F
4. Computer software is anything you can touch.
T
F
5. When you turn on a computer, the boot record loads into ROM.
FILL IN THE BLANK
Complete the following sentences by writing the correct word or words in the blanks provided.
1.
An embedded operating system resides on a(n) ROM chip.
2.
A spreadsheet program is an example of application software.
3.
The Linux operating system is an open-source program.
4.
Windows Mobile is a type of embedded operating system.
5.
DOS is a(n) single-user operating system.
PROJECTS
CROSS-CURRICULAR—MATHEMATICS
Windows Disk Cleanup utility helps you free space on your computer by deleting unnecessary files. Use
Windows Help and Support and research this utility program. Explain the purpose of this utility and provide an
example of how you would access the program and then apply it.
Disk Cleanup is used to free disk space, which helps the computer run faster. The program removes temporary
files, system files and other files that are no longer needed, and empties the Recycle Bin. This utility can be
accessed by clicking the Start button and then typing the words Disk Cleanup in the Search box. The Disk
Cleanup Options dialog box is displayed with two options -- My files only or Files from all users on this
computer.
CROSS-CURRICULAR—SCIENCE
Operating systems have come a long way in the last few years. They are much easier to use and support many
more features. If you were going to design an operating system for computers for the year 2012, what features
would you include? How would your operating system be different from those that are currently available? Use
your word-processing program to write a report or give an oral report to the class.
Responses will vary.
CROSS-CURRICULAR—SOCIAL STUDIES
The more recent versions of operating systems include accessibility options for people with visual or hearing
disabilities. Research the operating system on your computer, list the accessibility options, and then include a
description of each item.
Responses will vary, but the report should include the following items listed in Windows Help, along with an
explanation of each item:







Use the computer without a display
Make the computer easier to see
Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard
Make the mouse easier to use
Make the keyboard easier to use
Use text and visual alternatives for sounds
Make it easier to focus on reading and typing tasks
CROSS-CURRICULAR—LANGUAGE ARTS
You have been hired to create an icon to represent a new software program that has just been developed. This is
an interactive encyclopedia. It also contains games to help reinforce the topics presented in the encyclopedia.
Think about the icons on your computer’s desktop or that you see in the figures throughout this lesson. Using
graph paper or a computer drawing program, create an icon for this new interactive encyclopedia.
Responses will vary.
WEB PROJECT
Access the Web site www.howstuffworks.com and then type "setting up a wireless network" in the Search How
Stuff Works text box. Provide an overview of how you would set up a home-based network. Explain why a
wireless network is an easier and less-expensive way to create a home network. What negatives are involved with
a wireless network?
In response to the search string (setting up a wireless network), several options in four different categories are
displayed at www.howstuffworks.com/search.php. Responses will vary depending on the option selected.
Information should be included, however, that a wireless network is the easiest and least expensive to set up
because it uses radio waves instead of wires, it is flexible, and allows notebook computers to be moved from room
to room. Negatives are that generally wireless networks are slower than wired networks and are less secure.
TEAMWORK PROJECT
You and two team members have been given the responsibility for purchasing new computers for your company’s
front office. One team member wants to purchase an Apple Macintosh with the latest version of the Mac OS and
the latest software suite; another wants to purchase a PC with the latest version of the Windows OS; and the third
wants to purchase a PC with the UNIX OS. The manager has requested that your team do some research and
present her with a report so that she can make the best choice. Your report should include the positives and
negatives for each of these operating systems.
Reports will vary but following are some strengths and weaknesses:
OS
Windows Vista
Strengths
Weaknesses
 Enormous user base
 Security vulnerabilities
 OS is preconfigured and preinstalled on
 Hardware requirements for
most computers
Windows Vista are high
 Can be slow on some computers
 OS is no-fuss, preconfigured, and
Mac OS
 Computers are more expensive
preinstalled on Macintosh computers
 Good for novice computer users
than other PCs.
 Mac is proprietary with its
hardware, software, and software
 Easy to get up and running in a minimal
licensing, making it more
amount of time, with good user support.
expensive to buy compatible
 Because Apple designs the OS and
hardware and maintenance
controls all hardware configurations,
services.
users have increased reliability and
product support.
 Easy to install.
UNIX/Linux

be complicated.
 GUI desktop is easy to use.
 OS is free as is Linux software.
 Compatible with lots of hardware
Installing non-free software can

Poor printer support and difficult
printer installation.
CRITICALThinking
Assume you are a member of a team and your objective is to present three ideas on how the Windows Vista
operating system can be improved. Provide a thorough explanation of why you think your ideas would make the
operating system better and easier to use.
Solutions will vary.
EXPLORINGGoogle
Google Mobile provides several options that are designed especially for mobile devices such as Search, Maps,
Gmail, News, and more. To view these options, go to www.google.com/mobile. Which mobile devices are listed?
What are the popular Google items that are listed on this Web site? Next, click the All Products link. List and
describe at least three different items that you would like to access through your mobile phone. How would you
access any of these mobile options?
Currently, iPhone and Blackberry are the mobile devices listed. The popular Google items listed on the main
Google Mobile page are Search, SMS, Maps, YouTube, Gmail, and GOOG-411. On the All Products link, the
previously mentioned six items, eight addition products are listed: Calendar, Blogger, Sync, News, Reader,
Notebook, Picassa, and Docs. To access these items, click the Get Started Now button, and then type your mobile
number into the text box.