NAME __________________________
MODULE 1 REVIEW
Computing Fundamentals
IC3 Pretest
REVIEW QUESTIONS
TRUE / FALSE
Circle T if the statement is true or F if the statement is false.
T
F
1.
A graphical user interface requires you to type text commands to interact
with the computer.
T
F
2.
If a computer has a multicore processor, the operating system can use
multiprocessing to split tasks among the processors.
T
F
3.
On a Windows computer, the best place to store your data files is in the root
directory of the hard drive.
T
F
4.
At high resolutions, a screen displays more information than at low
resolutions, so text and objects are smaller and sharper.
T
F
5.
An example of an embedded computer in a car is one that senses when your
car moves out of its lane.
T
F
6.
Anyone can use, modify, and distribute open-source software.
T
F
7.
An app is specifically designed for a handheld computer, such as a tablet or
smartphone, is called a handheld app.
T
F
8.
File History and Time Machine are examples of backup software that make
incremental backups of files and keep copies of each saved version of a file.
T
F
9.
An inkjet printer is a nonimpact printer that produces text and images using
the same technology as copier machines.
T
F
10.
A blank or corrupted display screen is often a symptom of a damaged video
card.
T
F
11.
Magnifier is an example of an accessibility tool.
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T
F
12.
Computers are binary machines, which means that they understand only two
states—on and off, represented by 0 and 1.
T
F
13.
An error during shut down usually means a critical system component is
damaged or failing.
T
F
14.
A static charge to an open system unit can damage the motherboard.
T
F
15.
A hard drive is a storage device, while a hard disk is a type of storage media.
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Select the best response for the following statements.
1.
2.
3.
4.
The input and output devices connected to the computer are called _____________.
A.platforms
C.utilities
B. peripherals
D.networks
The speed of a CPU is measured in ___________.
A.gigabytes
C.gigahertz
B.pixels per inch
D.bytes per second
To move, copy, and rename files and folders in Windows, you use ____________.
A.Task Manager
C.Internet Explorer
B.File Explorer
D.Control Panel
To access the Report.docx file in the(E:) ► Courses ► Communications ► Assignments ► Report.docx
file path, the last folder you open is the _________________ folder.
5.
A.Assignments
C.Courses
B.Communications
D. Report
A(n) __________operating system is included in the hardware of a standalone device to meet a specific
purpose and perform a single type of task.
A.personal
C.server
B.mobile
D.embedded
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6.
The _______________ is a series of steps the operating system must complete before you can interact with the
operating system.
7.
8.
A. instruction cycle
C. information processing cycle
B. data transfer process
D. boot process
In Windows, you can change the background color of the Start screen by using the _________.
A. Personalize menu
C. Start Screen window
B. Appearance and Personalization window
D. PC and devices category of the PC settings screen
Of the following system components, the _______ has the most significant effect on a computer’s
performance and computing power.
9.
A. CPU
C. motherboard
B. memory module
D. ROM chip
In the ___________ power state, Windows conserves power by saving your data and system settings in
temporary memory, blanking the screen, and ceasing to perform any activities.
A. high-performance
C. sleep
B. shut down
D. basic
10. Of the following, a _____________ represents the most amount of data.
A. kilobyte
C. terabyte
B. gigabyte
D. megabyte
11. Most laptop computers include a ____________ so you can use the computer without attaching a mouse.
A. touchpad
C. digital pen
B. trackball
D. stylus
12. Which of the following computing devices typically includes a built-in camera, music player, and global
positioning system (GPS), and lets you send and receive phone calls, e-mail messages, and text messages?
A. server
C. portable media player
B. smartphone
D. e-book reader
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13. When you purchase software, you are actually purchasing a(n) ________________, which is a legal agreement
that specifies how you can install and use the software.
A. copyright
C. activation code
B. update right
D. software license
14. Which of the following types of software do you use to reduce the size of a file by removing redundant
data?
A. file compression
C. disk management
B. photo-editing
D. database
15. _________________ involves the following four steps: define the problem, identify possible causes, determine
the most likely cause, and apply solutions.
A. Using a knowledge base
C. Disaster recovery
B. Troubleshooting
D. Using a backup plan
FILL IN THE BLANKS
Complete the following sentences by writing the correct word or words in the blanks provided.
1.
____________ is called volatile memory because it loses its contents when you turn off the power to the
computer.
2.
The __________ is the case that contains a computer’s main system components.
3.
______consists of instructions, or programs, for controlling a computer so it performs tasks.
4.
When you delete a folder from the hard drive on a Windows computer, the folder and all of its files are
stored in the ___________.
5.
In an operating system, a(n) _______________ is a collection of information that indicates the files and folders
you can access, the types of changes you can make to the computer, and your preferred appearance
settings.
6.
To connect a peripheral device to a computer, you use a(n) __________ located on the system case.
7.
_____________ tablets use a hybrid design that includes a swivel screen or removable keyboard so you can
use the computer as a laptop or tablet.
8.
To install software, you use a(n) _____________ program, which guides you through the installation steps
and prepares the software so you can use it on your computer.
9.
In Windows, you can use ________________ to undo system changes without affecting your data files.
10. A(n) ________________ is a type of hard drive that uses flash memory technology to store data as electrical
charges.
11. A(n) _____________ is software that coordinates the resources and activities on a computer.
12. ____________ technology can identify people based on their fingerprints, face, handwriting, or voice.
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13. Typical tasks for a(n) _____________ computer include processing payroll and billing operations for a large
corporation and handling millions of credit card transactions for a bank.
14. Starting in _______________and then restarting the computer often resolves a computer startup problem.
15. A(n) _____________is a duplicate copy of a file that you use if the original file is lost, damaged, or destroyed.
PROJECTS – CHOOSE ONE
PROJECT 1–1
You are ready to buy a new computer and have a budget of $700 to spend on the computer, software, and
accessories. Using online resources to research new computers, create a written report that explains your
decision and answers the following questions. Submit the report as your instructor requests.
1.
Computer usage—What types of tasks will you perform on the new computer? How often do you
plan to use the new computer?
2.
Computer type—Which computer type did you select: traditional desktop, all-in-one desktop, laptop,
tablet, or smartphone? Why did you select that type of computer? Which Web site did you use to
research the computer? What is the total cost of the computer, not including additional software and
accessories?
3.
System components—What are the brands and specifications of the system components you
selected, including the processor, RAM, and hard drive? Why did you select these components? Did
you upgrade any components? If so, which ones and why?
4.
Other hardware—What are the specifications of the other hardware you selected, including the
display, graphics or video card, network card, pointing device, ports, microphone, speakers, and
camera? Why did you select this hardware?
5.
Additional hardware factors—What additional hardware influenced your decision? Examples include
size and weight of the computer, swivel screen, touchscreen, battery life, and special sound system.
6.
Operating system—Which operating system runs on the new computer? Why did you select a
computer that runs this operating system?
7.
Software—Does the computer include preinstalled software that you will find useful? If so, identify
this software. What additional software do you need to purchase to fit your computer usage? What is
the total cost of the additional software?
8.
Accessories—What accessories do you need for this computer? What is the total cost of the
accessories?
9.
Total cost—What is the total cost of the system, including computer, additional software, and
accessories?
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PROJECT 1–3
You have been using your new computer for about a month and want to keep it running at top performance.
Create a maintenance plan by providing the information requested in the following items.
1.
2.
3.
Hard drive

Explain how to best use the storage capacity of your hard drive and keep it free of unnecessary files.

Describe the software tools you will use to maintain the hard drive.
Other hardware

Explain how to conserve power.

Describe how to decrease the requests for processing power and RAM if the computer is slow to
respond to commands.

Explain how to physically protect the computer.
Operating system

Describe how you will end each Windows session.

Explain how to keep the operating system secure.
SIMULATION- CHOOSE ONE
Scenario:
You have been working for a small company named Culture XChange that coordinates exchanges between the
United States and other countries. Some of the exchanges are for high school and college students to learn
about new cultures and practice language skills. Other exchanges are for volunteers to work with local
community groups. As a project assistant, you provide support to team leaders by producing and distributing
promotional material, finding placements for customers, surveying customers, and making sure the office
runs smoothly. The company provides Windows laptops to each of its 25 employees.
JOB 1–1
Team leaders at Culture XChange often use graphics software to create and modify illustrations for print and
online material, enhance photos, and add special effects to graphics. Right now, team leaders use the
graphics-editing features in Microsoft PowerPoint to perform these tasks, but they want to install new
software that is dedicated to graphics editing, with an emphasis on photo editing. They also want to produce
videos that animate photos and other images, so they are especially interested in animation features.
1.
Research graphics-editing software or image-editing software, and list five popular applications in a
written document.
2.
Select an application you researched, and then search online for a free demo, tour, or tutorial that shows
the basic features of the application.
3.
Search for another free demo, tour, or tutorial that shows how to perform a common task using the
application.
4.
If necessary, search for other online content that explains or demonstrates other features in the
application, including animation.
5.
Would you recommend the application you selected to the team leaders at Culture XChange? Explain why
or why not in the written document.
6.
Submit the document as your instructor requests.
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JOB 1–2
As a project assistant, team leaders and other Culture XChange employees often ask you to help them
troubleshoot hardware and software problems. In a written document, explain how you would troubleshoot
the following problems.
1.
An employee named Brianna uses a computer that lost its wireless connection to the Internet a few
minutes ago. Brianna has not been able to reconnect to the Internet.
2.
An employee named Jason wants to use a headset that includes a microphone and earphone so he can
listen to videos and provide speech commands to the computer. The headset has a USB plug for attaching
the device to the computer. However, when Jason plugs the headset into a USB port, it does not transmit
sound through the microphone or earphone.
3.
When an employee named Maya started her computer, it displayed a blank screen for several seconds,
and then started in Safe mode. She shut down the computer, and then restarted it. Again, it started in Safe
mode.
4.
Submit the answers as your instructor requests.
JOB 1–3
A few Culture XChange teams are purchasing new laptops so they can run Windows 8. They ask you to
research the best ways to dispose of their old computers. As long as you are researching computer disposal,
the office manager also asks you about how to properly dispose of other equipment.
1.
2.
3.
What options are available in your community for discarding the following types of computer
equipment?

LCD computer monitor

Cell phones that no longer work

Laptop batteries

Toner and ink jet cartridges

CDs, DVDs, and their hard plastic cases
What regional or national resources can you use to discard the following types of computer equipment?
Describe how to provide equipment to a typical organization.

Working but out-of-date laptops

Printers

System components such as expansion boards
Submit your findings as your instructor requests.
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JOB 1–4
Culture XChange wants to expand its offerings to provide more travel services, such as on-site lectures and
classes, home stays for travelers, and guided tours of sites and destinations. Your manager asks you to
provide ideas for using computer hardware and software in the new Travel Services department. Some
members of the department will work at their U.S. office, while others will travel to locations around the
world.
The U.S. staff will be responsible for scheduling events, maintaining budgets, and enrolling customers. The
traveling staff will be responsible for researching destination information and navigation locations, keeping
in touch with colleagues and customers, playing informational videos for customers, and taking care of
practical details such as accommodations, dining options, and personal safety.
1.
Consider the types of computers, peripheral devices, and software the U.S. office staff will need and the
types of computers, peripheral devices, and software the traveling staff will need. Research your ideas as
necessary.
2.
Create a table similar to the following, and then enter your recommendations for each item. Below the
table, explain your choices.
U.S. Staff
Traveling Staff
Computers
Peripheral Devices
Software
3.
Submit the table and explanations as your instructor requests.
JOB 1–5
Culture XChange does not have a specific policy that outlines when and how employees should back up their
data. One consideration is that the company wants to minimize the amount of storage space the backups
require. Your manager asks you to provide the following information about creating backups so she can
create a policy for employees.
1.
What types of backups should be performed for each employee? Why should these types of backups be
performed?
2.
How often should each type of backup be performed?
3.
What backup method do you recommend and why? Do you recommend any additional backup methods?
4.
Submit the answers as your instructor requests.
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