Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of the following is not a required part of an information system?
A. People
B. Procedures
C. Internet
D. Data
2. The physical equipment that processes data in order to create information is called the
A. typology
B. compiler
C. hardware
D. software
3. The word "software" is interchangeable with the word
A. procedure
B. application
C. program
D. computer
4. What are the two major software types?
A. System analysis software and data warehousing software
B. Operating system software and utilities software
C. System software and application software
D. Database management software and application software
5. Which of the following is a collection of programs rather than a single program?
A. Procedures
B. System software
C. Hardware
D. Application software
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You
6. "Background" software that allows the computers to work is called
A. shareware.
B. application software.
C. desktop.
D. system software.
7. Identify the program that coordinates computer resources, provides an interface between
users and the computer, and runs applications.
A. Systems software
B. Operating system
C. Application software
D. Device driver
8. Disk Defragmenter eliminates unnecessary file fragments and rearranges files and unused
disk space to optimize computer operations. This is an example of which type of program?
A. System software
B. Operating system
C. Application software
D. Utilities
9. System software includes all of the following except
A. operating systems.
B. device drivers.
C. utilities.
D. browser.
10. Which of the following is most likely to be used to monitor manufacturing processes and
assembly-line operations?
A. Minicomputers
B. Mainframe computers
C. Supercomputers
D. Microcomputers
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You
11. Desktop, media center, notebook, netbook, tablet PC, and handheld computers are
classified as
A. mainframe computers.
B. supercomputers.
C. minicomputers.
D. microcomputers.
12. The most widely used handheld computers are
A. laptop computers.
B. PDAs and smartphones.
C. notebooks and netbooks.
D. tablet PCs.
13. A specific type of notebook computer that accepts handwriting is called a
A. laptop computer
B. netbook
C. subnotebook
D. tablet PC
14. This computer component holds data that is currently being processed.
A. RAM
B. ROM
C. Bus
D. Ports
15. Which of the following will not retain data after the computer is turned off?
A. DVD
B. RAM
C. ROM
D. Hard drive
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You
16. Identify the four basic categories of hardware in a microcomputer system.
A. Hard disk, input/output, secondary storage, and display devices.
B. System unit, input/output, secondary storage, and primary storage.
C. System unit, input/output, secondary storage, and communication.
D. System unit, modem, RAM, and microprocessor.
17. The most common output devices are
A. monitors and printers.
B. DVD drives and monitors.
C. speakers and printers.
D. printers and DVD drives.
18. Which one of the following is not considered a form of secondary storage?
A. Solid-state storage
B. Optical disk
C. RAM
D. Hard disk
19. Flash memory cards are a type of what kind of secondary storage?
A. Optical disks
B. Hard drives
C. High-definition disks
D. Solid-state storage
20. The most widely used communication device is
A. a personal computer.
B. the Internet.
C. a telephone line.
D. a modem.
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You
21. Which of the following is not an example of a document file?
A. Spreadsheet
B. Memo
C. Letter
D. Term paper
22. A financial budget would typically be what type of data file?
A. A database
B. A worksheet
C. A presentation
D. A document
23. Employee records, including names, social security numbers, and related information,
would typically be what type of data files?
A. Document files
B. Presentation files
C. Database files
D. Worksheet files
24. The capability of your microcomputer to share information with other computers is
referred to as
A. the wireless revolution.
B. system memory.
C. computer competency.
D. connectivity.
25. The Internet is the largest _____ in the world.
A. network
B. system unit
C. database program
D. operating system
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You
True / False Questions
26. The five parts of an information system are: people, procedures, software, hardware, and
data.
True False
27. The purpose of software is to convert data into information.
True False
28. Software is another name for a program or programs.
True False
29. To be a competent computer user, you must understand the essentials of information
technology (IT).
True False
30. Application software is "background" software which helps the computer manage its own
internal resources.
True False
31. System software is a collection of programs.
True False
32. Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility that is commonly used to format secondary
devices.
True False
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You
33. System software might be described as end user software.
True False
34. A browser is an example of a specialized application.
True False
35. Another name for a minicomputer is midrange computer.
True False
36. Insurance companies are most likely to use midrange computers to process information
about millions of policyholders.
True False
37. Media centers combine the functionality of a desktop computer with an entertainment
center.
True False
38. Two important components of the system unit are the microprocessor and the hard disk.
True False
39. A system unit consists of the keyboard and the monitor.
True False
40. RAM will retain data when the computer is turned off.
True False
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You
41. The most common input devices are the mouse and the keyboard.
True False
42. Secondary storage will retain data when the computer is turned off.
True False
43. Solid-state storage uses rigid metallic platters to store data using the magnetic charges of
the disk's surface.
True False
44. The four common types of files are document files, worksheet files, database files, and
presentation files.
True False
45. Highly structured and organized data is stored in database files.
True False
Fill in the Blank Questions
46. Computer _____ refers to acquiring computer-related skills.
________________________________________
47. The rules to follow when using software, hardware, and data are called _____.
________________________________________
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You
48. _____ is the equipment that processes data to create information.
________________________________________
49. Raw, unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, images, and sounds, are called _____.
________________________________________
50. _____ is a collection of programs that helps the computer manage its own resources and
enables application software to interact with computer hardware.
________________________________________
51. _____ are specialized programs designed to allow particular input or output devices to
communicate with the rest of the computer system.
________________________________________
52. Application software can be categorized as either basic applications or _____
applications.
________________________________________
53. The basic application used to navigate, explore, and find information on the Internet is
called a _____.
________________________________________
54. _____ computers are not nearly as powerful as supercomputers, but are capable of great
processing speeds and data storage.
________________________________________
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You
55. The six types of microcomputers are: _____ computers, media centers, notebooks,
netbooks, tablet PCs, and handheld computers.
________________________________________
56. _____ computers are the smallest type of microcomputer and are designed to fit into the
palm of one hand.
________________________________________
57. The _____ is the container that houses most of the electronic components of a computer
system.
________________________________________
58. _____storage devices do not lose data or programs after the electrical power is turned off.
________________________________________
59. _____are rigid metallic platters used to store programs and very large data files.
________________________________________
60. _____ are secondary storage devices that have the greatest capacity.
________________________________________
61. A _____ file might contain audience handouts and speaker notes in addition to electronic
slides.
________________________________________
62. Increased use of mobile devices has been termed the _____ revolution.
________________________________________
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You
63. A _____ is a communications system connecting two or more computers.
________________________________________
64. The _____provides a multimedia interface to the numerous resources available on the
Internet.
________________________________________
65. The largest network in the world is the _____.
________________________________________
Essay Questions
66. Describe all the parts of an information system.
67. Where would it be most relevant to use the term "data" and the term "information"? Give
an example of each.
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You
68. What is an operating system? Give two examples.
69. What is application software? Describe the two categories of the application software.
70. What are the differences between a supercomputer and a mainframe computer?
71. Describe the differences between minicomputers and microcomputers.
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You
72. Describe the different types of microcomputers with relevant examples.
73. Explain what a system unit is.
74. What is secondary storage? What is the difference between hard disks and solid-state
storage?
75. Describe the four types of files.
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
Multiple Choice Questions
1. (p. 4) Which of the following is not a required part of an information system?
A. People
B. Procedures
C. Internet
D. Data
An information system has five parts: people, procedures, software, hardware, and data.
Difficulty: Easy
2. (p. 6) The physical equipment that processes data in order to create information is called the
A. typology
B. compiler
C. hardware
D. software
The equipment that processes the data to create information is called hardware.
Difficulty: Easy
3. (p. 8) The word "software" is interchangeable with the word
A. procedure
B. application
C. program
D. computer
The words software and programs are interchangeable.
Difficulty: Easy
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
4. (p. 8) What are the two major software types?
A. System analysis software and data warehousing software
B. Operating system software and utilities software
C. System software and application software
D. Database management software and application software
There are two major kinds of software: system software and application software.
Difficulty: Easy
5. (p. 9) Which of the following is a collection of programs rather than a single program?
A. Procedures
B. System software
C. Hardware
D. Application software
System software is not a single program. Rather it is a collection of programs, including
operating systems, utilities, and device drivers.
Difficulty: Easy
6. (p. 9) "Background" software that allows the computers to work is called
A. shareware.
B. application software.
C. desktop.
D. system software.
System software is "background" software that helps the computer manage its own internal
resources.
Difficulty: Medium
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
7. (p. 9) Identify the program that coordinates computer resources, provides an interface
between users and the computer, and runs applications.
A. Systems software
B. Operating system
C. Application software
D. Device driver
Operating systems are programs that coordinate computer resources, provide an interface
between users and the computer, and run applications.
Difficulty: Easy
8. (p. 9) Disk Defragmenter eliminates unnecessary file fragments and rearranges files and
unused disk space to optimize computer operations. This is an example of which type of
program?
A. System software
B. Operating system
C. Application software
D. Utilities
Utilities perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources.
Difficulty: Hard
9. (p. 9) System software includes all of the following except
A. operating systems.
B. device drivers.
C. utilities.
D. browser.
A browser is used to navigate, explore, and find information on the Internet. It is an example
of application software, not system software.
Difficulty: Medium
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
10. (p. 11) Which of the following is most likely to be used to monitor manufacturing processes
and assembly-line operations?
A. Minicomputers
B. Mainframe computers
C. Supercomputers
D. Microcomputers
Minicomputers are refrigerator-sized machines often used in medium-sized companies or
departments of large companies for specific purposes, such as monitoring manufacturing
processes and assembly-line operations.
Difficulty: Medium
11. (p. 11) Desktop, media center, notebook, netbook, tablet PC, and handheld computers are
classified as
A. mainframe computers.
B. supercomputers.
C. minicomputers.
D. microcomputers.
These computers are classified as microcomputers.
Difficulty: Easy
12. (p. 11) The most widely used handheld computers are
A. laptop computers.
B. PDAs and smartphones.
C. notebooks and netbooks.
D. tablet PCs.
PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) and smartphones are the most widely used handheld
computers.
Difficulty: Easy
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
13. (p. 11) A specific type of notebook computer that accepts handwriting is called a
A. laptop computer
B. netbook
C. subnotebook
D. tablet PC
A tablet PC is a type of notebook that accepts handwriting, converting the input to standard
text that can be used by programs such as word processors.
Difficulty: Easy
14. (p. 12) This computer component holds data that is currently being processed.
A. RAM
B. ROM
C. Bus
D. Ports
RAM holds the program and data that is currently being processed.
Difficulty: Medium
15. (p. 12) Which of the following will not retain data after the computer is turned off?
A. DVD
B. RAM
C. ROM
D. Hard drive
RAM is referred to as temporary storage because its contents will typically be lost if the
electrical power to the computer is disrupted.
Difficulty: Easy
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
16. (p. 12) Identify the four basic categories of hardware in a microcomputer system.
A. Hard disk, input/output, secondary storage, and display devices.
B. System unit, input/output, secondary storage, and primary storage.
C. System unit, input/output, secondary storage, and communication.
D. System unit, modem, RAM, and microprocessor.
Hardware for a microcomputer system consists of a variety of different devices. This physical
equipment falls into four basic categories: system unit, input/output, secondary storage, and
communication.
Difficulty: Medium
17. (p. 12) The most common output devices are
A. monitors and printers.
B. DVD drives and monitors.
C. speakers and printers.
D. printers and DVD drives.
Monitors and printers are the most common output devices.
Difficulty: Easy
18. (p. 12) Which one of the following is not considered a form of secondary storage?
A. Solid-state storage
B. Optical disk
C. RAM
D. Hard disk
The most important kinds of secondary media are hard disks, solid-state storage, and optical
disks. RAM is primary, not secondary, storage.
Difficulty: Easy
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
19. (p. 13) Flash memory cards are a type of what kind of secondary storage?
A. Optical disks
B. Hard drives
C. High-definition disks
D. Solid-state storage
The three types of solid-state storage are solid-state drives, flash memory cards, and USB
drives.
Difficulty: Medium
20. (p. 14) The most widely used communication device is
A. a personal computer.
B. the Internet.
C. a telephone line.
D. a modem.
A modem is the most widely used communication device. A modem modifies telephone
communications into a form that can be processed by a computer.
Difficulty: Medium
21. (p. 15) Which of the following is not an example of a document file?
A. Spreadsheet
B. Memo
C. Letter
D. Term paper
Spreadsheets are classified as worksheet files.
Difficulty: Easy
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
22. (p. 15) A financial budget would typically be what type of data file?
A. A database
B. A worksheet
C. A presentation
D. A document
Worksheets are used to analyze things like budgets and to predict sales.
Difficulty: Hard
23. (p. 15) Employee records, including names, social security numbers, and related
information, would typically be what type of data files?
A. Document files
B. Presentation files
C. Database files
D. Worksheet files
Database files contain highly structured and organized data storing records of related
information.
Difficulty: Medium
24. (p. 15) The capability of your microcomputer to share information with other computers is
referred to as
A. the wireless revolution.
B. system memory.
C. computer competency.
D. connectivity.
Connectivity is the capability of your microcomputer to share information with other
computers.
Difficulty: Medium
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
25. (p. 16) The Internet is the largest _____ in the world.
A. network
B. system unit
C. database program
D. operating system
The largest network in the world is the Internet. It is like a giant highway that connects you to
millions of other people and organizations located throughout the world.
Difficulty: Medium
True / False Questions
26. (p. 5) The five parts of an information system are: people, procedures, software, hardware,
and data.
TRUE
The five parts of an information system are people, procedures, software, hardware, and data.
Difficulty: Medium
27. (p. 6) The purpose of software is to convert data into information.
TRUE
The purpose of software is to convert data (unprocessed facts) into information (processed
facts).
Difficulty: Medium
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
28. (p. 6) Software is another name for a program or programs.
TRUE
Software is another name for a program or programs.
Difficulty: Easy
29. (p. 6) To be a competent computer user, you must understand the essentials of information
technology (IT).
TRUE
In microcomputer systems, end users must understand the essentials of IT, including software,
hardware, and data.
Difficulty: Easy
30. (p. 9) Application software is "background" software which helps the computer manage its
own internal resources.
FALSE
System software, not application software, helps the computer manage its own internal
resources.
Difficulty: Medium
31. (p. 9) System software is a collection of programs.
TRUE
System software is not a single program. Rather it is a collection of programs including the
operating system, utilities, and device drivers.
Difficulty: Medium
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
32. (p. 9) Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility that is commonly used to format secondary
devices.
FALSE
Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility that is used to locate and eliminate unnecessary file
fragments and rearrange files and unused disk space to optimize computer operations.
Difficulty: Medium
33. (p. 9) System software might be described as end user software.
FALSE
Application software, not system software, may be described as end user software.
Difficulty: Hard
34. (p. 9) A browser is an example of a specialized application.
FALSE
A browser is an example of a basic application.
Difficulty: Easy
35. (p. 10) Another name for a minicomputer is midrange computer.
TRUE
Minicomputers are also known as midrange computers.
Difficulty: Easy
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
36. (p. 10) Insurance companies are most likely to use midrange computers to process
information about millions of policyholders.
FALSE
Insurance companies use mainframe computers for this purpose.
Difficulty: Medium
37. (p. 11) Media centers combine the functionality of a desktop computer with an entertainment
center.
TRUE
Media centers blur the line between desktop computers and dedicated entertainment devices.
Difficulty: Medium
38. (p. 12) Two important components of the system unit are the microprocessor and the hard
disk.
FALSE
The primary components of the system unit are the microprocessor and memory.
Difficulty: Medium
39. (p. 12) A system unit consists of the keyboard and the monitor.
FALSE
The system unit is a container that houses most of the electronic components that make up a
computer system.
Difficulty: Easy
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
40. (p. 12) RAM will retain data when the computer is turned off.
FALSE
RAM is sometimes referred to as temporary storage because its contents will typically be lost
if the electrical power to the computer is disrupted.
Difficulty: Medium
41. (p. 12) The most common input devices are the mouse and the keyboard.
TRUE
The two most common input devices are the mouse and the keyboard.
Difficulty: Easy
42. (p. 12) Secondary storage will retain data when the computer is turned off.
TRUE
Secondary storage does not lose data and programs when electrical power to the computer is
disrupted.
Difficulty: Medium
43. (p. 13) Solid-state storage uses rigid metallic platters to store data using the magnetic
charges of the disk's surface.
FALSE
Solid-state storage does not have any moving parts. Hard disks use metallic platters to store
data using the magnetic charges of the disk's surface.
Difficulty: Hard
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
44. (p. 15) The four common types of files are document files, worksheet files, database files,
and presentation files.
TRUE
The four types of files include document files, worksheet files, database files, and
presentation files.
Difficulty: Medium
45. (p. 15) Highly structured and organized data is stored in database files.
TRUE
Database management programs contain highly structured and organized data.
Difficulty: Medium
Fill in the Blank Questions
46. (p. 4) Computer _____ refers to acquiring computer-related skills.
competency
Computer competency refers to acquiring computer-related skills, and is an indispensable tool
for today.
Difficulty: Medium
47. (p. 5) The rules to follow when using software, hardware, and data are called _____.
procedures
The rules or guidelines for people to follow when using software, hardware, and data are
procedures.
Difficulty: Hard
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
48. (p. 6) _____ is the equipment that processes data to create information.
Hardware
Hardware is the equipment that processes data to create information.
Difficulty: Medium
49. (p. 6) Raw, unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, images, and sounds, are called
_____.
data
Software processes data (raw, unprocessed facts) to yield information (processed facts).
Difficulty: Hard
50. (p. 8) _____ is a collection of programs that helps the computer manage its own resources
and enables application software to interact with computer hardware.
System software
System software includes operating systems, utilities, and device drivers to help the computer
manage internal resources and enable application software to interact with computer
hardware.
Difficulty: Medium
51. (p. 9) _____ are specialized programs designed to allow particular input or output devices to
communicate with the rest of the computer system.
Device drivers
Device drivers are specialized programs designed to allow particular input or output devices
to communicate with the rest of the computer system.
Difficulty: Hard
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
52. (p. 9) Application software can be categorized as either basic applications or _____
applications.
specialized
Basic applications include applications that you have to know to be considered computer
competent. Specialized applications are more narrowly focused on specific disciplines and
occupations.
Difficulty: Easy
53. (p. 9) The basic application used to navigate, explore, and find information on the Internet is
called a _____.
browser
One of the basic application software used is a browser to navigate, explore, and find
information on the Internet. Internet Explorer is one of the most widely used browsers.
Difficulty: Easy
54. (p. 10) _____ computers are not nearly as powerful as supercomputers, but are capable of
great processing speeds and data storage.
Mainframe
Although Mainframes are not nearly as powerful as supercomputers, they are capable of great
processing speeds and data storage.
Difficulty: Medium
55. (p. 11) The six types of microcomputers are: _____ computers, media centers, notebooks,
netbooks, tablet PCs, and handheld computers.
desktop
Desktop computers are small enough to fit on top of a desk, yet are too big to carry around.
Difficulty: Medium
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
56. (p. 11) _____ computers are the smallest type of microcomputer and are designed to fit into
the palm of one hand.
Handheld
Personal digital assistants (PDAs) and smartphones are the most widely used handheld
computers.
Difficulty: Easy
57. (p. 12) The _____ is the container that houses most of the electronic components of a
computer system.
system unit
The system unit is the container that houses most of the electronic components of a computer
system.
Difficulty: Medium
58. (p. 12) _____storage devices do not lose data or programs after the electrical power is turned
off.
Secondary
Secondary storage holds data and programs even after electrical power to the computer
system has been turned off.
Difficulty: Easy
59. (p. 13) _____are rigid metallic platters used to store programs and very large data files.
Hard disks
Hard disks are used to store programs and large data files.
Difficulty: Easy
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
60. (p. 13) _____ are secondary storage devices that have the greatest capacity.
Optical discs
Optical discs have the greatest capacity.
Difficulty: Hard
61. (p. 15) A _____ file might contain audience handouts and speaker notes in addition to
electronic slides.
presentation
Presentation files might contain audience handouts, speaker notes, and electronic slides.
Difficulty: Easy
62. (p. 15) Increased use of mobile devices has been termed the _____ revolution.
wireless
The widespread use of mobile or wireless communication devices has been the biggest change
in connectivity. Experts predict that these wireless applications are just the beginning of the
wireless revolution.
Difficulty: Medium
63. (p. 16) A _____ is a communications system connecting two or more computers.
network
Central to the concept of connectivity is the network. A network is a communications system
connecting two or more computers.
Difficulty: Easy
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
64. (p. 16) The _____provides a multimedia interface to the numerous resources available on the
Internet.
Web
The Web provides a multimedia interface to the numerous resources available on the Internet.
Difficulty: Medium
65. (p. 16) The largest network in the world is the _____.
Internet
The largest network in the world is the Internet.
Difficulty: Easy
Essay Questions
66. (p. 5, 6) Describe all the parts of an information system.
An information system typically consists of five parts: people, procedures, software,
hardware, and data. Information systems are used by people in order to increase productivity.
Procedures are rules or guidelines for people to follow when using software, hardware, and
data. Software is a program that contains the step-by-step instructions that tell the computer
how to do its work. Hardware consists of the physical equipment that processes the data to
create information. Data consists of raw unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, images,
and sounds.
Difficulty: Medium
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
67. (p. 6) Where would it be most relevant to use the term "data" and the term "information"?
Give an example of each.
Data are unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, images and sound. An example might be
a listing of all customer purchases at a bookstore over the last year. Information is processed
data that has been rendered usable with the help of various types of software. From the
previous example, you could derive information such as the addresses of customers who
bought more than $500 worth of books or the year's top ten horror novels.
Difficulty: Medium
68. (p. 8, 9) What is an operating system? Give two examples.
Operating systems are software that make the computer function. It is the layer that connects
the hardware to the applications software. All programs that run on the computer do so in
coordination with the operating system. Mainly, operating systems are programs that
coordinate computer resources, provide an interface between the users and the computer, and
run applications. Some examples of operating systems are Windows 7 and Mac OS X.
Difficulty: Medium
69. (p. 9, 10) What is application software? Describe the two categories of the application
software.
Application software might be described as end user software. These programs can be
categorized as either basic or specialized applications. Basic applications are widely used in a
large number of careers. One of these basic applications is a browser to navigate, explore, and
find information on the Internet. One of the most widely used browsers is Microsoft's Internet
Explorer. Specialized applications include thousands of other programs that are more
narrowly focused on specific disciplines and occupations. Some of the best known are
graphics, audio, video, multimedia, Web authoring, and artificial intelligence programs.
Difficulty: Hard
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
70. (p. 10) What are the differences between a supercomputer and a mainframe computer?
Supercomputers are the most powerful type of computer. These machines are special highcapacity computers used by very large organizations. Although mainframe computers are not
as powerful as supercomputers, mainframe computers are capable of great processing speeds
and data storage. For example, insurance companies use mainframes to process information
about millions of policyholders.
Difficulty: Medium
71. (p. 11) Describe the differences between minicomputers and microcomputers.
Minicomputers, also known as midrange computers, are refrigerator-sized machines.
Medium-sized companies or departments of large companies typically use them for specific
purposes. For example, production departments use minicomputers to monitor certain
manufacturing processes and assembly-line operations. Microcomputers are the least
powerful, yet the most widely used, type of computer. There are six types of microcomputers:
desktop computers, media centers, notebooks, netbooks, tablet PCs, and handheld computers.
Difficulty: Medium
72. (p. 11) Describe the different types of microcomputers with relevant examples.
There are six types of microcomputers: desktop computers, media centers, notebooks,
netbooks, tablet PCs, and handheld computers. Desktop computers are small enough to fit on
top of or alongside a desk yet are too big to carry around. Media centers blur the line between
desktop computers and dedicated entertainment devices. Notebooks, also called laptops, are
portable, lightweight, and fit into most briefcases. Netbooks are smaller, lighter, and less
expensive than notebooks. Tablet PCs convert handwriting to standard text that can be further
processed by programs such as a word processor. Handheld computers are the smallest
microcomputers and are designed to fit into the palm of one hand. Personal digital assistants
(PDAs) and smartphones are the most widely used handheld computer.
Difficulty: Hard
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Chapter 001 Information Technology, the Internet, and You Key
73. (p. 12) Explain what a system unit is.
The system unit is a container that houses most of the electronic components that make up a
computer system. Two important components of the system unit are the microprocessor and
memory. The microprocessor controls and manipulates data to produce information. Memory
is a holding area for data, instructions, and information. One type of memory, random-access
memory (RAM), holds the program and data that is currently being processed. This type of
memory is sometimes referred to as temporary storage because its contents will typically be
lost if the electrical power to the computer is disrupted.
Difficulty: Medium
74. (p. 12, 13) What is secondary storage? What is the difference between hard disks and solidstate storage?
Unlike memory, secondary storage holds data and programs even after electrical power to the
computer system has been turned off. Hard disks are typically used to store programs and
very large data files. Using rigid metallic platters and read/write heads that move across the
platters, hard disks store and retrieve data using magnetic charges. In contrast, solid-state
storage does not have any moving parts. It is more reliable and requires less power than hard
disks. Solid-state storage saves data electronically in a manner similar to RAM except that its
contents will not be lost if electrical power is disrupted.
Difficulty: Hard
75. (p. 15) Describe the four types of files.
Document files are created by word processors. They include memos, term papers, and letters.
Worksheet files are created by electronic spreadsheets to analyze things like budgets and to
predict sales. Database files are typically created by database management programs to
contain highly structured and organized data. Presentation files are created by presentation
graphics programs to save presentation materials, including audience handouts, speaker notes,
and electronic slides.
Difficulty: Easy
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