Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers

MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Computer ____ entails having the knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses.
a. literacy
c. legitimacy
b. intimacy
d. infancy
ANS: A

PTS: 1

REF: 5

2. A(n) ____ is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own
memory, that can accept data, process the data according to specified rules, produce results, and store
the results for future use.
a. input device
c. output device
b. computer
d. both a and c
ANS: B

PTS: 1

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3. ____ is a collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video.
a. Data
c. Information
b. Output
d. Input
ANS: A

PTS: 1

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4. ____ conveys meaning and is useful to people.

a. Data
c. Input
b. Information
d. Output
ANS: B

PTS: 1

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5. A(n) ____ device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into a
computer.
a. output
c. input
b. communications
d. terminal
ANS: C

PTS: 1

REF: 6

6. Some people refer to the series of input, process, output, and storage activities of a computer as the
____ processing cycle.
a. data
c. output
b. input
d. information
ANS: D

PTS: 1

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7. A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as ____.
a. software
c. output
b. input devices
d. hardware
ANS: D

PTS: 1

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8. The ____ unit is a case that contains electronic components of the computer that are used to process
data.
a. control
c. arithmetic
b. system
d. base

ANS: B

PTS: 1

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9. The ____ is the electronic component that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate
the computer.
a. motherboard
c. processor
b. control unit
d. arithmetic unit
ANS: C

PTS: 1

REF: 7

10. ____ consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed
by those instructions.
a. The processor
c. The control unit
b. The CPU
d. Memory
ANS: D

PTS: 1

REF: 7

11. A(n) ____ device is any hardware component that conveys information to one or more people.
a. input
c. terminal
b. communications
d. output
ANS: D

PTS: 1

REF: 7

12. A computer keeps data, instructions, and information on ____ media such as hard disks, like the one
shown in the accompanying figure, and on USB flash drives, optical discs, and memory cards.
a. storage
c. communications
b. input
d. output
ANS: A

PTS: 1

REF: 8

13. A(n) ____ device records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from a USB flash drive, for
example.
a. USB
c. indexing
b. storage
d. dynamic
ANS: B

PTS: 1

REF: 8

14. A hard disk provides much ____.

a. less storage capacity than a CD
b. less storage capacity than a USB flash drive
c. greater storage capacity than a CD but less than a USB flash drive
d. greater storage capacity than a USB flash drive
ANS: D

PTS: 1

REF: 8

15. A widely used communications device is a ____.

a. modem
c. USB flash drive
b. CD drive
d. DVD drive
ANS: A

PTS: 1

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16. A(n) ____ device is a hardware component that enables a computer to send (transmit) and receive data,
instructions, and information to and from one or more computers.
a. reading
c. communications
b. transmitting
d. reception
ANS: C

PTS: 1

REF: 8

17. A computing phrase known as ____ points out that the accuracy of a computers output depends
on the accuracy of the input.
a. what you see is what you get
c. nothing ventured, nothing gained
b. garbage in, garbage out
d. better safe than sorry
ANS: B

PTS: 1

REF: 9

18. All of the following are advantages of using computers EXCEPT ____.
a. speed
c. communications
b. impact on labor force
d. consistency
ANS: B

PTS: 1

REF: 9

19. A(n) ____ is anyone who communicates with a computer or utilizes the information it generates.
a. user
c. manager
b. editor
d. programmer
ANS: A

PTS: 1

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20. ____ computing involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when
using a computer.

a. Green
b. Universal
ANS: A

c. Streamlined
d. Comprehensive
PTS: 1

REF: 10

21. A(n) ____ is a collection of computers and devices connected together, as shown in the accompanying
figure, via communications devices and transmission media.
a. client base
c. network
b. baseline
d. server farm
ANS: C

PTS: 1

REF: 10

22. Networks, such as that pictured in the accompanying figure, allow computers to share ____, such as
hardware, software, data, and information.
a. resources
c. links
b. systems
d. media
ANS: A

PTS: 1

REF: 10

23. When a computer connects to a network, such as that pictured in the accompanying figure, the
computer is ____.
a. linked
c. resourced
b. inline
d. online
ANS: D

PTS: 1

REF: 10

24. On a network, the major differences between the server (like the one in the accompanying figure) and
the client computers are that the server ordinarily has ____.
a. less power, less storage space, and decreased communication capabilities
b. less power, less storage space, but expanded communication capabilities
c. more power, more storage space, but decreased communication capabilities
d. more power, more storage space, and expanded communication capabilities
ANS: D

PTS: 1

REF: 10

25. A(n) ____ like the one in the accompanying figure controls access to the hardware, software, and other
resources on a network and also provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and
information.
a. server
c. client
b. mainframe
d. terminal
ANS: A

PTS: 1

REF: 25

26. The ____ is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government
agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.
a. Web
c. Newsnet
b. Net
d. Internet
ANS: D

PTS: 1

REF: 11

27. People around the world use the Internet to ____.

a. communicate with and meet other people

b. shop for goods and services

c. access sources of information and leisure
d. all of the above
ANS: D

PTS: 1

REF: 12

28. By subscribing to a(n) ____, you can use your computer and a communications device, such as a
modem, to connect to the many services of the Internet.
a. mainframe
c. access provider
b. instant messaging service
d. ASP
ANS: C

PTS: 1

REF: 12

29. A Web site is ____.

a. a collection of related Web pages
b. the location from which a Web page originates
c. the source of a Web page
d. an author of a Web page
ANS: A

PTS: 1

REF: 13

30. The Web contains ____ of documents called Web pages.

a. thousands
c. billions
b. millions
d. trillions
ANS: C

PTS: 1

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31. In a photo sharing ____, users can create an online photo album and store their digital photographs.
a. exchange
c. community
b. market
d. application
ANS: C

PTS: 1

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32. ____ consist(s) of a series of instructions that tells the computer what to do and how to do it.
a. GUIs
c. Sharing communities
b. Storage utilities
d. Software
ANS: D

PTS: 1

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33. With a(n) ____, users interact with the software using text, graphics, and visual images such as icons.
a. GUI
c. HUI
b. DUI
d. BUI
ANS: A

PTS: 1

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34. You interact with a program through its ____, which controls how you enter data and instructions and
how information is displayed on the screen.
a. operating system
c. user interface
b. storage
d. icon
ANS: C

PTS: 1

35. Two categories of software are ____.

a. operating system and system software
b. system software and utility programs
c. utility programs and operating systems

REF: 15

d. system software and application software

ANS: D

PTS: 1

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36. ____ is the process of setting up the software to work with the computer, printer, and other hardware
components.
a. Running
c. Loading
b. Installing
d. Leading
ANS: B

PTS: 1

REF: 16

37. The trend of computers and devices with technologies that overlap is known as ____.
a. indexing
c. concatenation
b. coalescence
d. convergence
ANS: D

PTS: 1

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38. Popular programming languages include ____.

a. C++
c. JavaScript
b. Visual C#
d. All of the above
ANS: D

PTS: 1

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39. A(n) ____ computer is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage
activities by itself.
a. mainline
c. personal
b. mainframe
d. terminal
ANS: C

PTS: 1

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40. The term, ____, refers to any personal computer based on the original IBM personal computer design.
a. Macintosh
c. clone
b. PC-friendly
d. PC-compatible
ANS: D

PTS: 1

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41. A(n) ____ computer is a type of personal computer designed so the system unit, input devices, and any
other devices fit entirely on or under a desk or table.
a. desktop
c. encapsulated
b. mobile
d. handheld
ANS: A

PTS: 1

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42. A ____ computer targets a specific audience and offers high-quality audio, video, and graphics with
optimal performance for sophisticated single-user and networked or Internet multiplayer games.
a. multiplayer
c. handheld
b. gaming desktop
d. All of the above
ANS: B

PTS: 1

REF: 20

43. A(n) ____ computer is a personal computer that users can carry from place to place.
a. integrated
c. mobile
b. desktop
d. encapsulated
ANS: C

PTS: 1

REF: 20

44. A(n) ____ computer is a portable, personal computer designed to fit on your lap.

a. handtop
b. desktop
ANS: D

c. PDA
d. notebook
PTS: 1

REF: 20

45. Some mobile devices are ____, meaning they can connect to the Internet wirelessly.
a. Internet-enabled
c. active
b. hotspots
d. mobile
ANS: A

PTS: 1

REF: 21

46. Examples of mobile technology include all of the following EXCEPT ____.
a. digital cameras
c. smart phones
b. portable media players
d. servers
ANS: D

PTS: 1

REF: 21

47. Which of the following is NOT true of mobile devices?

a. You often can connect a mobile device to a personal computer to exchange information
between the computer and the mobile device.
b. Some mobile devices are Internet-enabled, meaning they can connect to the Internet
wirelessly.
c. Mobile devices usually have disk drives.
d. Because of their reduced size, the screens on mobile devices are small, but usually are in
color.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

REF: 21

48. Offering the convenience of one-handed operation, a(n) ____ phone is an Internet-enabled telephone
that usually also provides PDA capabilities.
a. text
c. instant
b. smart
d. messaging
ANS: B

PTS: 1

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49. Each of the following is a popular type of mobile device EXCEPT ____.
a. handheld computers
c. smart phones
b. PDAs
d. mainframes
ANS: D

PTS: 1

REF: 21

50. Resembling a letter-sized slate, the ____ PC is a special type of notebook computer that allows users to
write or draw on the screen.
a. Tablet
c. Slate
b. Letter
d. Matrix
ANS: A

PTS: 1

REF: 21

51. With a(n) ____, users write on the screen or issue instructions to a Tablet PC, for example, by tapping
on the screen.
a. graphic tool
c. digital pen
b. stylus
d. keypad
ANS: C

PTS: 1

REF: 21

52. A(n) ____ is a computer small enough to fit in one hand.

a. PDM
b. uPX
ANS: D

c. LPM
d. UMPC
PTS: 1

REF: 22

53. A ____ provides personal organizer functions such as a calendar, appointment book, address book,
calculator, and notepad.
a. PPA
c. PSA
b. PDA
d. mainframe
ANS: B

PTS: 1

REF: 22

54. A(n) ____ message is a real-time Internet communication, where you exchange messages with other
connected users.
a. video
c. instant
b. camera
d. photo
ANS: C

PTS: 1

REF: 22

55. Standard ____ use a handheld controller(s) as an input device; a television screen as an output device;
and hard disks, optical discs, and/or memory cards for storage.
a. game consoles
c. smart phones
b. ultra personal computers
d. servers
ANS: A

PTS: 1

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56. A(n) ____ console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video
games.
a. video
c. entertainment
b. multimedia
d. game
ANS: D

PTS: 1

REF: 24

57. ____ are large, expensive, powerful computers that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected
users simultaneously and store tremendous amounts of data, instructions, and information.
a. Embedded computers
c. Mainframes
b. Supercomputers
d. Mobile devices
ANS: C

PTS: 1

REF: 25

58. ____ are the fastest, most powerful computers and the most expensive.
a. Desktop computers
c. Midrange servers
b. Notebook computers
d. Supercomputers
ANS: D

PTS: 1

REF: 25

59. Most major corporations use ____ for business activities.

a. embedded computers
c. mainframes
b. supercomputers
d. mobiles devices
ANS: C

PTS: 1

REF: 25

60. ____ are capable of processing more than 1 quadrillion instructions in a single second.
a. Desktop computers
c. Midrange servers
b. Notebook computers
d. Supercomputers
ANS: D

PTS: 1

REF: 25

61. Because ____ are components in larger products, they usually are small and have limited hardware.
a. telematics
c. handhelds
b. embedded computers
d. smart watches
ANS: B

PTS: 1

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62. A(n) ____ computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product.
a. hard-coded
c. soft
b. embedded
d. indexed
ANS: B

PTS: 1

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63. Together, hardware, software, data, people, and procedures comprise a(n) ____ system.
a. telematics
c. smart
b. comprehensive
d. information
ANS: D

PTS: 1

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64. All of the following are categories of users EXCEPT ____.

a. home users
c. mobile users
b. enterprise users
d. communications users
ANS: D

PTS: 1

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65. At home, every family member, or home ____, spends time on the computer for different reasons.
a. player
c. manager
b. user
d. surfer
ANS: B

PTS: 1

REF: 28

66. With ____ software, a home user can play games, compose music, research genealogy, or create
greeting cards.
a. reference
c. entertainment
b. educational
d. systems
ANS: C

PTS: 1

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67. ____ include local law practices, accounting firms, travel agencies, and florists.
a. Mobile users
c. Large business users
b. Small offices
d. Power users
ANS: B

PTS: 1

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68. A(n) ____ includes any company with fewer than 50 employees, as well as the self-employed who
work from home.
a. large business user
c. SOHO
b. enterprise user
d. Any of the above
ANS: C

PTS: 1

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69. Many small office/home office users have entered the ____ arena and conduct business on the Web.
a. Web cam
c. enterprise
b. e-commerce
d. reselling
ANS: B

PTS: 1

REF: 30

70. Small business Web sites sometimes use a(n) ____ to show the world a live view of some aspect of
their business.
a. camera pill
c. Web cam
b. dynamic vid
d. IT camera
ANS: C

PTS: 1

REF: 30

71. Increasingly more employees and students are ____ users, who work on a computer while away from a
main office, home office, or school.
a. SOHO
c. mobile
b. power
d. key
ANS: C

PTS: 1

REF: 31

72. A(n) ____ user is a category of user that requires the capabilities of a workstation or other powerful
computer.
a. SOHO
c. mobile
b. power
d. key
ANS: B

PTS: 1

REF: 31

73. Many large companies use the term, ____ computing, to refer to the huge network of computers that
meets their diverse computing needs.
a. diversity
c. corporate
b. enterprise
d. leadership
ANS: B

PTS: 1

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74. ____ is a work arrangement in which employees work away from a companys standard workplace and
often communicate with the office through the computer.
a. CAM
c. Telemetrics
b. Mobile labor
d. Telecommuting
ANS: D

PTS: 1

REF: 32

75. Each employee or customer who uses a computer in a large business is a(n) ____ user.
a. multinational
c. global
b. telematic
d. enterprise
ANS: D

PTS: 1

REF: 32

76. In a large business, the employees in the ____ department keep the computers and the network
running.
a. IT
c. accounting
b. Web
d. system
ANS: A

PTS: 1

REF: 32

77. With ____, users access account balances, pay bills, and copy monthly transactions from a banks
computer right into their personal computers.
a. online investing
c. neural networks
b. online banking
d. All of the above
ANS: B

PTS: 1

REF: 34

78. Investors often use ____ to buy and sell stocks and bonds without using a broker.

a. online investing
b. online banking
ANS: A

c. neural networks
d. All of the above
PTS: 1

REF: 35

79. A(n) ____ is a system that attempts to imitate the behavior of the human brain.
a. human webnet
c. neural network
b. online matrix
d. cerebral terminal
ANS: C

PTS: 1

REF: 36

80. ____ refers to the use of computers to assist with manufacturing processes such as fabrication and
assembly.
a. CAM
c. POS
b. CAP
d. TAC
ANS: A

PTS: 1

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MULTIPLE RESPONSE
Modified Multiple Choice
1. ____ is a main component on the motherboard.
a. The input system
c. The output device
b. The processor
d. Memory
ANS: B, D

PTS: 1

REF: 7

2. Some transmission media like ____ are wireless, which means they have no physical lines or wires.
a. satellites
c. cellular radio networks
b. WANs
d. LANs
ANS: A, C

PTS: 1

REF: 8

3. Most operating systems include several utility programs for managing ____.
a. RAM
c. the microprocessor
b. disk drives
d. printers
ANS: B, D

PTS: 1

REF: 16

4. Popular application software includes ____ software.

a. word processing
c. database
b. spreadsheet
d. presentation graphics
ANS: A, B, C, D

PTS: 1

REF: 16

5. Programmers use a ____ to create computer programs.

a. programming language
c. binary interface
b. program development tool
d. user management device
ANS: A, B

PTS: 1

REF: 18

6. A category into which industry experts typically classify computers is ____.

a. microframes
c. personal computers
b. enhanced computers
d. supercomputers

ANS: C, D

PTS: 1

7. A personal computer contains ____.

a. a processor
b. a storage device
ANS: A, B, C, D

PTS: 1

REF: 18
c. memory
d. an input device
REF: 19

8. Most notebook computers can operate on ____.

a. recycled energy
c. convergence
b. batteries
d. power supply
ANS: B, D

PTS: 1

REF: 20

9. Most PDAs offer a variety of application software, including ____ software.

a. word processing
c. spreadsheet
b. personal finance
d. supercomputing application
ANS: A, B, C

PTS: 1

10. A terminal is a device with ____.

a. a monitor
b. a keyboard
ANS: A, B, D

PTS: 1

REF: 22
c. a server
d. memory
REF: 25

MODIFIED TRUE/FALSE
1. The average USB flash drive can hold more than 320 billion characters.
_________________________
ANS: F, hard disk
PTS: 1

REF: 8

2. Hundreds of thousands of people today use podcasts to publish their thoughts on the Web.
_________________________
ANS: F, blogs
PTS: 1

REF: 14

3. Blogs are a popular way people verbally share information on the Web. _________________________
ANS: F, Podcasts
PTS: 1

REF: 14

4. Terminal software serves as the interface between the user, the application, and the computer
hardware. _________________________
ANS: F, System
PTS: 1

REF: 15

5. Microsoft Windows is an example of a(n) utility program. _________________________

ANS: F, operating system
PTS: 1

REF: 15

6. HTPCs cost more than a basic desktop computer. _________________________

ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 20

7. A text message usually is between 300 to 600 characters. _________________________

ANS: F, fewer than 300
PTS: 1

REF: 22

8. Cameras small enough to swallow sometimes called a cochlear implant take pictures inside your
body. _________________________
ANS: F, camera pill
PTS: 1

REF: 37

9. Industries use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to reduce product development costs, shorten a
products time to market, and stay ahead of the competition. _________________________
ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 38

10. Often, robots carry out processes in a CAM environment. _________________________

ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 38

TRUE/FALSE
1. Computers are a primary means of communications for billions of people.
ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 4

2. Computers process information (output) into data (input).

ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 6

3. Communications has become an essential element of the information processing cycle.

ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 6

4. A printer displays text, graphics, and videos on a screen.

ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 7

5. Some portable devices, such as digital cameras, use memory cards as the storage media.

ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 8

6. Storage devices like the hard drive shown in the accompanying figure often function as a source of
input because they transfer items from storage to memory.
ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 8

7. To discard an old computer safely, put it in a landfill.

ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 10

8. A client controls access to the resources on a network.

ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 10

9. In many networks, one or more computers act as a server.

ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 10

10. The worlds largest computer network is the Web.

ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 11

11. A computers user interface controls how data and instructions are entered and how information
displays on the screen.
ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 15

12. The two categories of software are system software and utility software.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 15

13. A pod is a miniature image such as that shown in the accompanying figure that represents a program,
an instruction, or some other object.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 15

14. The application system provides a means for users to communicate with the computer and other
software.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 15

15. When a user starts a computer, portions of the operating system load into the computers hard disk
from memory.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 15

16. A utility program allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks related to managing a computer, its
devices, or its programs.
ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 16

17. When a computer is purchased, it seldom has any software preinstalled on its hard disk.

ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 16

18. Once in memory, the computer can carry out, or load, the instructions in the program.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 17

19. Programmers develop programs or write the instructions that direct the computer to process data into
information.
ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 18

20. The distinction among categories of computers is always clear-cut.

ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 18

21. PC and PC-compatible computers usually use the Macintosh operating system (Mac OS).
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 19

22. Some desktop computers function as a server on a network.

ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 20

23. Notebook computers generally are less expensive than desktop computers with equal capabilities.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 20

24. On a typical notebook computer, the monitor is on top of the system unit, and the keyboard attaches to
the system unit with hinges.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 20

25. Some mobile devices are Internet-enabled so users can check e-mail and access the Internet.
ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 21

26. In addition to basic telephone capabilities, a smart phone allows users to send and receive e-mail and
access the Web.
ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 21

27. A standard game console is small enough to fit in one hand, making it more portable than a handheld
game console.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 24

28. Servers like the one in the accompanying figure typically support only one computer at a time.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 25

29. Mainframes store only small amounts of data, instructions, and information.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 25

30. Mainframes can act as a server on a network environment.

ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 25

31. With weights that exceed 100 tons, desktop computers can store more than 20,000 times the data and
information of an average supercomputer.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 25

32. Applications requiring complex, sophisticated mathematical calculations use supercomputers.

ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 25

33. All IT applications should have readily available documented procedures.

ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 27

34. Todays homes seldom have any desktop computers.

ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 29

35. Examples of mobile users include engineers, scientists, architects, desktop publishers, and graphic
artists.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 31

36. Software used by power users usually is inexpensive because of its generic design.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 31

37. Enterprises rarely have e-commerce Web sites.

ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 32

38. Some enterprises use blogs to open communications among employees, customers, and/or vendors.
ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 32

39. Employees that telecommute have rigid work schedules that prevent them from combining work and
personal responsibilities.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 32

40. Hardware requirements for a small office/home office (SOHO) user include game consoles.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 33

41. More than 95 percent of colleges offer some type of distance learning classes.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 34

42. Finance software usually includes a variety of online services.

ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 34

43. With online investing, the transaction fee for each trade usually is much more than when trading
through a broker.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 35

44. Nearly every area of health care uses computers.

ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 36

45. An exciting development in health care is telemedicine, which is a form of long-distance health care.
ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 36

46. Breakthroughs in surgery, medicine, and treatments seldom result from scientists use of computers.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 36

47. The capability of the computer to recognize spoken words is a direct result of scientific
experimentation with cochlear implants.
ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 36

48. Many publishers make the content of magazines and newspapers available online.
ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 37

49. Vehicles manufactured today often include some type of onboard navigation system.
ANS: T

PTS: 1

REF: 38

50. Airlines do not provide online services.

ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 38

COMPLETION
1. As computers have become a part of everyday life, many people believe that ____________________
is vital to success.
ANS: computer literacy
PTS: 1

REF: 5

2. Computers process data into ____________________.

ANS: information
PTS: 1

REF: 6

3. ____________________ tell the computer how to perform particular tasks.

ANS: Instructions
PTS: 1

REF: 6

4. Of keyboards, mice, scanners, microphones, digital camera, and printer, the only one that is not a
widely used input device is the ____________________.
ANS: printer
PTS: 1

REF: 6

5. The ____________________ is a small handheld input device that controls the movement of a small
symbol on the screen called the pointer.
ANS: mouse
PTS: 1

REF: 6

6. A(n) ____________________ is an input device that converts printed material to a form the computer
can use.
ANS: scanner
PTS: 1

REF: 6

7. Of printers, scanners, monitors, and speakers, all are commonly used output devices EXCEPT
____________________.
ANS: scanners
PTS: 1

REF: 7

8. The circuitry of the system unit usually is part of or is connected to a circuit board called the
____________________.
ANS: motherboard
PTS: 1

REF: 7

9. Storage devices like the ____________________ in the accompanying figure hold data, instructions,
and information for future use.
ANS:
hard drive
hard disk
PTS: 1

REF: 8

10. A(n) ____________________ is a portable storage device that is small and lightweight enough to be
transported on a keychain or in a pocket.
ANS: USB flash drive
PTS: 1

REF: 8

11. Anyone can create a Web page and then make it available, or ____________________ it, on the
Internet for others to see.
ANS: publish
PTS: 1

REF: 13

12. A(n) ____________________ is an informal Web site consisting of time-stamped articles in a diary or
journal format, usually listed in reverse chronological order.
ANS: blog
PTS: 1

REF: 14

13. A(n) ____________________ is recorded audio stored on a Web site that can be downloaded to a
computer or a portable digital audio player such as an iPod.
ANS: podcast
PTS: 1

REF: 14

14. Software today has a(n) ____________________, like that shown in the accompanying figure.
ANS:
graphical user interface
GUI
graphical user interface (GUI)
GUI (graphical user interface)
PTS: 1

REF: 15

15. A(n) ____________________, such as those shown in the accompanying figure, is a miniature image
that represents a program, an instruction, or some other object.
ANS: icon
PTS: 1

REF: 15

16. ____________________ software consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of
the computer and its devices.
ANS: System
PTS: 1

REF: 15

17. One type of system software is a(n) ____________________ system, which is a set of programs that
coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices.
ANS: operating
PTS: 1

REF: 15

18. One type of system software is a(n) ____________________ program, which allows a user to perform
maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer.
ANS: utility
PTS: 1

REF: 16

19. ____________________ software consists of programs designed to make users more productive
and/or assist them with personal tasks, and include Web browser, word processing software, and
spreadsheet software.
ANS: Application
PTS: 1

REF: 16

20. A widely used type of application software related to communications is a Web

____________________, which allows users with an Internet connection to access Web pages.
ANS: browser
PTS: 1

REF: 16

21. Once users have installed software, they can use (or ____________________) it.
ANS: run
PTS: 1

REF: 17

22. Once in memory, the computer can carry out, or ____________________, the instructions in a
program.
ANS: execute
PTS: 1

REF: 17

23. A(n) ____________________ is someone who develops software or writes the instructions that direct
the computer to process data into information.
ANS: developer
PTS: 1

REF: 18

24. A computers processing ____________________ is among the attributes that determine the category
it best fits.
ANS: power
PTS: 1

REF: 18

25. Two types of ____________________ are desktop computers and notebook computers.
ANS:
PCs (personal computers)
personal computers

PCs
personal computers (PCs)
PTS: 1

REF: 19

26. In many models of personal computers, the system unit is the tall and narrow
____________________, which can sit on the floor vertically if desktop space is limited.
ANS: tower
PTS: 1

REF: 20

27. A(n) ____________________ combines the features of a high-definition video/audio entertainment

system with a desktop computer that is designed to be connected to a television and includes a Blu-ray
Disc, digital video recorder, and digital cable television connectivity.
ANS:
home theater PC
home theater PC (HTPC)
HTPC (home theater PC)
HTPC
PTS: 1

REF: 20

28. An expensive, powerful desktop computer is the ____________________, which is geared for work
that requires intense calculations and graphics capabilities.
ANS: workstation
PTS: 1

REF: 20

29. The most popular type of mobile computer is the ____________________ computer like the one
shown in the accompanying figure.
ANS:
notebook
laptop
PTS: 1

REF: 20

30. A(n) ____________________ computer like the one in the accompanying figure weighs on average
from 2.5 to more than 10 pounds (depending on the configuration).
ANS:
laptop
notebook
PTS: 1

REF: 20

31. Many small office/home office users (SOHO) have entered the ____________________ arena and
conduct business on the Web.
ANS: e-commerce
PTS: 1

REF: 30

32. Examples of ____________________ users are sales reps, real estate agents, insurance agents, meter
readers, package delivery people, journalists, consultants, and students.
ANS: mobile
PTS: 1

REF: 31

33. With ____________________ software, a mobile user can create and deliver a presentation to a large
audience by connecting a mobile computer or device to a video projector that displays the presentation
on a full screen.
ANS: presentation
PTS: 1

REF: 31

34. Examples of ____________________ users include engineers, scientists, architects, desktop

publishers, and graphic artists.
ANS: power
PTS: 1

REF: 31

35. Power users often work with ____________________, combining text, graphics, audio, and video into
one application.
ANS: multimedia
PTS: 1

REF: 31

36. ____________________ users use the computer network to process high volumes of transactions in a
single day.
ANS: Enterprise
PTS: 1

REF: 32

37. The hardware requirements for a(n) ____________________ user include a workstation or other
powerful computer with multimedia capabilities and a smart phone or other mobile device.
ANS: power
PTS: 1

REF: 33

38. Through ____________________, health-care professionals in separate locations conduct live

conferences on the computer.
ANS: telemedicine
PTS: 1

REF: 36

39. A(n) ____________________ is a system that attempts to imitate the behavior of the human brain.
ANS: neural network

PTS: 1

REF: 36

40. Industries use ____________________ to shorten a products time to market, reduce product
development costs, and stay ahead of the competition.
ANS:
CAM
computer-aided manufacturing
computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
CAM (computer-aided manufacturing)
PTS: 1

REF: 38

MATCHING
Identify the letter of the choice that best matches the phrase or definition.
a. text message
k. instant message
b. Web page
l. picture message
c. video message
m. embedded computers
d. microblog
n. PDA
e. HTPC
o. tower
f. keyboard
p. utility
g. IT
q. Web site
h. application
r. access provider
i. mobile
s. storage devices
j. operating system
t. netbook
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.

Some handheld computers have a specialized one

The kind of system unit that can sit on the floor vertically
Provides personal information management functions
Found in larger products
Department found in most companies with mid-sized and large computers
A real-time Internet communication, where you exchange messages with other connected users
Sent via a camera phone
Kind of software that consists of programs designed to make users more productive
Windows Vista and Mac OS X are examples
Type of user that often has a notebook computer, Internet-enabled PDA, or smart phone
A short note sent to or from a smart phone, for example
Drives and readers/writers are examples of these
A type of smaller, lighter notebook computer
Businesses that offer users and companies access to the Internet free or for a fee
The Web contains billions of these
Twitter is an example
A collection of related Web pages
A short video clip, usually about 30 seconds, sent to or from a smart phone, for example
Type of program that allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a
computer, its devices, or its programs
20. Combines the features of a high-definition audio/video entertainment system with a desktop computer
1. ANS: F

PTS: 1

REF: 22

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

ANS:
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O
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PTS:
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1
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REF:
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20
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16
20

CASE
Critical Thinking Questions
Case 1-1
You want to learn more about computers and your professor suggests that one way to learn is to
become familiar with the categories into which they fall.
1. Which of the following types of computers typically has the lowest number of simultaneously
connected users?
a. game console
c. supercomputer

b. embedded computer
d. server

ANS:
b.
PTS: 1

REF: 19

TOP: Critical Thinking

2. Which of the following types of computers typically has the most expensive price range?
a. mainframe
c. personal computer

b. server
d. mobile computer

ANS:
a.
PTS: 1

REF: 19

Critical Thinking Questions

Case 1-2

TOP: Critical Thinking

Another approach to learning about computers is to study how they are used today, which means
learning about the categories of users.
3. Which of the following types of users is the most likely to use computer-aided design software?
a. SOHO
c. home

b. mobile
d. power

ANS:
d.
PTS: 1

REF: 33

TOP: Critical Thinking

4. All of the following applications are common across user categories EXCEPT ____.
a. e-mail
c. multimedia authoring

b. Web browser
d. personal information manager

ANS:
c.
PTS: 1

REF: 33

TOP: Critical Thinking

ESSAY
1. Discuss what storage devices are, including an explanation of storage media, USB flash drives, hard
disks, and optical discs in your answer.
ANS:
A computer keeps data, instructions, and information on storage media. Examples of storage media are
USB flash drives, hard disks, optical discs, and memory cards. A storage device records (writes) and/or
retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media. Drives and readers/writers, which are types of
storage devices, accept a specific kind of storage media. For example, a DVD drive (storage device)
accepts a DVD (storage media). Storage devices often function as a source of input because they
transfer items from storage to memory. A USB flash drive is a portable storage device that is small and
lightweight enough to be transported on a keychain or in a pocket. The average USB flash drive can
hold about 4 billion characters. You plug a USB flash drive in a special, easily accessible opening on
the computer. A hard disk provides much greater storage capacity than a USB flash drive. The average
hard disk can hold more than 320 billion characters. Hard disks are enclosed in an airtight, sealed case.
Although some are portable, most are housed inside the system unit. Portable hard disks are either
external or removable. An external hard disk is a separate, free-standing unit, whereas you insert and
remove a removable hard disk from the computer or a device connected to the computer. An optical
disc is a flat, round, portable metal disc with a plastic coating. CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs are three
types of optical discs. A CD can hold from 650 million to 1 billion characters. Some DVDs can store
two full-length movies or 17 billion characters. Blu-ray Discs can store about 46 hours of standard
video, or 100 billion characters.
PTS: 1

REF: 8

TOP: Critical Thinking

2. Explain in detail at least three advantages of using computers.

ANS:
The benefits of computers are possible because computers have the advantages of speed, reliability,
consistency, storage, and communications.
Speed: When data, instructions, and information flow along electronic circuits in a computer,
they travel at incredibly fast speeds. Many computers process billions or trillions of operations in a
single second. Processing involves computing (adding, subtracting, etc.), sorting (e.g., alphabetizing),
organizing, displaying pictures, recording audio clips, playing music, and showing a movie or video.
Reliability: The electronic components in modern computers are dependable and reliable
because they rarely break or fail.
Consistency: Given the same input and processes, a computer will produce the same results
consistently. A computing phrase known as garbage in, garbage out points out that the accuracy
of a computers output depends on the accuracy of the input. For example, if you do not use the flash
on a digital camera when indoors, the resulting pictures that are displayed on the computer screen may
be unusable because they are too dark.
Storage: A computer can transfer data quickly from storage to memory, process it, and then
store it again for future use. Many computers store enormous amounts of data and make this data
available for processing anytime it is needed.
Communications: Most computers today can communicate with other computers, often
wirelessly. Computers with this capability can share any of the four information processing cycle
operations input, process, output, and storage with another computer or a user.
PTS: 1

REF: 9

TOP: Critical Thinking

3. Explain in detail at least three disadvantages of using computers.

ANS:
Some disadvantages of computers relate to the violation of privacy, public safety, the impact on the
labor force, health risks, and the impact on the environment.
Violation of Privacy: Nearly every life event is stored in a computer somewherein medical
records, credit reports, tax records, etc. In many instances, where personal and confidential records
were not properly protected, individuals have found their privacy violated and identities stolen.
Public Safety: Adults, teens, and children around the world are using computers to share
publicly their photos, videos, journals, music, and other personal information. Some of these
unsuspecting, innocent computer users have fallen victim to crimes committed by dangerous strangers.
Protect yourself and your dependents from these criminals by being cautious in e-mail messages and
on Web sites. For example, do not share information that would allow others to identify or locate you
and do not disclose identification numbers, passwords, or other personal security details.
Impact on Labor Force: Although computers have improved productivity in many ways and
created an entire industry with hundreds of thousands of new jobs, the skills of millions of employees
have been replaced by computers. Thus, it is crucial that workers keep their education up-to-date. A
separate impact on the labor force is that some companies are outsourcing jobs to foreign countries
instead of keeping their homeland labor force employed.
Health Risks: Prolonged or improper computer use can lead to injuries or disorders of the
hands, wrists, elbows, eyes, neck, and back. Computer users can protect themselves from these health
risks through proper workplace design, good posture while at the computer, and appropriately spaced
work breaks. Another health risk, called computer addiction, occurs when someone becomes obsessed
with using the computer. Once recognized, computer addiction is a treatable disorder.
Impact on Environment: Computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are depleting
natural resources and polluting the environment. When computers are discarded in landfills, they
release toxic materials and potentially dangerous levels of lead, mercury, and flame retardants. Green
computing involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using
a computer. Strategies that support green computing include recycling, regulating manufacturing
processes, extending the life of computers, and immediately donating replaced computers. When you
purchase a new computer, some retailers offer to dispose of your old computer properly.

PTS: 1

REF: 9-10

TOP: Critical Thinking

4. Explain the difference between the Internet and the Web with a detailed explanation of what each is.
ANS:
The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government
agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.
More than one billion people around the world use the Internet daily for a variety of reasons, including
the following:
Communicate with and meet other people
Conduct research and access a wealth of information and news
Shop for goods and services
Bank and invest
Participate in online training
Engage in entertaining activities, such as planning vacations, playing online games, listening
to music, watching or editing videos, and reading books and magazines
Download music and video
Share information, photos, and videos
Access and interact with Web applications
People connect to the Internet to exchange information with others around the world. E-mail allows
you to send messages to other users. With instant messaging, you can have a live conversation with
another connected user. In a chat room, you can communicate with multiple users at the same time
much like a group discussion. You can use the Internet to make a telephone call.
Businesses, called access providers, offer users and companies access to the Internet free or for a
fee. By subscribing to an access provider, you can use your computer and a communications device,
such as a modem, to connect to the many services of the Internet.
The Web, short for World Wide Web, is one of the more popular services on the Internet. Think of the
Web as a global library of information available to anyone connected to the Internet. The Web contains
billions of documents called Web pages. A Web page can contain text, graphics, audio, and video. Web
pages often have built-in connections, or links, to other documents, graphics, other Web pages, or Web
sites. A Web site is a collection of related Web pages. Some Web sites allow users to access music and
videos that can be downloaded, or transferred to storage media in a computer or portable media player,
and then listen to the music through speakers, headphones, or earphones, or view the videos on a
display device.
PTS: 1

REF: 11-13

TOP: Critical Thinking

5. Define in detail each of the following computer categories: server, mainframe, and supercomputer.
ANS:
A server controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network and provides a
centralized storage area for programs, data, and information. Servers can support from two to several
thousand connected computers at the same time. In many cases, one server accesses data, information,
and programs on another server. In other cases, people use personal computers or terminals to access
data, information, and programs on a server. A terminal is a device with a monitor, keyboard, and
memory.

A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of
connected users simultaneously. Mainframes store tremendous amounts of data, instructions, and
information. Most major corporations use mainframes for business activities. With mainframes, large
businesses are able to bill millions of customers, prepare payroll for thousands of employees, and
manage thousands of items in inventory. One study reported that mainframes process more than 83
percent of transactions around the world. Mainframes also can act as servers in a network
environment. Servers and other mainframes can access data and information from a mainframe. People
also can access programs on the mainframe using terminals or personal computers.
A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer and the most expensive. The fastest
supercomputers are capable of processing more than one quadrillion instructions in a single second.
With weights that exceed 100 tons, these computers can store more than 20,000 times the data and
information of an average desktop computer. Applications requiring complex, sophisticated
mathematical calculations use supercomputers. Large-scale simulations and applications in medicine,
aerospace, automotive design, online banking, weather forecasting, nuclear energy research, and
petroleum exploration use a supercomputer.
PTS: 1

REF: 25

TOP: Critical Thinking

6. Define enterprise computing.

ANS:
Many large companies use the words, enterprise computing, to refer to the huge network of computers
that meets their diverse computing needs. The network facilitates communications among employees
at all locations. Users access the network of servers or mainframes through desktop computers, mobile
computers, and mobile devices.
Enterprises use computers and the computer network to process high volumes of transactions in a
single day. Although they may differ in size and in the products or services offered, all generally use
computers for basic business activities. For example, they bill millions of customers, prepare payroll
for thousands of employees, and manage thousands of items in inventory. Some large businesses use
blogs to open communications among employees, customers, and/or vendors.
Large businesses typically have e-commerce Web sites, allowing customers and vendors to conduct
business online. The Web site also showcases products, services, and other company information.
The marketing department in an enterprise uses desktop publishing software to prepare marketing
literature. The accounting department uses software for accounts receivable, accounts payable, billing,
general ledger, and payroll activities.
PTS: 1

REF: 32

TOP: Critical Thinking