Name: 
 

Practice Test on Computer Essentials



Multiple Choice
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
 

 1. 

All of the following are operations in the information processing cycle except _____.
a.
input and output
c.
process
b.
communication
d.
storage
 
 
nar001-1.jpg
 

 2. 

In the accompanying figure, input devices _____.
a.
contain the electronic circuits that cause processing to occur
b.
make the information resulting from processing available for use
c.
allow data, programs, commands, and user responses to be entered into a computer
d.
consist of electronic components that store data
 

 3. 

A _____ is an input device on which data is typed to enter it into the computer.
a.
keyboard
c.
scanner
b.
mouse
d.
microphone
 

 4. 

The central processing unit (CPU) _____.
a.
interprets and carries out the computer’s basic operating instructions
b.
makes the information resulting from processing available for use
c.
allows data, programs, commands, and user responses to be entered into a computer
d.
consists of electronic components that store data
 

 5. 

Memory, also called random access memory (RAM), _____.
a.
contains the electronic circuits that cause processing to occur
b.
makes the information resulting from processing available for use
c.
allows data, programs, commands, and user responses to be entered into a computer
d.
consists of electronic components that temporarily store data, instructions, and information
 

 6. 

One billion bytes is called a _____.
a.
kilobyte (KB)
c.
gigabyte (GB)
b.
megabyte (MB)
d.
dekabyte (DB)
 

 7. 

Output devices _____.
a.
contain the electronic circuits that cause processing to occur
b.
make the information resulting from processing available for use
c.
allow data, programs, commands, and user responses to be entered into a computer
d.
consist of electronic components that store data
 

 8. 

The _____ printer is a type of impact printer used with personal computers.
a.
ink-jet
c.
dot-matrix
b.
laser
d.
all of the above
 

 9. 

The speed of an ink-jet printer is measured by the number of _____ it can print.
a.
lines per minute (lpm)
c.
manuscripts per hour (mph)
b.
characters per second (cps)
d.
pages per minute (ppm)
 

 10. 

Two types of secondary storage devices more often used on personal computers are _____.
a.
keyboards and scanners
c.
monitors and printers
b.
floppy disks and hard disks
d.
control units and arithmetic logic units
 

 11. 

Today, the most widely used floppy disk is _____ inches wide and can store up to 1.44 megabytes of data, or 1,457,560 characters.
a.
3.5
c.
3.25
b.
5.5
d.
5.25
 

 12. 

A(n) _____ is an erasable optical disc that can be written on multiple times.
a.
CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory)
b.
CD-R (compact disc-recordeable)
c.
CD-RW (compact disc-rewriteable)
d.
DVD-ROM (digital video disc-ROM)
 

 13. 

Software can be categorized into two types: _____.
a.
word processing software and spreadsheet software
b.
database software and presentation graphics software
c.
system software and application software
d.
desktop publishing software and communications software
 

 14. 

All of the following except _____ are commonly used application software.
a.
word processing software
c.
electronic spreadsheet software
b.
operating system software
d.
database software
 

 15. 

Word processing software allows users to _____.
a.
add, subtract, and perform user-defined calculations on rows and columns of numbers
b.
enter, retrieve, and update data in an organized and efficient manner
c.
create documents called slides to be used in making presentations
d.
create, edit, format, and print documents
 

 16. 

Electronic spreadsheet software allows users to _____.
a.
add, subtract, and perform user-defined calculations on rows and columns of numbers
b.
enter, retrieve, and update data in an organized and efficient manner
c.
create documents called slides to be used in making presentations
d.
create, edit, format, and print documents
 

 17. 

Database software allows users to _____.
a.
add, subtract, and perform user-defined calculations on rows and columns of numbers
b.
enter, retrieve, and update data in an organized and efficient manner
c.
create documents called slides to be used in making presentations
d.
create, edit, format, and print documents
 

 18. 

Presentation graphics software allows users to _____.
a.
add, subtract, and perform user-defined calculations on rows and columns of numbers
b.
enter, retrieve, and update data in an organized and efficient manner
c.
create documents called slides to be used in making presentations
d.
create, edit, format, and print documents
 

 19. 

People around the world are making use of the Internet to _____.
a.
send messages to other users
c.
shop for goods and services
b.
access a wealth of information
d.
all of the above
 

 20. 

In a Web page URL, the http:// _____ specifies the communication standard used to transfer the Web page.
a.
domain name
c.
hypertext
b.
protocol
d.
path
 

 21. 

_____ e-commerce involves the sale of goods from an online vendor to the general public.
a.
C2C (consumer to consumer)
c.
B2B (business to business)
b.
B2C (business to consumer)
d.
all of the above
 

 22. 

Before buying a computer system, the purchaser should do some research on the _____.
a.
size and types of memory (RAM) and storage
b.
software included with the system
c.
speed of the processor
d.
all of the above
 

 23. 

When purchasing a desktop computer, a buyer should do all of the following except _____.
a.
look for bundled software
c.
be aware of hidden costs
b.
consider more than just price
d.
buy the least powerful system available
 

 24. 

When purchasing a notebook computer, a buyer should do all of the following except _____.
a.
purchase a notebook with the smallest possible passive-matrix screen
b.
if necessary, upgrade memory and disk storage at the time of purchase
c.
make sure the notebook has a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
d.
experiment with different pointing devices and keyboards
 

 25. 

When purchasing a Tablet PC, a buyer should do all of the following except _____.
a.
make sure that the Tablet PC fits his or her mobile computing needs
b.
get a high-resolution LCD display
c.
ignore docking capabilities
d.
check out the handwriting comfort level
 

True/False
Indicate whether the statement is true or false.
 

 26. 

Data is information that is organized, meaningful, and useful.
 

 27. 

Information is a collection of raw facts, figures, and symbols given to a computer during the input operation.
 

 28. 

A computer derives its power from its speed, reliability, and accuracy when performing the information processing cycle.
 

 29. 

A typical notebook computer keyboard has 101 to 105 keys.
 

 30. 

The control unit is the part of the central processing unit (CPU) that interprets the instructions.
 

 31. 

The arithmetic/logic unit is the part of the central processing unit (CPU) that performs the logical and arithmetic processes.
 

 32. 

One kilobyte (K or KB) equals approximately one million memory locations, and one megabyte (M or MB) equals approximately one thousand memory locations.
 

 33. 

Nonimpact printers print by striking an inked ribbon against the paper.
 

 34. 

An impact printer does a better job printing different fonts than a nonimpact printer and is quieter.
 

 35. 

The popular and affordable ink-jet printer works similarly to a copying machine by converting data from the computer into a beam of light that is focused on a photoconductor drum, forming the images to be printed.
 

 36. 

A laser printer forms a character by using a nozzle that sprays drops of ink onto the page.
 

 37. 

Laser printers produce high-quality black-and-white or color output and are used for applications that combine text and graphics such as desktop publishing.
 

 38. 

A floppy disk is an inexpensive portable storage medium.
 

 39. 

Because today’s 3.5-inch disks are not at all floppy, the term floppy disk no longer is used.
 

 40. 

A Zip disk is a high-capacity portable storage medium.
 

 41. 

When reading or writing, the read/write heads on a hard disk drive actually touch the surface of the disk.
 

 42. 

A CD-R (compact disc-recordeable) is an optical disc onto which users can record their own items such as text, graphics, and audio.
 

 43. 

For a computer to operate, an application software program must be stored in the computer’s memory.
 

 44. 

Personal computer users seldom use application software.
 

 45. 

Word processing software is oriented toward working with text, but most word processing packages also can include numeric and graphic information.
 

 46. 

Electronic spreadsheet software demands the same tedious recalculations required with manual methods.
 

 47. 

Presentation graphics software allows users to create slides for use in a presentation to a group.
 

 48. 

A network that connects computers in a limited geographical area, such as a school computer laboratory, office, or group of buildings, is called a wide area network (WAN).
 

 49. 

A network that covers a large geographical area, such as one that connects the district offices of a national corporation, is called a local area network (LAN).
 

 50. 

An Internet service provider (ISP) is an organization that supplies connections to the Internet for a monthly fee.
 

 51. 

An online service provider offers a variety of specialized content and services, such as financial data, hardware and software guides, news, weather, legal information, and other similar commodities, in addition to Internet access.
 

 52. 

The fees for using an online service provider to access the Internet usually are slightly lower than the fees for using an Internet service provider (ISP).
 

 53. 

Web pages are stored on computers called Web servers.
 

 54. 

A URL consists of a protocol, domain name, and sometimes the path to a specific Web page or location on a page.
 

 55. 

Most Web page URLs begin with http://, which stands for hypertext transfer protocol, the communications standard used to transfer pages on the Web.
 

 56. 

Knowing what application products he or she plans to use will help a buyer decide on the type of computer to buy, as well as to define the memory, storage, and other requirements.
 

 57. 

Bundled software has value only if it would not have been purchased if it had not come with the computer.
 

 58. 

Mail-order companies that sell computers by telephone or online via the Web often demand the highest prices, but extend more personal service.
 

 59. 

When buying a used computer system, stick with name brands because most brand-name systems have longer warranties, are better supported, and have more authorized centers for repair services.
 

 60. 

An increasing number of companies are taking trade-ins on old computers.
 

 61. 

The lowest-cost computer system always is the best buy.
 

 62. 

When purchasing a computer system, consider purchasing an extended warranty or service plan.
 

 63. 

Many credit cards now offer purchase protection and extended warranty benefits that cover a computer buyer in case of loss of or damage to purchased goods.
 

 64. 

A desktop computer is the best choice for mobile computing capability.
 

 65. 

Active-matrix screens display high-quality color that is viewable from all angles.
 

 66. 

Today, most notebook computers come with an internal CD-ROM drive.
 

 67. 

A notebook computer that converts into a Tablet PC is useful for taking notes during meetings.
 

 68. 

If a buyer anticipates running a notebook computer on batteries frequently, a system should be chosen that uses nickel cadmium or nickel hydride batteries (they last longer than lithium-ion batteries).
 

 69. 

It is not necessary to use a well-padded carrying case for a notebook computer.
 

 70. 

A Tablet PC combines the mobility features of a notebook computer with the simplicity of pencil and paper.
 

 71. 

The primary reason to buy a Tablet PC is because it is a new and interesting type of computer.
 

 72. 

Port availability and battery life are more important for a notebook computer than a Tablet PC.
 

 73. 

PDAs, smart phones, and smart pagers are all examples of personal mobile devices.
 

 74. 

Price is an important consideration when buying a personal mobile device because of the wide range of available features.
 

 75. 

A high-end personal mobile device with a color display and wireless features must have sufficient RAM to avoid a slower processing speed.
 

Completion
Complete each statement.
 

 76. 

A(n) _________________________ is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules (process), produce results (output), and store the results (storage) for future use.
 

 

 77. 

The detailed set of instructions that tell a computer exactly what to do are called a(n) _________________________.
 

 

 78. 

Popular _________________________ include the keyboard, mouse, digital camera, scanner, and microphone.
 

 

 79. 

A(n) _________________________ is a pointing device that fits comfortably under the palm of the hand.
 

 

 80. 

The main circuit board in a system unit is called a(n) _________________________.
 

 

 81. 

The _________________________ is made up of the control unit and arithmetic/logic unit.
 

 

 82. 

Any data to be processed first must be stored in _________________________.
 

 

 83. 

A(n) _________________________ usually stores one character in a computer’s memory.
 

 

 84. 

When a computer is used for processing tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, or data management, the two _________________________ devices more commonly used are the printer and a display device.
 

 

 85. 

A(n) _________________________ output device uses a liquid display crystal.
 

 

 86. 

_________________________ are used to store instructions, data, and information when they are not being used in memory.
 

 
 
nar002-1.jpg
 

 87. 

_________________________ is the process of preparing a disk, such as that shown in the accompanying figure, for reading and writing by organizing the disk into storage locations called tracks and sectors.
 

 

 88. 

A(n) _________________________, such as that shown in the accompanying figure, is a narrow recording band that forms a full circle on the surface of a disk.
 

 

 89. 

A(n) _________________________, such as that shown in the accompanying figure, is capable of holding 512 bytes of data.
 

 

 90. 

A(n) _________________________ is a portable, inexpensive storage medium that consists of a thin, circular, flexible plastic disk with a magnetic coating enclosed in a square-shaped plastic shell.
 

 

 91. 

The time required to access and retrieve data from a disk is called the _________________________.
 

 

 92. 

A(n) _________________________ is a fixed storage device that consists of one or more rigid metal platters coated with a metal oxide material.
 

 

 93. 

A(n) _________________________, a type of optical disc, is a flat, round, portable storage medium made of metal, plastic, and lacquer.
 

 

 94. 

A(n) _________________________ is a compact disc that uses the same laser technology as audio CDs for recording music.
 

 

 95. 

A(n) _________________________ is a very high capacity optical disc capable of storing from 4.7 GB to 17 GB.
 

 

 96. 

A(n) _________________________ is a portable flash memory storage device.
 

 

 97. 

Instructions in the _________________________ tell the computer how to perform the functions of loading, storing, and executing an application program and how to transfer data.
 

 

 98. 

The process of loading the operating system into a computer’s memory from auxiliary storage is called _________________________.
 

 

 99. 

Today, most computers use an operating system that has a(n) _________________________ that provides visual cues such as icon symbols to help the user.
 

 

 100. 

_________________________ consists of programs that tell a computer how to produce information.
 

 

 101. 

A(n) _________________________ is a collection of computers and devices connected via communications media such as cables, telephone lines, modems, or other means.
 

 

 102. 

The world’s largest network is the _________________________, a worldwide collection of networks linked together with communications media.
 

 

 103. 

One of the more popular segments of the Internet is the _________________________, which contains billions of documents called Web pages.
 

 

 104. 

A(n) _________________________ is a document that contains text, graphics, sound, and/or video, and has hyperlinks to other Web documents.
 

 

 105. 

A(n) _________________________ is a related collection of Web pages.
 

 

 106. 

Web pages are accessed and viewed using a software program called a(n) _________________________.
 

 

 107. 

A Web page has a unique address, called a(n) _________________________.
 

 

 108. 

A(n) _________________________ is a computer that delivers (serves) requested Web pages.
 

 

 109. 

When business activities are conducted online, people are participating in _________________________.
 

 

 110. 

_________________________ e-commerce involves one consumer selling directly to another consumer.
 

 



 
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