Chapter 2 Computers The Machines Behind Computing

Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing True / False 1. An object code must be translated into source code for a computer to read and execute it. a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: False RATIONALE: Correct A source code must be translated into object code, consisting of binary 0s and 1s, which can be understood by a computer. Binary code-a set of instructions used to control the computer-uses 0s and 1s, which the computer understands as on or off signals. See 2-1: Defining a Computer. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY True / False PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer defined KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 2. The hardware component of a computer system consists of programs written in computer languages. a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: False RATIONALE: Correct The software component of a computer system consists of programs written in computer languages. Hardware components are physical devices, such as keyboards, monitors, and processing units. See 2-1: Defining a Computer POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY True / False PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB Page 1 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer defined Computer system components KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 3. The arithmetic logic unit and the control unit are part of the Basic Input/Output System. a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: False RATIONALE: Correct The arithmetic logic unit and the control unit are part of the central processing unit. A Basic Input/Output System is located on the motherboard. See 2-1: Defining a Computer POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY True / False PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer system components KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 4. A computer with a 32-bit processor can perform calculations with larger numbers better than a 64-bit system. a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: False RATIONALE: Correct A 32-bit processor can use 232 bytes (4 GB) of RAM; and, in theory, a 64-bit processor can use 264 bytes (16 EB, or exabytes) of RAM. So a computer with a 64-bit processor can perform calculations with larger numbers and be more efficient with smaller numbers; it also has better overall performance than a 32bit system. See 2-1: Defining a Computer POINTS: 1 Page 2 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY True / False PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer system components KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 5. ENIAC is an example of a first-generation computer. a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: True RATIONALE: Correct ENIAC is an example of a first-generation computer. First-generation computers were bulky and unreliable, generated excessive heat, and were difficult to program. See 2-2: The History of Computer Hardware and Software POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the history of computer hardware and software. : QUESTION TY True / False PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer history KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 6. Very-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits were introduced in fifth-generation computers. a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: False Page 3 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing RATIONALE: Correct Very-large-scale integration circuits were introduced in fourth-generation computers. Fourth-generation computers continued several trends that further improved speed and ease of use: miniaturization, very-large-scale integration circuits, widespread use of personal computers, and optical discs. See 2-2: The History of Computer Hardware and Software POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the history of computer hardware and software. : QUESTION TY True / False PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer history Hardware KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 7. A byte is a single value of 0 or 1. a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: False RATIONALE: Correct A bit is a single value of 0 or 1, and 8 bits equal 1 byte. A byte is the size of a character. See 2-3: The Power of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES: Explain the factors distinguishing the computing power of computers. QUESTION TYP True / False E: HAS VARIABLES False : LEARNING OBJ ECTIVES: TOPICS: Computing power KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATED : DATE MODIFIED : Page 4 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing 8. Extended ASCII is a data code that allows the representation of 1024 characters. a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: False RATIONALE: Correct Extended ASCII code is an 8-bit code that allows representation of 256 characters. Computers and communication systems use data codes to represent and transfer data between computers and network systems. See 2-3: The Power of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Explain the factors distinguishing the computing power of computers. : QUESTION TY True / False PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computing power KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 9. Computers perform all tasks using a combination of arithmetic and logical operations. a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: False RATIONALE: Correct Computers can perform three basic tasks: arithmetic operations, logical operations, and storage and retrieval operations. All other tasks are performed using one or a combination of these operations. See 2-4: Computer Operations POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Summarize computer operations. : QUESTION TY True / False PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer functions Page 5 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing KEYWORDS: Remember DATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 10. Computers cannot store massive amounts of data in small spaces. a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: False RATIONALE: Correct Computers can store massive amounts of data in small spaces and locate a particular item quickly. For example, you can store the text of more than one million books in a memory device about the size of your fist. See 2-4: Computer Operations POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Summarize computer operations. : QUESTION TY True / False PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer functions KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 11. Inkjet printers produce characters by projecting onto paper electrically charged droplets of ink that create an image. a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: True RATIONALE: Correct Inkjet printers produce characters by projecting onto paper electrically charged droplets of ink that create an image. Inkjet printers are suitable for home users who have limited text and photo printing needs. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : Page 6 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing QUESTION TY True / False PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Output devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 12. In network-attached storage (NAS), as the number of users increases, its performance increases. a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: False RATIONALE: Correct The biggest issue with NAS is that, as the number of users increases, its performance deteriorates. However, it can be expanded easily by adding more servers or upgrading the CPU. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY True / False PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 13. A server is a set of programs for controlling and managing computer hardware and software. a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: False RATIONALE: Correct A server is a computer and all the software for managing network resources and offering services to a network. For example, remote access servers (RAS), Page 7 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing application servers, and database servers. See 2-6: Classes of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Explain how computers are classified. : QUESTION TY True / False PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Servers KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 14. Spreadsheet software is more powerful than financial planning software. a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: False RATIONALE: Correct Financial planning software, which is more powerful than spreadsheet software, is capable of performing many types of analysis on large amounts of data. These analyses include present value, future value, rate of return, cash flow, depreciation, retirement planning, and budgeting. See 2-7: What Is Software? POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Describe the two major types of software. : QUESTION TY True / False PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Applications software Software KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 15. Fourth-generation languages (4GLs) are also called procedural languages. Page 8 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing a. True b. Fals e ANSWER: False RATIONALE: Correct Sometimes, 4GLs are called nonprocedural languages, which means you do not need to follow a rigorous command syntax to use them. They are also the easiest computer languages to use. See 2-8: Computer Languages POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES List the generations of computer languages. : QUESTION TY True / False PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Programming languages Software KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: Multiple Choice 16. A(n) _____ is a step-by-step direction for performing a specific task, which is written in a language the computer can understand. a. array b. server c. cache d. progra m ANSWER: d RATIONALE: Correct. A program is a step-by-step direction for performing a specific task, written in a language the computer can understand. To write a computer program, first you must know what needs to be done, and then you must plan a method to achieve this goal, including selecting the right language for the task. See 2-1: Defining a Computer POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: Page 9 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer defined KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 17. A _____ is a link between devices connected to a computer. a. motherboar d b. control unit c. disk drive d. bus ANSWER: d RATIONALE: Correct. A bus is a link between devices connected to a computer. An internal bus enables communication between internal components, such as a video card and memory; an external bus is capable of communicating with external components, such as a USB device. See 2-1: Defining a Computer POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer system components Computer defined KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 18. A(n) _____ enables communication between a video card and memory. a. internal bus b. keyboard c. floppy drive d. optical disc ANSWER: a Page 10 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing RATIONALE: Correct. A bus is a link between devices connected to a computer. An internal bus enables communication between internal components, such as a video card and memory. See 2-1: Defining a Computer POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer system components Computer defined KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 19. A _____ is a peripheral device for recording, storing, and retrieving information. a. disk drive b. motherboar d c. control unit d. processor ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Correct. A disk drive is a peripheral device for recording, storing, and retrieving information. A computer system consists of hardware and software. Hardware components are physical devices, such as keyboards, monitors, and processing units. The software component consists of programs written in computer languages. See 2-1: Defining a Computer POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer system components KEYWORDS: Remember DATE CREATE D: Page 11 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing DATE MODIFI ED: 20. A(n) _____ is a communication interface through which information is transferred one bit at a time. a. extended capability port b. parallel port c. serial port d. enhanced parallel port ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Correct. A serial port is a communication interface through which information is transferred one bit at a time. It is located on the motherboard of a computer. A parallel port is an interface between a computer and a printer that enables the computer to transfer multiple bits of information to the printer simultaneously. See 2-1: Defining a Computer POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer system components KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 21. A(n) _____ is an interface between a computer and a printer that enables the computer to transfer multiple bits of information to the printer simultaneously. a. parallel port b. serial port c. arithmetic logic unit d. control unit ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Correct. A parallel port is an interface between a computer and a printer that enables the computer to transfer multiple bits of information to the printer simultaneously. A serial port is a communication interface through which information is transferred one bit at a time. See 2-1: Defining a Computer POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : Page 12 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer system components KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 22. Beginning in the 1940s, first-generation computers used _____. a. transistors b. vacuum tube technology c. integrated circuits d. laser technology ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Correct. Beginning in the 1940s, first-generation computers used vacuum tube technology. They were bulky and unreliable, generated excessive heat, and were difficult to program. See 2-2: The History of Computer Hardware and Software POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the history of computer hardware and software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer history Hardware KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 23. Second-generation computers used _____. a. vacuum tube technology b. transistors c. integrated circuits d. laser technology ANSWER: b Page 13 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing RATIONALE: Correct. Major developments in hardware have taken place over the past 60 years. To make these developments more clear, computers are often categorized into “generations” that mark technological breakthroughs. Second-generation computers used transistors and were faster, more reliable, and easier to program and maintain than the first-generation computers. See 2-2: The History of Computer Hardware and Software POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the history of computer hardware and software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer history Hardware KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 24. Third-generation computers operated on _____. a. integrated circuits b. vacuum tube technology c. parallel processing d. optical discs ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Correct. Third-generation computers operated on integrated circuits, which enabled computers to be even smaller, faster, more reliable, and more sophisticated than the second-generation computers. Remote data entry and telecommunications were introduced during this generation. See 2-2: The History of Computer Hardware and Software POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the history of computer hardware and software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer history Hardware Page 14 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing KEYWORDS: Remember DATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 25. Which statement is true of gallium arsenide chips? a. They run at higher speeds than silicon chips. b. They were used in third-generation computers. c. They are ideal for mass production. d. They have low production costs. ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Correct. The current fifth-generation computers include parallel processing (computers containing hundreds or thousands of CPUs for rapid data processing), gallium arsenide chips that run at higher speeds and consume less power than silicon chips, and optical technologies. Because silicon cannot emit light and has speed limitations, computer designers have concentrated on technology using gallium arsenide, in which electrons move almost five times faster than silicon. See 2-2: The History of Computer Hardware and Software POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the history of computer hardware and software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Hardware KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 26. Computer designers have concentrated on technology using gallium arsenide instead of silicon because silicon: a. cannot be used for the mass production of electronic devices. b. cannot emit light and has speed limitations. c. is soft and fragile. d. is expensive. ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Correct. Since silicon cannot emit light and has speed limitations, computer designers have concentrated on technology using gallium arsenide, in which electrons move almost five times faster than in silicon. See 2-2: The History of Page 15 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing Computer Hardware and Software POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the history of computer hardware and software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer history Hardware KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 27. Gallium arsenide _____ than silicon. a. is more fragile b. is more suitable for mass production c. emits less light d. operates at lower temperatures ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Correct. The major problems with gallium arsenide are difficulties in mass production. This material is softer and more fragile than silicon, so it breaks more easily during slicing and polishing. See 2-2: The History of Computer Hardware and Software POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the history of computer hardware and software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer history Hardware KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: Page 16 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing 28. _____ means saving data in computer memory. a. Stream b. Retrieval c. Syndicatio n d. Storage ANSWER: d RATIONALE: Correct. Computers draw their power from three factors that far exceed human capacities: speed, accuracy, and storage and retrieval capabilities. Storage means saving data in computer memory, and retrieval means accessing data from memory. See 2-3: The Power of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Explain the factors distinguishing the computing power of computers. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computing power KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 29. In the context of storage measurements, a _____ is the size of a character. a. nibble b. decibe l c. byte d. node ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Correct. A byte is the size of a character. For example, the word computer consists of 8 characters or 8 bytes (64 bits). See 2-3: The Power of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Explain the factors distinguishing the computing power of computers. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB Page 17 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computing power KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 30. The word computer consists of 64 bits, which is equivalent to _____ bytes. a. 6 b. 8 c. 16 d. 32 ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Correct. The word computer has 64 bits. Eight bits constitute 1 byte, so 64 bits are the same as 8 bytes. See 2-3: The Power of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Challenging REFERENCES: Explain the factors distinguishing the computing power of computers. QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computing power KEYWORDS: ApplyDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFIE D: 31. Every character, number, or symbol on the keyboard is represented as a(n) _____ in computer memory. a. decimal number b. hexadecimal number c. octal number d. binary number ANSWER: d RATIONALE: Correct. Every character, number, or symbol on the keyboard is represented as a binary number in computer memory. A binary system consists of 0s and 1s, with a 1 representing “on” and a 0 representing “off,” similar to a light switch. See 23: The Power of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Explain the factors distinguishing the computing power of computers. Page 18 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computing power KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 32. Computers and communication systems use _____ to represent information between computers and network systems. a. source codes b. nanotubes c. data codes d. servers ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Correct. Computers and communication systems use data codes to represent and transfer data between computers and network systems. The most common data code for text files, PC applications, and the Internet is American Standard Code for Information Interchange. See 2-3: The Power of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Explain the factors distinguishing the computing power of computers. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computing power KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 33. In a(n) _____ file, each alphabetic, numeric, or special character is represented with a 7-bit binary number. a. Extended Binary Code Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC) b. Unicode c. American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) Page 19 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing d. Extended ASCII ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Correct. In an ASCII file, each alphabetic, numeric, or special character is represented with a 7-bit binary number (a string of 0s or 1s). Up to 128 (27) characters can be defined. See 2-3: The Power of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Explain the factors distinguishing the computing power of computers. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computing power KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 34. An American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) file defines up to _____ characters. a. 64 b. 128 c. 256 d. 1024 ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Correct. In an ASCII file, each alphabetic, numeric, or special character is represented with a 7-bit binary number (a string of 0s or 1s). Up to 128 (27) characters can be defined. See 2-3: The Power of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Explain the factors distinguishing the computing power of computers. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computing power KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATED:DATE MODIFI Page 20 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing ED: 35. An Extended ASCII data code allows representation of maximum _____ characters. a. 128 b. 256 c. 512 d. 1024 ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Correct. Apart from American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII), there are two additional data codes used by many operating systems: Unicode and Extended ASCII. Extended ASCII is an 8-bit code that also allows representation of 256 characters. See 2-3: The Power of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Explain the factors distinguishing the computing power of computers. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computing power KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 36. A petabyte is equal to _____ bytes. a. 230 b. 240 c. 250 d. 260 ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Correct. A byte is the size of a character. A petabyte is 250 bytes, 1 gigabyte is 230 bytes, 1 terabyte is 240 bytes, and 1 exabyte is 260 bytes. See 2-3: The Power of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Explain the factors distinguishing the computing power of computers. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False Page 21 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing ES: LEARNING OB MIS9.BIDG.19.02.03 JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computing power KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 37. In the context of computer operations, division is a(n) _____. a. arithmetic operation b. storage operation c. logical operation d. retrieval operation ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Correct. Division is an arithmetic operation. Computers can add, subtract, multiply, divide, and raise numbers to a power (exponentiation). See 2-4: Computer Operations POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Summarize computer operations. : QUESTION TY Multiple ChoiceFalse PE: HAS VARIABL ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer functions KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 38. Trackballs are ideal for notebook computers because they _____. a. occupy less space than a mouse b. rely on optical scanning of the data on a notebook c. allow faster and more precise cursor positioning than a mouse d. rely on light detection to determine which menu item has been selected ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Correct. Trackballs occupy less space than a mouse, so they are ideal for notebook computers. However, positioning with a trackball is sometimes less precise than with a mouse. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices Page 22 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Input devices KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 39. Identify an advantage of a mouse over a trackball. a. A mouse processes more information than a trackball. b. A mouse is more precise in positioning the pointer than a trackball. c. A mouse occupies less space than a trackball. d. A mouse is stationary, whereas a trackball has to be moved around. ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Correct. The mouse is a pointing device that moves the cursor on the screen, allowing fast, precise cursor positioning. Trackballs occupy less space than a mouse, so they are ideal for notebook computers. However, positioning with a trackball is sometimes less precise than with a mouse. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Input devices KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 40. Which is an example of an input device? a. A barcode reader Page 23 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing b. A cathode ray tube c. An inkjet printer d. An organic light-emitting diode ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Correct. A barcode reader is an example of an input device. This is an optical scanner that uses lasers to read codes in bar form. These devices are fast and accurate and have many applications in inventory, data entry, and tracking systems. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Input devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 41. A(n) _____ is an input device. a. plasma display b. laser printer c. data tablet d. inkjet printer ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Correct. A data tablet is an input device. Data tablets are used most widely in computer-aided design and manufacturing applications. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Input devices KEYWORDS: Remember Page 24 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing DATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 42. A(n) _____ is an input device used to grade multiple-choice and true/false tests. a. optical character reader b. magnetic character sensor c. magnetic ink character recognition system d. optical mark recognition system ANSWER: d RATIONALE: Correct. An optical mark recognition (OMR) system is sometimes called a mark sensing system because it reads marks on paper. OMRs are often used to grade multiple-choice and true/false tests. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Input devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 43. A(n) _____ is a common output device for soft copy. a. liquid crystal display b. floppy disk c. laser printer d. electrostatic plotter ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Correct. The most common output devices for soft copy are cathode ray tube (CRT), plasma display, and liquid crystal display (LCD). Soon, OLED (organic light-emitting diode) displays will replace LCDs. OLED screens are brighter, thinner and consume less power than LCD technology. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy Page 25 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Output devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 44. A(n) _____ is a common output device for hard copy. a. optical character reader b. compact disc c. laser printer d. plasma display ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Correct. The most common output device for hard copy is a printer. Inkjet and laser printers are standard printers used today. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Output devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 45. Which statement is true of a high-quality inkjet printer? a. It uses multicolor ink cartridges to print digital photographs. b. Its output for a mainframe computer is called soft copy. c. It uses laser-based technology that creates electrical charges on a rotating drum to attract toner. Page 26 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing d. It is suitable for office environments that have high-volume and high-quality printing requirements. ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Correct. High-quality inkjet printers use multicolor ink cartridges for near-photo quality output and are often used to print digital photographs. Inkjet printers are suitable for home users who have limited text and photo printing needs. See 25: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Output devices KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 46. Which statement is true of laser printers? a. They are most suitable for home users. b. They use toners to create high-quality outputs. c. They are used to generate three-dimensional outputs. d. They use solid ink to generate two-dimensional outputs. ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Correct. Laser printers use laser-based technology that creates electrical charges on a rotating drum to attract toner. The toner is fused to paper using a heat process that creates high-quality output. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Output devices KEYWORDS: Understand Page 27 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing DATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 47. The Clipboard’s contents are typically stored in _____. a. read-only memory b. random access memory c. magnetic disks d. magnetic tape ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Correct. The Clipboard’s contents are typically stored in random access memory (RAM). Some other examples of the type of information stored in RAM include open files, running programs, and so forth. Data can be read from and written to RAM. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 48. Which states a difference between read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM)? a. ROM is volatile memory, whereas RAM is nonvolatile memory. b. ROM is secondary memory, whereas RAM is main memory. c. ROM is nonvolatile memory, whereas RAM is volatile memory. d. ROM is main memory, whereas RAM is secondary memory. ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Correct. ROM is nonvolatile memory, whereas RAM is volatile memory. Volatile memory loses its contents when electrical power is turned off. Nonvolatile memory holds data when the computer is off or during the course of a program’s operation. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : Page 28 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 49. Which is true of memory devices? a. The contents of flash memory cannot be reprogrammed. b. The contents of random access memory cannot be reprogrammed. c. The contents of programmable read-only memory cannot be reprogrammed. d. The contents of cache random access memory cannot be reprogrammed. ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Correct. Programmable read-only memory (PROM) is a type of ROM chip that can be programmed with a special device. However, after it has been programmed, the contents cannot be erased. Erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) is similar to PROM, but its contents can be erased and reprogrammed. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 50. _____ holds data when the computer is off or during the course of a program’s operation. a. Random access memory b. Read-only memory c. Secondary memory d. Programmable read-only Page 29 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing memory ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Correct. Secondary memory devices are nonvolatile and used for storing large volumes of data for long periods. They can also hold data when the computer is off or during the course of a program’s operation. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 51. _____ is an example of a secondary memory device. a. An inkjet printer b. An optical disc c. Random access memory d. Read-only memory ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Correct. An optical disc is an example of a secondary memory device. Secondary memory devices can hold data when the computer is off or during the course of a program’s operation. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: Remember DATE CREATE Page 30 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing D: DATE MODIFI ED: 52. Which is true of magnetic tape? a. It is made of metal. b. It stores data sequentially. c. It resembles compact discs. d. It is a main memory device. ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Correct. Magnetic tape, made of a plastic material, resembles a cassette tape and stores data sequentially. Records can be stored in a block or separately, with a gap between each record or block, called the interrecord gap (IRG). See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 53. A write once, read many (WORM) disc is a common type of _____. a. magnetic storage b. optical storage c. random access memory d. compact disc read-only memory ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Correct. A write once, read many (WORM) disc is a common type of optical storage. WORM disc is also a permanent device. Information can be recorded once and cannot be altered. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice Page 31 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 54. In the context of storage devices, CD-ROMs and DVDs are examples of _____. a. magnetic tape b. magnetic disks c. optical discs d. main memory devices ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Correct. CD-ROMs and DVDs are examples of optical discs. Optical discs use laser beams to access and store data. Optical technology can store vast amounts of data and is durable. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 55. _____ allows data to be stored in multiple places to improve a system’s reliability. a. A remote access server b. Network-attached storage c. Random access memory d. A redundant array of independent disks ANSWER: d RATIONALE: Correct. A redundant array of independent disks (RAID) allows data to be Page 32 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing stored in multiple places to improve a system’s reliability. In other words, if one disk in the array fails, data is not lost. In some RAID configurations, sequences of data can be read from multiple disks simultaneously, which improves performance. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 56. _____, which is used for online storage and backup, involves multiple virtual servers that are usually hosted by third parties. a. Kernel storage b. Buffer storage c. Cache storage d. Cloud storage ANSWER: d RATIONALE: Correct. Cloud storage has become a popular option for many organizations and individuals in recent years. Used for online storage and backup, it involves multiple virtual servers that are usually hosted by third parties. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: Remember DATE CREATE D: Page 33 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing DATE MODIFI ED: 57. Identify the type of computers that has the highest storage capability. a. Subnotebooks b. Notebooks c. Personal computers d. Supercomputers ANSWER: d RATIONALE: Correct. Supercomputers are the most powerful; they also have the highest storage capabilities and the highest price. Supercomputers are more expensive, much bigger, faster, and have more memory than personal computers, minicomputers, and mainframes. See 2-6: Classes of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Explain how computers are classified. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer types KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 58. Identify the type of computers that has the highest price. a. Subnotebooks b. Notebooks c. Personal computers d. Supercomputers ANSWER: d RATIONALE: Correct. Supercomputers are the most powerful; they also have the highest storage capabilities and the highest price. Supercomputers are more expensive, much bigger, faster, and have more memory than personal computers, minicomputers, and mainframes. See 2-6: Classes of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Explain how computers are classified. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice Page 34 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer types KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 59. Jacob, a data analyst, is working on a project from home and needs to download some data from his office network. Which of the following server platforms will best serve Jacob’s purpose? a. Remote access servers b. Web servers c. Application servers d. Disk servers ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Correct. Remote access servers (RAS) will best serve Jacob’s purpose. RAS allow off-site users to connect to network resources, such as network file storage, printers, and databases. Web servers store Web pages for access over the Internet. Application servers store computer software, which users can access from their workstations. Disk servers contain large-capacity hard drives and enable users to store files and applications for later retrieval. See 2-6: Classes of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Challenging REFERENCES Explain how computers are classified. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Servers KEYWORDS: ApplyDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 60. Which best defines an operating system (OS)? a. It is a set of programs for controlling and managing computer hardware and software. b.It is a computer and all the software for managing network resources and offering Page 35 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing services to a network. c. It is a collection of disk drives used for fault tolerance and is typically found in large network systems. d. It is the main circuit board containing connectors for attaching additional boards. ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Correct. An OS is a set of programs for controlling and managing computer hardware and software. A typical OS consists of control programs and supervisor programs. See 2-7: What Is Software? POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Describe the two major types of software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Operating systems Software KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 61. Which is true of the control program of an operating system (OS)? a. It controls compilers in the OS. b. It controls interpreter programs in the OS. c. It generates assembler programs for secondary memory. d. It generates checksums to verify that data is not corrupted. ANSWER: d RATIONALE: Correct. Control programs generate checksums to verify that data is not corrupted. The next time this data is retrieved, the checksum is recalculated and compared with the original checksum. See 2-7: What Is Software? POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Describe the two major types of software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Operating systems Page 36 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing SoftwareKEYWORDS: Understand DATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 62. Which is true of the supervisor program of an operating system (OS)? a. It controls compilers in the OS. b. It prioritizes tasks performed by the CPU. c. It transfers data among other parts of the computer system. d. It generates checksums to verify that data is not corrupted. ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Correct. The supervisor program, also known as the kernel, is responsible for controlling all other programs in the OS, such as compilers, interpreters, assemblers, and utilities for performing special tasks. On the other hand, control programs manage computer hardware and resources. See 2-7: What Is Software? POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Describe the two major types of software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Operating systems Software KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 63. The supervisor program in an operating system (OS) is also known as the _____. a. metadat a b. kernel c. applet d. cache ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Correct. The supervisor program, also known as the kernel, is responsible for controlling all other programs in the OS, such as compilers, interpreters, assemblers, and utilities for performing special tasks. See 2-7: What Is Page 37 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing Software? POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Describe the two major types of software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Operating systems Software KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 64. UNIX is a type of _____. a. storage area network b. application software c. remote access server d. operating system ANSWER: d RATIONALE: Correct. UNIX is a type of operating system. Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, and Linux are examples of personal computer OSs, and mainframe OSs include UNIX and OpenVMS as well as some versions of Linux. See 2-7: What Is Software? POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Describe the two major types of software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Operating systems Software KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: Page 38 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing 65. _____ is used for drafting and has replaced traditional tools, such as T-squares, triangles, paper, and pencils. a. Graphics software b. Project management software c. Computer-aided design software d. Presentation software ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Correct. Computer-aided design (CAD) software is used for drafting and design and has replaced traditional tools, such as T-squares, triangles, paper, and pencils. Because of major price reductions and increases in PC power, small companies and home users can now afford this software. See 2-7: What Is Software? POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Describe the two major types of software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Applications software Software KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 66. _____ consists of a series of 0s and 1s representing data or instructions. a. Assembly language b. A fourth-generation language c. Machine language d. A fifth-generation language ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Correct. Machine language consists of a series of 0s and 1s representing data or instructions. Machine language depends on the machine. Writing a machinelanguage program is time consuming and painstaking. See 2-8: Computer Languages POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES List the generations of computer languages. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False Page 39 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Programming languages Software KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 67. Java and C++ are examples of _____. a. assembly language b. high-level languages c. machine language d. compiler languages ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Correct. Java and C++ are examples of high-level languages. High-level languages are more like English, so they are easier to learn and code. See 2-8: Computer Languages POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES List the generations of computer languages. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Programming languages Software KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 68. Which is true of fourth-generation languages (4GLs)? a. They are the easiest computer languages to use. b. They are composed of rigorous command syntaxes. c. They contain a series of 0s and 1s representing data or instructions. d. They use artificial intelligence technologies, such as knowledge-based systems. ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Correct. 4GLs are the easiest computer languages to use. The commands are powerful and easy to learn, even for people with little computer training. See 2Page 40 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing 8: Computer Languages POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES List the generations of computer languages. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Programming languages Software KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 69. Structured query language (SQL) is an example of a(n) _____. a. assembly language b. high-level language c. fourth-generation language d. fifth-generation language ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Correct. SQL is an example of a fourth-generation language. Fourth-generation languages are the easiest computer languages to use. The commands are powerful and easy to learn, even for people with little computer training. See 28: Computer Languages POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES List the generations of computer languages. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Programming languages KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 70. Which is true of fifth-generation languages (5GLs)? Page 41 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing a. They are the easiest computer languages to use. b. They contain a series of 0s and 1s representing data or instructions. c. They are machine dependent and need to be changed after every use. d. They use artificial intelligence technologies, such as knowledge-based systems. ANSWER: d RATIONALE: Correct. 5GLs use some of the artificial intelligence technologies, such as knowledge-based systems, natural language processing, visual programming, and a graphical approach to programming. Codes are automatically generated and designed to make the computer solve a given problem without a programmer or with minimum programming effort. See 2-8: Computer Languages POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES List the generations of computer languages. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Programming languages Software KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 71. To make a computer understand a program, the source code must be first translated into _____ code. a. ASCII b. object c. ternar y d. UTF-8 ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Regardless of the language, a program is also referred to as the source code. This source code must be translated into object code-consisting of binary 0s and 1s. See 2-1: Defining a Computer POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False Page 42 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer defined KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 72. The _____ is the heart of a computer. a. main memory b. basic input/output system c. central processing unit d. serial port ANSWER: c RATIONALE: The central processing unit (CPU) is the heart of a computer. It is divided into two components: the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and the control unit. See 2-1: Defining a Computer POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer defined Computer system components KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 73. The _____ tells the computer what to do, such as instructing the computer which device to read or send output to. a. main memory b. motherboard c. operating system d. control unit ANSWER: d RATIONALE: The central processing unit (CPU) is the heart of a computer. It is divided into two components: the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and the control unit. The Page 43 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing control unit tells the computer what to do, such as instructing the computer which device to read or send output to. See 2-1: Defining a Computer POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer system components KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 74. A(n) _____ is the enclosure containing the computer’s main components. a. disk drive b. computer chassis c. expansion slot d. parallel port ANSWER: b RATIONALE: A central processing unit (CPU) case (also known as a computer chassis or tower) is the enclosure containing the computer’s main components. See 2-1: Defining a Computer POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer system components KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 75. _____ include gallium arsenide chips that run at higher speeds and consume less power than silicon chips and optical Page 44 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing technologies. a. Second-generation computers b. Third-generation computers c. Fourth-generation computers d. Fifth-generation computers ANSWER: d RATIONALE: The current fifth-generation computers include parallel processing (computers containing hundreds or thousands of CPUs for rapid data processing), gallium arsenide chips that run at higher speeds and consume less power than silicon chips, and optical technologies. See 2-2: The History of Computer Hardware and Software POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the history of computer hardware and software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer history Hardware KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 76. _____ bits equal one byte. a. Six b. Eight c. Thirtytwo d. Sixty-four ANSWER: b RATIONALE: A bit is a single value of 0 or 1, and 8 bits equal 1 byte. A byte is the size of a character. See 2-3: The Power of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES: Explain the factors distinguishing the computing power of computers. QUESTION TYP Multiple Choice E: HAS VARIABLES False : LEARNING OBJ .03 Page 45 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing ECTIVES: TOPICS: KEYWORDS: Computing power RememberDATE CREATED : DATE MODIFIED : 77. A _____ is an input device for computers. a. mouse b. printer c. monitor d. speaker ANSWER: a RATIONALE: An input device, such as a keyboard or a mouse, is used to send data and information to the computer. The mouse moves the cursor on the screen, allowing fast, precise cursor positioning. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Input devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 78. The most common type of main memory is a semiconductor memory chip made of _____. a. arsenic b. germaniu m c. silicon d. manganese ANSWER: c RATIONALE: The most common type of main memory is a semiconductor memory chip made of silicon. A semiconductor memory device can be volatile or nonvolatile. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 Page 46 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 79. A(n) _____, made of Mylar, is used for random-access processing of data in a computer. a. video adapter b. optical disc c. cassette tape d. magnetic disk ANSWER: d RATIONALE: A magnetic disk, made of Mylar or metal, is used for random-access processing. In other words, data can be accessed in any order, regardless of its order on the surface. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 80. A(n) _____, a memory device, uses laser beams to access and store data. a. video adapter b. memory chip c. optical disc Page 47 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing d. digital card ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Optical discs use laser beams to access and store data. Optical technology can store vast amounts of data and is durable. See 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 81. _____ are compatible with the IBM System/360 line introduced in 1965. a. Minicomputers b. Mainframe computers c. Personal computers d. Super computers ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Mainframe computers are compatible with the IBM System/360 line introduced in 1965. Systems that are not based on System/360 are referred to as “servers” or supercomputers. See 2-6: Classes of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Explain how computers are classified. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer types KEYWORDS: Remember DATE CREATE D: Page 48 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing DATE MODIFI ED: 82. A(n) _____ is a type of server that stores computer software, which users can access from their workstations. a. database server b. Web server c. application server d. file server ANSWER: c RATIONALE: Application servers store computer software, which users can access from their workstations. A server is a computer and all the software for managing network resources and offering services to a network. See 2-6: Classes of Computers POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Explain how computers are classified. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Servers KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 83. Corel Quattro Pro is an example of _____. a. word-processing software b. spreadsheet software c. database software d. desktop publishing software ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Corel Quattro Pro is an example of spreadsheet software. Microsoft Excel and IBM’s Lotus 1-2-3 are few among other examples. See 2-7: What Is Software? POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Describe the two major types of software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: Page 49 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Applications software Software KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 84. Microsoft PowerPoint is the most commonly used _____ software. a. desktop publishing b. presentation c. graphics d. project management ANSWER: b RATIONALE: Microsoft PowerPoint is the most commonly used presentation software; other examples include Adobe Persuasion and Corel Presentations. Presentation software is used to create and deliver slide shows. See 2-7: What Is Software? POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Describe the two major types of software. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Applications software Software KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 85. Codes written for one type of computer using _____ do not work on another type of computer. a. assembly language b. structured query language c. a fourth-generation language d. a fifth-generation language ANSWER: a RATIONALE: Assembly language, the second generation of computer languages, is a higherlevel language than machine language but is also machine dependent; hence, Page 50 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing code written for one type of computer does not work on another type of computer. See 2-8: Computer Languages POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES List the generations of computer languages. : QUESTION TY Multiple Choice PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Programming languages Software KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: Essay 86. Provide a general description on how to write a computer program. ANSWER: Answers will vary. To write a computer program, first a user must know what needs to be done, and then he or she must plan a method to achieve this goal, including selecting the right language for the task. Many computer languages are available; the language the user selects depends on the problem being solved and the type of computer he or she is using. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer defined KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 87. Discuss single processor and multiprocessor computers. ANSWER: Answers will vary. Some computers have a single processor; other computers, called multiprocessors, contain multiple processors. Multiprocessing is the use Page 51 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing of two or more CPUs in a single computer system. Generally, a multiprocessor computer performs better than a single-processor computer in the same way that a team would perform better than an individual on a large, time-consuming project. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer system components KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 88. Explain the effects of processor size and operating system (OS) on computer performance. ANSWER: Answers will vary. In recent years, 32-bit and 64-bit processors and OSs have created a lot of interest. A 32-bit processor can use 232 bytes (4 GB) of RAM; and, in theory, a 64-bit processor can use 264 bytes (16 EB, or exabytes) of RAM. So a computer with a 64-bit processor can perform calculations with larger numbers and be more efficient with smaller numbers; it also has better overall performance than a 32-bit system. However, to take advantage of this higher performance, you must also have a 64-bit OS. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer defined Computer system components KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 89. What is a motherboard? Page 52 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing ANSWER: Answers will vary. A motherboard is the main circuit board containing connectors for attaching additional boards. In addition, it usually contains the CPU, Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), memory, storage, interfaces, serial and parallel ports, expansion slots, and all the controllers for standard peripheral devices, such as the display monitor, disk drive, and keyboard. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Define a computer system, and describe its components. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer system components KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 90. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of gallium arsenide chips. ANSWER: Answers will vary. Because silicon cannot emit light and has speed limitations, computer designers have concentrated on technology using gallium arsenide, in which electrons move almost five times faster than silicon. Devices made with this synthetic compound can emit light, withstand higher temperatures, and survive much higher doses of radiation than silicon devices. The major problems with gallium arsenide are difficulties in mass production. This material is softer and more fragile than silicon, so it breaks more easily during slicing and polishing. Because of the high costs and difficulty of production, the military is currently the major user of this technology. However, research continues to eliminate some shortcomings of this technology. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Easy REFERENCES Discuss the history of computer hardware and software. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Hardware KEYWORDS: RememberDATE CREATED:DATE MODIFI Page 53 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing ED: 91. Describe how computer speed is measured. ANSWER: Answers will vary. Typically, computer speed is measured as the number of instructions performed during the following fractions of a second: a. Millisecond: 1/1,000 of a second b. Microsecond: 1/1,000,000 of a second c. Nanosecond: 1/1,000,000,000 of a second d. Picosecond: 1/1,000,000,000,000 of a second POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Explain the factors distinguishing the computing power of computers. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computing power KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 92. Explain how data is stored in a computer. ANSWER: Answers will vary. Computers can store vast quantities of data and locate a specific item quickly, which makes knowledge workers more efficient in performing their jobs. In computers, data is stored in bits. A bit is a single value of 0 or 1, and 8 bits equal 1 byte. A byte is the size of a character. For example, the word computer consists of 8 characters or 8 bytes (64 bits). Every character, number, or symbol on the keyboard is represented as a binary number in computer memory. A binary system consists of 0s and 1s, with a 1 representing “on” and a 0 representing “off,” similar to a light switch. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Explain the factors distinguishing the computing power of computers. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computing power KEYWORDS: Understand DATE CREATE Page 54 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing D: DATE MODIFI ED: 93. Discuss the three basic tasks performed by computers. ANSWER: Answers will vary. Computers can perform three basic tasks: arithmetic operations, logical operations, and storage and retrieval operations. Computers can add, subtract, multiply, divide, and raise numbers to a power (exponentiation), as shown in these examples: A + B (addition): 5 + 7 = 12 A ? B (subtraction): 5 - 2 = 3 A * B (multiplication): 5 * 2 = 10 A / B (division): 5 / 2 = 2.5 A ^ B (exponentiation): 5 ^ 2 = 25 Computers can perform comparison operations by comparing two numbers. For example, a computer can compare x to y and determine which number is larger. Computers can store massive amounts of data in very small spaces and locate a particular item quickly. For example, a person can store the text of more than one million books in a memory device about the size of his or her fist. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Summarize computer operations. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer functions KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 94. Describe touch screens. ANSWER: Answers will vary. A touch screen, which usually works with menus, is a combination of input devices. Some touch screens rely on light detection to determine which menu item has been selected, and others are pressure sensitive. Touch screens are often easier to use than keyboards, but they might not be as accurate because selections can be misread or mistouched. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False Page 55 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Input devices KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 95. What are the most common output devices for soft copy? ANSWER: Answers will vary. Output displayed on a screen is called “soft copy.” The most common output devices for soft copy are cathode ray tube (CRT), plasma display, and liquid crystal display (LCD). Soon, OLED (organic light-emitting diode) displays will replace LCDs. OLED screens are brighter, thinner, and consume less power than LCD technology. However, they are more expensive than LCD technology. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Output devices KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 96. What is the most common type of main memory? ANSWER: Answers will vary. The most common type of main memory is a semiconductor memory chip made of silicon. A semiconductor memory device can be volatile or nonvolatile. Volatile memory is called random access memory (RAM), although you could think of it as “read-write memory.” In other words, data can be read from and written to RAM. Some examples of the type of information stored in RAM include open files, the Clipboard’s contents, running programs, and so forth. A special type of RAM, called cache RAM, resides on the processor. Because memory access from main RAM storage generally takes several clock cycles (a few nanoseconds), cache RAM stores recently accessed memory so the processor is not waiting for the memory transfer. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate Page 56 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 97. Describe the three main types of secondary memory devices. ANSWER: Answers will vary. There are three main types of secondary memory devices: magnetic disks, magnetic tape, and optical discs. a. Magnetic disk: A magnetic disk, made of Mylar or metal, is used for randomaccess processing. In other words, data can be accessed in any order, regardless of its order on the surface. Magnetic disks are much faster but more expensive than tape devices. b. Magnetic tape: Magnetic tape, made of a plastic material, resembles a cassette tape and stores data sequentially. Records can be stored in a block or separately, with a gap between each record or block, called the interrecord gap (IRG). Magnetic tape is sometimes used for storing backups, although other media are more common now. c. Optical disc: Optical discs use laser beams to access and store data. Optical technology can store vast amounts of data and is durable. Three common types of optical storage are CD-ROMs, WORM discs, and DVDs. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 98. Describe flash memory. Page 57 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing ANSWER: Answers will vary. Flash memory is nonvolatile memory that can be electronically erased and reprogrammed. It is used mostly in memory cards and USB flash drives for storing and transferring data between computers and other devices. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 99. Explain how a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) provides fault tolerance and improves performance. ANSWER: Answers will vary. A RAID system is a collection of disk drives used for fault tolerance and improved performance, and it is typically found in large network systems. With RAID, data can be stored in multiple places to improve the system’s reliability. In other words, if one disk in the array fails, data is not lost. In some RAID configurations, sequences of data can be read from multiple disks simultaneously, which improves performance. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Storage devices KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 100. Briefly discuss different classes of computers. ANSWER: Answers will vary. Usually, computers are classified based on cost, amount of memory, speed, and sophistication. Using these criteria, computers are Page 58 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing classified as subnotebooks, notebooks, personal computers, minicomputers, mainframes, or supercomputers. Supercomputers are the most powerful; they also have the highest storage capabilities and the highest price. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Explain how computers are classified. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Computer types KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 101. Briefly discuss fax servers, file servers, and mail servers. ANSWER: Answers will vary. A server is a computer and all the software for managing network resources and offering services to a network. a. Fax servers: Fax servers contain software and hardware components that enable users to send and receive faxes. b. File servers: File servers contain large-capacity hard drives for storing and retrieving data files. c. Mail servers: Mail servers are configured for sending, receiving, and storing e-mails. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES: Explain how computers are classified. QUESTION TYP Essay E: HAS VARIABLE False S: LEARNING OBJ ECTIVES: TOPICS: Servers KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFIE D: 102. Describe desktop publishing software. ANSWER: Answers will vary. Desktop publishing software is used to produce professional-quality documents without expensive hardware and software. This Page 59 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing software works on a “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” concept, so the highquality screen display gives a user a good idea of what he or she will see in the printed output. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Describe the two major types of software. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Applications software Software KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 103. Describe financial planning and accounting software. ANSWER: Answers will vary. Financial planning software, which is more powerful than spreadsheet software, is capable of performing many types of analysis on large amounts of data. These analyses include present value, future value, rate of return, cash flow, depreciation, retirement planning, and budgeting. A widely used financial planning package is Intuit Quicken. Using this package, you can plan and analyze all kinds of financial scenarios. In addition to spreadsheet software, dedicated accounting software is available for performing many sophisticated accounting tasks, such as general ledgers, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, balance sheets, and income statements. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES Describe the two major types of software. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Applications software Software KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: Page 60 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing 104. Describe assembly language. ANSWER: Answers will vary. Assembly language is the second generation of computer languages. It is a higher-level language than machine language but is also machine dependent. It uses a series of short codes, or mnemonics, to represent data or instructions. For example, ADD and SUBTRACT are typical commands in assembly language. Writing programs in assembly language is easier than in machine language. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES List the generations of computer languages. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Programming languages Software KEYWORDS: UnderstandDATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: 105. Describe fifth-generation languages (5GLs). ANSWER: Answers will vary. Fifth-generation languages (5GLs) use some of the artificial intelligence technologies, such as knowledge-based systems, natural language processing, visual programming, and a graphical approach to programming. Codes are automatically generated and designed to make the computer solve a given problem without a programmer or with minimum programming effort. These languages are designed to facilitate natural conversations between a user and the computer. Imagine that the user could ask his or her computer, “What product generated the most sales last year?” The computer, equipped with a voice synthesizer, could respond, “Product X.” Dragon NaturallySpeaking Solutions is an example of NLP. Research continues in this field because of the promising results so far. POINTS: 1 DIFFICULTY: Moderate REFERENCES List the generations of computer languages. : QUESTION TY Essay PE: HAS VARIABL False ES: LEARNING OB JECTIVES: TOPICS: Programming languages Page 61 Chapter 2 - Computers: The Machines Behind Computing SoftwareKEYWORDS: Understand DATE CREATE D: DATE MODIFI ED: Page 62