CH 02

Chapter 2 Essentials of Computing 2-1
Chapter 2
Essentials of Computing
True-False Questions
1. An informed computer user is an effective user.

Answer: True
2. An image scanner can only enter images directly into a computer.
Answer: False
3. The center of action in a computer is the central processing unit (CPU).
Answer: True
4. The CPU is put into a protective package, and then mounted onto the main board
contained within the computer.
Answer: False
5. Both system boards and separate processing units include space for memory,
which is sometimes called primary storage or main memory.
Answer: True
6. Primary storage holds data permanently.
Answer: False
7. The allocation of memory at the time a program is running will determine
whether a particular location will hold an instruction, a unit of data, or information.
Answer: True
8. Diskettes are flexible, flat, oxide-coated disks on which data and information are
stored magnetically. Many magnetic disks are read only.
Answer: False
9. Magnetic tapes are linear and come in reels or cartridges, and they can be used to
store large quantities of data and information.
Answer: True
10. Peripheral equipment is a general term for any device that is attached physically
to a computer system.
Answer: False
11. Disk operating system (DOS) is a single-user personal computer operating
system.
Answer: True
12. Software is the general term for a specific sequence of instructions that tells a
computer how to perform a particular action or solve a problem.
Answer: False
13. Windows operating system allows multitasking, which means that several users
can interact with the computer concurrently.
Answer: False
14. All software packages are accompanied by documentation, which is an
instruction manual for the software.
Answer: True
15. A desktop publishing program only allows the user to enter, change, move, store,
and print text information.
Answer: False
16. A database enables information about an item to be retrieved according to certain
specific characteristics of the item.
Answer: True
17. Much of the software used in businesses is custom software.
Answer: True
18. Managers who incorporate the capabilities of information technology into an
organizations products, services, and overall strategies are known as hands-on users.
Answer: False
19. A computer engineer installs and maintains hardware.
Answer: False
Multiple Choice Questions

20. To see how a computer can make you more productive, you need to:
a. learn to program.
b. know how to assemble a computer.
c. become familiar with the primary components of a computer.
d. All of the above.
e. Both a and c.
Answer: c
21. The primary components of a computer system include:
a. hardware.
b. programs.
c. information.
d. people.
e. All of the above.
Answer: e
22. Which of the following is NOT a primary component of a computer system?
a. Hardware
b. Program
c. Modem
d. People
e. Information
Answer: c
23. Hardware is the general term for the machines that carry out the activities of:
a. computing.
b. storing.
c. communicating.
e. Both a and b.
Answer: d
24. Which of the following is NOT a category of computer hardware components?
a. Input devices
b. Printing devices
c. Processors
d. Secondary storage devices
e. All of the above are categories of computer hardware components.
Answer: b
25. Input refers to:
a. the data or information entered into a computer.

b. the process of entering data or information into the computer.
c. the process of processing or storage.
d. the process of retrieval or transmission.
e. Both a and b.
Answer: e
26. Devices commonly used to enter data or information into a computer include:
a. keyboards.
b. mouse.
c. microphone.
e. Both a and b.
Answer: d
27. Devices commonly used to enter data or information into a computer include:
a. keyboards, point-of-sale terminals, and CPU.

b. point-of-sale terminals, image scanners, and microphones.
c. keyboards, bar code scanners, and optical disks.
d. Both a and c.
e. Both a and b.
Answer: b
28. An input device that can enter both words and images directly into a computer is a(n):
a. mouse.
b. rerecorded source.
c. optical disk.
d. image scanner.
e. point-of-sale terminal.
Answer: d
29. A system that contains standard PC features but also has the capability to handle audio,
video, animation, and graphics is called:
a. a graphic system.
b. a multimedia system.
c. a supercomputer.
d. a music system.
e. None of the above.
Answer: b
30. A hand-held scanner that recognizes the special letters and symbols embedded in the bar
code and inputs this information directly into a PC, midrange computer, or point-of-sale terminal is
a(n):
a. keyboard.
b. image scanner.
c. wand.
d. CPU.
Answer: c
31. The center of action in a computer is the:
a. mother board.
b. system board.
c. central processing unit.
d. central control unit.
e. main memory.
Answer: c
32. A mother board is also called a:
a. circuit board.
b. main board.
c. system board.
d. CPU board.
Answer: c
33. ________________ holds data only temporarily, as the computer executes instructions.
a. Secondary storage
b. Optical disk
c. Main memory
d. Central processing unit

e. Hard drive
Answer: c
34. Both system boards and separate processing units include space for memory, which is
sometimes called:
a. primary storage.
b. secondary storage.
c. main memory.
d. Both a and b.
e. Both a and c.
Answer: e
35. Common forms of output are:
a. reports.
b. budgets.
c. newsletters.
e. Both a and c.
Answer: d
36. Output can be:
a. printed out.
b. displayed on a computer screen.
c. played through the speaker.
e. Both a and c.
Answer: d
37. Output from computer processing that is entered as input to another device can:
a. control a printer.
b. generate sound.
c. perform a calculation.
d. Both a and b.
e. Both a and c.
Answer: d
38. A secondary storage that stores data and information magnetically is a:
a. zip disk.
b. magnetic tape.
c. hard disk.
d. diskette.
Answer: e
39. The most widely used types of secondary storage include:
a. diskettes.
b. Hard disks.
c. Read only memory.
d. Random access memory.
e. Both a and b.
Answer: e
40. _________________ are inflexible magnetic disks that are usually mounted inside the
computer.
a. Zip disks
b. Optical disks
c. Hard disks
d. Magnetic tape
e. Main memory
Answer: c
41. CD-ROM is short for:
a. compact diskread only memory.

b. compact diskread once memory.
c. compressed dataread only memory.
d. compressed dataread once memory.
Answer: a
42. _______________ is a general term used for any device that is attached to a computer
system.
a. External device
b. External equipment
c. Peripheral device
d. Peripheral equipment
Answer: c
43. A(n) _______________ is a device containing a secondary storage mediums read/write

unit.
a. hard disk
b. magnetic disk
c. optical disk
d. zip disk
e. drive
Answer: e
44. Any device that is ready to communicate with the computer is said to be:
a. onboard
b. online
c. connected
d. Both a and b.
e. a, b, and c.
Answer: b
45. Any device that is not ready to communicate with the computer is said to be:
a. offboard.
b. offline.
c. unconnected.
d. useless.
e. failed.
Answer: b
46. ________________ is the general term for a set of instructions that controls a computer
or a communications network.
a. Communications program
b. Operating system
c. Software
d. Program
e. Disk operating system
Answer: c
47. _________________ refers to a set of instructions that directs a computer to perform

certain tasks and produce certain results.
a. Software
b. Program
c. Hardware
d. Procedure
e. Pseudo code
Answer: b
48. A communications program:

a. instructs the hardware how to store information.

b. instructs the hardware how to send or receive information.
c. instructs the hardware how to retrieve information.
d. instructs the hardware how to process information.
e. Both a and c.
Answer: b
49. The type of software that consists of a combination of programs that coordinates the
actions of the computer, including its peripheral devices and memory, is known as:
a. communications program.
b. graphical user interface.
c. operating system.
d. hardware coordinator.
Answer: c
50. GUI stands for:
a. good user interface.

b. graphical user interface.
c. graphical user interaction.
d. good user interaction.
Answer: b
51. GUI allows users to:
a. use icons rather than command words to interact with computers.

b. instruct the hardware how to process information.
c. coordinate the actions of a computer, including its peripheral devices and memory.
d. use command words to interact with computers.
e. Both b and c.
Answer: a
52. The operating system that requires users to use command words to interact with
computers is:
a. DOS.
b. Windows.
c. Disk operating system.
d. GUI.
e. Both a and c.
Answer: e
53. Windows operating system:

a. is a single-user PC operating system.

b. uses graphical user interface.
c. allows multitasking.
e. Both a and c.
Answer: d
54. Multitasking means that:
a. several CPUs are operating concurrently.

b. several programs can be operated concurrently.
c. several users can interact with the computer concurrently.
d. Both a and b.
e. Both b and c.
Answer: b
55. Which of the following is NOT a popular operating system?
a. Windows
b. DOS
c. UNIX
d. Access
e. Windows 2000
Answer: d
56. UNIX is an operating system for:
a. PCs.
b. Midrange systems.
c. Mainframes.
d. Supercomputers.
e. A, b, and c.
Answer: e
57. An interface is:
a. the means by which a person interacts with a computer.

b. the means by which an operating system interacts with a computer.
c. the means by which a person interacts with the Internet.
d. Both a and c.
Answer: a
58. Which of the following is NOT a multiuser operating system?

a. UNIX
b. MVS
c. Windows NT
d. DOS
e. All of the above are multiuser operating systems.
Answer: d
59. Operating systems enable people to:
a. manage databases.
b. interact with the computer.
c. control the movement, storage, and retrieval of data and information.
d. Both a and b.
e. Both b and c.
Answer: e
60. A word-processing program:
a. consists of rows and columns of data or information.

b. is designed to assist in problem solving.
c. allows the user to enter, edit, move, store, and print text information.
d. allows the user to change data and perform recalculations easily.
Answer: c
61. A program that combines text and image-handling features with document-design
capabilities is called a(n):
a. spreadsheet program.
b. desktop publishing program.
c. illustration program.
d. presentation program.
e. database management program.
Answer: b
62. Database management programs:
a. let users store information as interrelated records.

b. make it possible for users to manage the data in ways that increase accessibility and
productivity.
c. translate mountains of data into an easy-to-read, aesthetically pleasing format.
d. Both a and b.
e. Both b and c.
Answer: d
63. A _____________ is a set of data pertaining to an item of interest.

a. field
b. record
c. file
d. column
e. database
Answer: b
64. Computer programs are created using:
a. natural language.
b. machine language.
c. computer programming language.
d. electronic pulses.
e. Both b and c.
Answer: e
65. Users of information technology include:
a. hands-on users.
b. indirect end users.
c. user managers.
d. senior managers.
Answer: e
66. People who have supervisory responsibility for activities that involve or are affected by
information technology are known as:
a. hands-on users.
b. indirect users.
c. casual users.
d. user managers.
e. skilled users.
Answer: d
67. A _________________ focuses primarily on developing applications for the Internet and
the World Wide Web.
a. programmer
b. systems analyst
c. web designer
d. network specialist
e. computer operator
Answer: c
68. A _________________ is a step-by-step set of instructionsa processfor

accomplishing specific results.
a. program
b. software
c. procedure
d. work process
e. None of the above
Answer: c
69. The primary categories of procedures include:
a. operations.
b. applications.
c. backup and recovery.
d. Both a and c.
e. Both a and b.
Answer: d
70. Which of the following is NOT a primary category of procedures?
a. Operations
b. Backup and recovery
c. Security
d. Development
e. All of the above are primary categories of procedures.
Answer: e
71. The person who is given the responsibility of managing and developing the firms
information technology capabilities is known as:
a. computer programmer.
b. computer operator.
c. user manager.
d. chief information officer.
Answer: d
72. Typically, operations procedures describe:
a. how a system or application is used.

b. who is authorized to use the system and to what extent.
c. how often certain applications are to be used.
d. where results of processing should go.
Answer: e
73. The reasons to use multiuser systems are:
a. to share a computer.
b. to share hardware.
c. to share workload.
d. Both a and b
e. a, b, and c.
Answer: d
74. Multiuser systems allow users to:
a. share a computer.
b. share hardware.
c. share software.
d. share information.
Answer: e
75. A single-user system:
a. is typically used by one person.

b. stands alone and is not interconnected with other companies or shared by other people.
c. has the ability to be customized to enhance the productivity and effectiveness of the
person using it.
e. Both a and c.
Answer: d
76. The grouping and processing of all transactions at one time is called:
a. real-time processing.
b. batch processing.
c. efficient processing.
d. transaction processing.
e. instant processing.
Answer: b
Fill In the Blanks

80. Computer systems are made up of five components: hardware, programs, information,
people, and procedures.
Difficulty: Easy Reference: p. 44
81. Input refers to the data or information entered into a computer or the process of entering
data or information into the computer for processing, storage and retrieval, or transmission.
Difficulty: Medium Reference: p. 44
82. An input device that can enter both words and images directly into a computer is a(n)
image scanner.
83. Multimedia is a system that contains standard PC features but also has the capability to
handle audio, video, animation, and graphics.
Difficulty: Medium Reference: pp. 45-46
84. The system board/mother board contains chips and circuitry that carry out processing
activities.
85. A drive contains a secondary storage mediums read/write unit.
86. Any device that is ready to communicate with the computer is said to be online.
87. A program is a specific sequence of instructions that tells a computer how to perform a
particular action or solve a problem.
88. At the center of a computers activities is the operating system, a combination of

programs that coordinates the actions of the computer, including its peripheral devices and
memory.
89. DOS is an acronym for disk operating system.
90. A software package is an application that focuses on a particular subject, such as word
processing, and is sold to businesses and the general public.

91. A database management program makes it possible for users to manage the data in ways
that increase accessibility and productivity.
92. Browsers are client computer programs designed to locate and display information on the
World Wide Web.
93. A person who is responsible for acquiring, developing, maintaining, or operating the
hardware associated with computers and communications networks is known as a(n)
information technology professional.
94. Backup procedure describes how and when to make extra copies of information or
software to protect against losses.
95. A communications system in which more than one user share hardware, programs,
information, people, and procedures is known as a(n) multiuser system.
96. In batch processing, all transactions are grouped and processed at one tim.
97. In real-time processing, each transaction is processed as it occurs.
Essay Questions
98. List and discuss the five components of a computer system.
The five components of a computer system are:

1) hardware - the computer and its associated equipment;
2) programs - the specific sequences of instructions that tell the computer how to perform
specific actions;
3) information, organized, meaningful, and useful sets of data;
4) people, the end users of IT or IT professionals;
5) procedures, the step-by-step processes or sets of instructions for accomplishing specific
results.
99. What are the four categories of hardware? List at least one example for each category.
The four categories of hardware are:

1) input devices (e.g. keyboard and mouse);
2) processors (e.g. CPU);
3) output devices (e.g. monitor and printer); and
4) secondary storage devices (e.g. magnetic disk and optical disk).
100. Discuss the functions of primary storage.
Primary memory holds data only temporarily, as the computer executes instructions. It is
used by the central processing unit to carry out all computing activities. No processing takes
place in memory. Instead, memory stores data, information, and instructions. When data
enter the computer as input, they go into main memory until they are processed. After
processing, the results information are retained in memory.
101. Discuss at least two most widely used types of secondary storage.
1) Diskettesflexible, flat, oxide-coated disks on which data and information are stored
magnetically. Diskettes are 3 inches. They can be removed from the computer when the
user has finished using the data or information they contain. The data remain on the diskette.
2) Zip diskssimilar to diskettes, but housed in a hard plastic case. Depending on the
capacity of the zip disks, they store from 70 to 175 times more than diskettes. Also, data can
be stored and retrieved from zip disks more quickly than from diskettes.
102. What are the differences between an operating system and an application
program?
An operating system is a combination of programs that coordinates the actions of the

computer, including its peripheral devices and memory. Popular types of operating systems
include DOS, Windows, and UNIX. An application software package focuses on a particular
subject, such as word processing, and is sold to businesses and the general public.
103. Discuss the two trends that are changing the sources of computer software.
There are two trends that are changing the sources of computer software:
1) Greater use of prewritten software packagesYou can buy software to fit virtually any
need, either from a computer or office products retail store that specializes in selling software
or both software and hardware.
2) Greater use of prewritten componentsOne of the most fundamental trends in computer
software today is the move away from writing software from scratch toward using prewritten
components (frequently called objects in IT parlance).
104. What is an object? Define object-oriented programming.
An object is a component that contains data about itself and how it is to be processed.
Objects are independent software blocks that can be used in many different applications
without changing the program code. Object-oriented programming is a software
development technique that combines data and procedures into a single object.
105. List three types of information technology professionals and their functions.
Programmersuse programming languages to create computer and communications network

software.
Systems analystswork with users to determine the requirements an application must meet.
As part of their job, they may specify the purchase of a software package that gets the job
done or order the development of custom software.
Systems designersformulate application specifications and design the features of custom

software. In some organizations, the roles of programmer, systems analyst, and systems
designer may be filled by one person called a programmer/analyst.
106. Briefly discuss the four major categories of procedures.
Operations procedures refer to the execution of an application. Backup procedures describe

when and how to make extra copies, called backup copies. Recovery procedures describe
what actions to take when data and information or software must be recovered. Security
procedures are designed to safeguard data centers, communications networks, computers, and
other IT components from accidental intrusion or intentional damage. Development
procedures tell IT professionals how to describe user needs and develop applications to meet
those needs.
107. What are the reasons to use multiuser systems?
Multiuser systems are used to share a computer, hardware, software, information, and
communications. They increase the productivity and effectiveness of the people using the
applications, the productivity and effectiveness of the organizations in which the applications
are used, and the services provided to those who rely on the users of multiuser applications.
108. Distinguish between batch processing and real-time processing. Use examples to
help illustrate your point.
In batch processing, all transactions are grouped and processed at one time. At Starwood
Hotels, all the days guest records are processed at one time to produce a report of revenue
for the day. This is an example of batch processing. In real-time processing, each transaction
is processed as it occurs. For example, if a guest calls the reservation center and adds several
days to a planned stay at a hotel, the change is added directly into the database through a
terminal in real time.
109. What are the information-processing activities associated with the five
information handling functions?
The activities associated with information capturing are 1) input and 2) upload/download.
The activities associated with information processing are 1) compute, 2) update, 3) classify,
4) sort, and 5) summarize. The activities associated with generation are 1) output and 2)
issue. The activities associated with storage and retrieval are 1) inquire, 2) store, and 3)
retrieve. The activity associated with transmission is transmission.

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Chapter 2 Essentials of Computing 2-1

1. An informed computer user is an effective user.

Multiple Choice Questions

22. Which of the following is NOT a primary component of a computer system?

24. Which of the following is NOT a category of computer hardware components?

25. Input refers to:

a. the data or information entered into a computer.

a. keyboards, point-of-sale terminals, and CPU.

31. The center of action in a computer is the:

32. A mother board is also called a:

d. Central processing unit

35. Common forms of output are:

36. Output can be:

38. A secondary storage that stores data and information magnetically is a:

39. The most widely used types of secondary storage include:

41. CD-ROM is short for:

a. compact diskread only memory.

43. A(n) _______________ is a device containing a secondary storage mediums read/write

47. _________________ refers to a set of instructions that directs a computer to perform

48. A communications program:

a. instructs the hardware how to store information.

50. GUI stands for:

a. good user interface.

51. GUI allows users to:

a. use icons rather than command words to interact with computers.

53. Windows operating system:

a. is a single-user PC operating system.

54. Multitasking means that:

a. several CPUs are operating concurrently.

55. Which of the following is NOT a popular operating system?

56. UNIX is an operating system for:

57. An interface is:

a. the means by which a person interacts with a computer.

58. Which of the following is NOT a multiuser operating system?

59. Operating systems enable people to:

60. A word-processing program:

a. consists of rows and columns of data or information.

62. Database management programs:

a. let users store information as interrelated records.

63. A _____________ is a set of data pertaining to an item of interest.

64. Computer programs are created using:

65. Users of information technology include:

68. A _________________ is a step-by-step set of instructionsa processfor

69. The primary categories of procedures include:

70. Which of the following is NOT a primary category of procedures?

72. Typically, operations procedures describe:

a. how a system or application is used.

73. The reasons to use multiuser systems are:

74. Multiuser systems allow users to:

75. A single-user system:

a. is typically used by one person.

Fill In the Blanks

Difficulty: Easy Reference: p. 44

Difficulty: Medium Reference: p. 44

Difficulty: Medium Reference: p. 44

Difficulty: Medium Reference: pp. 45-46

Difficulty: Medium Reference: p. 47

85. A drive contains a secondary storage mediums read/write unit.

Difficulty: Easy Reference: p. 50

Difficulty: Medium Reference: p. 50

Difficulty: Easy Reference: p. 53

88. At the center of a computers activities is the operating system, a combination of