Module 4: Computer Systems

Which of the following statements describe why businesses use networks? Select all that apply.

Businesses use networks for customer support. Businesses use networks for data sharing. Businesses use networks to reduce costs. Incorrect answers: Businesses use networks for increased security.

How have computer users changed over the last 75 years?

Almost anyone can be a computer user today whereas in the past only computer scientists and those with specialized training used computers. (Users have progressed almost as much as the technology. As technology has become easier to use, it has allowed almost anyone to be able to use it.) Incorrect answers: Computer users today have less interaction with computers because they are unaware of when they may be using them. Computer users have not progressed much over the years. There are still very few specialists that can interact effectively with a computer. Computer users interacted more with the technology previously because the had more specialized training.

Which of the following would NOT require the use of a network?

Loading a statistical program on your personal computer. (You would not need a computer network to complete this activity.) Incorrect answers: Computers in an office sharing the same printer. Gourmet chocolate being sold on the internet. Schools turning in attendance files to the district office.

Which of the following would NOT be considered hardware?

Word processor. (A word processor is a software program to enter data and is not part of a computer's hardware.) Incorrect answers: Keyboard. Monitor. Central processing unit.

Which of the following is an accurate definition of a computer system?

A computer system is a collection of hardware and software components that work together to meet the needs of the user. Incorrect answers: A computer system consists of the operating system that tells the computer how to execute commands. A computer system is hardware devices that work together. A computer system is a network that allows computers, tablets, smartphones, etc. to connect to the internet.

Select the statement that best describes the difference between software and hardware.

Computer software is developed by writing a program using programming language whereas computer hardware is the physical components such as memory modules and disk drives. (Software is intangible whereas computer hardware is tangible.) Incorrect answers: Computer programming language instructions can be very broad and general whereas computer hardware specifications must be very specific. Computer software consists of applications such as word processing and spreadsheet programs whereas computer hardware includes the operating system. Computer software consists of drivers and their associated devices whereas computer hardware includes only internal system devices.

What does the acronym IPOS stand for?

Input, process, output, storage. (Input, process, output, and storage (IPOS) represent the different tasks of computers.) Incorrect answers: Identify, post, optimize, storage. Identify, process, outcome, summary. Input, prepare, overview, save.

Which of the following include only elements of a computer system? Select all that apply.

Network cables. CPU. OS. Incorrect answers: Printer Ink.

Which answer most accurately describes the timeline of computer development?

First, computers built and programmed by engineers. Next, limited use of computers by large organizations. Next, introduction of personal computers. Lastly, Graphical User Interface systems are introduced. Incorrect answers: First, limited use of computers by large organizations. Next, computers built and programmed by engineers. Next, introduction of personal computers. Lastly, Graphical User Interface systems are introduced. First, computers built and programmed by engineers. Next, Graphical User Interface systems are introduced. Next, limited use of computers by large organizations. Lastly, introduction of personal computers. First, Graphical User Interface systems are introduced. Next, limited use of computers by large organizations. Next, computers built and programmed by engineers. Lastly, introduction of the personal computer.

Which of the following is an accurate statement about the software in a computer system? Select all that apply.

A computer system needs software to be able to communicate with users as well as other computers. The software in a computer system may be shared if the system is a part of a network. Software must be part of the computer system in order for the system to be useful. Incorrect answers: The only software that is necessary in a computer system is the device drivers that enavle the peripheral devices to communicate with the CPU.

Read the following scenario and determine the best hardware or software solution for the situation. Teachers in the Lincoln County School District are complaining about the speed of the internet in their classrooms. Marcus, the IT Coordinator, has a limited amount of money to spend to address the issue. Select the option below that uses hardware or software to help solve the problem.

Marcus determines the school's routers that transmit information from the internet across the district are slow and outdated, so he will use the money to replace them. (Marcus determines he has a hardware issue and, by replacing the network hardware, he should solve the problem.) Incorrect answers: Marcus plans on buying each school a new monitor to replace the older models. Marcus plans to hire a part-time trainer to help the teachers with surfing the internet. Marcus uses the funding to purchase new software games that require less memory.

Which of the following statements describes why network protocols are necessary?

Network protocols are necessary for computers to communicate with each other. (Without protocols, computers would not speak the same computer language and would be unable to communicate.) Incorrect answers: Network protocols are necessary for a home computer that is not connected to the internet or any other device. Network protocols prevent computer hacking. Network protocols are required by international laws.

Which of the following is/are true of the IPOS cycle?

Once words, numbers or images are entered, a computer processes the data into useable information that can then be accessed to answer questions or meet specific needs. Incorrect answers: As long as the data is entered correctly, there is no need to store it. The reason for storage is to be able to prove what has been entered. The steps of the IPOS cycle can occur in any order. If there will be no future need for certain information, a user can go straight from the input stage to the output stage without going through the processing and storage stages.

Which statements about the history of computer development are correct? Select all that apply.

The development of new hardware and software requires special training. The capabilities and complexities of computers have grown substantially, but the ease of use has also made them user-friendly. The following are examples of Graphical User Interface systems: GPS systems, ATM machines, and tablets and smartphones. Incorrect answers: To effectively use computer systems today, you need to participate in advanced training.