Basicont Midterm Exam '09

The correct answer is a list of different types of structured design. Simple Sequence refers to the execution of instructions in a sequential order. Selection involves making decisions based on certain conditions. Case is a type of selection that involves choosing from multiple options. Loop is a repetitive structure that allows a set of instructions to be executed multiple times. Branch is a structure that allows the program to jump to a different part of the code based on certain conditions.

In flowcharting, a parallelogram is used to represent the input or output in a program. This shape indicates that data is being received from an external source or being sent to an external destination. It helps in visualizing the flow of data into or out of the program.

In flowcharting, the figure that represents a condition or decision is a diamond or a rhombus. This shape is used to indicate a point in the program where a decision needs to be made based on a certain condition. The flow of the program can diverge into different paths depending on the outcome of this decision. Therefore, the correct answer is diamond or rhombus.

In flowcharting, a trapezoid shape is commonly used to represent a manual input being read. This shape indicates that the program is receiving data or information from a user or an external source. The trapezoid is chosen as it visually represents a document or a piece of paper being inserted into the program flow. This allows the reader of the flowchart to easily identify where manual input is required in the program.

The given answer options are all related to Apple Inc.'s operating system. MAC OS is the correct answer as it is the official name of the operating system developed by Apple Inc. Macintosh is another term commonly used to refer to Apple's computers and their operating system. MAC is a commonly used abbreviation for MAC OS, which is why it is also a valid answer option.

GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. It is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators, rather than using text-based commands. GUIs are widely used in software applications, operating systems, and websites, as they provide a more intuitive and user-friendly way for users to navigate and interact with the system. The acronym GUI is commonly used in the field of computer science and technology to refer to this concept.

FORTRAN stands for Formula Translator or Formula Translation. This acronym refers to a programming language that was developed in the 1950s and is mainly used for scientific and engineering applications. The language was designed to allow easy translation of mathematical formulas into code, hence the term "Formula Translator" or "Formula Translation". FORTRAN has been widely used in the field of scientific computing and is known for its efficiency and performance in numerical calculations.

COBOL stands for Common Business-Oriented Language. It is a programming language that was developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s. COBOL was designed specifically for business applications and is known for its readability and ease of use. It is still widely used today, particularly in legacy systems, for its ability to handle large-scale data processing and business transactions. Both "Common Business-Oriented Language" and "Common Business Oriented Language" are correct acronyms for COBOL.

The correct answer is "Disk Operating System." DOS stands for Disk Operating System, which is a computer operating system that was widely used in the 1980s and 1990s. It was mainly used on IBM-compatible personal computers and was known for its command-line interface. DOS allowed users to manage files and run programs on their computers.

Procedural programming is the correct answer because it refers to the combination of imperative programming with subprograms. In procedural programming, the program is divided into smaller procedures or subroutines, which are reusable blocks of code that can be called from different parts of the program. This approach allows for better organization and modularization of code, making it easier to understand, maintain, and debug. By combining imperative programming with subprograms, procedural programming provides a structured and efficient way to write code.

Copyright is a form of legal protection that grants the author of an original "work" exclusive rights to copy, distribute, sell, and edit that work. This means that the author has the sole authority to determine how their work is used and can prevent others from using it without their permission. Copyright is important because it allows creators to protect their intellectual property and ensures that they can benefit from their creations financially and creatively.

The given correct answer is "Utilities". Utilities are helpful tools that allow users to control and customize their computer equipment and work environment. These tools typically include software programs that perform specific tasks such as system maintenance, file management, data backup, and security. Utilities help users optimize their computer's performance, enhance productivity, and ensure a smooth and efficient work experience. They are essential for managing and maintaining the functionality of computer systems.

An operating system is a collection of system programs and routines that reside in the computer's memory. It manages the computer's hardware and software resources, providing services and functionalities to other software applications. The operating system acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer hardware, allowing users to interact with the system and run applications. It controls and coordinates the execution of various tasks, manages memory, handles input and output operations, and ensures the overall stability and security of the computer system.

A database is a collection of information that is structured in a way that allows a computer program to efficiently retrieve specific pieces of information. It is designed to store and manage large amounts of data in an organized manner, making it easier for users to access and manipulate the information they need. By using database management systems, users can perform queries and retrieve desired information quickly and accurately.

System software refers to a type of computer program that manages the resources of the computer, automates its operation, and facilitates program development. This includes operating systems, device drivers, utility programs, and other software components that enable the computer to function properly. System software acts as an intermediary between the hardware and application software, providing a platform for applications to run on and ensuring smooth operation of the computer system. It plays a crucial role in managing and controlling the computer's resources, making it an essential component for the overall functioning of the computer.

A translator is a program that converts instructions from a high-level language into machine language. It takes the entire program as input and translates it into machine code, which can be directly executed by the computer. An interpreter, on the other hand, translates and executes the program line by line, without creating an intermediate machine code. Therefore, the correct answer is Translator.

A diagnostic program, also known as a debugger, is a software tool that helps identify and locate errors or bugs in a program. It is designed to assist programmers in finding and fixing issues in their code by providing detailed information about the program's execution and identifying the specific lines or sections of code where errors occur. Diagnostic programs are essential for software development as they help ensure the reliability and functionality of the program by detecting and resolving any issues or bugs.

A multi-user operating system is designed to handle input, output, and processing requests from multiple users simultaneously. It allows multiple users to access and use the system resources such as files, applications, and peripherals at the same time. This type of operating system ensures that each user's tasks and data are kept separate and that resources are allocated efficiently among the users. It provides a secure and efficient environment for multiple users to work on the same system concurrently.

The control program is responsible for managing the overall system operations. It performs various tasks such as scheduling processes, handling input/output operations, monitoring the system status, and facilitating communication with programs. This program plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient functioning of the system by coordinating and controlling its various components and processes.

Linus Torvalds is the man behind the creation of the Linux kernel. He is a Finnish-American software engineer who developed the kernel in 1991. The Linux kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system and is responsible for managing the system's resources and facilitating communication between hardware and software. Linus Torvalds' contribution to the development of the Linux kernel has had a significant impact on the open-source community and the world of technology.

The center or core of the structure of an Operating System is called the Kernel. The Kernel is responsible for managing the system's resources, such as memory, processes, and input/output devices. It acts as a bridge between the hardware and software components of the system, providing an interface for applications to access the underlying hardware. The Kernel also handles system calls and manages the scheduling of processes, ensuring that they are executed efficiently. Overall, the Kernel plays a crucial role in the functioning and stability of the Operating System.

The programs that surround the core of an Operating System are called the Shell and Shell Programs. The shell is a user interface that allows users to interact with the operating system and execute commands. It provides a way to access the operating system's services and manage files and processes. Shell programs, on the other hand, are scripts or batch files written in a shell scripting language that automate tasks and provide additional functionality to the shell.

The acronym PARC stands for Palo Alto Research Center. This is a research and development company located in Palo Alto, California. It is known for its contributions to the development of various technologies, including the graphical user interface, Ethernet, laser printing, and object-oriented programming. PARC has played a significant role in the advancement of computer science and technology, making it a well-known and respected institution in the industry.

The correct answer is "Multitasking Operating System". This is because a multitasking operating system is designed to allow multiple programs to run simultaneously by sharing the processor's time and resources. It provides process and memory management services, allowing efficient switching between different programs and ensuring that they do not interfere with each other's memory space. Therefore, the term "Multitasking Operating System" accurately describes an operating system that supports the execution of multiple programs concurrently.

The given correct answer is "Writing a Program, writing a program". This answer suggests that the stage being referred to in the question is the process of actually writing a program using a specific programming language. This stage involves translating the logic and requirements of the program into actual code that can be executed by a computer. It is an essential step in program planning and development, as it is the means by which the desired functionality and behavior of the program are implemented.

Documenting the program is an essential stage in program planning and development because it allows for future maintenance purposes. By documenting the program, developers can provide clear instructions and explanations about the code, making it easier for others to understand and modify the program in the future. However, in extreme programming, documentation is considered optional as the focus is more on frequent code refactoring and collaboration between team members.

Pascal is a high-level programming language that was developed by Niklaus Wirth. It is named after the French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal. Pascal was designed to be efficient and easy to read and write, making it a popular choice for teaching programming concepts. It features strong typing, structured programming, and modular programming. Pascal has been influential in the development of other programming languages such as Delphi and Ada.

Bjarne Stroustrup is the creator of the C++ programming language. He developed C++ as an extension of the C programming language, adding features like classes and objects to support object-oriented programming. Stroustrup's goal was to create a language that combined the efficiency and low-level control of C with the high-level abstractions and code reusability of object-oriented programming. C++ has since become a widely used programming language in various domains, including system programming, game development, and embedded systems.

A multitasking operating system is the correct answer because it provides process and memory management services that allow two or more programs to run simultaneously. This means that multiple programs can be executed and managed by the operating system at the same time, allowing for efficient multitasking and utilization of system resources.

A license agreement is a legal contract that defines the use of a computer program. It outlines the terms and conditions under which the software can be used, such as the number of users, the duration of the license, and any restrictions or limitations. This agreement is important as it protects the rights of both the software developer and the user, ensuring that the software is used in accordance with the agreed-upon terms.

A spreadsheet is a software application that displays multiple cells organized in rows and columns. Each cell can contain alphanumeric text or numeric values. This allows users to create and manipulate data in a tabular format, perform calculations, and create charts or graphs based on the data. Examples of spreadsheet applications include Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.

The given question asks to identify the operating system that does not belong to the family of Windows Operating System. Windows 10.1 is not a valid version of the Windows Operating System. The other options, Windows 3.1, Windows 3.11, and Windows 98, are all legitimate versions of Windows Operating System.

The boot strap program is responsible for loading the core parts of the system into memory when the system boots up. It provides the necessary instructions to initiate the booting process and ensures that the essential components of the operating system are loaded correctly. Without the boot strap program, the system would not be able to start up properly.

A support module is a separate set of instructions that is used alongside the main software program. It provides additional functionality and assistance to the main program, helping it perform specific tasks or functions. This auxiliary set of instructions is designed to enhance the capabilities of the main software program and provide support for various operations.

Supervisor Programs are not an example of service programs because they are responsible for managing and controlling the execution of other programs, rather than providing a specific service or functionality. Diagnostic Programs are used to identify and solve problems in a computer system. Librarian Programs are used to manage and organize files and resources. Utility Programs are designed to perform specific tasks such as file compression, disk cleanup, and system optimization.

Public Domain Software refers to software that is not protected by copyright and is available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. It is a special case of non-copylefted free software, meaning that some copies or modified versions may not be free. In certain cases, the executable program may be in the public domain, but the source code is not accessible. This means that while the software can be freely used and distributed, the user may not have access to the underlying source code.

A program is a set of instructions that tells a computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task. It is a sequence of commands that are written in a programming language and can be executed by a computer. Programs can be used to perform various tasks such as calculations, data processing, and controlling hardware devices. They are essential for the functioning of computers and are the foundation of all software applications.

Control programs are responsible for performing various tasks such as scheduling, input/output handling, monitoring system status, and facilitating communication with the program. These programs help in managing and controlling the overall functioning of the system. They ensure that the system resources are efficiently utilized and coordinate the execution of different processes. Control programs play a crucial role in maintaining the stability and smooth operation of the system.

Top-down design is a structured design approach where the solution is broken down into smaller components or modules. The major components are identified first, and then the solution is expressed as a sequence of these components. Each major component is then further expanded or broken down into smaller components. This approach allows for a systematic and organized way of designing a solution, starting from the high-level overview and gradually refining the details. In contrast, bottom-up design starts with the smaller components and builds up to the larger solution.

In the Program Planning and Development phase, recognizing the need for information is crucial. This involves determining the specific requirements and objectives of the program. Defining the program involves clearly outlining its purpose, scope, and goals. It helps in understanding what information is required to meet the program's objectives and how it will be collected, analyzed, and utilized. This step is essential for effective program planning and development.

Pseudocode is a method used to outline the steps a computer program must perform. It is a form of instructions that is easier for humans to understand and write, as it uses a combination of natural language and programming language elements. Pseudocode helps programmers plan and organize their code before writing it in a specific programming language. It is not a programming language itself, but rather a way to represent the logic and structure of a program.

A tree organizes data in a hierarchical structure, where each element is connected to one or more other elements in a branching pattern. This allows for efficient searching and retrieval of data. Trees are commonly used in computer science and data structures to represent hierarchical relationships, such as file systems or organization charts. They are also used in algorithms like binary search trees, where data is sorted and organized for quick access.

Machine language is the correct answer because it refers to a system of instructions and data that can be directly executed by a computer's central processing unit. Machine language is a low-level programming language that is specific to a particular computer architecture and is represented by binary code. It is the most basic form of programming language that a computer can understand and execute, making it an essential component of computer programming and software development.

Software is the correct answer because it encompasses computer programs, support modules, and data modules that are essential for a computer to perform a specific task. Software refers to the instructions and data that enable a computer to function and carry out various operations. It includes programs, support modules, and data modules that work together to provide the necessary instructions and data to the computer.

The correct answer is "Quick and Dirty Operating Systems." The acronym QDOS stands for Quick and Dirty Operating Systems. This suggests that QDOS refers to a type of operating system that is designed to be developed quickly and without much attention to detail or quality. These types of operating systems are often used for temporary or experimental purposes, rather than for long-term or critical applications.

The correct answer is "Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction." This is the definition of the acronym BASIC. BASIC is a programming language that was designed for beginners and is known for its simplicity and versatility. It was widely used in the early days of computing and is still taught in some introductory programming courses today.