COSC Final Exam Study Guide

A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware component that allows a computer to connect to other computers or to the Internet. It acts as an interface between the computer and the network, enabling data transmission and communication. The NIC provides the necessary functions and protocols to establish and maintain a network connection, allowing the computer to send and receive data over the network. Without a NIC, the computer would not be able to connect to other computers or access the Internet.

Linux is an open-source operating system, which means it is freely available for anyone to download and use. There are various distributions of Linux that can be downloaded from the internet for free, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian. These distributions offer different features and cater to different user preferences. Therefore, it is true that a version of Linux can be downloaded from the internet for free.

Installing a device driver can sometimes cause system instability because device drivers are software programs that allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices. If a device driver is not compatible with the operating system or other installed drivers, it can lead to conflicts and errors, resulting in system instability. Additionally, if the device driver is outdated or contains bugs, it can also cause instability issues. Therefore, it is important to ensure that device drivers are properly installed and up to date to avoid system instability.

The statement accurately describes gadgets as easy-to-use mini desktop programs that provide quick access to information or tools. Gadgets are designed to give users information at a glance, such as weather updates, calendar events, or games. Therefore, the answer "True" is correct.

A network interface card (NIC) enables a computer to connect with other computers. It is a hardware component that allows the computer to communicate over a network by providing a physical connection to the network. The NIC is responsible for sending and receiving data packets between the computer and other devices on the network. It acts as a bridge between the computer and the network, allowing for the transmission and reception of data, enabling the computer to communicate and share resources with other computers.

Software is the correct answer because it refers to the set of computer programs that enable the hardware to perform different tasks. Hardware alone cannot perform tasks without the necessary software instructions. Data refers to the information processed by the computer, and binary data refers to data represented in binary form. However, neither of these options directly enables the hardware to perform tasks.

Binary language consists of only two digits, 0 and 1. This is because binary is a base-2 numeral system, meaning it only uses two symbols to represent numbers. In binary, each digit is a bit, and the value of each bit is either 0 or 1. This language is commonly used in computer systems and digital communication as it can easily represent and process information using electronic devices that work with binary logic.

In computing, a bit is the basic unit of information and can have two possible values: 0 or 1. A byte, on the other hand, is a unit of digital information that consists of 8 bits. Therefore, it is correct to say that eight bits equal one byte.

The combination of operating system and processor in a computer is referred to as a computer's platform. The platform represents the hardware and software components that work together to provide a computing environment. It includes the specific operating system and processor architecture that determine how software applications can run on the computer. The platform also encompasses other factors such as memory, storage, and networking capabilities.

Devices such as monitors and printers that are connected to the computer are called peripheral devices. These devices are external to the computer and provide input or output functions, expanding the capabilities of the computer system. They include devices like keyboards, mice, scanners, and speakers, which enhance the user's interaction with the computer. Peripheral devices are not involved in the processing of data but rather support and complement the main processing functions of the computer.

Boot Camp is a utility that allows users to run Windows and Mac OS X on a Mac computer. It provides a way to partition the hard drive and install Windows alongside Mac OS X, enabling users to switch between the two operating systems. This allows for increased flexibility and the ability to use software and applications from both Windows and Mac platforms simultaneously. Therefore, the statement that Boot Camp allows you to run Windows and Mac OS X at the same time is true.

In Windows, the backslash character (\) is used as a path separator. This character is used to separate directories and subdirectories in a file path. For example, C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Word.exe is a file path in Windows, where the backslash is used to separate the different folders in the path.

The antivirus program checking all files for viruses is not a step in the boot process. The boot process involves activating the BIOS by powering on the CPU, checking configuration and customization settings, and loading the operating system into RAM. The antivirus program typically runs after the boot process is complete, during regular system operation, to scan files for viruses and other malware.

ROM, or Read-Only Memory, is a type of permanent memory that contains all the instructions necessary for a computer to start up. Unlike RAM (Random Access Memory), which is volatile and loses its data when the computer is powered off, ROM retains its data even when the computer is turned off. This makes ROM an essential component in the boot process of a computer, as it holds the initial instructions that allow the computer to initialize its hardware and load the operating system.

When virtual memory is in use, excessive paging occurs when the system spends a significant amount of time constantly swapping pages between the RAM and the disk. This constant swapping leads to a decrease in overall system performance, as the CPU is occupied with managing the paging instead of executing actual tasks. This condition is known as thrashing. Therefore, the given statement is true.

During the virtual memory process, the operating system moves data to a temporary storage area on the hard drive called the swap file, not the ROM file. The swap file is used as a supplement to physical memory when it becomes full, allowing the operating system to free up space by temporarily storing data that is not currently being used. The ROM file, on the other hand, stands for Read-Only Memory and refers to a type of non-volatile memory that stores firmware or software that is permanently programmed and cannot be modified.

Mainframe computers are designed to support multiple users simultaneously. They have the capability to handle a large number of users and provide them with access to resources and applications concurrently. This is one of the key features of mainframe computers that sets them apart from other types of computers. They are specifically built to handle high-volume and high-performance computing tasks, making them ideal for large organizations and industries where multiple users need to access the system concurrently.

During the power-on self-test (POST), several checks are performed to ensure that the computer hardware is functioning correctly. The video card and video memory are tested to ensure proper display functionality. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is identified to establish communication with the hardware components. Memory is tested to ensure its reliability. However, the operating system (OS) is not moved into RAM during the POST. The OS is loaded into RAM later in the boot process, after the POST is completed.

In Windows, file names can contain special characters such as #, %, and $. However, the asterisk (*) is not allowed in file names because it is considered a wildcard character. Wildcard characters are used in file searches to represent any combination of characters. Therefore, the correct answer is *.

MAC OS is a single-user, multitask operating system. It is designed to be used by one user at a time but can handle multiple tasks simultaneously. MAC OS allows users to run multiple applications and switch between them seamlessly, enhancing productivity and efficiency. This operating system is commonly used on Apple computers and provides a user-friendly interface with advanced features and capabilities.

The operating system manages the flow of data and information through the computer system by coordinating various components such as hardware, software, user interface, processor, and system memory. It provides a platform for other software applications to run, manages memory allocation, handles input and output devices, and ensures the overall functionality and performance of the computer system.

The given statement that "A GUI is a command-driven interface" is false. A GUI (Graphical User Interface) is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical elements such as windows, icons, and menus. It is not a command-driven interface where users have to input commands through text-based interfaces. Instead, a GUI provides a visual and intuitive way for users to interact with the system by using mouse clicks, touch gestures, and graphical elements.

The CPU clock speed alone does not determine the performance of the CPU. While it is an important factor, other factors such as the number of cores, cache size, architecture, and efficiency of the CPU also play a significant role in determining its performance. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that the CPU clock speed solely determines the performance of the CPU.

ROM stands for Read-Only Memory, which holds the instructions that the computer needs to start up. Unlike RAM, which is volatile and loses its data when the computer is powered off, ROM retains its data even when the computer is turned off. The instructions stored in ROM are essential for the computer's booting process as they provide the initial set of instructions that the CPU executes to start up the computer's operating system.

Safe Boot is not a special diagnostic mode designed for troubleshooting errors that occur during the boot process. Instead, Safe Boot is a mode in which a computer starts up with only the essential system software and drivers, which helps to isolate and identify any software conflicts or issues. It is commonly used to troubleshoot software or driver-related problems, but it does not specifically target errors that occur during the boot process.