Midterm - It101 2014

The word "pointer" is the correct answer because it is the term commonly used to describe the mouse cursor on a computer screen. The cursor is typically represented by an arrow shape, indicating its position and allowing users to interact with different elements on the screen. Therefore, "pointer" accurately describes the appearance and function of the mouse on a computer.

Audio input devices convert sounds into a form that can be processed by the system unit. These devices are designed to capture and convert audio signals, such as voice or music, into digital data that can be understood by the computer. This allows users to input audio information into the system, which can then be used for various purposes such as recording, communication, or multimedia applications. Examples of audio input devices include microphones, MIDI keyboards, and audio interfaces.

An internet telephone is a specialized input and output device for receiving and sending voice communication. It allows users to make phone calls over the internet, using voice over IP (VoIP) technology. Unlike traditional telephones, internet telephones convert voice signals into digital data and transmit them over the internet, eliminating the need for a physical telephone line. This makes it a specialized device specifically designed for voice communication over the internet.

Antivirus programs are designed to protect your computer from malicious programs that can harm your system. They scan files, emails, and websites for any potential threats such as viruses, malware, or spyware. By regularly updating their virus definitions, antivirus programs can detect and remove these harmful programs, preventing them from invading and damaging your computer system. Therefore, antivirus programs are essential for keeping your computer safe and secure.

Blu-Ray is the hi-def standard because it offers superior video and audio quality compared to CD, DVD, and Beta Max. Blu-Ray discs have a higher storage capacity, allowing them to store high-definition content with greater detail and clarity. They also support advanced audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, providing a more immersive and realistic audio experience. Blu-Ray players and televisions are designed to handle the higher bandwidth required for hi-def content, ensuring smooth playback without any loss in quality.

GUI stands for "graphical user interface." A graphical user interface is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical elements such as icons, buttons, and menus. It provides a visual representation of the system and enables users to perform tasks by manipulating these graphical elements using a pointing device like a mouse. GUIs are widely used in operating systems, software applications, and websites to enhance user experience and make it easier for users to navigate and interact with the system.

Virtual reality allows users to interact in a fully immersed 3-D environment. It provides a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. Through the use of specialized equipment, such as headsets and controllers, users can explore and interact with virtual environments, objects, and characters. This technology is commonly used in gaming, training simulations, and other applications where a realistic and immersive experience is desired.

A Universal Product Code (UPC) is read by a bar code scanner. Bar code scanners use lasers or image sensors to read the black and white lines of the bar code, which represent the encoded information of the product. The scanner then translates this information into a digital format that can be processed by a computer or other electronic device.

Windows is the most widely used operating system because it has a large market share and is used by a majority of computer users worldwide. It is known for its user-friendly interface, compatibility with a wide range of software and hardware, and extensive support from Microsoft. Windows is also commonly used in businesses and educational institutions, further contributing to its widespread usage. Mac OS, Unix, and Linux are also popular operating systems but have a smaller market share compared to Windows.

The motherboard is the main circuit board in a computer system that connects and controls all the components and peripherals. It provides the communication pathway for data transfer between the CPU, memory, storage devices, and other hardware components. It also houses essential components like the BIOS, expansion slots, and connectors for external devices. Therefore, the motherboard controls communications for the entire computer system.

A wireless keyboard provides the greatest amount of flexibility and convenience by eliminating cables connected to the system unit. This means that users are not restricted by the length of the cable and can move around freely while using the keyboard. It also reduces clutter on the desk and allows for a more organized workspace. Additionally, wireless keyboards are often more ergonomic, with features such as adjustable angles and wrist rests, making them more comfortable to use for extended periods of time.

A bit is the smallest unit in a digital system. It represents a binary value of either 0 or 1. All data in a digital system is ultimately represented and processed as a series of bits. Other options like byte, word, and character are larger units that are composed of multiple bits. Therefore, the correct answer is bit.

Graphics coprocessors are specialized chips that are designed to handle the processing requirements of displaying and manipulating 3-D images. These chips work in conjunction with the main processor to offload the complex calculations and rendering tasks involved in generating realistic 3-D graphics. By dedicating a separate chip for graphics processing, it allows for faster and more efficient rendering, resulting in smoother and more realistic visuals in applications such as video games and computer-aided design.

In a multimedia presentation, pages usually contain links or connections to related information. These links allow the audience to access additional content or navigate through different sections of the presentation. By clicking on these links, users can explore more in-depth information, access external resources, or move to different parts of the presentation. Therefore, the correct answer is "links."

System software refers to the software that enables the computer to interact with the user, applications, and hardware. It includes the operating system, device drivers, and utility programs. While application software is designed for specific tasks, such as word processing or database management, system software provides a platform for running these applications and managing the overall operation of the computer system. Therefore, system software is the correct answer in this case.

Plug and Play refers to a computer's ability to configure and use a device without human interaction. This feature allows a computer to automatically recognize and configure newly connected devices, such as printers or USB drives, without the need for manual installation of drivers or configuration settings. Plug and Play simplifies the process of connecting and using devices, making it more convenient for users and reducing the need for technical knowledge or expertise.

DVD stands for digital versatile disc. This is a type of optical storage medium that can store large amounts of data, including video, audio, and computer files. The term "versatile" refers to its ability to be used for various purposes, such as playing movies, storing data, and recording content. The term "digital" indicates that the information is stored in a digital format, allowing for easy manipulation and playback.

A touch screen is a type of pointing device that has crisscrossed invisible beams of infrared light that are protected with a clear plastic outer layer. This allows the screen to detect and respond to touch inputs from the user. Unlike other pointing devices like a joystick, optical mouse, or pointing stick, a touch screen does not require physical movement or contact with a surface to function. Instead, it relies on the interruption of the infrared beams caused by the user's touch to determine the input.

Mass storage is the correct answer because it refers to a specialized high-capacity secondary storage device designed to meet organizational demands for data. This term encompasses various storage devices such as hard drives, solid-state drives, and network-attached storage devices that are capable of storing large amounts of data for long periods of time. Blue-ray Disc, Hi-Def, and floppy disk are not necessarily specialized high-capacity storage devices designed for organizational data demands.

MIDI ports connect special types of music instruments to sound cards. MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, and it is a protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate and synchronize with each other. MIDI ports transmit digital data that represents musical notes, control signals, and other musical information between the instrument and the sound card, enabling the instrument to be played through the sound card and recorded or manipulated using software.

When a computer system is started, the operating system loads device drivers into memory. Device drivers are software programs that allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices such as printers, scanners, and sound cards. These drivers facilitate the proper functioning of the hardware devices by providing the necessary instructions and protocols. Therefore, it is essential for the operating system to load device drivers into memory during startup to ensure that the hardware devices can be used effectively.

Graphic programs widely used in the graphic arts profession include desktop publishing programs, image editors, and illustration programs. These programs are essential tools for professionals in the graphic arts industry as they allow for the creation, editing, and manipulation of images, illustrations, and layouts. Desktop publishing programs enable the design and layout of documents, while image editors provide tools for editing and enhancing images. Illustration programs are used for creating digital illustrations and artwork. Together, these programs form the foundation of graphic design and allow professionals to create visually appealing and engaging visual content.

The term "density" refers to how tightly the bits can be packed next to one another on a disk. It measures the amount of data that can be stored in a given area of the disk. A higher density means that more bits can be stored in a smaller space, resulting in increased storage capacity.

Laser printers use a technology called electrophotography, which is similar to the process used in photocopying machines. In both cases, a laser beam is used to create an image on a drum, which is then transferred onto paper using toner. This technology allows laser printers to produce high-quality prints with sharp text and graphics. Inkjet printers, on the other hand, use a different technology that involves spraying tiny droplets of ink onto the paper. Portable and thermal printers are not related to the technology used in photocopying machines.

The data on an optical disc is represented by flat areas called "lands" on the disc surface. These lands are the areas where the laser beam reflects off the surface, indicating the absence of data. In contrast, "pits" are the depressed areas on the disc surface that represent the presence of data. Therefore, lands are the correct answer as they represent the flat areas on the disc surface where data is not present.

Mac OS is the correct answer because it is known for its user-friendly interface and its compatibility with various multimedia software and tools. It offers a wide range of applications specifically designed for graphic design and multimedia editing, making it a popular choice among professionals in these fields. Additionally, Mac OS has a reputation for its stability and performance, which further enhances its appeal to graphic designers and multimedia workers.

Thick, rigid metal platters that are capable of storing and retrieving information at a high rate of speed are known as hard disks. Hard disks are the primary storage devices used in computers and other electronic devices. They consist of multiple platters coated with a magnetic material that allows data to be written and read using a read/write head. Hard disks provide large storage capacities and fast data access speeds, making them ideal for storing and retrieving large amounts of data quickly. Flash memory, floppy disks, and microSD cards are different types of storage devices with their own characteristics and capabilities.

The data on an optical disc is represented by flat areas called "lands" on the disc surface. These lands are the areas where the laser beam does not reflect back to the sensor, indicating the absence of data. In contrast, "pits" are the areas where the laser beam is absorbed, representing the presence of data. Therefore, the correct answer is "lands" as it accurately describes the flat areas on the disc surface where data is not present.

RAM is referred to as volatile storage because it is a type of computer memory that is temporary and loses its data when the power is turned off or lost. Unlike secondary storage, such as hard drives or solid-state drives, RAM cannot retain data without a constant power supply. Therefore, the correct answer is "Volatile."

WYSIWYG editors, or What You See Is What You Get editors, are web authoring tools that provide a visual representation of a webpage based on the HTML code. These editors allow users to design and edit webpages without needing to have extensive knowledge of HTML coding. Instead, users can simply drag and drop elements onto the page and see how they will appear in the final version. This visual approach makes it easier for individuals with limited coding experience to create and modify webpages.

Robots used in automobile plants are classified as industrial robots because they are specifically designed and programmed to perform various tasks in an industrial setting, such as assembly, welding, painting, and handling heavy materials. These robots are typically used to increase efficiency, precision, and productivity in manufacturing processes, making them a crucial component of the automotive industry.

A language translator is responsible for converting a program into machine language so that a computer can understand and execute it. This process involves translating the high-level programming language used by humans into low-level machine code that the computer's processor can directly understand and execute. Without a language translator, the computer would not be able to interpret and run the program instructions written in a programming language.

Image editors are software applications that are specifically designed for creating and editing various types of images. Bitmap images are one of the most common types of images that can be edited using image editors. Bitmap images are made up of individual pixels, where each pixel contains information about its color and position. Image editors allow users to manipulate these pixels, making changes to the color, size, shape, and other attributes of the image. Therefore, bitmap images are a valid answer for the question.

Access speed refers to the amount of time it takes for a storage device to retrieve data and programs. It is a measure of how quickly the device can access and transfer information. Capacity, memory, and storage are all related to the amount of data that can be stored, but they do not specifically refer to the speed at which the data can be accessed. Therefore, access speed is the correct answer in this context.

A warm boot occurs when a computer is restarted without turning off the power. This means that the computer is rebooted while it is still powered on, allowing the operating system to shut down and restart without a complete power cycle. Warm booting is often used to quickly restart a computer or troubleshoot software issues without the need to go through the full startup process.

The overall site design is commonly represented in a graphical map because a graphical map visually displays the structure and layout of a website. It allows designers and developers to have a visual representation of the different pages, sections, and elements of the site, making it easier to understand and plan the design. A graphical map helps in organizing the content, navigation, and overall user experience of the website.

A concentric ring on a hard disk is referred to as a track. This is because the data on a hard disk is organized in concentric circles or tracks, which are divided into smaller sectors. Each track represents a specific location on the disk where data can be stored and accessed. Therefore, the correct answer is track.

The most important characteristic of a monitor is its clarity. Clarity refers to the quality of the display, specifically how sharp and clear the images and text appear on the screen. A monitor with good clarity will have a high pixel density, resulting in crisp and detailed visuals. This is crucial for tasks that require precise and accurate viewing, such as graphic design, video editing, or gaming. A monitor with poor clarity may have blurry or pixelated images, which can strain the eyes and make it difficult to work effectively.

Sequential access refers to a method of accessing data where the information is read or written in a sequential order, one after the other. In the case of tape, data is stored in a linear manner on the tape, and to access a particular piece of information, the tape must be read from the beginning until the desired data is reached. This is in contrast to direct access, where data can be accessed randomly, and magneto-optical and DVD, which are types of storage media and not access methods. Therefore, the correct answer is sequential.

Fuzzy logic is a concept used in computer science and mathematics to handle reasoning and decision-making in a manner that mimics human thinking. It allows for the representation of uncertain or imprecise information by assigning degrees of truth to statements. By using fuzzy logic, systems can respond to questions or make decisions in a more humanlike way, considering multiple factors and allowing for a range of possible outcomes rather than strict binary choices.

Aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of a monitor. It is expressed as a ratio, such as 16:9 or 4:3, where the first number represents the width and the second number represents the height. This ratio determines the shape of the screen and how content is displayed. For example, a monitor with a 16:9 aspect ratio is wider and more suitable for watching movies, while a 4:3 aspect ratio is more square and commonly used for older computer displays. Therefore, aspect ratio accurately describes the relationship between the height and width of a monitor.

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is the correct answer because it refers to the field of computer science that focuses on creating computer systems capable of imitating or simulating human senses. AI aims to develop machines that can perceive, understand, reason, and learn like humans, enabling them to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. This includes areas such as speech recognition, image processing, natural language understanding, and computer vision.

Cache memory improves processing by acting as a temporary high-speed holding area between the memory and the CPU. It stores frequently accessed data and instructions, allowing the CPU to quickly retrieve them without having to wait for them to be fetched from the main memory. This helps to reduce the latency and increase the overall speed and efficiency of the system.

An input device is the correct answer because it is the hardware used to translate words, sounds, images, and actions that people understand into a form that the system unit can process. Input devices allow users to input data or commands into a computer system, such as keyboards, mice, scanners, and microphones. These devices convert the user's input into a format that the computer can understand and process.

Solid state storage devices, such as solid state drives (SSDs), do not have any moving parts. Unlike traditional hard disks and floppy disks, which use spinning disks to read and write data, solid state storage relies on flash memory technology. This allows for faster data access, improved durability, and reduced power consumption. Solid state storage has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its reliability and performance advantages over traditional mechanical storage devices.

Slots provide expansion capability for a computer system. They are physical connectors on the motherboard where additional components such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards can be inserted. These components enhance the functionality and performance of the computer by allowing the user to add more features and capabilities. By using slots, users can easily upgrade their computer system without the need to replace the entire motherboard.

Unix was originally designed to run on minicomputers used in a network environment. It was developed in the 1970s at Bell Labs by a group of programmers including Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie. Unix was created to provide a multitasking, multiuser operating system for minicomputers, which were commonly used in networked environments at the time. Its design and features made it well-suited for this purpose, and it became widely adopted in academic and research institutions, as well as in industry.

A 32-bit word computer can access 4 bytes at a time. In computer architecture, a word is the unit of data that can be transferred between the CPU and memory. In a 32-bit computer, the word size is 32 bits or 4 bytes. This means that the computer can fetch or store 4 bytes of data in a single memory access. This is important for efficient data processing and memory management in computer systems.

The control unit is responsible for coordinating and managing the execution of instructions in a computer program. It acts as the "brain" of the computer, interpreting and executing instructions from the memory. It controls the flow of data between the CPU, memory, and other peripheral devices, ensuring that each instruction is carried out correctly and in the right order. Without the control unit, the computer would not be able to execute programs and perform tasks.

Programs used to create or modify vector images are commonly referred to as "illustration programs". These programs are specifically designed to work with vector graphics, allowing users to create and manipulate scalable images using mathematical equations to define the shapes and lines. Examples of popular illustration programs include Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Inkscape.