Deck 9: The Computer Industry: History, Careers, and Ethics

Question 1

You receive an e-mail from a software publisher that offers to supply you with a free copy of a new operating system if you become part of a beta test program. You are hesitant about participating because beta software versions often contain
that can cause unexpected glitches in your computer.

Answer 1

Unexpected glitches because of beta version
Testing phase is an important factor that determines the efficiency of software or hardware. Most of the software companies do testing in two phases given below:
1. Alpha testing
2. Beta testing
The in-house testing team when tests the software, it is called alpha testing. In bets testing, the manufacturer provides the software to individual users or companies before official release of the software.
As the software is not tested as per the requirements of user, there are possibilities that the version can cause unexpected glitches in computer and are buggy versions.
Therefore, the appropriate word to fill in the blank is Bugs.

Question 2

You want to make sure your computer is set up so that you can avoid disabling musculoskeletal injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome. You can look for
guidelines on the Web, which offer advice on how to position your computer monitor and where to place lighting.

Answer 2

Ergonomics
Nowadays, people are so busy in their works. Many people are even not bothered about their health which is very dangerous mainly for those who spend more hours before computer.
Ergonomics gives an idea about how safe environments should be, particularly working places. The most important thing that should be kept in mind while working is how the computer is setup. Because if it is not set properly, that's where the problem starts and injuries like carpel tunnel syndrome (problem at wrist) can happen.
Not only wrist but the total body can be affected if computer setup is not good. Back pain, Neck pain can happen. On web, ergonomic guidelines are provided, which offer advice on how to position the computer.
Therefore, the appropriate word to fill in the blank is ergonomic.

Question 3

A(n)
is usually paid by the job, rather than by the hour, and is not officially an employee of the company for which he or she works.

Answer 3

Unofficial employee of company and gets payment as per their job
In IT industries, there are a lot of contract workers or temporary workers. They work on the basis of their contract and get payment on the basis of work done by them. A contract has been made between the company and contract workers. These workers cannot take the advantage of benefits provided by companies for their employees.
Therefore, the appropriate word to fill in the blank is contract worker.

Question 4

Discuss the key developments that changed the personal computer's target market from a small group of hobbyists to a diverse population.

Question 5

List four ways in which the Internet can figure into your job search. Suppose you have a version of your resume in DOCX, PDF, ASCII, and HTML formats. Explain the circumstances under which you would use each of these versions.

Question 6

A student who wants to work with computers but does not have strong math aptitude might find a good fit by pursuing a(n)
systems degree.

Question 7

After studying and gaining practical experience on how to analyze a computer system's vulnerability to threats from viruses, worms, unauthorized access, and physical damage, you are ready for a job as a(n)______________ specialist.

Question 8

Make a list of the situations described in this chapter that required a computer professional to make an ethical decision. Make a list of the resources mentioned in this chapter that can help computer professionals resolve ethical issues.

Question 9

IC3, CCNP, and CISSP are examples of computer
exams.

Question 10

Describe the hardware, software, and operating system characteristics for each of the four generations of computers.

Question 11

List and briefly describe the major health risks that have been associated with computer use.

Question 12

An XML or
version of your resume can be easily posted online or added to the text of e-mail messages.

Question 13

You accepted a project with an IT company as a(n)
worker, fully realizing that you will not be considered an official employee of the company, nor will you be eligible for the company's health care or retirement benefits.

Question 14

Draw a diagram showing ergonomic placement for equipment and furniture in a computer work area.

Question 15

Computer professionals sometimes have to make
decisions in situations where the right course of action is not clear.

Question 16

Make a list of the computer companies mentioned in the chapter. What was the contribution of each company to the evolution of computers, from the prototypes of the 1940s to the personal computers that we use today?

Question 17

The abacus and slide rule are examples of manual calculators, which require the operator to apply a(n)
to perform calculations.

Question 18

Many aspects of law that pertain to computers, software, and intellectual property are included in the
Millennium Copyright Act.

Question 19

Your friend is not strong in math, but really wants to work with computers. You suggest that your friend consider a(n)
systems degree.

Question 20

Charles
designed a general- purpose calculating device, called the Analytical Engine, that embodied many of the concepts that define the modern computer.

Question 21

Computer professionals know that it is important to maintain
and privacy for data that pertains to individuals.

Question 22

Describe the role of the computer and IT industries in today's global economy.

Question 23

In 1965, Digital Equipment Corp. (DEC) introduced the DEC PDP-8, the first commercially successful
.

Question 24

Computer professionals sometimes have difficulty evaluating whether a project is socially
because project team members might not be given detailed information about a product's application.

Question 25

To supplement your computer science degree, you decide to take a(n)
exam to become a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.

Question 26

The first generation of computers can be characterized by its use of
tubes to store individual bits of data, whereas second-generation computers used.

Question 27

A(n)
is someone in an organization who decides to speak out against on-the-job activities that are contrary to the mission of the organization or threaten the public interest.

Question 28

Define the terms outsourcing and offshoring , and then explain how they relate to the IT industry.

Question 29

Third-generation computers were based on
circuit technology, and fourth-generation computers are characterized by
technology.

Question 30

Some types of radiation, such as gamma rays and X-rays, are safer than light, heat, and microwaves. True or false?

Question 31

Suppose that you were an accountant in 1979, and you wanted to use a state-of-the-art personal computer and software for your work. You would probably have selected an Apple II computer and
software.

Question 32

As part of your job hunting activities, you plan to create your resume in several different
, for use in the body of an e?mail message, as a Web page, and as a printed document.

Question 33

IT
companies offer business consulting, Web site design, Web hosting, Internet connections, computer equipment repair, network security, and product support.

Question 34

Computer displays and televisions that use CRT technology emit less radiation than LCD screens. True or false?

Question 35

Create a timeline of the historical computer events described in Section A.

Question 36

List five stages in the life cycle of a typical computer hardware product, then explain the similarities and differences that exist in the life cycle of a software product.

Question 37

Many computer companies make significant use of
to obtain components and labor from other companies.

Question 38

If you are curious about the amount of radio frequency emitted by your cell phone, you can check its
level on the FCC Web site. (Hint: Use the acronym.)

Question 39

You work as a manufacturing technician in a chip fabrication plant. Your aunt asks if you're in the IT industry. Your response:

Question 40

You're working with a friend on an assignment and she proudly shows you a program she's developing to shut down hate sites on the Web. Her plan gives you an uneasy feeling. You'll have to make a(n)
decision about what to do.

Question 41

The life cycle of a new computer model typically evolves through five stages: product development, product
, introduction, maintenance, and retirement.

Question 42

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an example of a(n)
stress injury.

Question 43

Supply examples of counting aids, manual calculators, and mechanical calculators, and then explain the differences that characterize each.

Question 44

Define the term computer professional , and list at least eight job titles that it encompasses. Summarize the current job outlook and working conditions for computer professionals.

Question 45

Software publishers sometimes offer a public
version of a product for widespread testing before the product is officially released.

Question 46

According to ergonomic guidelines, you should place your notebook computer in your lap when in use. True or false?

Question 47

When you call your computer manufacturer for technical support, you aren't surprised by the lilting accents of the technicians because many call centers operate in other countries, a practice called
.

Question 48

You've discovered your company's accounting system was intentionally modified to disguise certain expenses. You're contemplating what might happen if you become a(n)
, and expose this unethical practice.

Question 49

If a small business lacks the time or expertise to assemble a computer system customized for a task such as professional video editing, a(n)
, might offer a turn-key solution. (Hint: Use the acronym.)

Question 50

Define how the term prototype applies to the history of computing, and list at least five computer prototypes that were developed between 1937 and 1951.

Question 51

Explain in your own words the focuses of computer engineering, computer science, information technology, software engineering, and information systems degree programs.

Question 52

The term computer professional was defined in an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1999. True or false?