Question 1

Data stored on disks is easier and faster to locate than data on magnetic tapes because ________.

Accepted Answer

Data on disks is stored in a random access manner, meaning that computers can directly access specific files without having to read through the entire disk. In contrast, magnetic tapes are stored in a sequential access manner, meaning that computers must scan through the entire tape to locate a specific file. Thus, data stored on disks is easier and faster to locate than data on magnetic tapes.

Question 2

A(n)________ takes an entire program's source code written in a programming language and converts it into an executable,that is,a program in machine language that can be read and executed directly by the computer.

Accepted Answer

A compiler takes the source code written in a programming language and converts it into an executable program in machine language. Option A (Ethernet port) and Option B (Serial port) are hardware components that enable communication with other devices. Option C (Flash memory stick) is a removable storage device. Option D (Interpreter) converts and executes the code one statement at a time, unlike a compiler which converts the entire code into machine language at once. Therefore, the best choice is E (Compiler).

Question 3

Which of the following statements accurately reflects a difference between compilers and interpreters?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between compilers and interpreters is the way they execute code. Compilers convert a program's entire source code into an executable, while interpreters translate source code on the fly, i.e., one statement at a time. Therefore, choice B accurately reflects this difference. The other choices are either incorrect or not accurate reflections of the difference between compilers and interpreters.

Question 4

A(n)________ provides a hardware interface,such as plugs and sockets,for connecting to computers.

Accepted Answer

A port provides the hardware interface for connecting to computers. Input devices are used for feeding data into a computer, primary storage devices are used for storing data temporarily and quickly, and a motherboard is a circuit board that connects various computer components. Removable storage devices are used for storing data that can be easily removed or transferred from one system to another, but they do not provide hardware interface for connecting to computers.

Question 5

Which of the following types of ports is used to transfer one bit at a time and hence,has the slowest data transfer rates?

Accepted Answer

A serial port is used to transfer one bit at a time, while USB, parallel, IEEE 1394, and Ethernet ports can transfer multiple bits simultaneously, making them faster than serial ports.

Question 6

Which of the following types of computer software utilities monitors users' incoming e-mail messages and filters unwanted messages from arriving?

Accepted Answer

Spam blockers specifically monitor incoming e-mail messages and filter out unwanted spam messages, while antivirus software is designed to protect against and remove viruses. Spyware detection and removal focuses on identifying and removing malicious spyware software, while disk and data recovery and data compression are not related to e-mail filtering.

Question 7

Which of the following is a secondary storage technology that uses microchips to store information?

Accepted Answer

Solid state drives (SSDs) use microchips to store data instead of spinning disks like traditional hard drives. This type of secondary storage technology is becoming more popular because it is faster, more reliable, and uses less power.

Question 8

Which of the following types of computer software utilities allows more data to be stored on a disk by substituting short code for frequently repeated patterns of data,allowing more data to be stored on a disk?

Accepted Answer

Data compression is a type of computer software utility that allows more data to be stored on a disk by substituting short code for frequently repeated patterns of data, allowing more data to be stored on a disk.

Question 9

Which of the following types of computer software utilities is used to archive files from hard disks to tapes,flash drives,or other storage devices?

Accepted Answer

The utility used to archive files from hard disks to tapes, flash drives, or other storage devices is backup software.

Question 10

Which of the following types of computer software utilities translates a file from one format to another so that it can be used by an application other than the one used to create it?

Accepted Answer

The type of computer software utility that translates a file from one format to another so that it can be used by an application other than the one used to create it is known as file conversion. Data compression is the process of reducing the size of a file or dataset, backup is the process of creating a copy of important files or data, file defragmentation is the process of organizing the data on a hard drive to improve performance, and a device driver is a software that allows interaction between the operating system and hardware devices.

Question 11

Which of the following types of ports used to connect networks is the most common standard for local area networks?

Accepted Answer

Ethernet ports are the most common standard for local area networks (LANs) because they allow devices to communicate with one another over a wired connection. VGA, serial, parallel, and USB ports are all used for different purposes but are not typically used for network connectivity.

Question 12

Which of the following is a multiuser,multitasking operating system that is available for a wide variety of computer platforms,and is commonly used because of its superior security?

Accepted Answer

Unix is a multiuser, multitasking operating system that is available for a wide variety of computer platforms and is commonly used because of its superior security. Android and iOS are primarily used in mobile devices, Windows is primarily used in desktops and laptops, and z/OS is used in mainframe computers.

Question 13

A(n)________ is an output device that produces a paper copy of alphanumeric or graphic data from a computer.

Accepted Answer

A printer is specifically designed to produce paper copies of alphanumeric or graphic data from a computer. Scanners are input devices that capture images or text from a physical source and convert them into digital data. Monitors are output devices that display digital data on a screen. E-paper is a digital display technology used in e-readers and other electronic devices. Eye-tracking devices are input devices that track eye movement for various purposes, such as gaming or research.

Question 14

Google's Linux-based operating system for mobile devices is known as ________.

Accepted Answer

Google's Linux-based operating system for mobile devices is known as Android. Options A, B, C, and D are incorrect as they are either proprietary operating systems or not related to Google.

Question 15

LISP is a programming language that finds application in ________.

Accepted Answer

LISP (List Processing) is a programming language developed for artificial intelligence research and is used extensively in the field. While it may have other applications in business and teaching, its primary purpose is for AI programming.

Question 16

Which of the following operating systems was the first commercial graphical-based operating system,which made its debut in 1984?

Accepted Answer

Mac OS, specifically Macintosh System Software, was the first commercial graphical-based operating system, which made its debut in 1984. Windows, although released around the same time, did not have a graphical user interface until Windows 1.0 was released in 1985. Linux and Unix are both command-line based operating systems, and z/OS is a mainframe operating system.

Question 17

Which of the following types of ports are used to connect printers to computers?

Accepted Answer

Parallel ports are commonly used to connect printers to computers. Serial ports are not typically used for printers, HDMI ports are designed for high-definition video and audio, Ethernet ports are used for networking, and VGA ports are used for video output.

Question 18

Which of the following is a valid observation regarding the difference between solid state drives and hard disk-based drives?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between solid state drives and hard disk-based drives is that solid state drives have no moving parts, while hard disk drives have moving mechanical parts. This makes solid state drives faster, more durable, and quieter than hard disk drives. The other options are incorrect: A is false because solid state drives are typically faster than hard disk drives; C is false because solid state drives are quieter and more reliable than hard disk drives; D is false because hard disk drives are generally more expensive than solid state drives; E is false because hard disk drives use magnetic disks to store data, while solid state drives use flash memory.

Question 19

Which of the following is an output technology that delivers information in a usable format?

Accepted Answer

A computer monitor displays information in a visual and usable format for the user. The other options listed are input devices, used to enter or scan information into the computer.

Question 20

A(n)________ is a type of program that translates a program's source code into machine language and executes one statement at a time.

Accepted Answer

An interpreter is a program that reads and executes a program's source code one statement at a time, without needing to first compile the entire program into machine language. This allows for quicker feedback on errors and more flexible program execution. A compiler, by contrast, translates the entire source code into machine language before execution.

Quiz 11: Foundations of Information Systems Infrastructure