Computer Basics: Software and Shortcuts

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of system software?

To run applications in the forefront
To interact with hardware directly (correct)
To perform specific tasks for users
To be user-installed as necessary

Which of the following statements is true about application software?

It also interacts directly with hardware
It is generally user-installed as needed (correct)
It operates in the background
It needs complex programming

Which of these examples represents application software?

Operating System
Internet Explorer (correct)
Programming Language
Communication Software

What kind of programming language is typically used in system software?

Low-level language (B) Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the Alt + F4 shortcut is used?

It closes the current window (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which shortcut is used to insert a hyperlink for the selected text?

Ctrl + K (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is characteristic of application software compared to system software?

It works in the forefront (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following shortcuts locks the computer?

Windows key + L (D) Signup and view all the answers

What do the words 'interconnection' and 'network' combine to form?

Internet (D) Signup and view all the answers

What event spurred the U.S. Defense Department to ensure information could still be shared during a potential nuclear attack?

The launch of the Sputnik satellite (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which protocol was established in the 1970s to allow different types of computers to communicate over networks?

Transfer Control Protocol/Internetwork Protocol (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who are often called the 'fathers of the Internet'?

Vinton Gray Cerf and Bob Kahn (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a mail server?

To receive and forward email messages (D) Signup and view all the answers

When did the general public gain access to the Internet?

1986 (C) Signup and view all the answers

What significant development occurred in 1993 in relation to the Internet?

The introduction of the first graphical web browser (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of server acts as an intermediary between a user and another server?

Proxy Server (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?

An organization that facilitates internet access (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the increase in the number of hosts on the Internet from 1987 to 1988?

From 10,000 to 60,000 (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which year was the World Wide Web (WWW) developed?

1991 (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Domain Name System (DNS) play in internet functionality?

It converts domain names into IP addresses (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of server mentioned?

Social Server (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of an application server?

To generate business logic for applications (D) Signup and view all the answers

What defines a national ISP?

Serves a specific geographic area within a nation (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the internet?

A global network of interlinked computer networks (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a router?

To manage network signals between devices and the internet. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes HTML?

A markup language used for structuring web pages. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a bit in the context of computing?

The smallest unit of data in the binary numbering system. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes downloading from uploading?

Downloading is the transfer of data to your computer, while uploading is sending it away. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role do search engines play on the Internet?

They allow users to search for information using keywords and phrases. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is encryption primarily used for?

To secure data from unauthorized access. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is classified as hardware?

Central Processing Unit (CPU) (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as the Father of Modern Computer Science?

Alan Turing (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of RAM in a computer?

It provides temporary storage for currently used software. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about ROM is correct?

ROM is non-volatile and retains data even without power. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) within a CPU?

It performs arithmetic and logical operations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of plotter rolls the paper over a cylinder?

Drum plotter (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a cooling fan in a computer?

To decrease overheating during use. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of a computer that acts as its control center?

Central Processing Unit (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a Video Graphics Array (VGA) used for in a computer system?

To connect video sources to display devices. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly distinguishes the functions of the Control Unit (CU) within a CPU?

It fetches, decodes instructions, and signals execution. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Software Types

System Software: This software enables the operation of application software.
Application Software: Designed for specific tasks, e.g., word processing, spreadsheets.
Key Differences:
- System software runs in the background, while application software works in the forefront.
- System software interacts directly with hardware, application software does not.
- System software uses low-level programming language; application software uses high-level language.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Alt + E: Edits options in the current program.
Alt + Tab: Switches between open windows.
Alt + F: Shows file menu options in the current program.
Alt + F4: Closes the current window.
Alt + Page Up: Scrolls up the entire screen.
Ctrl + Y: Redoes the last action.
Ctrl + K: Inserts a hyperlink for the selected text.
Windows Key + L: Locks the computer, requiring password to access.
Windows Key + X: Accesses Power User Tasks Menu in Windows 8 and 10.
Windows Key + Down Arrow: Minimizes the active program window.

The Internet

The internet is a global network of computers.
It began in the 1960s, initially for government research.
The Cold War's influence led to the development of ARPANET, which ultimately evolved into the Internet.
The Internet Protocol (IP) enabled different computer systems to communicate.
The World Wide Web (WWW) developed in 1991, rapidly expanding internet usage.

Internet Components

Server: A program that provides service to users, categorized by function (e.g., web server, mail server, file server).
IP Address: A numerical label that identifies network devices.
Browser: An application designed to access information on the web (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer).
Domain Name System (DNS): Provides internet addresses for domains (e.g., www.facebook.com).
Internet Service Provider (ISP): Connects users to the internet, with two types: national and regional.

Uses of the Internet

Information search.
Communication (email, video conferencing).
E-commerce.
Social networking.
Entertainment (videos, games).
Education.
Financial transactions.

Internet Terms

Web: A collection of webpages.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator): A web address.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): Coding language used to create webpages.
Bit: A base-2 digit (0 or 1).
Byte: Typically composed of 8 bits.
Upload: Transferring data from your computer to another.
Download: Transferring data from another computer to yours.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): Standard for web page communication.
Router/Router-Modem: Directs network signals between your device and ISP.
Encryption: Scrambling data to protect it from unauthorized access.
Web Bot: Programs that perform repetitive tasks online, including posting messages or searches.
Search Engine: Software used to find information on the web (e.g., Google, Yahoo).

Computer Parts

Computer: An electronic device that processes information, equipped with hardware and software.
Hardware: Physical components of a computer system.
Software: Programs used to perform specific tasks.
RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for the operating system and applications.
ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent storage, also known as firmware.
VGA (Video Graphics Array Port): Analog interface standard for video output.
Cooling Fan: Prevents overheating by circulating air.
CPU (Central Processing Unit): Coordinates tasks and processes data, comprised of:
- ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs calculations.
- CU (Control Unit): Decodes instructions and manages data flow.
- Registers: High-speed storage for processing data.

Plotters

Flatbed Plotters: Hold paper still while pens move.
Drum Plotters: Roll paper over a cylinder.
Pinch-Roller Plotters: Combine features of flatbed and drum plotters.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the different types of software, including system and application software, along with their key differences. Additionally, familiarize yourself with essential keyboard shortcuts that enhance productivity in various applications. This quiz covers fundamental concepts in computer usage.