Information and Communication Technology Quiz

Questions and Answers

What does Information Technology (IT) refer to?

Telecommunications equipment only

Only the hardware used in computers

The combination of hardware and software for data processing (correct)

Software that protects data from viruses

What is an example of Communications Technology (CT)?

Utility Software

Modem (correct)

Operating System

Spreadsheet Software

What is the main function of system software?

To connect devices to the internet

To provide utilities for data recovery

To control hardware and manage application software (correct)

To perform specific tasks like word processing

Which of the following is included as application software?

Word Processor Signup and view all the answers

What is another term for utility software?

Maintenance Software Signup and view all the answers

Which description best fits the CPU in a computer?

It processes instructions and data Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of utility software?

To recover damaged files Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of an input device?

Monitor Signup and view all the answers

What is one feature of MICR readers?

They can read characters with 100% accuracy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about MICR ink is true?

It is unaffected by folding the cheque. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary use of MIDI systems in the music industry?

To input data through keyboards or sensors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following lacks a capability of MICR readers?

Detecting errors in handwriting. Signup and view all the answers

What makes magnetic ink secure compared to regular ink?

Information cannot be changed by writing over it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of information technology (IT)?

To access and manipulate data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes communication technology (CT)?

Hardware used to access data and information Signup and view all the answers

Which term is synonymous with system software?

Operating system Signup and view all the answers

What role does utility software play in computer systems?

It safeguards and maintains system software Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tasks is NOT performed by application software?

File recovery Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of system software?

Windows Operating System Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym CPU stand for in computing?

Central Processing Unit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following devices is primarily an input device?

Keyboard Signup and view all the answers

Which input device is typically used for playing games, especially car racing and combat games?

Joystick Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using a touchscreen as an input device?

More expensive than a standard monitor Signup and view all the answers

Which device is characterized by its ability to quickly input data by scanning barcodes?

Barcode Reader Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of a voice-recognition system?

Must be trained to recognize voice patterns Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does a graphics tablet have over a mouse?

Allows for the capture of hand-drawn images Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of Optical Character Recognition (OCR)?

Can speed up the typing process Signup and view all the answers

Which input device would be best suited for capturing signatures as a biometric?

Graphics Tablet Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using a barcode reader?

The order of stored data cannot be changed easily Signup and view all the answers

What is one key advantage of smart cards over magnetic stripe cards?

They do not require access to remote databases. Signup and view all the answers

What type of data input method relies on marks placed on a form being read by a scanner?

Optical mark recognition (OMR) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of optical character recognition (OCR)?

It is variable in accuracy depending on the quality of the original text. Signup and view all the answers

How do smart cards input information into a machine?

Through a built-in electronic circuit and contacts. Signup and view all the answers

What is a turnaround document?

A form with unique information printed on it. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the magnetic area of a magnetic stripe card is scratched?

The card becomes unreadable. Signup and view all the answers

Which input method processes multi-choice test answers automatically?

Optical mark recognition (OMR) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant use case for smart cards?

Rewarding loyal customers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first task of the IPOS cycle?

Data is input to the computer. Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the computer is responsible for executing instructions and controlling the flow of data?

Central processing unit (CPU) Signup and view all the answers

What type of devices include keyboards and mice?

Input devices Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a storage medium?

Keyboard Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of memory in a computer?

To temporarily store instructions and data. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes software?

Programs that tell hardware how to operate. Signup and view all the answers

What type of devices can be controlled by the CPU and are located outside it?

Peripheral devices Signup and view all the answers

What encompasses the four basic tasks of a computer?

Input, processing, output, storage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of system software?

To manage hardware and software operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common mobile operating system?

Google Android Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'booting' refer to?

The process of starting a computer Signup and view all the answers

What role does the operating system play in hardware control?

It manages input and output between hardware and software Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used for managing programs that exceed main memory capacity?

Virtual memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a file manager in an operating system?

To organize and manage files on secondary storage Signup and view all the answers

How does the operating system manage input/output devices?

Through device drivers Signup and view all the answers

What type of software is designed to protect and maintain system software?

Utility software Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of biometric systems?

They can identify using facial recognition. Signup and view all the answers

What does a barcode represent?

The manufacturer's country of origin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of direct data entry (DDE) devices?

To transfer information automatically into the computer. Signup and view all the answers

How are barcodes typically read into a computer?

With a wand or fixed scanner. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about smart cards is true?

They are read when swiped by a salesperson. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of biometric systems over signature recognition?

They provide instant identification. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of barcodes?

They can be easily damaged. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary use for direct data entry devices in supermarkets?

To quickly add up the cost of grocery items. Signup and view all the answers

What device is commonly used as the primary input method for mobile phones and tablets?

Touchscreen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a touchpad's function?

Sensing finger movements Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary use of a stylus?

To draw on graphics tablets Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a document scanner?

To transfer pictures and text to a computer Signup and view all the answers

How does a remote-control device typically operate?

By sending signals each time a button is pressed Signup and view all the answers

What role does a microphone play in computer input?

It converts voice into text. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential application of a webcam?

Conducting online communication Signup and view all the answers

What type of data does a digitiser work with?

Drawings and images Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of an input device?

To transfer data into a computer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified as a manual input device?

Keyboard Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using a keyboard as an input device?

It's easy to make mistakes by pressing the wrong keys Signup and view all the answers

Which device is commonly used for pointing and selecting icons on a screen?

Mouse Signup and view all the answers

What type of data entry do direct data entry devices facilitate?

Automatic data transfer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following devices is NOT typically a manual input device?

Temperature sensor Signup and view all the answers

What type of input device would you use for entering single digits or symbols?

Keypad Signup and view all the answers

Which application is an example of using a special keyboard?

Operating a remote control toy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Information and Communication Technology

Information Technology (IT): Refers to hardware and software that enable data access, conversion, storage, organization, manipulation, and presentation.
Communication Technology (CT): Involves telecommunications equipment for data access; examples include phones, faxes, scanners, modems, and computers.

Basic Computer Tasks

The four essential tasks of any computer: inputting data, processing data, outputting information, and storing data (IPOS cycle).
The acronym IPOS emphasizes these sequential functions.

Computer Programs

Programs are sets of instructions produced by programmers for creating software.

System Software

Operating System (OS): Controls hardware and manages all software. The most commonly used OS is Microsoft Windows.
Utility Software: A subset of system software designed to maintain and protect system software, such as antivirus programs, backup systems, and data recovery software.

Application Software

Software that performs specific tasks for users, including word processors, spreadsheets, and databases.

Input Devices

Manual Input Devices: Require user interaction for input (e.g., keyboards, mice).
Direct Data Entry Devices: Automate the transfer of data into a computer (e.g., barcode readers, smart cards).

Barcode Reader

Utilizes vertical bars to represent numeric data and is widely used in retail to streamline data entry processes.

Biometric Systems

Identify individuals using unique physical traits (e.g., fingerprints, facial recognition) or behavioral traits (e.g., signatures, voice).

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

Used to input data from marked forms (like lottery tickets) into computer systems, providing quick and accurate data entry.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Converts scanned images of printed or handwritten text into editable digital text.

Operating System Functions

Booting: The process of starting a computer, involving system checks and loading the OS from disk to RAM.
Memory Management: Allocates RAM effectively, using virtual memory when necessary.
File Management: Handles saving, organizing, and modifying files.
Process Management: Manages CPU time allocation for processes.

Key Hardware Components

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer, divided into:
- Control Unit (CU): Directs instruction execution and data flow.
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs calculations and logical operations.

Input Media

Keyboards and Keypads: Devices for manual data entry; risk of human error.
Mouse: A pointing device that facilitates data input through movement.

Smart Cards

Contain a magnetic strip or electronic circuit, allowing data storage and transaction processing without constant database access.

Utility Software

Focused on maintaining the health of system software, it supports virus protection, file management, and data recovery.### Input and Output Devices
Input devices transfer data to a computer; examples include mouse, keyboard, and scanner.
Output devices convey processed data from a computer; examples include printers, computer screens, and speakers.

Memory and Storage

Memory allows temporary storage of instructions and data.
Storage media include hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and USB flash drives.
Storage devices enable reading and writing of data; hard disk drives, CD-ROM drives, and DVD drives are common.

Peripheral Devices

Peripheral devices operate outside the CPU and require it for control.
Input, output, and storage devices can all function as peripherals.

Software

Software consists of programs dictating hardware functions, essential for the operation of computer hardware.

Touch-sensitive Devices

Touchscreens are sensitive to touch and are prevalent in banks, malls, restaurants, and mobile devices like phones and tablets.
Touchpads serve as a mouse alternative on laptops, allowing pointer movement through finger gestures.

Pointing Devices

Light pens, resembling mice, are hardly used today and are often substituted with touch-sensitive technology.
Styluses, with plastic or felt tips, allow precision drawing on graphics tablets and touchscreens, avoiding direct finger contact.

Remote-Control Devices

Remote controls transmit data via signals activated by button presses, which are processed by another device upon receiving the signal.

Document Scanners

Scanners capture pictures, graphics, and text by scanning from top to bottom, converting them into digital format for printing or emailing.

Microphones

Microphones facilitate data entry into computers via voice commands, enabling functions like printing documents and converting speech to text in voice-activated systems.

Digitisers

Digitisers convert images and drawings into digital data; digital cameras capture still and video images for later editing.
Webcams transmit images over networks, commonly used for online communication or live streaming.
Graphics tablets function as digitizers capturing drawings and signatures, facilitating display on monitors and allowing interactive use when overlaid on screens.

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Description

Test your knowledge on basic computer components and information technology concepts. This quiz covers the essential terms and functions related to data handling and information processing. Ensure you understand the role of IT in today's digital world.