Computer Science 152 – Spring 2001

02/14/01                 Midterm Exam #1                  Test Form A

 

Name:

 

Instructions:

                Answer ALL questions on the answer sheet provided.

                Hand in TEST, Answer Sheet, and Help Sheets, each with your name on it.

                Remember to put the letter of your test form on your answer sheet.

 

Completion (3 points each)

 

  1. The computer’s brain, the ________, processes the programs, does the calculations. It is a small computer  “chip” inside the system unit. One example is the Intel Pentium.

 

  1. A(n) ________ is a rectangular area on the monitor that contains information and/or applications. Many programs use these to display information, data, and obtain the user’s requests. Any program in use typically occupies (at least) one of these. Generally there can be many of these open at one time, and they can be moved, resized, and closed.

 

  1. ________ operators include the special terms AND, OR, and NOT, which help to make a computerized search for information better fit your search goals.

 

  1. A(n) ________ contains buttons that provide quick access to commonly-used features. For example, saving files, changing the font, making text bold are available using this in many programs. On many applications, these are near the top of the window, below the menus. But they can be moved to other places in many programs.

 

  1. The success of the Internet is due in part to the adoption of a standard protocol, abbreviated _________; this enables different kinds of computers to communicate (“talk”) with each other.

 

  1. RAM is one form of ________; this temporarily holds data and programs (instructions) while they are being processed by the computer. When the computer is turned on, this needs to be filled; when the computer is turned off, all contents go away.

 

  1. A(n) ________ is an organized, computerized storehouse of information / data. These can be searched to help find information. In this class, examples were storehouses about periodical articles, including title, author, etc.

 

 

Multiple Choice (3 points each)

 

  1. Computers are only valuable if:

a)       they are laptops

b)       they have applications programs that are useful

c)       they are directly connected to a network

d)       they have Microsoft Windows 2000

 

  1. Which of the following is NOT a computer output device?

a)       printer

b)       monitor

c)       microphone

d)       speakers


  1. When using _________, people discuss a topic in a public forum over a period of time, the discussants do not have to be logged on at the same time, they post and people respond when they see the posting

a)       mailing list

b)       newsgroup/bulletin board

c)       chat room

d)       instant messaging

e)       e-mail

 

 

Short Answer (points as shown)

 

(5 points)

  1. How can application software be distinguished from system software? What is the difference?

 

(4 points)

  1. In Microsoft Windows, what is the difference between moving and copying a file?

 

(4 points)

  1. There is a file on a computer at the University of Massachusetts, containing data that you need for a research report. This data is occasionally desired by people outside the university with no particular connection to the university.  What Internet service(s) might be useful for this purpose?

 

(4 points)

  1. What is the difference between a horizontal portal and a vertical portal?

 

 (4 points)

  1. What is a significant advantage of the search facilities found on the library web site over searching using the WWW?

 

 

Computer Tasks (points as shown)

 

(15 points)

  1. Your research  topic is: “Is the Atkins Diet (high protein, low carbohydrate) safe and effective for losing weight?” You have found the page

http://www.powerhouse-supplements.com/atkinsdiet.html

(go to it). Evaluate its credibility, as discussed in the CARDS criteria used in class.

 

(15 points)

  1. Using the database and catalog searches available at the La Salle library web site, find one (1) book or article related to the following topic:

                Does Vitamin C reduce the chances of having cancer?

Print the reference (full information with title, author, abstract etc), note which database it was found in, and comment on any concerns you have about the source’s usefulness.

(15 points)

  1. Carry out the following tasks:

a)       Create a folder called Midterm1 on your floppy disk.

b)       Inside that folder, create folders called Sports and Movies

c)       Copy the files from the data area on public stu_srv1 (Public/Data/Redmond/CSC152/Spring 2001) to the appropriate places on your floppy disk (sports such as basketball and softball to the Sports folder and award categories such as actor, picture, screenplay to the Movies folder)

d)       Make sure you turn in the floppy disk with your test.

 

(5 points)

  1. Mail to redmond@lasalle.edu a message with a body containing: your name and the text “Midterm Message”.