Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: Preliminary Course

Supplementary review questions

Exercise 1.1

Complete the following sentences.

1Today’s society is sometimes called the ‘______Age’.

2Technology has cut down the time taken to ______information.

3______is the electronic hardware and software used to process information.

4Integrated circuits are ______containing transistors that can store and process data.

5Advances in technology have resulted in information systems with greater ______and ______.

6Information technology has made our society more ______and raised the standard of living of most people.

7The printing and publishing industries use ______and ______software.

8Many shops use ______to process transactions efficiently.

9Doctors use ______to help diagnose a patient’s illness.

10When new information technology is introduced, the impact is not always ______.

Exercise 1.2

Complete the following sentences.

1A ______is a group of elements that work together to achieve a purpose.

2The ______is everything that influences or is influenced by an information system.

3______are electronic devices that can process data according to stored sequences of instructions.

4Processing changes data to produce ______by following a series of instructions.

5______involves retaining data over a period of time.

6Output involves the ______or display of information to a person, or the transfer of data to another computer.

7______is the detailed instructions used to direct the operation of a computer to perform a particular task.

8Information is data that has been ______and given some meaning by people.

9Participants are the people who carry out the information ______.

10Data is the raw ______entered into an information system.

Exercise 1.3

Write down whether the following statements are true or false.

1Today’s methods of information processing are the same as the methods used 50 years ago.

2Information processing is the creation of data by processing information using information technology.

3The rate at which these information processes are carried out is critical to the efficiency of an information system.

4Collecting involves entering data into an information system.

5A survey is an example of a secondary source of data.

6Organising gives some structure to the data.

7Analysing involves examining and giving meaning to the data.

8Storing and retrieving are not information processes.

9Transmitting and receiving involves the presentation of information to those who need it.

10Displaying is the input from an information system.

Exercise 1.4

Complete the following sentences.

1______can be thought of as unorganised facts that mean little by themselves.

2Information technology, participants (people) and information ______combine to transform data into information.

3Information is the ______of an information system.

4______useful to the purpose of the information system.

5Timely data is ______, and kept up-to-date.

6The ______describes the kind of data.

7Information is an asset and there are costs associated with its ______, maintenance and storage.

8Accurate information has been ______to ensure it is correct.

9______information is arranged to meet the purpose of the information system.

10Information must be presented in a way that is ______and easy to read.

Exercise 1.5

Write down whether the following statements are true or false.

1Filing cabinets are a method of storing digital data.

2Data is represented digitally so that it can be used by information technology.

3Digital data cannot be easily updated.

4Newspapers are a recent trend in using digital data.

5A bit is the smallest unit of data stored in a computer.

6A byte contains 64 bits.

7The standard encoding method used by large IBM computers is called ASCII.

8The binary system uses place value, like the decimal system.

9The hexadecimal number B16 equals 10 as a decimal number.

10Hexadecimal code is often preceded by the % (per cent) sign.

Exercise 1.6

Complete the following sentences.

1The cost of replacing data that is ______or ______damaged or lost can be enormous.

2______is the illegal transfer of money from one account to another.

3______involves a series of safeguards to protect the data from damage.

4Biometric devices are used to verify ______.

5The accuracy of data must be ______before it is processed into information.

6Range checksare used if the data is ______to a small range of particular values.

7______are used to determine whether the data type is correct.

8Information published on the Internet is protected by ______.

9The illegal ______of software is called software piracy.

10______permit an organisation to make copies of the software for use on the same site.

Exercise 2.1

Complete the following sentences.

1A mouse may have one, two or three buttons and a ______.

2Pen input devices allow ______characters to be converted to digital text.

3______are input devices that can electronically capture text or images.

4Most digital cameras ______and save their images in standard JPEG format.

5Images and sound on videotape are converted to digital form using a ______.

6______are input devices that capture sound.

7The arrangement of letters, numbers and symbols on the keyboard is called its ______.

8______devices are scanners that read typed text.

9Loading the operating system into the computer’s memory is referred to as ______the system.

10______ and ______involve collecting sample characteristics, attitudes, behaviours and opinions

Exercise 2.2

Write down whether the following statements are true or false.

1Every type of data must be represented digitally to be used by a computer.

2Images are converted into binary using a standard method of conversion such as ASCII.

3The quality of a digitised image is improved by decreasing the number of pixels.

4Audio is divided into tiny dots called pixels.

5Better quality sound is achieved by increasing the sampling rate and/or the sampling size.

6Multimedia is the presentation of information using text, graphics, animation, audio and video.

7A database uses a rectangular grid made up of rows and columns to organise and store data that requires some type of calculation.

8File conversion is a non-computer tool used for the organising.

9Software applications are providing better ways of accessing different types of data.

10In early versions of word processing programs it was impossible to import an image into a document

Exercise 2.3

Complete the following sentences.

1Analysing is the ______of the data.

2If the simulations are complex then a ______or ______may be required.

3Fast ______is needed to complete the many calculations often required for analysis.

4Searching is the process of ______data and information.

5Sorts are performed in either ______or descending order.

6A ______is a representation of some aspect of the real world.

7Simple business simulations can be performed on a personal computer using ______, financial or statistical software.

8______often involve using complex mathematical processes.

9The incorrect analysis of data results in ______information.

10Privacy is eroded by linking ______for analysis.

Exercise 2.4

Write down whether the following statements are true or false.

1Magnetic disks are the most widely used storage medium on personal computers.

2The FAT is a directory that records information about files stored on a magnetic disk.

3Floppy disks are only formatted in one density.

4A hard disk is a magnetic disk made of plastic and covered with magnetic material.

5A partition is responsible for the transfer of data between the computer and the disk drive.

6Two common types of magnetic tapes are Zip and Jaz disks.

7A CD-ROM drive is faster at accessing data than a hard disk drive.

8DVD drives are compatible with CD-ROMs and audio CDs.

9A sector is a band formed by concentric circles.

10File management software organises files on a storage medium.

Exercise 2.5

Complete the following sentences.

1An ______circuit consists of a thin silicon wafer containing millions of electrical components.

2The flat printed circuit board inside the computer is called the ______.

3The ______directs and coordinates the entire computer system.

4The part of the CPU that carries out all the mathematical and logical calculations is called the ______.

5The combination of ______and e-time is called the machine cycle.

6______is the part of the computer that holds data and programs before and after they have been processed by the CPU.

7RAM is ______memory, which means it is not retained when the computer is turned off.

8______is permanent memory that only allows data to be retrieved and not entered.

9Distributed processing consists of workstations connected to ______data and resources at a local site.

10______are edited using graphic tools.

Exercise 2.6

Write down whether the following statements are true or false.

1Serial transfer transmits data more than one bit at a time.

2Synchronous transmission identifies each byte with special start and stop bits.

3Full duplex mode allows transmission in both directions at the same time.

4The bits per second or the baud rate measures the transmission rate of data.

5The larger the bus width, the less data that can be transmitted at one time.

6COM1 and COM2 are examples of serial ports.

7The word modem stands for monitor/demodulator.

8Most modems use a command set developed by Hayes.

9LANs connect computers over thousands of kilometres.

10Compression reduces the number of bits required to represent data.

Exercise 2.7

Complete the following sentences.

1The space between the pixels on a screen is called the ______.

2A ______uses CRT technology similar to a television.

3LCD displays require less power than ______, allowing them to run on batteries.

4A ______is a device that represents data on paper.

5Bubble-jet printers are special type of ______printer.

6______printers are fast printers that produce high-quality output.

7Sounds are produced using a ______.

8A plotter is an output device used to produce high-quality ______.

9A storyboard is a series of ______, each representing a different action or screen image.

10Display technology that uses large ______is becoming more common.

Exercise 3.1

Write down whether the following statements are true or false.

1System investigators are responsible for the development of a new system.

2The final stage in the system development cycle is implementing.

3Each stage in the system development cycle builds on the conclusions of the previous stages.

4A problem must be understood in terms of the goals of an organisation.

5Preliminary investigation takes into account the needs and concerns of all the participants.

6The questions in an interview are carefully planned ahead of time.

7Probing is often used in surveys.

8Observations must be structured and systematic.

9The requirement report is based on data collected from the participants.

10A Gantt chart is a bar chart with each bar representing a task.

Exercise 3.2

Complete the following sentences.

1The scope of the problem places ______on the new system.

2A feasibility study is a short report that analyses potential solutions and makes a ______.

3The initial sections of the feasibility study state the nature of the ______.

4A feasibility study briefly describes each ______with its expected advantages and disadvantages.

5______feasibility compares the costs of developing the new system with the expected benefits.

6Schedule feasibility determines whether ______is available to implement the new system.

7The decision to proceed with a new system is made by the ______of the organisation.

8______charts are a good way of understanding a system.

9When the detailed analysis is completed, an ______is written.

10The analysis report contains ______specifications for the next stage.

Exercise 3.3

Write down whether the following statements are true or false.

1Top-down design is a diagrammatic tool for designing solutions.

2A context diagram uses a single process together with inputs and outputs.

3A circle is used for an external entity in a context diagram.

4Data flow diagrams focus on the flow of data between information processes in a system.

5Data flow diagrams are often converted into context diagrams.

6A system flow chart shows the hardware used to process data.

7The internal specifications outline the appearance of the new system.

8Custom software is written by programmers to meet the exact specifications of the new system.

9Test data covers a wide range of values to ensure the solution can deal with unexpected data.

10Documentation is often neglected and not completed during the design stage.

Exercise 3.4

Complete the following sentences.

1The implementation stage delivers the new information system to the ______.

2______involves changing from the old system to the new system.

3Direct conversion involves an ______change to the new system.

4______conversion involves the old and new systems working together for some time.

5Phased conversion involves the ______implementation of the new system.

6______conversion involves trialing the new system in a small part of the organisation.

7______ensures that participants can use the new system and understand its benefits.

8Initial training is completed ______the old system is converted to the new system.

9Training is needed in the ______of a new system.

10Technical support staff usually provide aservice over the ______

Exercise 3.5

Write down whether the following statements are true or false.

1After the new system is fully implemented, participants expect the system to be working correctly.

2Computer operators are responsible for the effective use of the system.

3The operations manual is used to specify tasks to be completed on a regular basis.

4An information systems manager plans and oversees all the information resources in the organisation.

5Evaluation occurs before the new system is established and minor problems have been fixed.

6The systems analyst completes an evaluation in consultation with participants.

7An evaluation is based on interviews, surveys, observations and measurements.

8Deficiencies in the system are not discovered during the operation of the system.

9The longer the system has been operational, the easier it is to change.

10The tasks in the final stage of the system development cycle are ongoing.

Exercise 3.6

Complete the following sentences.

1______refers to the relationship between people and their work environment.

2RSI stands for ______.

3The recommended adjustable seat height ranges from ______to ______.

4The ______should be between 15 and 30 degrees below eye level.

5The mouse must fit the hand and be easily ______.

6______needs to be uniform and bright enough so that all text can be read easily.

7For a clothed and resting person, the temperature should range between ______and ______°C.

8Noise levels should not exceed ______decibels as this makes communication with others difficult and can affect concentration.

9When people retrain and learn new skills it is called ______.

10______has provided opportunities for social relationships to develop between people who are separated geographically.

Exercise 5.1

Complete the following sentences.

1A ______or ______at the top of the display is used to select commands or operations.

2Creating a document from scratch usually requires you to select the ______command.

3Pressing the ‘Enter’ or ‘Return’ key inserts a ¶ character, which is called a ______marker.

4______is the method of moving within a document to view the writing.

5The cursoror insertion point is a marker on the screen indicated by a ______.

6______view shows all the elements that will print, including headers, footers and graphics.

7To save a document, the user select the ______command.

8To retrieve a document, the user selects the ______command.

9Choosing ______quality speeds up printing and is useful in the early stages of writing.

10Portrait is the ______orientation of the page.

Exercise 5.2

Complete the following sentences.

1A block is a ______of text, such as a word, phrase, sentence or paragraph.

2Some word processors have ______levels of undo or redo commands.

3Adding text to a document is called ______.

4When ______, the new text replace the text to the right of the cursor position.

5The clipboard is a temporary ______area used in copying and pasting.

6______and ______are the actions required to copy a block of text to another place in a document.

7______objects are fixed and do not change if the source is amended.

8The replace command examines every ______in a document and highlights the text that matches the requested text.

9______corrects typing or spelling errors as you type.

10A thesaurus is useful if a word is ______and needs to be replaced with something more interesting.

Exercise 5.3

Write down whether the following statements are true or false.

1Formatting is changing the appearance of a document.

2Sans serif typefaces have little tails at the ends of the characters.

3Stroke weight measures the width of the characters.

4Italic and outline are examples of a typeface.

5Justified text is aligned with an imaginary line down the middle of the page.

6Single spacing consists of the actual size of the font plus a small amount of extra space.

7Tabs align the text to set vertical positions called tab stops.

8Tab stops are shown on a ruler.

9A negative indent moves a paragraph into the margin.

10Numbered lists have a number or letter at the end of each item in a list.

Exercise 5.4

Complete the following sentences.

1A style is chosen using a ______from a drop-down list or a dialogue box.

2Styles provide a document with a ______look.

3Margins are the distances between the edge of the paper and the ______.

4A gutter is an amount of extra space added to the margin for ______.

5______breaks force the text to break to a new page at a particular position.

6______and ______usually contain page numbers, dates, or the title or author of a document or section.

7The content of tables can be ______in alphabetic, numeric or date order.

8The space between the columns and the ______of the columns can be altered.

9______refers to prepared pictures that are grouped into topics.

10A border is a ______around selected text, paragraphs, tables or graphics.

Exercise 6.1

Write down whether the following statements are true or false.

1Electronic databases can present data in only one way.

2A DBMS has data in it.

3A record is a collection of facts about one specific entry in a database.

4Category is another name for a field

5All databases are created to meet a specific need.

6Data dictionaries are used to sort and retrieve information.

7The number of characters in each field is called its data type.

8Primary keys cannot be empty or null.

9A table or list often shows a single record containing data for every field.

10Data is only entered into a form or label.

Exercise 6.2

Complete the following sentences.

1Data integrity requires data to be correct and ______.

2______data involves inserting data, deleting data and moving data.

3Data is ______into a field in a table or form by placing the cursor in the desired location.

4New records are inserted by moving to the ______and typing in the new data.

5To delete a ______of characters, select the data and press the ‘Delete’ key.

6Data is edited using the ‘Cut’, ‘Copy’ and ______commands.

7To add a field, the user must first decide on the ______, field size and data type.

8If a field is ______, all its data from every record is gone.

9The ______of forms and tables can be easily amended.

10Forms and tables can be ______using different fonts, styles and colours.

Exercise 6.3

Complete the following sentences.

1______is the process of arranging data in a particular order.

2A filter is used to ______the records viewed in the database.

3______a database is carried out to retrieve information.

4The most efficient way of searching a large database is to construct a ______.

5Using the ______is often the easiest way to pose a query but is the least flexible.

6QBE requires the user to type the search criteria into a blank ______with a space for each field.

7SQL is a standard ______.

8______operators are characters or symbols indicating the relationship between two expressions.