Chapter 5

System Software

Multiple Choice

1. Software that allows your computer to interact with the user, applications, and hardware
is called
a) application software
b) word processor
c) system software
d) database software
Answer: C
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 122
Response: System software is used to accomplish these tasks.

2. Programs that coordinate computer resources, provide an interface between users and the
computer, and run applications are called
a) utilities
b) operating systems
c) device drivers
d) language translators
Answer: B
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 122
Response: Operating systems are responsible for accomplishing these tasks.

3. Specialized programs that allow particular input or output devices to communicate with
the rest of the computer system are called
a) operating systems
b) utilities
c) device drivers
d) language translators
Answer: C
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 122
Response: Device drivers are required to allow input and output devices to communicate
with the rest of the computer system.
4. Also known as a service program, this type of program performs specific tasks related to
managing computer resources.
a) utility
b) operating system
c) language translator
d) device driver
Answer: A
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 122
Response: Utility programs perform specific tasks related to managing computer
resources.

5. In order for a computer to understand a program, it must be converted into machine

language by a(n)__________.
a) operating system
b) utility
c) device driver
d) language translator
Answer: D
Difficulty level: Hard
Page: 122
Response: Language translators convert programming instructions into a language that
computers understand and process.

6. Which of the following is not a function of the operating system?

a) manage resources
b) Internet access
c) provide a user interface
d) load and run applications
Answer: B
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 123
Response: Operating systems do not provide Internet access.

7. The items that a computer can use in its functioning are collectively called its
a) resources
b) stuff
c) capital
d) properties
Answer: A
 Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 123
Response: Resources are programs that coordinate all of the computer’s resources.

8. Programs that coordinate all of the computer’s resources including memory, processing,
storage, and devices such as printers are collectively referred to as
a) language translators
b) resources
c) applications
d) interfaces
Answer: B
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 123
Response: Resources are programs that collectively perform these tasks.

9. __________ refers to a computer’s ability to run more than one application at the same
time.
a) serial computing
b) operating system
c) parallel computing
d) multitasking
Answer: D
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 123
Response: Multitasking is the ability to switch between applications stored in memory.

10. “GUI” stands for

a) Gnutella Universal Interface
b) Graphic Uninstall/Install
c) Graphical User Interface
d) General Utility Interface
Answer: C
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 123
Response: GUI stands for graphical user interface.

11. Starting or restarting a computer is called

a) booting the system
b) firing the system
c) tasking the system
d) restoring the system
Answer: A
 Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 123
Response: Starting or restarting a computer is called booting the system.

12. This type of boot occurs when the computer is already on, and you restart it without
turning off the power.
a) generic boot
b) live boot
c) warm boot
d) cold boot
Answer: C
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 123
Response: This type of boot is called a warm boot.

13. In a computer system, data and programs are stored as

a) files
b) records
c) archives
d) annals
Answer: A
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 124
Response: Files are used to store data and programs.

14. In a computer system, related files are generally stored in the same
a) track
b) table
c) folder
d) wallet
Answer: C
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 124
Response: Related files are stored within a folder.

15. An embedded operating system would most likely be found in a

a) desktop computer
b) server
c) Web site
d) PDA
Answer: D
Difficulty level: Easy
 Page: 124
Response: An embedded operating system would most likely be found in a PDA.

16. Which of the following is an operating system that would most likely be found on a
handheld computer?
a) Windows XP
b) Windows NT
c) Windows 2000
d) Windows CE
Answer: D
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 124
Response: Windows CE would be the operating system found on a handheld computer.

17. To connect several computers together, one generally needs to be running a(n)
__________ operating system.
a) network
b) Internet
c) stand-alone
d) embedded
Answer: A
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 125
Response: NOS are used to control and coordinate computers that are networked or lined
together.

18. Popular network operating systems include all of the following except
a) NetWare
b) Windows NT Server
c) Windows XP Server
d) Microsoft DOS
Answer: D
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 125
Response: Microsoft DOS is not a network operating system.

19. Windows and Macintosh are generally considered to be __________ operating systems.
a) network
b) stand-alone
c) embedded
d) DOS
Answer: B
Difficulty level: Medium
 Page: 125
Response: Windows and Macintosh are both considered as stand-alone operating systems.

20. Operating systems that are owned and licensed by a corporation are called
a) proprietary operating systems
b) server operating systems
c) client operating systems
d) stand-alone operating systems
Answer: A
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 125
Response: Proprietary operating systems are owned and licensed by a corporation.

21. The objective of these operating systems is to encourage individuals to use, improve, and
modify the programs.
a) proprietary
b) freeware
c) shareware
d) non-proprietary
Answer: D
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 125
Response: This is the objective of non-proprietary operating systems.

22. This operating system is an example of an open source program.

a) Linux
b) Windows XP
c) Macintosh
d) UNIX
Answer: A
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 125
Response: Linux is an open source operating system.

23. The most popular microcomputer operating system in use today is

a) Microsoft Windows
b) Linux
c) UNIX
d) Macintosh
Answer: A
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 125
 Response: Microsoft Windows is the most popular microcomputer operating system in
use today.

24. The latest version of Microsoft’s popular operating system is called

a) Windows ME
b) Windows 2000 Professional
c) Windows XP
d) Windows NT Workstation
Answer: C
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 126
Response: Microsoft’s latest version is Windows XP.

25. The first operating system developed that used GUI’s was by
a) Microsoft
b) Linux
c) Macintosh
d) Bell labs
Answer: C
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 127
Response: Macintosh developed the first operating system that used GUI’s.

26. The latest version of the Macintosh operating system is

a) Mac OS IX
b) Mac OS IXX
c) Mac OS V
d) Mac OS X
Answer: D
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 127
Response: The latest version of the Macintosh operating system is Mac OS X.

27. Apple computers use which operating system?

a) Windows
b) Be O/S
c) Linux
d) Macintosh
Answer: D
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 127
Response: Apple computers use the Macintosh operating system.
28. The Macintosh tool for organizing files is called
a) Dock
b) Sherlock
c) Aqua
d) Sandbox
Answer: A
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 127
Response: The Macintosh tool for organizing files is called a dock.

29. If you were trying to locate a lost file on your Macintosh, which application would you
use?
a) Dock
b) Sherlock
c) Aqua
d) DiskCheck
Answer: B
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 127
Response: Sherlock is a Mac OS X program used for searching.

30. This operating system was originally designed to run on minicomputers used in a
network environment.
a) Linux
b) UNIX
c) Windows
d) Mac OS
Answer: B
Difficulty level: Hard
Page: 127
Response: UNIX was originally designed to run on minicomputers in network
environments.

31. Which of the following is the latest “flavor” of the UNIX operating system?
a) Penguix
b) Manimal
c) Torvalix
d) Linux
Answer: D
Difficulty level: Hard
Page: 127
 Response: Linux is the latest “flavor” of the UNIX operating system.

32. Which of the following is an example of non-proprietary software?

a) Windows
b) Macintosh
c) Linux
d) MS Office 2000
Answer: C
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 127
Response: Linux is non-proprietary software.

33. This open source software is free and available from many sources.
a) Windows
b) Macintosh
c) Linux
d) NetWare
Answer: C
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 127
Response: Linux is available for free and from many sources.

34. Which of the following is NOT one of the alternatives to the Windows operating system?
a) UNIX
b) Macintosh
c) NetWare
d) Linux
Answer: C
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 127
Response: Linux is the most popular and powerful alternative to the Windows operating
system. Mac OS is considered to be one of the most innovative operating systems. UNIX
is used by powerful microcomputers and by servers on the Web.

35. What is the name of a utility that protects your computer against downloading malicious
code?
a) file compression program
b) antivirus program
c) backup program
d) troubleshooting program
Answer: B
 Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 128
Response: Antivirus programs guard your computer system against viruses or other
damaging programs.

36. To safely remove a program from your computer, you might want to use what type of
utility?
a) backup program
b) file compression program
c) troubleshooting program
d) uninstall program
Answer: D
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 128
Response: Uninstall programs allow you to safely and completely remove unneeded
programs and related files.

37. Which of the following is a type of utility used to reduce the size of files to increase the
amount of available disk space?
a) file compression program
b) troubleshooting program
c) antivirus program
d) uninstall program
Answer: A
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 128
Response: File compression programs reduce the size of files so they require less storage
space.

38. A utility that makes copies of files in case the originals are lost or destroyed is called a(n)
a) troubleshooting program
b) uninstall program
c) backup program
d) antivirus program
Answer: C
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 128
Response: Backup is a utility program that is used to make copies of files.
39. Which of the following Windows utilities will erase unneeded files?
a) Backup or Restore Wizard
b) Disk Cleanup
c) Disk Defragmenter
d) All of the above
Answer: B
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 130
Response: Disk Cleanup is a trouble-shooting utility that identifies and eliminates
nonessential files.

40. A concentric ring on a disk is referred to as a

a) track
b) sector
c) table
d) segment
Answer: A
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 131
Response: A track is a concentric ring on a disk.

41. When files are broken up into small parts on a disk they are said to be
a) fragmented
b) contiguous
c) sectored
d) disbursed
Answer: A
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 131
Response: Files are said to be fragmented into small parts and the parts are stored
wherever space is available.

42. A collection of utility programs bundled and sold together is called a(n)
a) application suite
b) operating system
c) utility suite
d) system file
Answer: C
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 132
Response: Utility suites combine several programs into one package.
43. In order for a peripheral to operate correctly, its __________ must be installed.
a) device driver
b) user interface
c) Internet connection
d) none of the above
Answer: A
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 133
Response: Each device has a device driver which needs to be installed.

44. Which one of the following would not be considered as a well-known utility suite?
a) Windows XP
b) eSafe Desktop
c) McAfee Office
d) Norton SystemWorks
Answer: A
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 132
Response: Windows XP is an operating system.

45. You can use what utility to update all of your device drivers at the same time?
a) Driver Update
b) Device Manager
c) Driver Verification Service (DVS)
d) Windows Update
Answer: D
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 133
Response: Windows Update can be used to update all of your device drivers at the same
time.

True/False

46. System software consists of operating systems, utilities, device drivers, and language
translators.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 122
 Response: System software consists of all of these items.

47. You can use a device driver to convert programming instructions written by
programmers into a language that computers understand and process.
Answer: False
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 122
Response: You would use a language translator to accomplish this task.

48. Device drivers are specialized programs designed to allow particular input or output
devices to communicate with the rest of the computer.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 123
Response: Device drivers enable this to happen.

49. The items that a computer can use in its functioning are collectively called its resources.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 123
Response: Programs coordinate all the computer’s resources to enable it to function
properly.

50. Many older operating systems were originally developed using a GUI.
Answer: False
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 123
Response: Many older operating systems were developed using a character-based
interface.

51. Almost all newer operating systems use a graphical user interface.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 123
Response: Almost all newer operating systems use a GUI.

52. The ability to run more than one application at a time is known as multitasking.
Answer: True
 Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 123
Response: Multitasking is the ability to run more than one application at a time and to
switch between these applications.

53. Starting or restarting a computer is called tasking the system.

Answer: False
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 123
Response: Starting or restarting a computer is called booting the system.

54. A warm boot occurs when the computer is already on, and you restart it without turning
off the power.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 123
Response: Warm booting occurs when the computer is already on.

55. PDA’s generally include a stand-alone operating system.

Answer: False
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 125
Response: PDA’s would have an embedded operating system such as Windows CE or
Palm OS.

56. In a computer system, documents and programs are stored as files.

Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 124
Response: Files are used to store data and programs.

57. A standard desktop computer comes with an embedded operating system.

Answer: False
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 124
Response: A handheld computer or PDA would come with an embedded operating
system.
58. Linking two or more computers generally requires a network operating system.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 124
Response: Connecting computers together requires a network operating system.

59. Windows comes in a special embedded version for handheld computers called Windows
CE.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 124
Response: Windows CE is a popular embedded operating system.

60. In a computer system, related documents are normally stored in the same file.
Answer: False
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 124
Response: Related files are stored within folders.

61. In a network environment, the network server computer coordinates all communications
between the other computers.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 125
Response: Network servers are tasked with this function.

62. The operating system is often referred to as the software environment or platform.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 125
Response: The OS is often referred to with these terms.

63. Proprietary operating systems are often available for free from a variety of resources.
Answer: False
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 125
Response: Proprietary operating systems are owned and licensed by corporations, and are
not free.
64. Linux is an example of a non-proprietary operating system.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 125
Response: Linux is a non-proprietary operating system.

65. The objective of open source programs is to encourage individuals to use the software,
improve it, and modify it to make it better.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 125
Response: Open source programs are designed with these objectives in mind.

66. Windows XP is an example of an open source software program.

Answer: False
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 125
Response: Windows XP is not an open source software program.

67. The most popular microcomputer operating system today with over 80 percent of the
market is Mac OS.
Answer: False
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 125
Response: Windows is the most popular system with 80 percent of the market.

68. In Windows XP you can access all of your Windows programs, system settings, and
documents by clicking on the Start menu.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 126
Response: The new Start Menu in Windows XP enables this functionality.

69. Apple computers generally use the Macintosh operating system.

Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 127
Response: Apple computers use the Macintosh operating system.

70. On a Macintosh computer, you can use Sherlock to find lost files.
 Answer: True
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 127
Response: Sherlock is a search tool used on the Macintosh system.

71. On a Macintosh system, the desktop feature called Dock is used to organize files.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 127
Response: Dock is a tool for visually organizing files on a Macintosh system.

72. The UNIX operating system was originally designed for PDA’s.
Answer: False
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 127
Response: The UNIX operating system was originally designed to run on minicomputers
in network environments.

73. Linux can be considered as a type of UNIX operating system.

Answer: True
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 127
Response: Linux is a type of UNIX operating system.

74. All versions of UNIX are non-proprietary operating systems.

Answer: False
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 127
Response: Most versions of UNIX are proprietary operating systems. Linux is non-
proprietary.

75. You can guard your computer against viruses using an antivirus program.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 128
 Response: Antivirus programs are used to guard your computer system against viruses.

76. Programs such as word processors are known as utilities.

Answer: False
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 128
Response: Utilities are specialized programs designed to make computing easier. Word
processors are applications software.

77. A utility is a specialized program designed to make computing easier.

Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 128
Response: A utility is a specialized program designed to make computing easier.

78. You can safely remove programs from your computer by using a backup program.
Answer: False
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 128
Response: You would use an uninstall program to remove programs from your computer.

79. File compression helps free up disk space on your computer’s hard drive.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 128
Response: File compression programs reduce the size of files so they require less storage
space.

80. Troubleshooting programs can be used to recognize and correct problems.

Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 128
Response: Troubleshooting programs recognize and correct problems, ideally before they
become serious.
81. Running Disk Defragmenter can improve system performance.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 131
Response: Disk Defragmenter is a utility program that locates and eliminates unnecessary
fragments and rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize operations.

82. Norton SystemWorks is an example of a utility suite.

Answer: True
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 132
Response: Norton SystemWorks is an example of a utility suite.

83. A microprocessor is an example of a device that would require the user to install a
special program.
Answer: False
Difficulty level: Hard
Page: 133
Response: Microprocessors do not require special device drivers to be loaded by the user.

84. Device drivers are specialized programs that allow particular input or output devices to
communicate with the rest of the computer system.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 133
Response: Device drivers are special programs that recognize particular input and output
devices.

85. A personal firewall is a program that monitors all inbound and outbound traffic to a
computer system.
Answer: True
Difficulty level: Hard
Page: 135
Response: A personal firewall is designed to do this.

Fill-In-The-Blank
86. __________ software consists of operating systems, utilities, device drivers, and
language translators.
Answer: System
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 122
Response: System software consists of all of these items.

87. A computer program is written in a programming language and then converted to

machine language by a(n) __________ translator.
Answer: language
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 122
Response: A language translator converts the programming instructions into a language
that the computer understands and processes.

88. After a program is written, it must be run through a __________ translator before a
computer is able to understand and process it.
Answer: language
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 122
Response: A language translator is used to convert the programming language so that the
computer is able to understand and process it.

89. An _________ system is a collection of programs that handles many of the technical
details related to using a computer.
Answer: operating
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 123
Response: An OS handles many of the technical details related to using a computer.

90. Many older operating systems used a __________ based interface in which users
communicated with the operating system through written commands.
Answer: character
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 123
Response: Older systems used a character based interface.

91. __________ refers to a computer’s ability to run more than one application at the same
time.
Answer: Multitasking
Difficulty level: Easy
 Page: 123
Response: Multitasking is the ability to run more than one application at the same time,
and switch among the applications.

92. In a multitasking environment, programs that you are currently working on are described
as running in the __________.
Answer: foreground
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 123
Response: Programs currently being worked on are running in the foreground.

93. A __________ boot requires starting a computer that has been turned off.
Answer: cold
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 123
Response: A cold boot requires starting a computer that has been turned off.

94. To start a program, you typically click on its __________, a small graphic meant to
represent files and folders.
Answer: icon
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 123
Response: Icons are graphic representations for a program to function.

95. Related files can be stored in the same __________ to help organize them.
Answer: folder
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 124
Response: Related files are stored within a folder.

96. Documents, programs, spreadsheets, and graphics are all stored as __________.
Answer: files
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 124
Response: Files are used to store data and programs.

97. Palm OS is one example of a(n) __________ operating system.

Answer: embedded
Difficulty level: Medium
 Page: 124
Response: Windows CE and Palm OS are both examples of embedded operating systems.

98. Connecting several computers together requires that one of them have a(n) __________
operating system installed.
Answer: network
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 124
Response: NOS are used to connect several computers together.

99. A desktop or laptop computer is generally equipped with a(n) __________ operating
system.
Answer: stand-alone
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 125
Response: Desktop and laptop computers would be equipped with stand-alone operating
systems.

100. When connected to a network server, any operating system becomes a __________
operating system.
Answer: client
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 125
Response: The network server would be considered as the client operating system.

101. The operating system is often referred to as the software environment or ________.
Answer: platform
Difficulty level: Hard
Page: 125
Response: The OS is often referred to as the software environment or platform.

102. Most operating systems are __________ operating systems in that they are owned and
licensed by a corporation.
Answer: proprietary
Difficulty level: Hard
Page: 125
Response: Most operating systems are proprietary.
103. Linux is an example of a non-proprietary system in that its __________ code can be
freely used, improved, and modified.
Answer: source
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 125
Response: Linux’s source code can be freely used in this way.

104. The most popular microcomputer operating system today with over 80 percent of the
market is __________.
Answer: Windows
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 125
Response: Microsoft’s Windows is the most popular operating system today and has over
80 percent of the market.

105. Microsoft’s first operating system, __________, contained a character-based interface.

Answer: DOS
Difficulty level: Hard
Page: 126
Response: Microsoft’s first operating system (DOS), provided a character-based interface.

106. In Windows XP, you can access your programs, settings, and documents by clicking on
the new __________ menu button.
Answer: Start
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 126
Response: Windows XP uses the new Start menu button.

107. Apple computers use the __________ operating system.

Answer: Macintosh
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 127
Response: Apple computers use the Macintosh operating system.

108. Macintosh computers use a file search system called __________.

Answer: Sherlock
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 127
 Response: Sherlock is a search tool that is used on the Macintosh systems.

109. You can organize your files using the Macintosh utility known as __________.
Answer: dock
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 127
Response: Dock is a tool for visually organizing files on the Macintosh system.

110. The __________ operating system was originally designed to run on minicomputers in
network environments.
Answer: UNIX
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 127
Response: UNIX is an operating system that was originally designed to run on
minicomputers in network environments.

111. __________ is a free version of UNIX developed by Linus Torvalds.

Answer: Linux
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 127
Response: Linux is a free version of UNIX and was developed by Linus Torvalds.

112. Software that protects against computer viruses is called __________ programs.
Answer: antivirus
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 128
Response: Antivirus programs guard your computer system against viruses.

113. __________ programs are specialized programs designed to make computing easier.
Answer: Utility
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 128
Response: Utility programs are designed to make computing easier.

114. To safely remove a program from your computer, it is best to use a(n) __________
program.
Answer: uninstall
 Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 128
Response: Use an uninstall program to safely remove programs from your computer.

115. File __________ programs reduce the size of files to free up disk space.
Answer: compression
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 128
Response: File compression programs are used to reduce the size of files so they require
less storage space.

116. You can track down and correct a problem with your computer by using a(n)
__________ program.
Answer: troubleshooting
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 128
Response: Troubleshooting programs recognize and correct problems.

117. To save important files in case of disaster, use a(n) __________ program.
Answer: backup
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 128
Response: Backup programs help you protect your files from being lost.

118. Save copies of your important files by using the __________ utility in Windows.
Answer: backup
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 130
Response: Backup utility should be used to save copies of important files.

119. To get rid of old, unneeded files, use the __________ utility.
Answer: Disk Cleanup
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 130
Response: Disk Cleanup is a trouble-shooting utility that identifies and eliminates
nonessential files.
120. On a disk, a __________ is a concentric ring.
Answer: track
Difficulty level: Hard
Page: 131
Response: Tracks are concentric rings.

121. When files cannot be saved on a single track across contiguous sectors, they are said to
be __________ into small pieces.
Answer: fragmented
Difficulty level: Hard
Page: 131
Response: The files would be fragmented into small pieces.

122. Files are sometimes stored in small pieces. To reorganize them back into contiguous
files, use the Disk __________ utility.
Answer: Defragmenter
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 131
Response: Disk Defragmenter is a utility program that locates and eliminates unnecessary
fragments and rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize operations.

123. A collection of bundled utility programs is called a(n) __________ suite.

Answer: utility
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 132
Response: Utility suites combine several programs into one package.

124. Utility suites can protect your computer system from dangerous programs called
computer __________.
Answer: viruses
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 132
Response: Utility suites can protect your computer against computer viruses.

125. Device __________ are specialized programs that allow a device to work.
Answer: drivers
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 133
Response: Device drivers are required to allow communication between the device and
the rest of the computer.
Essay

126. What is the purpose of a language translator?

Answer: Language translators take a program written in a language that a human can
understand (like C++, Java, or countless others) and translate it into the binary machine
language that computers can understand.
Difficulty level: Hard
Page: 122

127. What are the four basic types of system software?

Answer: Operating systems, utilities, device drivers, and language translators.
Difficulty level: Hard
Page: 123

128. What are the three basic functions of an operating system?

Answer: The purpose of an operating system is to coordinate a computer’s resources,
supply a user interface, and load and run applications.
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 123

129. Describe the three categories of operating systems.

Answer: Embedded operating systems are “hardwired” into devices such as PDA’s.
Network operating systems are used to connect more than one computer together. Stand-
alone operating systems control a single desktop or laptop computer.
Difficulty level: Hard
Page: 124

130. What does the statement “An Operating System is set up like a filing cabinet” mean?
Answer: The data that composes a document, spreadsheet, or any other savable medium
is referred to as a file. These files are then organized on the hard drive in a series of
folders, just like a physical filing cabinet.
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 124
131. What is meant by the term “client operating system?”
Answer: A client operating system refers to the operating system of any computer that is
connected to a network server.
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 125

132. How are Windows and Macintosh similar? How are they different?
Answer: Windows and Macintosh are similar in that they are both stand-alone operating
systems that feature a colorful graphical user interface. They both feature a host of
utilities and applications to organize user files and programs. However, Windows will
run only on PC’s and Macintosh will run only on specially designed Apple computers. It
is claimed that Macintosh is easier to use, but Windows is much more popular.
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 125, 127

133. What are the five basic types of utility programs?

Answer: Troubleshooting, Antivirus, uninstall, backup, and file compression.
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 128

134. What does it mean if a disk is fragmented? How can you defragment it?
Answer: Over time, the hard disk does not have enough free space to store a file in one
location, so it stores the single file in several locations on the disk. The disk is referred to
as being “fragmented.” You can defragment the drive by using the Windows utility Disk
Defragmenter.
Difficulty level: Medium
Page: 131

135. You have hooked up your new printer. You have ensured that the connections are all
correct, yet the printer is still not working. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: You probably have not yet installed the device drivers, which allow the printer
and the computer to communicate.
Difficulty level: Easy
Page: 133