CS 107

Spring Semester 2005

Section 52

Midterm Exam

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Syllabus

Assignments

Lectures

 Directions:
  1. Open MS Word
  2. Select the questions and the extra credit questions below and cut and paste into the Word document
  3. Add a header with your name, "Midterm Exam", and the date
  4. Save the document
  5. Answer each question within the Word document immediately following each question
  6. Spell check the exam
  7. Printout a copy of the exam and turn it in.

Each question is worth 5 points. Partial credit will be given for partially correct answers.

 

Question 1:Why are point and draw devices necessary for today's computer systems?  What software changes required the addition of these devices?
Question 2:What is an automated factory and why is it more effective than a traditional factory?
Question 3:Explain what influence word size has on processing time.
Question 4:Compare and contrast a magnetic storage disk and an optical storage disk; give an example of each.
Question 5:What new technology allowed for the miniaturization of computers in the 1970's ?  What generation of computers is this called?
Question 6:Besides magnetic storage disks and optical disks, describe one other type of secondary storage device.
Question 7:Both the Mark I and the ENIAC were developed due to what significant historical event?  Why were these inventions necessary?
Question 8:What are expansion slots used for?  Name two types of cards that could go in an expansion slot.
Question 9:What was the name of the first commercially available computer and who were its creators?  What did this computer's name stand for?
Question 10:What is the difference between a sequential access device and a random access device?  Give an example of each.
Question 11:What is deskilling and what is upskilling?  Give an example of each.
Question 12:What are the three types of data that can be found represented with binary digits.
Question 13:Describe three of the four kinds of tasks that as computer system can perform.
Question 14:What is Moore's Law and how does it effect today's computer technology?
Question 15:Explain what a compiler does and who would use one?
Question 16:How does cache memory speed up processing time?
Question 17:What is distance learning?  Give an example.
Question 18:What is CAI and how does it effect education?
Question 19:How did the development of the GUI effect the popularity of home computing?
Question 20:Compare and contrast the CISC chip and the RISC chip.

Extra Credit Questions

5 points each

  1. What is the name of the author of Computer Confluence?
  2. What well-known TV personality does the author resemble?

Last Updated: 3/16/05