Question 1

Every company that uses computers is part of the IT industry.

Accepted Answer

While every company may use computers, not all are involved in the development, production, or distribution of IT products or services, which is the definition of the IT industry.

Question 2

The Harvard Mark I successfully broke the codes created by Enigma and gave the Allies a major advantage during World War II.

Accepted Answer

The Harvard Mark I, also known as the IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, was not used to break the codes created by Enigma. Instead, the Enigma code was broken by a team of codebreakers at Bletchley Park in the UK, led by Alan Turing.

Question 3

The key technology that characterizes fourth-generation computers is the integrated circuit.

Accepted Answer

The key technology that characterizes fourth-generation computers is the microprocessor, not the integrated circuit. Integrated circuits characterize third-generation computers.

Question 4

The Harvard Mark I, with its electronic vacuum tubes and binary representation, was a much closer prototype than the ABC of the generations of computers to come.

Accepted Answer

The Harvard Mark I was actually based on electromechanical relays and did not use electronic vacuum tubes or binary representation; it was the ENIAC, not the Mark I, that used vacuum tubes and was more directly influential on future computer designs.

Question 5

Assembly language was machine-specific and required programmers to learn a different set of instructions for each computer.

Accepted Answer

Assembly language is specific to a particular computer architecture and requires knowledge of the machine's instruction set. Therefore, programmers had to learn a new set of instructions for each computer they worked on.

Question 6

Second-generation computers used vacuum tubes instead of transistors.

Accepted Answer

Second-generation computers used transistors instead of vacuum tubes, which were used in the first-generation computers.

Question 7

Before the first generation of computers ended, programmers had devised rudimentary compilers that allowed them to write instructions using assembly language op codes, such as LDA and JNZ.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Programmers before the first generation of computers ended had created compilers that enabled them to write assembly language op codes like LDA and JNZ.

Question 8

Offshoring is defined as the use of components or labor from outside suppliers.

Accepted Answer

Offshoring refers to relocating a business process from one country to another—typically an operational process, such as manufacturing, or supporting processes, like accounting. The use of components or labor from outside suppliers is known as outsourcing.

Question 9

At 14.5 feet long, 7.5 feet high, and 9 feet wide, UNIVAC was physically smaller than ENIAC, but more powerful.

Accepted Answer

UNIVAC was indeed physically smaller than ENIAC but was more powerful due to advancements in technology, allowing for greater computational capabilities in a smaller size.

Question 10

Mail order is often the best shopping option for buyers who are likely to need assistance after their purchases, such as beginning computer users or those with plans for complex computer networks.

Accepted Answer

Mail order may not always provide the immediate, personalized assistance that beginning computer users or those planning complex networks might require, compared to in-person or specialized support services.

Question 11

Early computers, such as the Harvard Mark I, ENIAC, and UNIVAC, used technology that did not require much space or electrical power.

Accepted Answer

Early computers such as the Harvard Mark I, ENIAC, and UNIVAC used vacuum tubes which required a lot of space and electrical power.

Question 12

A computer programmer designs, codes, and tests computer programs.

Accepted Answer

A computer programmer is responsible for designing, coding, and testing computer programs.

Question 13

Like the automotive industry, the IT industry is on an annual cycle.

Accepted Answer

The IT industry is not on an annual cycle like the automotive industry. The IT industry is more dynamic and constantly evolving with new innovations and technologies emerging throughout the year.

Question 14

Integrated circuit technology made it possible to pack the equivalent of thousands of vacuum tubes or transistors onto a single miniature chip.

Accepted Answer

Integrated circuit technology allows for the integration of multiple transistors or other electronic components onto a single chip, resulting in much smaller and more efficient electronic devices. This technology has greatly advanced the field of electronics and enabled the development of modern computing systems, smartphones, and other devices.

Question 15

In the early 1970s, many hobbyists used microprocessors to create their own computer systems.

Accepted Answer

The early 1970s saw a rise in hobbyists using microprocessors such as the Intel 4004 and 8008 to build their own computer systems, leading to the development of the first personal computers.

Question 16

The Fair Labor Standards Act essentially defines a computer professional as any person whose primary occupation involves the design, configuration, analysis, development, modification, testing, or security of computer hardware or software.

Accepted Answer

The definition of a computer professional under the Fair Labor Standards Act includes the tasks listed in the statement.

Question 17

Slide rules remained in use as an essential tool for students, engineers, and scientists through the 1960s.

Accepted Answer

While electronic calculators were introduced in the 1960s, slide rules were still widely used during that time as they were less expensive and more portable than the first generation calculators. However, their popularity started declining in the 1970s with the advent of more affordable and advanced calculators.

Question 18

Familiarity with tools such as XML, JavaScript, and ActiveX is becoming more important for Web site designers, as is a knowledge of computer programming and database management.

Accepted Answer

With the increasing complexity of web design, knowledge of tools such as XML, JavaScript, and ActiveX, as well as programming and database management, has become more important for web designers.

Question 19

First-tier companies are the smallest companies in the industry, and perhaps more likely to go out of business, leaving their customers without technical support.

Accepted Answer

First-tier companies are actually the largest companies in the industry, with established brands and a wide range of products and services. They are considered to be leaders in their respective fields and are less likely to go out of business.

Question 20

A computer operator typically works with minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers.

Accepted Answer

A computer operator is responsible for managing and monitoring the operation of computer systems, which can include minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers.

Quiz 9: The Computer Industry: History, Careers, and Ethics