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Information Technology is exclusively concerned with the study and use of computers and networks, excluding other distribution technologies like television and telephones.
Answer: False
Explanation: The definition of Information Technology includes the study and use of computers and networks, but also encompasses other information distribution technologies such as television and telephones.
An IT project primarily involves the ongoing maintenance of existing IT systems rather than their initial commissioning and implementation.
Answer: False
Explanation: An IT project typically refers to the initial commissioning and implementation of an IT system, although successful projects also require continuous maintenance.
The term 'information technology' in its modern sense was first coined in a 1958 article published in the Harvard Business Review by Harold J. Leavitt and Thomas L. Whisler.
Answer: True
Explanation: The term 'information technology' was indeed coined in its modern sense by Harold J. Leavitt and Thomas L. Whisler in a 1958 Harvard Business Review article.
Leavitt and Whisler's 1958 definition of information technology included the application of statistical methods, but not the simulation of higher-order thinking through computer programs.
Answer: False
Explanation: Leavitt and Whisler's 1958 definition included both the application of statistical and mathematical methods to decision-making and the simulation of higher-order thinking through computer programs.
By 1984, the National Westminster Bank Quarterly Review redefined 'information technology' as the convergence of telecommunications and computing technology.
Answer: True
Explanation: By 1984, the National Westminster Bank Quarterly Review redefined 'information technology' to reflect the convergence of telecommunications and computing technology.
Electronic data processing typically involves complex, non-repetitive activities on small volumes of diverse information.
Answer: False
Explanation: Electronic data processing typically involves simple, repetitive activities on large volumes of similar information, such as stock updates or banking transactions.
The Information Technology Association of America defines IT as the study, design, development, application, implementation, support, or management of computer-based information systems.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Information Technology Association of America's definition of IT includes the study, design, development, application, implementation, support, or management of computer-based information systems.
Which of the following is NOT explicitly included in the fundamental definition of Information Technology (IT)?
Answer: The manufacturing of computer hardware components.
Explanation: The fundamental definition of Information Technology includes the study or use of computers, telecommunication systems, and the application of computer science and engineering, but not explicitly the manufacturing of hardware components.
What is an Information Technology system (IT system) typically characterized as?
Answer: An information system, a communications system, or a computer system.
Explanation: An Information Technology system is generally characterized as an information system, a communications system, or a computer system, encompassing hardware, software, and peripheral equipment.
Who coined the term 'information technology' in its modern sense in a 1958 Harvard Business Review article?
Answer: Harold J. Leavitt and Thomas L. Whisler
Explanation: Harold J. Leavitt and Thomas L. Whisler coined the term 'information technology' in its modern sense in a 1958 Harvard Business Review article.
Which of the following was NOT one of the three main categories in Leavitt and Whisler's 1958 definition of information technology?
Answer: The development of integrated circuits for miniaturization.
Explanation: Leavitt and Whisler's 1958 definition included techniques for processing information, statistical and mathematical methods, and simulation of higher-order thinking, but not the development of integrated circuits.
By 1984, how did the National Westminster Bank Quarterly Review redefine 'information technology'?
Answer: The convergence of telecommunications and computing technology.
Explanation: By 1984, the National Westminster Bank Quarterly Review redefined 'information technology' as the convergence of telecommunications and computing technology.
Why was the modifier 'electronic' or 'automatic' used with data processing around 1960?
Answer: To differentiate computer-based data processing from human clerical data processing.
Explanation: The modifier 'electronic' or 'automatic' was used with data processing around 1960 to differentiate computer-based data processing from traditional human clerical data processing.
According to the Information Technology Association of America, which of the following is NOT part of the definition of information technology?
Answer: The manufacturing of computer hardware.
Explanation: The Information Technology Association of America's definition of IT includes the study, design, development, application, implementation, support, or management of computer-based information systems, but not the manufacturing of computer hardware.
The electromechanical phase of IT development, based on storage and processing technologies, spanned from 1840 to 1940.
Answer: True
Explanation: The electromechanical phase of IT development is identified as spanning from 1840 to 1940, according to the classification based on storage and processing technologies.
Before the 1950s, only Harvard University was significantly involved in the initial discussions and development of computer science ideas.
Answer: False
Explanation: Before the 1950s, both the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University were key institutions involved in the initial discussions and development of computer science ideas.
Alan Turing, J. Presper Eckert, and John Mauchly were primarily focused on developing artificial intelligence in the mid-1900s, with computer design as a secondary effort.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pioneers like Alan Turing, J. Presper Eckert, and John Mauchly were primarily focused on designing the first digital computer, although Turing did begin to raise questions about artificial intelligence during that period.
The Antikythera mechanism is considered the earliest known mechanical analog computer, dating back to the first century BC.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Antikythera mechanism, dating to approximately the first century BC, is widely recognized as the earliest known mechanical analog computer.
The first mechanical calculator capable of performing four basic arithmetical operations was developed in the 16th century, shortly after comparable geared devices appeared in Europe.
Answer: False
Explanation: Comparable geared devices to the Antikythera mechanism appeared in Europe in the 16th century, but the first mechanical calculator capable of four basic arithmetical operations was developed later, in 1645.
Early electronic computers, appearing in the early 1940s, exclusively used thermionic valves (vacuum tubes) for computation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Early electronic computers, which appeared in the early 1940s, utilized either relays or thermionic valves (vacuum tubes) for computation, not exclusively vacuum tubes.
The Zuse Z3, completed in 1941, was the world's first programmable computer and is considered one of the first complete computing machines by modern standards.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Zuse Z3, completed in 1941, is recognized as the world's first programmable computer and is considered one of the first complete computing machines by modern standards.
The Colossus computer was a general-purpose electronic digital computer developed during World War II, capable of storing its program in memory.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Colossus computer was programmable but not general-purpose, as it was designed for a single task and lacked the ability to store its program in memory.
The Manchester Baby was significant for being the first recognizably modern electronic digital stored-program computer.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Manchester Baby holds significance as the first recognizably modern electronic digital stored-program computer, running its initial program in 1948.
The development of transistors in the late 1940s led to computers with significantly increased power consumption compared to earlier models.
Answer: False
Explanation: The development of transistors in the late 1940s led to computers with significantly reduced power consumption, not increased, compared to earlier models using vacuum tubes.
The integrated circuit (IC) was invented by Ted Hoff, Federico Faggin, Masatoshi Shima, and Stanley Mazor at Intel in 1971.
Answer: False
Explanation: The integrated circuit (IC) was invented by Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce in 1959. Ted Hoff, Federico Faggin, Masatoshi Shima, and Stanley Mazor at Intel invented the microprocessor in 1971.
According to Hilbert and Lopez, the per capita capacity of the world's general-purpose computers doubled every 18 months between 1986 and 2007.
Answer: True
Explanation: Hilbert and Lopez's research indicates that the per capita capacity of the world's general-purpose computers doubled every 18 months between 1986 and 2007.
What are the four distinct phases of IT development based on storage and processing technologies, in chronological order?
Answer: Pre-mechanical, Mechanical, Electromechanical, Electronic
Explanation: The four distinct phases of IT development, in chronological order, are pre-mechanical (3000 BC – 1450 AD), mechanical (1450 – 1840), electromechanical (1840 – 1940), and electronic (1940 to present).
Which two academic institutions were key in the initial discussions and development of computer science ideas before the 1950s?
Answer: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University
Explanation: Before the 1950s, MIT and Harvard University were key institutions involved in the initial discussions and development of computer science ideas.
What was the primary focus of pioneers like Alan Turing, J. Presper Eckert, and John Mauchly in the mid-1900s?
Answer: Designing the first digital computer.
Explanation: Pioneers such as Alan Turing, J. Presper Eckert, and John Mauchly primarily focused on designing the first digital computer in the mid-1900s.
What is generally regarded as the earliest known mechanical analog computer?
Answer: The Antikythera mechanism
Explanation: The Antikythera mechanism, dating to the first century BC, is generally regarded as the earliest known mechanical analog computer.
When did electronic computers, utilizing relays or thermionic valves, begin to appear?
Answer: Early 1940s
Explanation: Electronic computers, which utilized either relays or thermionic valves, began to appear in the early 1940s.
What was the Zuse Z3, completed in 1941, recognized for?
Answer: Being the world's first programmable computer.
Explanation: The Zuse Z3, completed in 1941, is recognized as the world's first programmable computer.
What was a key limitation of the Colossus computer during World War II?
Answer: It was not general-purpose and lacked the ability to store its program in memory.
Explanation: The Colossus computer was not general-purpose and lacked the ability to store its program in memory, requiring programming via plugs and switches.
What significant milestone did the Manchester Baby achieve on June 21, 1948?
Answer: It was the first recognizably modern electronic digital stored-program computer.
Explanation: The Manchester Baby achieved the significant milestone of being the first recognizably modern electronic digital stored-program computer, running its initial program on June 21, 1948.
How did the development of transistors in the late 1940s impact computer design?
Answer: It enabled the creation of computers with significantly reduced power consumption.
Explanation: The development of transistors in the late 1940s enabled the creation of computers with significantly reduced power consumption compared to earlier vacuum tube models.
Which of these semiconductor breakthroughs was NOT invented by Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce in 1959?
Answer: The MOSFET
Explanation: Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce invented the integrated circuit (IC) in 1959. The MOSFET was demonstrated by a Bell Labs team, and silicon dioxide surface passivation and the planar process were developed by others.
According to Hilbert and Lopez, how frequently did the per capita capacity of the world's general-purpose computers double between 1986 and 2007?
Answer: Every 18 months
Explanation: According to Hilbert and Lopez, the per capita capacity of the world's general-purpose computers doubled every 18 months between 1986 and 2007.
Early electronic computers like Colossus used magnetic tape for data storage, a technology still widely used today.
Answer: False
Explanation: Early electronic computers like Colossus used punched tape for data storage, which is now considered obsolete, not magnetic tape.
Electronic data storage, as used in modern computers, originated during World War II with the development of delay-line memory.
Answer: True
Explanation: Electronic data storage for modern computers originated during World War II with the development of delay-line memory, initially for radar signal processing.
The Williams tube was a non-volatile random-access digital storage device, meaning information persisted after power was removed.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Williams tube was a volatile random-access digital storage device, meaning information had to be continuously refreshed and was lost when power was removed.
The magnetic drum, invented in 1932, was the earliest form of non-volatile computer storage.
Answer: True
Explanation: The magnetic drum, invented in 1932, is identified as the earliest form of non-volatile computer storage.
IBM introduced the first hard disk drive in 1966 as a standalone storage unit.
Answer: False
Explanation: IBM introduced the first hard disk drive in 1956, not 1966, and it was integrated as a component of their 305 RAMAC computer system, not a standalone unit.
In 2002, analog storage capacity surpassed digital storage for the first time, marking a shift in how information is preserved.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2002, digital storage capacity surpassed analog storage for the first time, marking a significant transition in information preservation.
Between 1986 and 2007, worldwide electronic information storage capacity roughly doubled every decade.
Answer: False
Explanation: Between 1986 and 2007, worldwide electronic information storage capacity roughly doubled every three years, not every decade, increasing from less than 3 exabytes to 295 exabytes.
As of 2007, hard disks accounted for the largest share of digitally stored data worldwide.
Answer: True
Explanation: As of 2007, hard disks accounted for 52% of digitally stored data worldwide, making them the largest share.
What method did early electronic computers, including Colossus, utilize for data storage?
Answer: Punched tape
Explanation: Early electronic computers, including Colossus, utilized punched tape for data storage.
When did electronic data storage, as used in modern computers, originate?
Answer: During World War II
Explanation: Electronic data storage, as used in modern computers, originated during World War II with the development of delay-line memory.
What was a key characteristic of information stored in the Williams tube and delay-line memory?
Answer: It was volatile and required continuous refreshing.
Explanation: Information stored in the Williams tube and delay-line memory was volatile, meaning it required continuous refreshing and was lost when power was removed.
What was the earliest form of non-volatile computer storage, invented in 1932?
Answer: Magnetic drum
Explanation: The magnetic drum, invented in 1932, was the earliest form of non-volatile computer storage.
When did IBM introduce the first hard disk drive, and as part of what system?
Answer: 1956, as a component of their 305 RAMAC computer system.
Explanation: IBM introduced the first hard disk drive in 1956 as a component of their 305 RAMAC computer system.
What was the estimated growth of worldwide electronic information storage capacity between 1986 and 2007?
Answer: It increased from less than 3 exabytes to 295 exabytes, roughly doubling every three years.
Explanation: Between 1986 and 2007, worldwide electronic information storage capacity increased from less than 3 exabytes to 295 exabytes, roughly doubling every three years.
As of 2007, what percentage of worldwide data was held digitally, and which storage type held the largest share?
Answer: 94%, with hard disks holding the largest share.
Explanation: As of 2007, almost 94% of worldwide data was held digitally, with hard disks accounting for the largest share at 52%.
Database Management Systems (DMS) emerged in the 1960s to address the challenge of efficiently storing and retrieving large volumes of data.
Answer: True
Explanation: Database Management Systems (DMS) emerged in the 1960s specifically to address the challenge of accurately and quickly storing and retrieving large volumes of data.
IBM's Information Management System (IMS) stores data in a flat-file structure, making it easy to integrate with modern relational databases.
Answer: False
Explanation: IBM's Information Management System (IMS) stores data hierarchically, not in a flat-file structure, which differs from modern relational databases.
Ted Codd proposed the relational storage model for databases in the 1970s, based on set theory and predicate logic.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ted Codd proposed the relational storage model for databases in the 1970s, basing it on set theory and predicate logic.
Oracle Corporation released the first commercially available relational database management system (RDBMS) in 1991.
Answer: False
Explanation: Oracle Corporation released the first commercially available relational database management system (RDBMS) in 1981, not 1991.
All Database Management Systems (DMS) define and store the structure of their data within the data itself, rather than separately.
Answer: False
Explanation: All Database Management Systems (DMS) define and store the structure of their data separately from the data itself, within a database schema.
XML has been primarily used for data storage at rest since the early 2000s, rather than for data interchange.
Answer: False
Explanation: Since the early 2000s, XML has been increasingly employed as a means of data interchange, particularly for machine-oriented interactions, describing data in transit rather than at rest.
XML's text-based structure makes it advantageous for being both machine-readable and human-readable.
Answer: True
Explanation: XML's text-based structure offers the advantage of being both machine-readable and human-readable, making it versatile for various applications.
The field of data mining emerged in the late 1980s to address 'data tombs,' which are massive amounts of seldom-accessed data.
Answer: True
Explanation: The field of data mining emerged in the late 1980s to address 'data tombs,' which are massive amounts of data that are seldom accessed or analyzed effectively.
Why did Database Management Systems (DMS) emerge in the 1960s?
Answer: To solve the challenge of accurately and quickly storing and retrieving large volumes of data.
Explanation: Database Management Systems (DMS) emerged in the 1960s to solve the challenge of accurately and quickly storing and retrieving large volumes of data.
What is a key characteristic shared by all Database Management Systems (DMS) regarding data structure?
Answer: The structure of the data is defined and stored separately from the data within a database schema.
Explanation: All Database Management Systems (DMS) define and store the structure of their data separately from the data itself, within a database schema.
Since the early 2000s, for what primary purpose has XML been increasingly employed?
Answer: As a means of data interchange, particularly for machine-oriented interactions.
Explanation: Since the early 2000s, XML has been increasingly employed as a means of data interchange, particularly for machine-oriented interactions in web-oriented protocols.
Which of the following is an advantage of XML's text-based structure?
Answer: It is both machine-readable and human-readable.
Explanation: An advantage of XML's text-based structure is that it is both machine-readable and human-readable.
What is the concept of 'data tombs'?
Answer: Massive amounts of data stored worldwide that are seldom accessed or analyzed effectively.
Explanation: 'Data tombs' refer to massive amounts of data stored worldwide that are seldom accessed or analyzed effectively, leading to the emergence of data mining.
Email technology primarily facilitated communication but had a negligible impact on online sales in its early years.
Answer: False
Explanation: Email technology led to a massive increase in online sales, with Americans exceeding $28 billion in goods purchased over the Internet in 2002, demonstrating a significant impact on commerce.
The three key aspects of data transmission are sending, processing, and receiving.
Answer: False
Explanation: The three key aspects of data transmission are transmission (sending), propagation (how data travels), and reception (receiving).
Broadcasting is a category of data transmission that involves bidirectional upstream and downstream channels.
Answer: False
Explanation: Broadcasting is a category of data transmission where information is transmitted unidirectionally downstream to many receivers, while telecommunications involves bidirectional channels.
Email technology guarantees the delivery of every message, ensuring no potential delays.
Answer: False
Explanation: Email technology does not guarantee the delivery of every message and can experience potential delays in message delivery.
What was a significant impact of email on commerce, as noted in the source?
Answer: A massive increase in online sales, exceeding $289 billion by 2012.
Explanation: Email's introduction led to a massive increase in online sales, with e-commerce sales reaching $289 billion by 2012.
What are the three key aspects of data transmission?
Answer: Transmission, Propagation, and Reception
Explanation: The three key aspects of data transmission are transmission (sending), propagation (how data travels), and reception (receiving).
What is the primary difference between broadcasting and telecommunications as categories of data transmission?
Answer: Broadcasting is unidirectional to many receivers, while telecommunications involves bidirectional channels.
Explanation: Broadcasting transmits information unidirectionally downstream to many receivers, whereas telecommunications involves bidirectional upstream and downstream channels for two-way communication.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a primary advantage of email?
Answer: Guaranteed delivery for every letter.
Explanation: Guaranteed delivery for every letter is listed as a theoretical impossibility and a disadvantage of email, not a primary advantage.
By the twenty-first century, less than 10% of the U.S. workforce was in IT-related professions, despite significant internet connectivity.
Answer: False
Explanation: By the twenty-first century, thirty percent of U.S. workers were already in IT-related professions, indicating a significant shift in the workforce.
A 'search engine' typically refers to the software part of a search system that provides its functionality, which is usually a trade secret.
Answer: False
Explanation: A 'search engine' typically refers to the website hosting the interface (front-end) of the system, while the software part providing functionality is also called a search engine and is usually a trade secret.
Improving search capabilities for the 'Deep Web' is a current priority for the modern Internet.
Answer: True
Explanation: Improving search capabilities, particularly addressing issues related to the 'Deep Web,' is identified as one of the modern Internet's priorities.
The terms 'tech sector' and 'tech industry' are synonymous with 'tech companies,' which are large-scale, for-profit corporations selling consumer technology.
Answer: False
Explanation: The terms 'tech sector' and 'tech industry' are broader terms for companies in the information technology field and should not be confused with 'tech companies,' which specifically denote large-scale, for-profit corporations selling consumer technology and software.
Information technology departments are often considered 'profit centers' because they directly generate revenue for a company.
Answer: False
Explanation: Information technology departments are frequently considered 'cost centers' because they incur expenses rather than directly generating profits or revenue for a company.
The field of information ethics was established in the 1940s by Norbert Wiener.
Answer: True
Explanation: The field of information ethics was established by the mathematician Norbert Wiener in the 1940s.
Employer monitoring of employee emails and internet usage is not considered an ethical issue associated with information technology.
Answer: False
Explanation: Employer monitoring of employee emails and internet usage is explicitly listed as an ethical issue associated with information technology.
Research by McKinsey and the University of Oxford indicates that most large-scale IT projects are completed on time and within budget.
Answer: False
Explanation: Research by McKinsey and the University of Oxford indicates that half of all large-scale IT projects frequently fail to stay within initial budgets or be completed on time.
What percentage of U.S. workers were already in IT-related professions by the twenty-first century?
Answer: Thirty percent
Explanation: By the twenty-first century, thirty percent of U.S. workers were already in IT-related professions.
What is the distinction between a 'search engine' (as a website) and the 'software part' of a search system?
Answer: The website is the front-end interface, while the software part provides the functionality and is often a trade secret.
Explanation: A 'search engine' typically refers to the website interface, while the software part that provides the system's functionality is also called a search engine and is usually a trade secret.
What is a current priority for the modern Internet regarding search capabilities?
Answer: Improving search capabilities, particularly addressing issues related to the 'Deep Web'.
Explanation: Improving search capabilities, especially addressing issues related to the 'Deep Web,' is a current priority for the modern Internet.
From a business perspective, how are information technology departments frequently viewed?
Answer: As 'cost centers' because they incur expenses rather than directly generating profits.
Explanation: Information technology departments are frequently viewed as 'cost centers' because they incur expenses rather than directly generating profits or revenue.
What is the purpose of a BizOps (business operations) department in relation to IT?
Answer: To integrate IT with business outcomes and decision-making.
Explanation: The purpose of a BizOps department is to integrate IT with business outcomes and decision-making, ensuring IT initiatives align with organizational goals.
Which of the following is a typical responsibility of professionals working in the IT field?
Answer: Network administration.
Explanation: Network administration is listed as a typical responsibility of professionals working in the IT field, alongside software development and technology life cycle management.
Who established the field of information ethics in the 1940s?
Answer: Norbert Wiener
Explanation: The mathematician Norbert Wiener established the field of information ethics in the 1940s.
Which of the following is considered an ethical issue associated with the use of information technology?
Answer: Employers monitoring employee emails and internet usage.
Explanation: Employers monitoring employee emails and internet usage is explicitly considered an ethical issue associated with information technology.
According to research by McKinsey and the University of Oxford, what is the success rate for large-scale IT projects (costing $15 million or more)?
Answer: Half frequently fail to stay within initial budgets or be completed on time.
Explanation: Research indicates that half of all large-scale IT projects frequently fail to stay within initial budgets or be completed on time.