WorksheetsU01 Principles of Computer Science (Quiz 1)
Total questions: 20
Worksheet time: 10mins
What is Encryption?
The process of encoding a message so that it can be read only by the sender and the intended recipient.
The process of converting plain text data into a hash that cannot be decrypted.
The process of logging into Windows after you turn on your PC.
The securing of a premises by the use of a physical lock.
What is a do until loop in Pseudocode?
do
code
until
condition
PRINT "Hello world"
BEGIN
END
A load of random gibberish which has no real effect.
What does the word NOT in Pseudocode do?
It reverses the outcome of the expression.
It immedatiely terminates the program.
It is a subjective term which has multiple meanings amongst different programmers.
Indicate that the program will not output anything to the screen.
What is the Byte Scale?
Bit, nibble, byte, kilobyte, mega, giga, tera, peta, exa, zetta, and yotta.
Multiply by 1024 to move up.
Kilobit, Megabit, gigabit, terabit, petabit, exabit, zettabit, and yottabit.
Multiply by 1024 to move up.
The sizes of different burgers at a fast food chain e.g. McDonalds.
The scale commonly used to measure CPU speed.
What is the method of capturing data (Manual)?
Paper data capture form (read by OCR; OMR or typed in manually).
The use of CCTV cameras to monitor the physical security of a premises.
The use of sensors to detect a variable e.g. temperature.
The use of a packet sniffer to intercept packets of data on a network.
What is the purpose of operating systems when managing external devices?
Using device drivers to translate operating system instructions into those understood by specific models of hardware device.
To waste computing resources by automatically reinstalling bloatware which the average user never uses.
To automatically select a boot device when the computer is started, in order of priority.
To store data on the computer's hard drive.
How are character sets used to represent text?
When a specific character in the set has a corresponding binary value which is a set number of bits. These are stored in a sequence that represents a word etc.
To convert data into a binary form so that it can be stored on a storage device e.g. hard drive, USB drive, NAS, etc.
To give each item of text a unique font which will feature its own particular size, weight and style.
They automatically detect that Anyone Who Squirts Custard Is an Idiot (ASCII).
What is a clock used for?
To synchronise the change of state of flip flop circuits.
To tell the user the current time so that they know what it is.
To generate accurate timestamps on items of data.
To prevent a repeat of the infamous Y2K (Year 2000) bug which resulted in many computers, and computer based systems e.g. lifts, aircraft, and trains, refusing to function.
What is the definition of a variable?
It is the named locations that store data in which the contents can be changed during program execution.
A virus which infects various different files on a computer.
The software which interfaces between the user interface and a computer's hardware.
An item of data which is transmitted over a network, whether a LAN or a WAN.
What is a local variable?
A file which is stored on a PC and regularly moves from place to place, but never leaves that PC.
The current time, as displayed by the clock in the taskbar of the Windows operating system.
It is declared inside a function. They can only be accessed and used in that function.
Software which is pre-installed on a computer and has the effect of bloating the system and slowing down its operation.
What is decomposition?
The way in which electronic waste eventually degrades into the environment over a long period of time if not properly disposed of.
A method of sorting data which will put it into a specific order.
When a single developer writes a program to solve a specific problem.
Identifying and describing problems and processes. Breaking down problems and processes into distinct steps. Describing problems and processes as a set of structured steps. Communicating the key features of problems and processes to others.
What is pattern recognition?
The recognition of different patterns of clothing by a computer linked to CCTV cameras.
The use of a computer system to detect suspicious persons e.g. suspected terrorists, and criminals, and then alert the Police.
Translating a foreign language e.g. Mandarin Chinese, or Arabic into a native language e.g. English.
Identifying common elements or features in problems or systems. Identifying and interpreting common differences between processes or problems. Identifying individual elements within problems. Describing patterns that have been identified. Making predictions based on identified patterns.
What is pattern generalisation and abstraction?
The creation of abstract pieces of art by an artist, using a computer.
Identifying information that is necessary to solve an identified problem. Filtering out information that is not needed to solve an identified problem. Representing parts of a problem or system in general terms by identifying the following: variables, constants, key processes, repeated processes, inputs and outputs.
Where a programmer searches code for bugs and then attempts to fix them.
The detection of a hostile threat coming from a foreign country e.g. the Russian Federation, China or North Korea by the use of a military computer system which can then alert military commanders, and the government.
What is algorithm design?
The generation of unique pieces of abstract artwork by a computer system from numbers inputted by a user.
Selecting a suitable computer system for a designated task.
Describing a step-by-step strategy to solve a problem.
Preparing a computer system and/or network for a major incident or disaster e.g. a fire, flood, or war.
What is structured English (pseudocode)?
Produce, apply and interpret pseudocode statements to describe computing tasks or processes and solve problems.
Where someone writing pseudocode ensures that they use correct punctuation, spelling, grammar, and syntax.
Using the English language as opposed to a foreign language e.g. Mandarin Chinese, or Arabic, when writing pseudocode.
The use of specific terms in pseudocode e.g. BEGIN and END.
What does interpreting pseudocode mean?
Converting pseudocode into plain English that can be understood by the average person.
Applying processes to calculate outcomes, evaluate the structure and logic of given code against given requirements, and suggest improvements to logical structures and processes.
Converting pseudocode into a programming language that can be executed on a computer system.
Changing existing pseudocode to better suit a specific purpose or problem.
What is developing pseudocode?
The process of creating pseudocode to solve a problem.
The process of converting pseudocode into a programming language that can be executed on a computer system.
Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of code, identify and fix errors within code.
The process of selecting specific hardware that can run a computer program.
What are the correct tips for producing pseudocode?
Ensure that you follow the correct sequence when writing it, and that it begins with the word "BEGIN" and ends with the word "END".
Remember that your creativity matters.
Make sure that it is human readable.
Ensure that you use the correct syntax so it can be read by other programmers.
What are programming paradigms?
Use of standard structures and conventions to build and develop accurate, efficient and effective computer code to fulfil identified criteria and solve problems.
Different methods of writing computer programs e.g. C++, C#, Python, and VB.NET.
Problems which are solved through the use of computer programs.
Specialist hardware which is used for a specific type of computer program e.g. a Joystick.
How do you correctly handle data within a program?
By selecting, applying, using and interpreting common data-handling techniques and structures provided within programming languages to process data; defining and declaring constants and variables: alphanumeric strings, Arrays, Boolean, Characters, date/time, floating point (real), Integers, Objects, Records, Sets, Strings; and managing variables: local and global variables, and naming conventions.
By ensuring that you regularly save your work and lock your computer when leaving it unattended.
By ensuring that you backup your data to another storage device to prevent data loss.
Ensure that you use a good quality anti-virus program and keep it up to date at all times, and avoid running unknown programs on an administrator account.
