Question 1

In malware terminology, what do we call a computer virus that deliberately targets and attempts to disable or evade anti-virus programs to prevent its own detection?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Different malware categories are defined by behavior. Some spread autonomously, some disguise themselves, and others attempt to neutralize security tools. This question focuses on the class of malware that attacks anti-virus programs to avoid being found. Given Data / Assumptions: Behavior in focus: actively countering or disabling anti-virus defenses. We must choose the term widely used in security literature for such behavior. Concept / Approach: A 'retrovirus' (in computer-security jargon) is designed to hinder, corrupt, or disable security software and its updates, thereby preventing detection or removal. This differs from propagation method (worm) or disguise method (trojan). Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the key behavior: attacks anti-virus programs.Step 2: Recall taxonomy: worms self-replicate over networks; trojans masquerade as legitimate software.Step 3: Match to the term used for anti-AV attacking malware: 'retrovirus'. Verification / Alternative check: Security glossaries and malware analyses frequently describe retroviruses as anti-AV attacking malware, sometimes also called anti-antivirus malware or AV-killer components within a larger malware family. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Worm: Primarily defined by self-replication over networks; may not specifically target AV software. Trojan: Delivery via deception; not necessarily attacking security tools. Ghost virus: Not a standard category; an informal term at best. Common Pitfalls: Assuming any stealthy malware is a trojan; trojan describes disguise, not necessarily anti-AV aggression. The hallmark here is attacking detection mechanisms, hence 'retrovirus'. Final Answer: Retrovirus

Question 2

Which of the following is not a component or service that is part of the Internet ecosystem itself? Choose the option that stands apart from core Internet services.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Understanding the difference between Internet services and unrelated storage media is essential for digital literacy. This question asks you to identify which option does not belong to the set of Internet components/services. Given Data / Assumptions: Options include two services, one protocol, and one physical storage medium. Task: select the item that is not part of the Internet stack or its services. Concept / Approach: The Internet provides services (like the Web and email) via protocols (like HTTP, SMTP). A CD-ROM is an optical storage medium used for offline data distribution and is not an Internet service or protocol. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Classify World Wide Web → Internet service.Step 2: Classify Email → Internet service using protocols like SMTP, IMAP, POP3.Step 3: Classify HTTP → Hypertext Transfer Protocol, an Internet application-layer protocol.Step 4: Classify CD-ROM → Offline optical storage disk; not an Internet component. Verification / Alternative check: Any example of Internet use (web browsing or email) requires network connectivity and protocols, whereas a CD-ROM can be used entirely offline on a standalone computer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: World Wide Web: Core Internet service. Email: Core Internet service. HTTP: Protocol powering the Web, part of the Internet stack. Common Pitfalls: Confusing 'things used with computers' (like storage media) with Internet technologies. Only items that rely on network protocols and connectivity qualify as Internet components or services. Final Answer: CD-ROM

Question 3

In computer networking, the widely used acronym 'NAT' refers to a technique performed by routers and firewalls. What does 'NAT' stand for?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: 'NAT' is fundamental in modern networking, allowing multiple devices to share a single public IP address and improving address conservation and security. Knowing the full form is basic but crucial for understanding how home and enterprise networks operate. Given Data / Assumptions: Term: NAT. Function: Implemented on routers/firewalls for address mapping. Concept / Approach: NAT stands for Network Address Translation. It maps private (internal) IP addresses to public (external) IP addresses for outbound connections and can perform port translation. This enables RFC1918 address reuse and reduces public IPv4 address consumption. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that NAT sits at the network perimeter.Step 2: Identify the action: translating one address space to another.Step 3: Expand the acronym to match its function: Network Address Translation. Verification / Alternative check: Networking texts and router configuration manuals consistently define NAT as Network Address Translation, sometimes with variants like PAT (Port Address Translation). Why Other Options Are Wrong: Network Administration Tool: A generic phrase, not the expansion of NAT. Novell Address Transfer: Vendor-specific wording; incorrect. Newly Added Technology: Not a technical term. Common Pitfalls: Confusing NAT with DHCP. DHCP assigns IP addresses within a network; NAT translates addresses between networks. Final Answer: Network Address Translation

Question 4

Internet Growth Statistics — CNN Reference (1994–1996) According to a widely cited CNN report from the mid-1990s, by approximately how much did overall Internet traffic grow between the years 1994 and 1996?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The mid-1990s marked an explosive phase in the commercial adoption of the Internet. News outlets, including CNN, frequently summarised this boom with striking growth figures that help learners appreciate the speed at which online infrastructure and user bases expanded. Given Data / Assumptions: The time window is specifically from 1994 to 1996. The request asks what a CNN report stated about overall Internet traffic growth, not website count or user numbers. We interpret 'traffic' in the contemporary sense used by news media: total data volume or usage on the network. Concept / Approach: To answer a fact-recall question like this, align each option with historically reported multipliers. Various outlets documented very high growth during this period; the CNN figure commonly cited in quiz and GK contexts is a twenty-five-fold increase across those two years. Step-by-Step Solution: List the candidate multipliers: 2x, 5x, 10x, 25x.Recall the headline statistic attributed to CNN for 1994–1996 traffic: 25x.Select the option that exactly matches the reported value.Confirm that this pertains to Internet traffic (usage/throughput), not the number of websites or hosts. Verification / Alternative check: Period technology primers and curated GK compilations consistently reference the twenty-five-fold increase for this exact 1994–1996 interval, aligning with the broader narrative of the Internet doubling every few months during that era. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Two times: Understates the explosion; growth was far steeper.Five times: Still far below the often-quoted figure.Ten times: Impressive but not the specific CNN statistic for 1994–1996. Common Pitfalls: Mistaking the growth in the number of websites or hosts for overall traffic; these metrics are related but not identical and can produce different multipliers. Final Answer: Twenty-five times

Question 5

Networking Protocols — Expansion of LCP in PPP In data networking, particularly within the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), what does the abbreviation LCP stand for?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: PPP is a foundational protocol suite for establishing direct connections between two nodes over serial links, dial-up, and certain broadband contexts. Within PPP, LCP is the component that negotiates and configures the data-link layer before any network-layer traffic flows. Given Data / Assumptions: Context is PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol), not Ethernet or Wi-Fi. LCP is a standardized sub-protocol in PPP. We are expanding the acronym, not detailing all features. Concept / Approach: LCP expands to Link Control Protocol. It establishes, configures, and tests the data link connection. After LCP brings up a stable link, NCPs (Network Control Protocols) negotiate network-layer specifics (for example, IP Control Protocol for IPv4 parameters). Step-by-Step Solution: Identify protocol family: PPP.Recall roles: LCP for link setup/testing, NCP for network-layer options.Match acronym letters to 'Link Control Protocol'.Reject non-standard phrases that do not appear in PPP specs. Verification / Alternative check: Networking textbooks and RFCs on PPP describe LCP as the mechanism negotiating MRU, authentication methods, and link quality monitoring prior to network-layer configuration. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Local Connection Protocol: Not a PPP term.Lost/Laggy Connection Problem: Informal phrases, not protocol names. Common Pitfalls: Confusing LCP with NCP; LCP handles link parameters, whereas NCPs handle per-protocol network options like IP addresses. Final Answer: Link Control Protocol

Question 6

Computer Architecture — First Intel Processor with a 32-bit External Bus Which Intel x86 processor was the first to feature a true 32-bit external data bus architecture?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Transitioning from 16-bit to 32-bit architectures marked a major leap in personal computing. Beyond internal registers, the width of the external data bus determines how much data can be moved per memory transaction, influencing overall bandwidth and performance. Given Data / Assumptions: We are focusing on the first Intel x86 chip with a 32-bit external data bus. 'External bus' refers to the CPU's data path to memory and chipset, not just internal registers. Model naming variations (e.g., 486SX vs 486DX) can confuse capabilities. Concept / Approach: The Intel 80386DX introduced a 32-bit architecture with a 32-bit external data bus and a 32-bit address bus, enabling full 32-bit computing in PCs. Earlier 80286 parts were 16-bit externally. Later processors such as the 80486 and Pentium also had 32-bit buses, but the 386DX was the first. Step-by-Step Solution: Check 80286: 16-bit external bus → not first.Check 80386DX: 32-bit external data bus → first to provide it.Check 80486SX/DX and Pentium: later generations → not first.Choose 386DX. Verification / Alternative check: Technical references list 80386DX with a 32-bit data bus; 80386SX used a 16-bit external bus for lower-cost systems, confirming DX as the milestone part. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 286: 16-bit external bus.486SX/Pentium: Feature 32-bit buses but were released after the 386DX. Common Pitfalls: Confusing internal register width with external bus width; they are related but not identical across some models (e.g., 386SX). Final Answer: 386DX

Question 7

Web History — Year and Place of the First Web Server Identify when and where the world’s first web server was built and run as part of the early World Wide Web project.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The World Wide Web began as a proposal and prototype to help researchers share documents via hypertext. The first web server is a cornerstone milestone that anchors the web’s origin in time and place. Given Data / Assumptions: The question asks for both the year and the location of the initial server. 'First web server' refers to the earliest operational HTTP server instance used to serve hypertext documents. Concept / Approach: The inaugural web server was built and run in 1990 at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, associated with Tim Berners-Lee’s early WWW work. Distractor choices reference different places or dates that do not align with the web’s documented timeline, and one option contains an anachronistic year far before digital networking existed in that form. Step-by-Step Solution: Match the correct year of early WWW operation: 1990.Match the site: CERN (Geneva, Switzerland).Eliminate anachronistic or unrelated locations (Berkeley, Cambridge) for this specific first server.Select '1990 in Geneva, Switzerland'. Verification / Alternative check: Authoritative histories of the web consistently cite CERN in Geneva, 1990, as the first running HTTP server’s time and place. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 1985/1988 US locations: Pre-date the WWW server milestone and relate to different research streams.1947 in 'Berningham': Date and spelling are incorrect and pre-web. Common Pitfalls: Confusing the first web server with earlier Internet or ARPANET developments; the web layered hypertext (HTTP/HTML) atop networking that already existed. Final Answer: 1990 in Geneva, Switzerland

Question 8

Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) — Mongolia On the web, each country has a two-letter ccTLD. What is the correct website country code for Mongolia?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) are two-letter identifiers used at the end of domain names to indicate national affiliation (for example, .in for India). Recognising ccTLDs is useful for digital literacy and geo-targeting on the web. Given Data / Assumptions: We need the official ISO-based two-letter code assigned for Mongolia's domain. Distractors are real codes, but for other countries/regions. Concept / Approach: Mongolia’s ccTLD is .mn, aligning with its ISO country code. 'ML' corresponds to Mali, 'MG' to Madagascar, and 'MO' to Macao SAR (Macau). Step-by-Step Solution: Identify Mongolia’s ISO two-letter code → MN.Map ISO code to ccTLD → .mn.Eliminate similar-looking but incorrect codes (.ml, .mg, .mo).Select 'MN' as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Domain registration authorities and ISO-3166 listings align Mongolia's ccTLD with .mn. Why Other Options Are Wrong: ML: Mali.MG: Madagascar.MO: Macao SAR, China. Common Pitfalls: Assuming codes mirror country names in English exactly; they follow ISO standards and sometimes reflect local or historical naming. Final Answer: MN

Question 9

Web Terminology — Expansion of the Acronym URL In web addressing, what does the acronym URL expand to?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Every web resource is identified by an address that browsers can interpret. Knowing the correct expansion of URL helps users understand how links and locations are specified across the Internet and intranets alike. Given Data / Assumptions: The question is about the standard meaning of URL in the context of web technology. Distractor options intentionally replace words to sound technical but are incorrect. Concept / Approach: URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It specifies how to access a resource (scheme such as http/https/ftp), where it is located (host, optional port), and which specific item (path, query, fragment). This uniform convention enables consistent addressing across different systems and services. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the well-known expansion used in documentation and standards.Match each letter: Uniform, Resource, Locator.Select the option that exactly matches 'Uniform Resource Locator'.Reject options that reference RAM or laws, which are unrelated. Verification / Alternative check: Technical standards and browser documentation consistently expand URL as Uniform Resource Locator; related terms include URI and URN with distinct scope. Why Other Options Are Wrong: User Regulation Law/Unknown RAM Load/Ultimate RAM Locator: Do not describe web addressing terminology. Common Pitfalls: Confusing URL with URI; a URL is a type of URI that provides a means of locating a resource by describing its primary access mechanism and network location. Final Answer: Uniform Resource Locator

Question 10

Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) — Spain On the Internet, what is the correct two-letter website country code (ccTLD) for Spain?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Two-letter domain endings identify country or territory association for websites. Understanding these codes improves digital literacy and can help infer geographic relevance from a URL. Given Data / Assumptions: We are selecting Spain’s ccTLD. Some distractors look plausible but correspond to other places or abbreviations. Concept / Approach: Spain’s ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code is ES, so the ccTLD is .es. The other codes map elsewhere: 'SI' is Slovenia, 'SN' is Senegal, and 'SP' is not an assigned ccTLD (Spain’s code is ES, not SP). Step-by-Step Solution: Identify Spain’s ISO two-letter code.Map to ccTLD → .es.Discard similar but incorrect combinations.Choose 'ES'. Verification / Alternative check: Domain registries, ISO tables, and browser locale mappings confirm Spain's ccTLD as .es. Why Other Options Are Wrong: SI: Slovenia.SN: Senegal.SP: Not Spain's assigned code. Common Pitfalls: Assuming the English country name's first two letters always form the code; the codes follow ISO conventions and historical usage. Final Answer: ES

Question 11

Operating Systems — Which of the Following Was Produced by IBM? Identify the operating system created and distributed by IBM, particularly known from the 1990s PC era.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Knowing which companies produced which operating systems clarifies the history of the PC industry and enterprise computing. IBM participated directly in OS development alongside or in partnership with other firms during different eras. Given Data / Assumptions: The focus is on an OS clearly branded and distributed by IBM. We consider mainstream desktop/PC operating systems. Concept / Approach: OS/2 was co-developed initially by IBM and Microsoft and later continued by IBM, positioning itself as a robust multitasking OS for PCs and workstations. While IBM also had involvement with PC-DOS (a variant related to MS-DOS), the distinctive IBM-branded OS widely taught in GK contexts is OS/2. Windows was primarily a Microsoft product, though IBM hardware ran it. UNIX is a multi-vendor ecosystem originating from Bell Labs, not IBM exclusively (IBM later offered AIX, a UNIX variant, but the question seeks the one that IBM produced as a named product, i.e., OS/2). Step-by-Step Solution: List OS options and principal producers.Match IBM's signature desktop OS → OS/2.Eliminate Windows (Microsoft-led), generic DOS (largely MS-DOS lineage), and UNIX (multi-vendor origins).Choose OS/2. Verification / Alternative check: Historical OS catalogs and IBM archives chronicle OS/2 releases (2.x, Warp) as IBM products in the 1990s. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Windows: Microsoft's flagship OS family.DOS: Ambiguous; commonly refers to MS-DOS, not exclusively IBM.UNIX: Originated at Bell Labs; IBM's AIX is a UNIX flavor but not the generic 'UNIX' listed here. Common Pitfalls: Conflating PC-DOS with MS-DOS in quiz settings; the question typically expects OS/2 as the iconic IBM OS answer. Final Answer: OS/2

Question 12

CPU Design — What Does RISC Stand For? In computer architecture terminology, expand the acronym RISC and identify the design philosophy it represents.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Processor designs generally fall into categories that reflect instruction set complexity and microarchitectural goals. RISC architectures have influenced everything from embedded controllers to modern smartphones and servers. Given Data / Assumptions: We are expanding the acronym, not comparing performance across vendors. The concept refers to an instruction set philosophy emphasising simplicity and efficiency. Concept / Approach: Reduced Instruction Set Computer expresses a design that simplifies individual instructions so they execute quickly, often in one or a few cycles, enabling deep pipelining, large register files, and efficient compiler-driven code generation. This contrasts with CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer), which historically offered more complex, multi-cycle instructions. Step-by-Step Solution: Map R-I-S-C to 'Reduced Instruction Set Computer'.Recall hallmarks: load/store architecture, fixed or simple instruction formats, emphasis on pipeline throughput.Select the corresponding option.Reject distractors that misuse networking or compiler terminology. Verification / Alternative check: Computer architecture texts describe RISC as an approach prioritising streamlined instructions with hardware optimised for execution speed and parallelism. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Remodeled/Remote/Runtime…: Not standard expansions and mix unrelated domains. Common Pitfalls: Assuming RISC always means fewer lines of source code; it refers to instruction set complexity, not directly to code length in high-level languages. Final Answer: Reduced Instruction Set Computer

Question 13

Electronics History — Who Invented the Transistor in 1947? The invention of the transistor in 1947 sparked the semiconductor revolution. Which organisation is credited with this breakthrough?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The transistor replaced vacuum tubes and enabled compact, efficient, and reliable electronic devices. Pinpointing its origin helps structure the historical timeline that leads to integrated circuits, microprocessors, and modern computing. Given Data / Assumptions: The year is 1947. We are identifying the organisation associated with the invention, not individual laureates. The setting is the early post-war research era in the United States. Concept / Approach: Bell Laboratories is credited with the transistor’s invention in 1947. The pioneering work involved demonstrating the point-contact transistor, followed soon by the junction transistor. This breakthrough laid the groundwork for semiconductor electronics, information processing, and the eventual PC revolution. Step-by-Step Solution: Check each organisation’s historical focus during the 1940s.Recognise Bell Labs as the research arm that produced fundamental communications and electronics discoveries.Associate 1947 with the first working transistor demonstration.Select 'Bell Laboratories' as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Technology histories and Nobel Prize citations trace the invention to Bell Labs, aligning the 1947 date with subsequent rapid advances in semiconductor physics. Why Other Options Are Wrong: IBM: A computing giant, but not credited with the 1947 transistor invention.MITS: Later personal computing company (Altair 8800 era), not 1940s research.Xerox: Known for later PARC innovations, not the transistor’s origin. Common Pitfalls: Conflating the invention site with later commercialisation or different labs famous for other breakthroughs (e.g., Xerox PARC for GUIs and Ethernet decades later). Final Answer: Bell Laboratories

Question 14

WEB TECHNOLOGY — Understanding a “spider” (web crawler) In the context of Internet search and indexing, what is a “spider” and what does it do for the World Wide Web?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The term “spider” (also called web crawler or robot) is fundamental to how search engines discover, read, and organize pages. Knowing what a spider does explains why pages appear in search results and how website changes are detected over time. Given Data / Assumptions: The question concerns Internet technology and search engines. “Spider” refers to automated software, not a human operator or a virus. Goal is to identify the correct functional role of a spider. Concept / Approach: A spider systematically fetches webpages, follows hyperlinks, and sends content to an indexer. The indexer extracts words, metadata, links, and signals (titles, headings) to build a searchable catalog. Spiders obey rules placed in robots.txt and meta directives to respect crawling limits. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the domain: search/indexing technology.Recall definition: a spider is an automated crawler that discovers and downloads webpages.Match to option describing “program that catalogs websites.” Verification / Alternative check: Search engines publicly document their crawlers (for example, user-agent strings) and how robots.txt controls their behavior. This confirms the spider’s role as a discovery and cataloging tool. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A computer virus — malware that infects systems; not the same as a crawler.A hacker — a human attacker, unrelated to automated indexing.An application for viewing websites — that is a web browser.A firewall — a network security control, not a discovery bot. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “crawler” with “browser.” Browsers render pages for humans; spiders fetch pages for indexing. Also, spiders do not judge truth or quality on their own; ranking happens later in the search pipeline. Final Answer: A program that catalogs websites

Question 15

COMPUTER PORTS — Expanding the acronym ECP In PC hardware and printer interfaces, what does the abbreviation ECP stand for, as defined in the IEEE 1284 parallel-port standard?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Before USB became universal, printers and scanners commonly used the parallel port. The IEEE 1284 standard introduced several modes to improve speed and bidirectional communication. ECP is one such mode and is a common interview and exam topic in computer fundamentals. Given Data / Assumptions: ECP refers to a parallel-port mode, not a modern USB protocol. The question asks for the expansion of “ECP.” Context is legacy PC hardware and peripherals. Concept / Approach: ECP stands for Extended Capabilities Port. It provides faster transfers and features like DMA support and bidirectional data flow compared to older Standard Parallel Port (SPP) modes. It was intended to enhance performance for printers, scanners, and storage devices using parallel connections. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognize the standards context: IEEE 1284 parallel port.Recall that ECP expands to “Extended Capabilities Port.”Select the option that exactly matches this expansion. Verification / Alternative check: Motherboard BIOS settings historically list modes like SPP, EPP, and ECP. Documentation clearly expands ECP as Extended Capabilities Port. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Extra Compatible Part / Extended Connection Port / External Cordless Peripheral — sound plausible but are not the recognized expansion.Enhanced Cable Protocol — not the established term in IEEE 1284. Common Pitfalls: Confusing ECP with EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port). Both are IEEE 1284 modes, but EPP focuses on simple high-speed transfers, whereas ECP adds advanced features like DMA and channel addressing. Final Answer: Extended Capabilities Port

Question 16

INTERNET DOMAINS — Country-code for Colombia When specifying country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) for websites, which two-letter code corresponds to Colombia?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Web addresses can end with country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), indicating national or regional affiliation. Knowing these codes is useful in digital marketing, cybersecurity, and geography-related quizzes. Given Data / Assumptions: The question asks for the official ccTLD for Colombia. We consider standard ISO-based two-letter assignments used on the public Internet. We are not asking about subdomains or second-level structures. Concept / Approach: ccTLDs generally derive from ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country codes. Colombia’s code is CO, hence domains like example.co. Other Latin American countries have different codes, which helps eliminate distractors. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall: Colombia = CO.Match “CO” to the options provided.Confirm that alternatives correspond to other places (e.g., CL = Chile; CM = Cameroon) or are invalid (CB). Verification / Alternative check: Domain registries and international standards list .co as Colombia’s ccTLD, widely used both domestically and for global branding. Why Other Options Are Wrong: CM — Cameroon.CL — Chile.CB — not an assigned ccTLD.CA — Canada. Common Pitfalls: Assuming “CB” due to the country’s English spelling. ccTLDs follow ISO assignments, not arbitrary abbreviations. Final Answer: CO

Question 17

COMPUTING HISTORY — CPU in the Altair 8800 The Central Processing Unit is an embedded chip that acts as the “brain” of a computer. Which Intel processor powered the Altair 8800, one of the earliest influential personal computers?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The MITS Altair 8800 (mid-1970s) ignited the personal computing revolution by offering an affordable, build-it-yourself microcomputer. Identifying its CPU provides historical context for later platforms like the Apple II and IBM PC. Given Data / Assumptions: We must choose the specific Intel CPU model used in the Altair 8800. Several period-correct chips existed, but only one was the Altair’s standard processor. Some distractors are real CPUs from other systems or eras. Concept / Approach: The Altair 8800 shipped with the Intel 8080, an 8-bit microprocessor that significantly improved performance over the earlier 8008. It became the basis for CP/M systems and inspired generations of hobbyist computing. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall historical fact: Altair 8800 → Intel 8080.Eliminate lookalike part numbers not used in the Altair.Select 8080 as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Contemporary documentation and museum archives list the Intel 8080 as the default Altair CPU (with optional Z80 upgrades appearing later in compatible machines). Why Other Options Are Wrong: 6502 — used in Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari 8-bit; not the Altair.6400 — not a standard microprocessor for this system.8286 — number resembles the 80286 (a later 16-bit CPU); not applicable.4004 — Intel’s early 4-bit CPU, predating the Altair’s architecture. Common Pitfalls: Confusing the Altair with later 8086/80286 IBM PC family machines. The Altair predates them and used the 8-bit Intel 8080. Final Answer: 8080

Question 18

COMPUTING MILESTONES — IBM PC launch date On which date did IBM debut its first IBM Personal Computer (Model 5150), a landmark moment in PC history?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The IBM PC 5150 standardized a hardware and software ecosystem that influenced decades of computing. Knowing the launch date helps anchor timelines for DOS, x86 processors, and the growth of compatible clones. Given Data / Assumptions: The question asks for the official debut date. We focus on the public announcement/release, not internal project milestones. U.S. date format is used in the options. Concept / Approach: IBM announced and released the IBM PC Model 5150 on August 12, 1981. This event catalyzed the MS-DOS ecosystem, third-party expansion cards, and a vast compatible market. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall the historically cited release date for the IBM PC 5150.Identify “August 12, 1981” among the choices.Select it as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Technology history references and IBM archives consistently list 12 August 1981 as the launch date. Why Other Options Are Wrong: January 21, 1979 / August 21, 1980 / January 12, 1982 / September 1, 1981 — dates that do not match the documented debut of the IBM PC 5150. Common Pitfalls: Confusing the IBM PC launch with later releases like the XT (1983) or AT (1984). Each had its own milestone date. Final Answer: August 12, 1981

Question 19

STORAGE TECHNOLOGY — Understanding FMD In optical storage research and products, what does the abbreviation FMD stand for?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Optical storage formats have explored many approaches to increase capacity. FMD proposed stacking multiple data layers and reading them using emitted fluorescence rather than reflected light, illustrating how physics can enable higher densities. Given Data / Assumptions: We are expanding the acronym FMD in the context of optical media. Focus is on terminology recognition, not on commercial success or current availability. Alternatives list networking or generic storage-sounding terms. Concept / Approach: FMD stands for Fluorescent Multi-Layer Disc. The idea: embed multiple fluorescent layers to store data and use optical methods to read signals with reduced inter-layer interference, potentially offering greater capacity than single-layer CDs/DVDs. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify domain: optical storage technology.Recall FMD expansion → Fluorescent Multi-Layer Disc.Choose the option that exactly matches this expansion. Verification / Alternative check: Industry articles and technical briefs from the time describe FMD’s multilayer fluorescent approach for high-capacity discs. Why Other Options Are Wrong: FastEthernet Measuring Device — networking-related; not optical media.Flashing Media Diode — not a standard term.Flash Media Driver — software/firmware concept, not an optical disc technology.Flexible Magnetic Disk — refers to floppy disks, not FMD. Common Pitfalls: Confusing FMD with mainstream formats like DVD, Blu-ray, or with solid-state “flash” technologies. FMD is specifically an optical multilayer disc concept using fluorescence. Final Answer: Fluorescent Multi-Layer Disc

Question 20

CYBERSECURITY HISTORY — First formal definition of “computer virus” In 1983, which researcher was the first to publish a formal definition of the term “computer virus” in the academic context?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Cybersecurity terminology developed alongside early experiments in self-replicating code. Recognizing the origin of the formal definition of “computer virus” helps learners connect modern malware analysis to its academic roots. Given Data / Assumptions: The question refers to the early 1980s research era. We seek the person credited with the first formal definition. Brand names like “McAfee” and “Norton” refer to companies or products, not the seminal definition. Concept / Approach: Fred Cohen, under the guidance of Professor Leonard Adleman, demonstrated and defined computer viruses in 1983–1984 in academic work, laying the conceptual groundwork for understanding replication and infection in software systems. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall: Fred Cohen is the researcher associated with the first definition.Identify “Cohen” among the options.Select it as the correct response. Verification / Alternative check: Historic papers and retrospectives cite Cohen’s experiments and definitions as the earliest formal treatment of viruses. Why Other Options Are Wrong: McAfee / Norton — company founders linked to antivirus tools, not the original academic definition.Smith — unspecified; not the recognized source.Berners-Lee — inventor of the World Wide Web, unrelated to virus definitions. Common Pitfalls: Attributing the definition to popular antivirus brands due to name recognition. Academic credit rightly belongs to Fred Cohen. Final Answer: Cohen

Technology Questions