Computer Aptitude - 12

In token ring networks, a special frame called the 'token' circulates continuously around the ring. Only the computer currently holding the token has permission to transmit data, preventing collisions and ensuring orderly access to the network medium.

Embedded computers are specialized computer chips designed to perform dedicated functions inside other devices like cars, thermostats, appliances, and industrial equipment. Unlike general-purpose computers, they have specific, pre-programmed tasks and are optimized for their particular application.

A digital scanner is an input peripheral device that captures images and documents, not a standalone computing device. Notebooks, cell phones, and PDAs are all computing devices with processors, memory, and the ability to execute programs independently.

System software (like operating systems and drivers) provides the bridge between hardware and application software. It manages hardware resources and provides services that allow applications to run without needing to directly control hardware components.

Boot sector viruses infect the boot sector of floppy disks and hard drives. When a floppy disk is left in the drive during startup, the computer attempts to boot from it, executing the viral code in the boot sector and loading the virus into memory.

Servers are powerful computers that provide shared resources like files, printers, applications, and services to client computers connected to a network. They handle requests from clients and manage centralized resources for efficient distribution.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the full address used to locate resources on the internet. It specifies the protocol (like HTTP or HTTPS), domain name, and specific path to identify and access web resources uniquely.

Field names are the identifiers that describe what each database field represents. While 'Field definitions' would be more comprehensive, 'Field names' is the most appropriate answer among the given choices as it directly addresses what fields are called.

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is the firmware that manages essential peripherals like keyboard, screen, and disk drives during computer startup. It provides the fundamental interface between hardware and software, making 'Basic input/output system' the correct answer.

The operating system is the fundamental software that controls how the computer functions and provides the interface through which users interact with the computer. It manages hardware resources and provides services for application software.

Reserved words are terms that programming languages set aside for specific purposes and cannot be used as identifiers (variable names, function names, etc.). Examples include 'if', 'while', 'class', 'return' in most languages.

Data inconsistency occurs when the same data exists in multiple locations and only some of those locations are updated during a change. This is a common problem in poorly designed databases that lack proper normalization or update mechanisms.

A proxy server primarily acts as an intermediary for client requests, processing requests for web pages and returning cached or fresh content. While proxies can provide security features, their fundamental purpose is handling client requests for web resources, not TCP/IP provision or database access.

SQL (Structured Query Language) is the standard programming language that relational database management systems use to perform their database tasks including querying, updating, and managing data. QBE is an alternative query interface, OLAP is for analytical processing, and OLTP refers to transaction processing systems.

A router is required on a network to share a broadband Internet connection among multiple devices. While a modem connects to the ISP, only a router can distribute that connection to multiple devices through network address translation (NAT) and routing functions.

Network architecture refers to the design and structure of the network, including its topology, protocols, hardware components, and how devices communicate. It's the blueprint that defines how the network is organized and functions.

The primary key in a database table serves to uniquely identify each record/row. It ensures that no two records have the same value in the primary key column, enabling unambiguous identification and retrieval of specific records.

A database management system (DBMS) is a software system used to create, maintain and provide controlled access to a database.

A chip is the common nickname for an integrated circuit (IC), which is a set of electronic circuits on a small flat piece of semiconductor material. Integrated circuits are the fundamental building blocks of modern electronic devices.

Option (2) is correct. 

Programming languages provide the formal rules (syntax) and vocabulary (keywords, operators) needed to express algorithms precisely. While syntax refers only to the rules, and programming structure is a broader concept, the programming language as a whole encompasses both the rules and words for algorithmic expression. Logic charts are visual tools, not rule-based languages.

An extranet is a private network that selectively allows external organizations (like partners, suppliers, or customers) controlled access to specific internal resources or web pages. Unlike an intranet (internal only) or internet (public), an extranet provides secure, limited external access. This distinction is crucial for business-to-business collaborations.

A data dictionary (or metadata repository) is a centralized repository that stores comprehensive descriptions of data elements including names, data types, lengths, constraints, and relationships. Unlike data tables (which store actual data), data records (rows), or data fields (individual cells), the data dictionary stores metadata about the database structure itself.