Computer Science and IT Fundamentals

DOS floppy disks contain a Boot Record, File Allocation Table (FAT), and Root Directory as essential components. Virtual memory is a feature of operating systems and modern RAM management, not a physical component of floppy disks which have fixed storage capacity.

SET (Secure Electronic Transaction) is a protocol for securing credit card transactions over networks. It uses public-key encryption (digital certificates) to authenticate both merchants and cardholders, ensuring secure payment processing. Options A, B, and C describe other security concepts (digital certificates, SSL, and encryption choice respectively).

MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) is a technology used by banks to speed up cheque clearance. Special magnetic ink containing iron oxide is printed with characters (routing numbers, account numbers) that can be read electronically even if overprinted. It prevents fraud and enables automated processing.

A polymorphic virus changes its code structure each time it infects a new file, making it difficult for antivirus software to detect through signature-based methods. The other options describe different types of malicious programs: B is a worm, C is a Trojan horse, and D describes a stealth virus technique.

Adding demo programs or test files to a production web server creates unnecessary attack surfaces and security vulnerabilities that unauthorized actors can exploit. Good web security practices require keeping servers minimal and free of unneeded code or demo tools.

Encryption transforms data into an unreadable format that can only be reversed with the correct decryption key. Without decryption, the altered data is completely unusable for its intended purpose.

End-user query tools are specifically designed for data analysts to create and execute queries against databases. Data extraction (A) retrieves data, presentation tools (C) display results, and data store (D) is the database itself.

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, which is a standard network protocol used for transferring computer files between a client and a server over a computer network.

A gateway connects networks with different protocols by translating between them. Bridges (A) connect similar networks, routers (C) direct traffic within similar networks, and modems (D) convert digital to analog signals.

Voice mail stores voice messages digitally, allowing callers to leave messages when the recipient is unavailable, similar to how an answering machine works. The other options describe email/instant messaging (A), chat (B), and video conferencing (D).

A network site license allows multiple users to share a single copy of software installed on a server, rather than requiring individual licenses for each computer. Single-user (A) and end-user (C) licenses are for individual use.

DVD-RAM is a rewritable optical disc format similar to CD-RW, but with much higher capacity. CD-R (A) is write-once, while floppy disks (B) and hard disks (D) use different technologies entirely.

The connector type (USB, PS/2, wireless) determines if the mouse is physically compatible with your computer. Drivers (A) can be installed, cord length (B) can be extended, and buttons (D) vary by preference, but the wrong connector won't work at all.

USB devices receive power through the USB cable itself from the computer's power supply. Low-power devices don't need separate power cables or external adapters.

Basic computer networks require communication media, network cards, and supporting software. However, they do not strictly require an intermediate connecting device like a router or switch if devices are connected in certain peer-to-peer configurations using a direct cable or wireless ad-hoc connection.

Cookies are small text files stored on a user's device that help websites recognize returning visitors and maintain session state. Plug-ins add functionality, scripts execute code, and ASPs are server-side technologies - none of these are used for user identification.