Computer Fundamentals

Option (1) is the correct answer.

A programming language contains specific rules (syntax) and words (keywords/commands) that express the logical steps of an algorithm. Programming languages provide the structured syntax needed to write executable algorithms that computers can understand and process.

A primary key in a relational database is a unique identifier for each record in a table, ensuring that no two rows are identical and that every entry can be precisely located.

A user manual (or user guide) is specifically designed to tell end users how to operate and use a software program effectively. Documentation (A) is broader and includes technical specifications, programming manuals are for developers, and technical manuals may cover installation or maintenance rather than usage.

Blogs (weblogs) are personal logs or journal entries posted on the web, typically in reverse chronological order. Listservs are email distribution lists, webcasts are streaming broadcasts, and subject directories are organized collections of web links.

A data dictionary contains data descriptions and defines the name, data type, and length of each field in the database. It serves as metadata repository that documents the structure and properties of data elements, unlike data tables (actual data), records (rows), or fields (individual data units).

Testing is the systematic process of finding errors in software code by executing test cases. Debugging is the process of fixing those errors after they are found. Compiling translates source code to machine language, and running simply executes the program without specifically searching for errors.

Dial-up is NOT a broadband connection - it uses narrowband analog telephone lines with maximum speeds around 56 Kbps. Cable, DSL, and satellite are all broadband technologies offering high-speed internet access. Broadband typically refers to connections faster than 256 Kbps, while dial-up is legacy narrowband technology.

Time bombs are malicious programs designed to execute their payload on a specific date or after a certain time period has elapsed. Boot-sector viruses infect the boot sector of storage media, macro viruses infect macro-enabled documents, and worms are self-replicating malware that don't require a host file or time trigger.

Option (2) is the correct answer.

Linux is an open-source operating system, meaning its source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. It is not a Microsoft, Windows, or Mac operating system - those are proprietary OS platforms. Linux was created by Linus Torvalds and is developed under open-source licensing.

The internet is globally defined as a massive interconnected network of smaller computer networks spanning the world. Therefore, option A accurately describes it.