Strayer University CIS 105 Exam 1 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Intro to Info
Systems Q&A | Information Systems
1. Which of the following best defines Information Technology (IT)?
A) The study of how computers are manufactured
B) The study, design, development, implementation, support, and
management of computer-based information systems
C) The process of writing software code for video games
D) The use of computers for entertainment purposes
Correct Answer: The study, design, development, implementation, support,
and management of computer-based information systems
Rationale: Information Technology (IT) encompasses the study, design,
development, implementation, support, and management of computer-based
information systems. IT includes both hardware and software components
that work together to process, store, and communicate information.
2. Without people, computers are just:
A) Plastic boxes
B) Electronic calculators
C) Storage devices
D) Circuit boards
Correct Answer: Plastic boxes
Rationale: Computers are tools that require human interaction to be useful.
Without people to operate them, computers are simply plastic boxes
containing electronic components. Humans are essential for input,
programming, and decision-making.
,3. People who use computers are referred to as:
A) Programmers
B) End-users
C) Developers
D) Engineers
Correct Answer: End-users
Rationale: End-users are the individuals who use computers to perform tasks
and achieve goals. While programmers and developers create software, end-
users interact with the final products to accomplish their work.
4. Computer competency is best described as:
A) The ability to write complex software
B) The knowledge that enables a person to understand a computing system
and its relationship to business
C) The skill of repairing computer hardware
D) The ability to design computer networks
Correct Answer: The knowledge that enables a person to understand a
computing system and its relationship to business
Rationale: Computer competency is the knowledge that enables a person to
understand a computing system and how it relates to business operations. It
involves understanding both technical capabilities and business applications.
5. A computer application is defined as:
A) A hardware component that processes data
B) Something with practical use and expected outcome
,C) A type of computer memory
D) A programming language
Correct Answer: Something with practical use and expected outcome
Rationale: A computer application is something with practical use and an
expected outcome. Applications are software programs designed to help
users perform specific tasks.
6. Moore's Law states that technology will:
A) Become obsolete every year
B) Double every 18 months
C) Triple every 24 months
D) Remain unchanged for decades
Correct Answer: Double every 18 months
Rationale: Moore's Law is the observation that technology, particularly
computing power, will double approximately every 18 months. This principle
has driven rapid advancement in computer technology.
7. A mainframe computer is best described as:
A) A personal computer used at home
B) A super/large computer used by large organizations
C) A handheld mobile device
D) A computer used for gaming
Correct Answer: A super/large computer used by large organizations
, Rationale: Mainframes are super/large computers that are used by large
organizations to process massive amounts of data. They are more powerful
than mid-range and microcomputers.
8. Mid-range computers are:
A) Larger than mainframes but less powerful
B) Smaller than mainframes but similar in effectiveness
C) The same as personal computers
D) Only used for scientific research
Correct Answer: Smaller than mainframes but similar in effectiveness
Rationale: Mid-range computers are smaller than mainframes but similar in
effectiveness. They are used by medium-sized organizations for business
applications.
9. Microcomputers are:
A) Mainframe computers
B) Large corporate servers
C) Personal computers, laptops, or handheld devices
D) Supercomputers
Correct Answer: Personal computers, laptops, or handheld devices
Rationale: Microcomputers are simply computers, laptops, or handheld
devices. They are the most common type of computers used by individuals
and small businesses.
Systems Q&A | Information Systems
1. Which of the following best defines Information Technology (IT)?
A) The study of how computers are manufactured
B) The study, design, development, implementation, support, and
management of computer-based information systems
C) The process of writing software code for video games
D) The use of computers for entertainment purposes
Correct Answer: The study, design, development, implementation, support,
and management of computer-based information systems
Rationale: Information Technology (IT) encompasses the study, design,
development, implementation, support, and management of computer-based
information systems. IT includes both hardware and software components
that work together to process, store, and communicate information.
2. Without people, computers are just:
A) Plastic boxes
B) Electronic calculators
C) Storage devices
D) Circuit boards
Correct Answer: Plastic boxes
Rationale: Computers are tools that require human interaction to be useful.
Without people to operate them, computers are simply plastic boxes
containing electronic components. Humans are essential for input,
programming, and decision-making.
,3. People who use computers are referred to as:
A) Programmers
B) End-users
C) Developers
D) Engineers
Correct Answer: End-users
Rationale: End-users are the individuals who use computers to perform tasks
and achieve goals. While programmers and developers create software, end-
users interact with the final products to accomplish their work.
4. Computer competency is best described as:
A) The ability to write complex software
B) The knowledge that enables a person to understand a computing system
and its relationship to business
C) The skill of repairing computer hardware
D) The ability to design computer networks
Correct Answer: The knowledge that enables a person to understand a
computing system and its relationship to business
Rationale: Computer competency is the knowledge that enables a person to
understand a computing system and how it relates to business operations. It
involves understanding both technical capabilities and business applications.
5. A computer application is defined as:
A) A hardware component that processes data
B) Something with practical use and expected outcome
,C) A type of computer memory
D) A programming language
Correct Answer: Something with practical use and expected outcome
Rationale: A computer application is something with practical use and an
expected outcome. Applications are software programs designed to help
users perform specific tasks.
6. Moore's Law states that technology will:
A) Become obsolete every year
B) Double every 18 months
C) Triple every 24 months
D) Remain unchanged for decades
Correct Answer: Double every 18 months
Rationale: Moore's Law is the observation that technology, particularly
computing power, will double approximately every 18 months. This principle
has driven rapid advancement in computer technology.
7. A mainframe computer is best described as:
A) A personal computer used at home
B) A super/large computer used by large organizations
C) A handheld mobile device
D) A computer used for gaming
Correct Answer: A super/large computer used by large organizations
, Rationale: Mainframes are super/large computers that are used by large
organizations to process massive amounts of data. They are more powerful
than mid-range and microcomputers.
8. Mid-range computers are:
A) Larger than mainframes but less powerful
B) Smaller than mainframes but similar in effectiveness
C) The same as personal computers
D) Only used for scientific research
Correct Answer: Smaller than mainframes but similar in effectiveness
Rationale: Mid-range computers are smaller than mainframes but similar in
effectiveness. They are used by medium-sized organizations for business
applications.
9. Microcomputers are:
A) Mainframe computers
B) Large corporate servers
C) Personal computers, laptops, or handheld devices
D) Supercomputers
Correct Answer: Personal computers, laptops, or handheld devices
Rationale: Microcomputers are simply computers, laptops, or handheld
devices. They are the most common type of computers used by individuals
and small businesses.
