CSCI 1300 MWF Test #3 Study Guide

The basic format of the third test is a two-part test:

• The first part will be multiple choice, to be answered on a GREEN Scantron sheet. Please make sure you have the appropriate Scantron sheet and at least one #2 pencil with you. This part of the test will be closed-book, closed-notes, no electronic devices allowed.
• The second part of the test will consist of one or more problems to solve. These problems will be either brief essay/discussion questions and/or small problems to solve. You will be allowed to use your book and notes on this part of the test. Some of these problems may also require the use of the computer.

Questions on the exam will come from multiple sources:

• Textbook readings
• Powerpoint slides and lectures
• Supplemental readings as listed in the course schedule/unit guides, particularly for essays

To do well on the exam, it is important that you:

• Read each question carefully.
• Answer only the question that is asked; particularly with the second part, do not spend your time trying to do more than the problem states.
• Ask the proctor (that should be me) to clarify any question that you don't understand.

Major topics

• File systems (Chapter 11)
  • Text versus binary files -- differences and similarities
  • Directories -- use, concept of directory as a file
  • File protection concepts -- read-only vs. read/write vs. execute, levels of access and ownership
  • Disk scheduling issues -- seek time, latency, transfer time
  • Disk scheduling techniques
    • First Come First Served
    • Shortest Seek Time
    • SCAN disk
    • Be able to show order of handling of disk access requests for each method
• Information systems (Chapter 12)
  • Two major types of information systems
    • Spreadsheets
    • Databases
    • Compare and contrast features and uses
  • Distinguish between independent and dependent data
  • Define and identify circular references in spreadsheet formulas
  • Create spreadsheets for data analysis, showing proper use of cell references, formulas, independent and dependent data
  • Create and use a database
  • Given a database table, show the schema for that table.
  • Given one or more database tables, create a SQL statement to carry out a specified task.
• Computer Networks (Chapter 15)
  • Client-server versus peer-to-peer architectures: operation, differences, advantages/disadvantages
  • Topologies: Star, bus, ring
    • Construction
    • Message handling
    • Advantages/disadvantages
  • Packet switching: construction, routing, management
  • Protocols
    • ISO/OSI model: layers, how they work together
    • TCP/IP: what do they specifically do?
    • Application layer protocols (HTTP, FTP, SMTP): what do they do?
  • Firewalls: types, usage
  • Other types of security measures (anti-virus, anti-malware, etc.): types, usage
  • Domain Name System: purpose and usage