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  • DTP Success Team

DSST Computing and Information Technology Study Guide

Updated: Aug 18



Are you preparing to take the Computing and Information Technology DSST exam?


If so, you're in luck!


Our study guide will provide a detailed exam outline to better prepare you for what to expect on test day.


Table of Contents

  1. Computer organization and Hardware

  2. Systems Software

  3. Application Software

  4. Communication and Networks

  5. Software Development

  6. Social Impact and History

  7. Conclusion

  8. Student Resources

  9. References


1. Computer Organization and Hardware


DSST Computing and Information Technology Exam Outline. Computer organization and Hardware (19% - 21%)
Computer Organization and Hardware (19% - 21%)

  • Processing components: The CPU handles the instructions a computer program gives.


  • Primary storage: The minor part of the memory stores the program and its data.


  • Peripherals: The devices that are plugged into the CPU.


  • Architectures: A computer's capabilities and programming model that doesn't refer to any implementation in particular.


  • Data representation: The methods used internally to exemplify the information accumulated in a computer.


  • Units of measurement: Bits, bytes, pixels, etc.



DSST Computing and Information Technology Trivia Question #258



2. Systems Software


DSST Computing and Information Technology Exam Outline. Systems Software (14% - 16%)
Systems Software (14% - 16%)

  • Operating systems: Software that directs computer hardware and software and provides collective services for programs.


  • Utilities: A small program that supplements the operating system's abilities.


  • User interfaces: The part of the computer where the user interacts.


3. Application Software


DSST Computing and Information Technology Exam Outline. Application Software (14% - 16%)
Application Software (14% - 16%)

  • Word processing and desktop publishing: Software that directs a text document.


  • Spreadsheets: Offers the user a visual display of a simulated multicolumn worksheet.


  • Hypertext, multimedia, and presentation software: Software used to present information/graphics as a slide show.


  • Databases: Database software is mainly used for storing, finding, extracting, and changing the data it stores.


  • Graphics: Raster graphics and vector graphics.


  • Software licensing: This relies on a legal instrument to determine how software can be used and redistributed.



DSST Computing and Information Technology Trivia Question #259



4. Communication and Networks


DSST Computing and Information Technology Exam Outline. Communication and Networks (19% - 21%)
Communication and Networks (19% - 21%)

  • World Wide Web: A network of computers that serve web pages.


  • Personal communications: Provides the user a platform for convenient access to data and applications on different host systems.


  • Network access: Remote network access is remotely accessing a computer's systems and resources.


  • Network architectures: The layout of the network.


  • Data communications: Digital communications within a computer and across devices.


  • Safety and security: Programs exist to combat illegal access from 3rd party attacks.


  • Mobile networks: Wireless and are used over areas called cells.


5. Software Development


DSST Computing and Information Technology Exam Outline. Software Development (9% - 11%)
Software Development (9% - 11%)

  • Software life cycle: Requirement gathering and analysis, Design, Implementation or coding, Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance.


  • Programming methodology: Language and processes of programming.


  • Data types and algorithms: Algorithms control the data contained in data structures, as in sorting and searching.


  • Program constructs: The essential elements, commands, and statements used in various programming languages.


  • Logic concepts: Computability theory, modal logic, and category theory.


  • Software development tools: Programs used to develop, maintain and fix software.



DSST Computing and Information Technology Trivia Question #426



6. Social Impact and History


DSST Computing and Information Technology Exam Outline. Social Impact and History (19% – 21%)
Social Impact and History (19% – 21%)

  • History: Major developments and influential figures.


  • Ethical/legal issues: Ethical and legal use of computers and systems.


  • Safety and security: Firewalls, viruses, VPNs, etc.


  • Careers in Computer Science and Information: Current and future career options.


  • Social issues: Environmental concerns, protecting children, workplace issues, etc.


7. Conclusion: DSST Computing and Information Technology


The exam covers essential topics such as computer organization and hardware, processing components, primary storage, peripherals, architectures, data representation, units of measurement, and more.


Our DSST Course Library has everything you need to pass the Computing and Information Technology DSST exam.


Sign up today and access our self-paced online courses to help you achieve your academic goals!


8. Student Resources


9. References


DSST Computing and Information Technology Fact Sheet

DSST Computing and Information Technology Fact Sheet
.pdf
Download PDF • 162KB

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