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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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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8. Student Resources
9. References
DSST Computing and Information Technology Fact Sheet
DSST Computing and Information Technology Fact Sheet
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