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Computer Confluence - Chapter 4 Pre-Assessment

As always, there are the online multiple choice practice questions.

The Prompts

1. Define the following terms: 2 points each (four will be chosen).
   • compatibility
   • software license
   • software piracy
   • open source
   • operating system
   • virtual memory
   • cross platform applications
   • intellectual property
2. Identify the tasks of an operating system.  4 points
3. Outline the evolution of operating system interfaces in relation to how they have changed how people interact with machines.  Be sure to include the multitouch interface we studied last chapter. 4 points
4. Describe what defragmenting a computer does. 4 points
5. “The punishment for illegal downloading music for first time offenders in the United States can be as high as five-years in prison and/or $250,000.  The minimum fine is $750 per song.” (Taken from RIAA website page on the law)
   Evaluate the following argument: “The existing punishment in the United States for the widespread practice of illegally downloading music is appropriate.”  In your evaluation, cover the strengths and weaknesses of this argument using your knowledge of intellectual privacy laws mentioned in the book and your understanding of the social and ethical issue of intellectual property.  10 points

Command Terms:

• Define: Asks candidates to give a clear and precise account of a given word or term.
• Identify: Asks candidates to recognize one or more component parts or processes.
• Outline: Asks candidates to write a brief summary of the major aspects of the issue, principle, approach or argument stated in the question.
• Describe: Asks candidates to give a portrayal of a given situation. It is a neutral request to present a detailed picture of a given situation, event, pattern, process or outcome, although it may be followed by a further opportunity for discussion and analysis.
• Evaluate: Asks candidates to make an appraisal of the argument or concept under investigation of discussion. Candidates should weigh the nature of the evidence available, and identify and discuss the convincing aspects of the argument, as well as its limitations.

Social and Ethical Issues:

• Intellectual Property: Intellectual property includes ideas, discoveries, writings, works of art, software, collections and presentations of data. Copyrights, trademarks and patents legally protect intellectual property, but easy and accurate duplication methods made available by IT can undermine such protections. On the other hand, the same methods create opportunity for inexpensive dissemination of information.

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