Introduction to Computing DSST Quick Prep Sheet

Welcome to the Quick Prep Sheet for the Introduction to Computing DSST!

The Intro to Computing DSST was one of the refreshed exams released in 2008/2009. Since that’s only five or so years ago, you’d think that much of the material would be up-to-date. Unfortunately, that’s not really the case. Even if you consider yourself reasonably computer-savvy, I’d still review the below terms carefully. You’ll probably see some things on the DSST that easily go back 15-20 years. That wouldn’t be bad if they were talking about the historical aspects of computing, but many of the questions are written as if the technology is still being used today! For example, when was the last time you used a newsgroup or a listserv? Or a 56k modem?

We do run you through all of those topics (and much more) in the pages below. I know it’s a lot, but take your time and go through it all thoroughly. We’ve tried to make it all as clear and comprehensive as possible, but if you get confused on something, do some further research! We have links on FCP for articles that go into as much detail as you could want. Then come back when you fully understand the concepts and keep reading.

Remember, I always suggest you use multiple resources for these exams and that advice hasn’t changed. Once you’re done here, go take our free full-length online practice test (http://practice-exams.free-clep-prep.com/login.php) and make sure you have the material down. Bring this Ebook with you to the testing center and use it for some last minute study in the car. Above all, don’t stress out over the exam! You can do this!

With all that out of the way… on to the studying!

History of Computing

Abacus – The abacus was one of the first forms of computing used in Asia, and was a basic form of calculator for doing math. The abacus is constructed on a wooden frame and has rows of beads which represent sequential decimal places. A skilled user can use the abacus to perform calculations quite quickly!

Charles Babbage – Known as one of the fathers of computing, Charles Babbage produced a programmable analytical engine in 1837, which he intended to be used for automatic calculation. Though he never finished his computer, his son Henry completed a simple version of the machine for use in 1888.

Turing machine – The Turing machine was invented by Alan Turing in 1936, and was the first ‘modern’ computer which was able to simulate and reproduce algorithms. In the machine, a tape held a series of symbols, which were read by the machine and then produced a response according to a set of known rules. While not what we think of as a computer today, it provided a foundation for all computers to come.

ENIAC – The first electronic general purpose computer was named ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer). It was created at the University of Pennsylvania for the US Army, to compute artillery firing tables. What made the ENIAC unique is that it could be programmed (and reprogrammed) rather than just used for a single purpose.

Vacuum Tube – Computers operate by using switches, which are either in the On or Off position. The computer knows what to do depending on what combination of On and Off" states the switches are currently in. Early computers, like the ENIAC, used vacuum tubes which operated as electronic switches. The problem is that vacuum tubes are very large and power hungry, and therefore the