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+--- Thread: Intro to computing? (/Thread-Intro-to-computing)
Intro to computing? - 50fingersntoes - 07-12-2006
I see threads on here that state if you study the Instacert Practice test that you will do well. But I do not see a DSST study guide for it? Assuming(only) that Introduction to Computing is much like the Cleps version Information systems and computer applications I am to study that one? Going to try to take both of them with in the next month. Any help would be MUCH appreciated!
Intro to computing? - tampalizard - 07-12-2006
hello, I am curious...why take both?
Intro to computing? - snazzlefrag - 07-12-2006
50fingersntoes Wrote:I see threads on here that state if you study the Instacert Practice test that you will do well. But I do not see a DSST study guide for it? Assuming(only) that Introduction to Computing is much like the Cleps version Information systems and computer applications I am to study that one? Going to try to take both of them with in the next month. Any help would be MUCH appreciated!
Hi 50,
I found that studying the CLEP Info Sys section of Instantcert was sufficient to pass both 'computer' exams on the same day. DANTES Intro to Computing is a relatively easy and straightforward exam. However, if you are not already comfortable around computers and familiar with basic computer terminology such as those listed below, you may need to use additional resources to prepare for it.
If you already recognise all or most of these terms, you will probably pass Intro to Computing simply by studying the CLEP Info Sys section to bolster your existing knowledge:
Mouse/Monitor/Keyboard
GUI
Pixel/Resolution
JPEG/GIF/MPEG/MP3
Printer/FAX/Scanner
Input Device/Output Device
Virus/Trojan Horse
Firewall/Antivirus
SPAM
Search Engine
HTML/URL/IP/ISP
Java/Javascript/CGI/PERL
CPU
OS
USB
Hard Drive
CD Rom
Hardware/Software
RAM/ROM
Byte/Kilobyte/Megabyte/Gigabyte
Form Field/Radio Button/Checkbox
Database/cell/column/range
Word Processor/Spreadsheet/CAD/Desktop Publishing
LAN/WAN
Network
Modem
Ethernet
DSL
How did you do? If you feel comfortable around the above list of terms, I wouldn't worry too much about the DANTES exam. Just knowing each of the items on that list would probably be sufficient to earn you a passing score.
However, if you PM me your email address, I will send you a pdf file which will further assist you in preparing for Intro to Computing.
Best of luck,
Snazzlefrag
Intro to computing? - 50fingersntoes - 07-12-2006
tampalizard Wrote:hello, I am curious...why take both?they both fullfill a LL class that I need to finish up my degree. Killing 2 birds with one stone!!
Intro to computing? - 50fingersntoes - 07-12-2006
snazzlefrag Wrote:Hi 50,
I found that studying the CLEP Info Sys section of Instantcert was sufficient to pass both 'computer' exams on the same day. DANTES Intro to Computing is a relatively easy and straightforward exam. However, if you are not already comfortable around computers and familiar with basic computer terminology such as those listed below, you may need to use additional resources to prepare for it.
If you already recognise all or most of these terms, you will probably pass Intro to Computing simply by studying the CLEP Info Sys section to bolster your existing knowledge:
Mouse/Monitor/Keyboard
GUI
Pixel/Resolution
JPEG/GIF/MPEG/MP3
Printer/FAX/Scanner
Input Device/Output Device
Virus/Trojan Horse
Firewall/Antivirus
SPAM
Search Engine
HTML/URL/IP/ISP
Java/Javascript/CGI/PERL
CPU
OS
USB
Hard Drive
CD Rom
Hardware/Software
RAM/ROM
Byte/Kilobyte/Megabyte/Gigabyte
Form Field/Radio Button/Checkbox
Database/cell/column/range
Word Processor/Spreadsheet/CAD/Desktop Publishing
LAN/WAN
Network
Modem
Ethernet
DSL
How did you do? If you feel comfortable around the above list of terms, I wouldn't worry too much about the DANTES exam. Just knowing each of the items on that list would probably be sufficient to earn you a passing score.
However, if you PM me your email address, I will send you a pdf file which will further assist you in preparing for Intro to Computing.
Best of luck,
Snazzlefrag
Thank you a ton. I just pmed you!
Intro to computing? - tcc - 07-14-2006
Well, in spite of the fact that I spend a lot of time on the computer, I don't have a lot of formal understanding of the processes; it's, shall we say, intuitive for me. So I took the CLEP Information Systems test and missed passing by just a few points. Three days later I took the DSST Intro to Computers and passed. I definitely think the DSST version was much easier.
I know that at some schools these two tests are considered to be the same, so I hope you've checked to be sure you won't be duplicating your efforts by taking both.
Good luck, although it sounds like you won't need it!
Intro to computing? - snazzlefrag - 07-15-2006
tcc Wrote:Well, in spite of the fact that I spend a lot of time on the computer, I don't have a lot of formal understanding of the processes; it's, shall we say, intuitive for me. So I took the CLEP Information Systems test and missed passing by just a few points. Three days later I took the DSST Intro to Computers and passed. I definitely think the DSST version was much easier.
I know that at some schools these two tests are considered to be the same, so I hope you've checked to be sure you won't be duplicating your efforts by taking both.
Good luck, although it sounds like you won't need it!
Hi tcc,
Sorry to hear you missed on the Info Sys exam, and happy to hear you passed the Intro to Computing exam.
Did you study Instantcert for the Info Sys exam? Or were you hoping that your background and experience would suffice?
Perhaps you can take the exam again in six months. If you only missed the passing score by a few points, you would almost certainly pass it next time.
For anyone who might be confused about the relationship between these two exams:
There is a lot of overlap between the two. However, 'Intro to Computing' primarily tests that you have a basic and working knowledge of computer terminology and concepts. The 'Information Systems and Computer Applications' exam tests your knowledge of computer terminology and concepts too, but also requires knowledge of the various types of database management systems and software/systems development processes. As such, the DANTES Intro to Computing exam is, in my opinion, the easier of the two.
Because of the additional elements of the Info Sys exam, some colleges grant credit for BOTH exams. But because of the overlapping elements, some colleges will only grant credit for one or the other.
Someone who has worked around computers in their job and/or has experience with their own home computer would likely pass the DANTES exam with minimal review of the fundamental terminology and concepts I provided above.
The CLEP exam, on the other hand, would likely require a bit more formal study in the areas of DBMS and software/systems development (these are not intuitive for most "home computer users"). However, Instantcert's 'Info Sys' section will help you learn what you need to know to pass it.
Good luck,
Snazzlefrag
Intro to computing? - tcc - 07-15-2006
Snazzlefrag,
I used InstantCert's flashcards for the CLEP Information Systems test. I think they're good and believe the reason I didn't pass is because this is one of those subjects that I am disinterested in, in the extreme. It was all I could do to just pay attention, so the fact that I passed at all is a small miracle, and testament to InstantCert. Luckily, I only needed to pass one of these exams, so I'm done. !
UPDATE, 7/19/06 - I just got my DSST score and it was 56, which is an "A".
Intro to computing? - 50fingersntoes - 07-24-2006
tcc Wrote:I know that at some schools these two tests are considered to be the same, so I hope you've checked to be sure you won't be duplicating your efforts by taking both.
Good luck, although it sounds like you won't need it!
I was sitting with the counselor when he called and they checked to make sure. No way would I take both of them with out checking.
Intro to computing? - 50fingersntoes - 07-24-2006
tcc Wrote:UPDATE, 7/19/06 - I just got my DSST score and it was 56, which is an "A".
Congrats on the passing score!!