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Introduction to Computing DSST
A Free Study Guide!

Free Introduction to Computing DSST Study Guide

Name of Exam: Introduction to Computing DSST

Number of Questions: Around 95 (varies)

Time Limit: 120 Minutes

ACE Recommended Passing Score: 400

Practice Test Available?: Yes - Click here

Quick Prep Package Available?: Yes - Click here

Cost: $80 + Sitting Fee (Usually no more than $20) at your testing site. Military can take DSSTs for free with Tuition Assistance. Check with your Educational Officer!

Difficulty 1-5 : 2
(One being the easiest, and five being the hardest)


Exam Description:

The Introduction to Computing DSST tests the taker on the same knowledge they would learn in an Intro to Computing college course. Test takers are expected to be able to identify the working parts of computers, and show a familiarity with the more common applications used today.

Personal Thoughts:

There are three exams dealing with computers. Those are - The Information Systems and Computer Applications CLEP, the Management Information Systems DSST, and the Introduction to Computing DSST. There is quite a bit of study overlap for all three of these, so taking them closely together is something you should think about doing. Check to see if your school will allow all three to count for separate electives. Most do, and it's an easy way to pick up nine credits (3 exams at 3 credits each).

None of the three are terribly difficult, and the Introduction to Computing DSST is probably the easiest of the bunch. If you are reading this study guide on your home computer then you're well on your way to a successful pass. There may be subjects listed below that you've never seen before. The exam doesn't go into great detail, so don't stress out over those. Dedicate some time to the study, just because what you learn here will also help you on the other two computing exams.

Exam breakdown:

Make sure you check out the Official Fact Sheet for this exam.

The Introduction to Computing DSST is broken down as follows:

20% Computer Organization and Hardware
20% Communications and Networks
20% Social Impact and History
15% Systems Software
15% Application Software
10% Software Development

Areas of Study

I'm going to list some specific topics that you'll need to study. I would also grab a copy of Snazzlefrag's outstanding Introduction to Computing study notes. After that, I'll list some resources that covers the main areas listed above.

Alright, here we go. Though there are different versions of the Introduction to Computing DSST, you'll most likely see some of the following on your exam:

  • Hard Drive
  • Search Engine
  • Modems
  • Mainframes
  • RAM/ROM
  • Univac
  • Word Processors
  • Viruses/Trojans/Worms
  • Byte
  • GUI
  • WAN/LAN
  • Java/PERL
  • Databases
  • Software Life Cycle
  • Jump Menu
  • Spam
  • Resolution
  • Peripheral Devices

This is not a comprehensive list of topics!

First things first - Read this entire site on Introduction to Computing. The local college exam proctor actually showed me this site. She was going to take a graduate level computer course with no prior computer experience. She credits this site to helping her pass the class.

It touches on almost everything you'll need for this exam, so read it all. It's quick and easy, just keep hitting "Next" to go through the entire thing. Take the quizzes to test yourself!

Computer Organization and Hardware
(20% of the Introduction to Computing DSST)

Communications and Networks
(20% of the Introduction to Computing DSST)

Social Impact and History
(20% of the Introduction to Computing DSST)

Systems Software
(15% of the Introduction to Computing DSST)

Application Software
(15% of the Introduction to Computing DSST)

Software Development
(10% of the Introduction to Computing DSST)

Recommended bargain-priced study resources

Always check your library first! You may be able to find some of these for free, even our Quick Prep Sheets. You don't have to buy the officially recommended resources all the time. If you're the type of person that prefers to study from a textbook source however, then please see below.

Introduction to Computing DSST Quick Prep Package - Our own study package for the Intro to Computing DSST exam. Need those credits fast and don't have time to do all the research? We've done the work for you right here. Get our Quick Prep Sheet for this exam, two additional full-length practice tests, and even a mp3 file to study from. It's quick, it's cheap, and it's guaranteed to help you pass.

New Perspectives on Computer Concepts, 10th Edition, Comprehensive (New Perspectives Series) - The DSST recommended textbook, that will take your breath away on price. Even the used copies are going for quite a bit of money. For those who are more pressed for time then ready cash.

InstantCert Academy Introduction to Computing Specific Exam Feedback - Tons of good information on the exam here. Be sure to check out the Introduction to Computing Flashcards as well as the Management Information Systems Flashcards as well. Know them both and you'll cover much of the information on the Introduction to Computing DSST.

If you don't know what InstantCert is, then click here for the scoop as well as a discount code: **InstantCert Academy**

You'll find an InstantCert link for every exam here if that gives you an idea of the amount of information they have available. It's an outstanding resource.


Closing Thoughts

Hopefully you've seen that the Introduction to Computing DSST is nothing to get worried about. Even if you are a relative newcomer to computers, the material isn't that tough to grasp. Spend some time with the above resources and you'll be fine. If you're in a rush or want to really ensure a pass, grab our Quick Prep Package and cover all the bases. Whatever you choose to do, you can do this!

Remember to at least consider taking the MIS DSST and the Information Systems CLEP after you finish with this exam. You've already studied much of the material, so you may as well take all the exams that it covers!

Best of luck!

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