Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

What term describes the procedures followed by computers when transmitting and receiving data?

1. Consoles

2. Ports

3. Protocols

4. Hosts

The correct answer is: Protocols

The term that describes the procedures followed by computers when transmitting and receiving data is "protocols." Protocols are essential for ensuring that different devices and applications can communicate effectively, as they define the rules and conventions for data exchange. They determine how data is packaged, addressed, transmitted, and received in a network, which is critical for ensuring that the information sent from one device can be understood by another. In the context of computer networks, various protocols serve different purposes, such as HTTP for web communication, FTP for file transfers, and TCP/IP for routing data packets across the internet. These protocols play a fundamental role in achieving reliable communication by establishing standards that all parties must adhere to. The other terms do not reflect the same concept. Consoles typically refer to user interfaces that allow users to interact with computers or systems, often used in control or management contexts. Ports are physical or virtual connection points used to facilitate communication between devices, but they do not describe the procedures themselves. Hosts refer to devices or nodes in a network that provide data or services, but again, they do not define the rules governing data exchange. Thus, "protocols" precisely captures the essence of the procedures followed during data transmission and reception.