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Questions and Answers
What was a significant electronic component introduced in the second generation of computers?
Which memory storage was commonly used in the second generation of computers?
What type of programming language was commonly used in the third generation of computers?
How did user interaction change in the third generation of computers compared to the earlier generations?
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What was one of the advantages of transistors over vacuum tubes in computer hardware?
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What was a significant characteristic of first generation computers?
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Which programming language was primarily used in first generation computers?
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What was a common input method for first generation computers?
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Which statement best describes the size and speed of first generation computers?
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What technology replaced vacuum tubes in the second generation of computers?
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What was a key difference between first and second generation programming languages?
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What is an example of a first generation computer?
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Which of the following was NOT a feature of first generation computers?
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What is the main electronic component characteristic of fifth generation computers?
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Which feature is NOT associated with fifth generation computers?
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What is the primary focus of artificial intelligence in fifth generation computers?
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Which technology is expected to influence the development of future computers?
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Which example is considered a fifth generation computer?
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What processing method is used in fifth generation computers for improved performance?
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What feature of fifth generation computers contributes to their low power consumption?
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Which input/output device is commonly associated with fifth generation technology?
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Which programming languages were developed during the third generation of computers?
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What was a significant improvement in the fourth generation of computers compared to the third generation?
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Which of the following statements about memory in the third generation of computers is true?
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What characteristic distinguishes microprocessors in the fourth generation from previous generations?
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Which electronic component was primarily used in the third generation of computers?
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What is a key feature of input/output devices utilized in fourth generation computers?
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Which of the following is NOT an example of a third generation computer?
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What improvement in speed is noted for the fourth generation compared to the third generation?
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Study Notes
Computer Generations
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First Generation (1940-1956): Computers used vacuum tubes for processing, magnetic drums for memory, and machine language for programming.
- Input through punch cards and paper tapes, output via printouts.
- Large in size, consuming significant power and generating a lot of heat.
- Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC 1, IBM 650, IBM 701
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Second Generation (1956-1963): Transistors replaced vacuum tubes, leading to smaller and more efficient computers.
- Transitioned from machine language to symbolic language, like assembly language.
- Lower power consumption, generating less heat than first generation computers.
- Examples: IBM 1401, IBM 7090 and 7094, UNIVAC 1107
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Third Generation (1964-1971): Computers utilized integrated circuits (ICs), leading to further size reduction and greater processing speed.
- Introduced high level programming languages such as FORTRAN, BASIC, Pascal, COBOL, and C.
- Users interacted via keyboards and monitors, with operating systems providing task scheduling and resource management.
- Examples: IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11, UNIVAC 1108
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Fourth Generation (1971-Present): Microprocessor chips, containing thousands of ICs, were introduced, significantly increasing processing power and integration.
- Object-oriented programming languages and domain-specific languages like SQL for database access were developed.
- Increased processing speed, reliability, and reduced power consumption, along with smaller size and cost.
- Examples: IBM PC, STAR 1000, APPLE II, Apple Macintosh
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Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond): Focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), expert systems and robotics.
- Utilizes ultra-large scale integration (ULSI) technology and parallel processing, enabling complex tasks like natural language processing.
- Continued advancements in quantum, molecular, and nano technology are expected to revolutionize computing in the future.
- Examples: Smartphones, IBM Watson, Google Assistant, Self-driving cars
Key Terms
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Vacuum Tube: An electronic device used to control the flow of electrons in a vacuum.
- Played a critical role in early computers, but were bulky, inefficient, and prone to failure.
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Transistor: A semiconductor device that can amplify or switch electronic signals.
- Key element in the transition to smaller, more efficient computers.
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Integrated Circuits (ICs): Miniature circuits built on a semiconductor chip, containing many transistors and other components.
- Revolutionized electronics, enabling smaller, faster, and more complex computers.
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Microprocessor: A central processing unit (CPU) contained on a single integrated circuit.
- Enabled the development of personal computers and other devices.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI): The field of computer science that deals with the simulation and creation of intelligent machines.
- Focus on enabling computers to learn, reason, and solve complex problems.
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