Computability Theory and Analytical Engine
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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended approach for dealing with unfamiliar terms encountered during lectures?

  • Search for the terms online using a search engine.
  • Note them down and consult the glossary within the 'Understanding Computers' text book. (correct)
  • Ignore the terms as they will likely be explained later.
  • Ask the lecturer immediately for an explanation during the lecture.
  • According to the lecture content, which of the following best describes a Turing machine?

  • A simple computer model that manipulates symbols on a tape. (correct)
  • A mechanical device used for printing.
  • An early digital computer known for its use of punched cards.
  • A complex machine with advanced computational capabilities.
  • What specific purpose did the punched cards serve in Babbage's Analytical Engine design?

  • To display results on a screen.
  • To act as permanent memory, storing both instructions and data. (correct)
  • To control the engine's mechanical levers.
  • To serve as a means of outputting mathematical formulas.
  • What was a key feature of the Analytical Engine, distinguishing it from earlier calculating devices?

    <p>It was mechanical, digital, and general-purpose with the ability to store instructions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the course structure what percentage does the midterm examination contribute towards the final grade?

    <p>35% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key concept linked to Alan Turing is specifically mentioned within the text?

    <p>The development of the Turing Machine in 1936 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is credited with the invention of the mechanism of the Analytical Engine that utilizes punched cards as a form of permanent memory?

    <p>Joseph-Marie Jacquard (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of computability theory as mentioned in the context of the Turing machine?

    <p>The analysis of what computers can and cannot perform. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the course structure, during which week is the midterm exam scheduled?

    <p>Week 8 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of the final exam in this course?

    <p>The entire course content, but with emphasis on the second half (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a student submits all 13 assignments, how many of their assignment grades will be used to compute the final grade?

    <p>11 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following topics is NOT included in the 'Fundamental concepts' section of the course content?

    <p>Web design for usability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the weightage of the midterm exam in the overall course grade?

    <p>35% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the first assignment in the CS101 course?

    <p>To encourage reflection on the student's future and course improvement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the course policy, what happens if a student submits an assignment after the due date?

    <p>The assignment is not graded and no credit is given. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a topic covered under 'Web page development'?

    <p>Computer networks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What specific action is required of students regarding course reading materials?

    <p>Read the assigned material at least once before the lecture (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of asking students to post on the CS101 message board for the first assignment?

    <p>To collect input for improving course material to better suit students needs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary limitation preventing further miniaturization of conventional computer components?

    <p>Fundamental physical limits, such as the width of an atom. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes how a quantum computer might overcome the limitations of conventional computers?

    <p>By utilizing quantum-mechanical interactions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason that quantum computers are not currently in widespread use?

    <p>No practical quantum computer has been successfully built yet. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does a web browser technically interact with web servers?

    <p>It uses the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the first web browser, with a graphical user interface, that became generally available?

    <p>Mosaic (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why was the term 'browser' used for the software used to access the web?

    <p>Because it originally allowed users to navigate and read text files online. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason why breaking a 400 digit number with current super computers is difficult?

    <p>The processing time required is too long. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the potential impact of quantum computers on security?

    <p>Quantum computers may defeat many sophisticated encryption schemes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the primary function of the ENIAC during its initial development?

    <p>To calculate artillery-firing tables for the U.S. military. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the key technological advancement that distinguished the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) from earlier calculating devices?

    <p>Its incorporation of binary arithmetic and regenerative memory. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary method of data storage and counting employed by the Harvard Mark I computer?

    <p>Decimal storage wheels, rotary dial switches, and wiring. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these statements accurately describes a component or function of the Harvard Mark I computer?

    <p>It was capable of performing trigonometric and logarithmic calculations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant innovation is attributed to William Shockley in 1947 that substantially altered the course of electronics?

    <p>The creation of the first transistor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ENIAC was distinguished from earlier computers by its:

    <p>Heavy reliance on vacuum tubes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Approximately, how long did the design and construction of the ENIAC take?

    <p>About 1 year for design and 1 1/2 years for construction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the original term used to refer to a diode?

    <p>Valve (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, what is a home page for a website developer?

    <p>The page that appears when a user initially selects a site on the World Wide Web. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary motivation behind the creation of the World Wide Web?

    <p>To address the challenges of geographical dispersion and rapid turnover of researchers at CERN. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the first phase of the World Wide Web project at CERN according to the original proposal by Berners-Lee?

    <p>Implementing simple browsers for the user's workstations based on information access needs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Tim Berners-Lee's idea about the future of the World Wide Web?

    <p>To make the Web more intelligent and intuitive about serving user's needs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many software engineers and programmers did Berners-Lee request for the initial stages of the WWW project?

    <p>Four software engineers and one programmer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Besides the home page, what else can be used to navigate to a website?

    <p>Any page address (URL) can be entered directly to visit it. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What statement is true regarding the original WWW proposal, by Berners-Lee?

    <p>It aimed to incorporate several different server types already available at CERN. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, what was the usage rate of the WWW server at the University of Pennsylvania in 1995?

    <p>It responded to 128 requests per minute. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary material used in the fabrication of microelectronic chips?

    <p>Silicon (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the provided information, what is 'Moore's Law' regarding integrated circuits?

    <p>The number of transistors in an integrated circuit doubles every two years. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of a transistor in digital circuits?

    <p>As a very fast electrical switch (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Besides digital, what other primary classifications of integrated circuits are mentioned?

    <p>Analog and mixed-signal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What benefit does the small size of integrated circuits provide?

    <p>High speed, low power dissipation, and reduced manufacturing cost (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of a diode?

    <p>Functioning as an electronic one-way valve (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do transistors primarily play in analog circuits?

    <p>As amplifiers of signals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of a transistor, as described in the text?

    <p>A small current or voltage controls the current through it. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Problem Decomposition

    The process of breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts. This involves identifying the individual steps required to solve the problem.

    Program

    A set of instructions that tell a computer what to do. These instructions can be written in various programming languages.

    Adaptability

    The ability to learn from past failures and improve performance over time. This applies to algorithms and software systems.

    Data Management

    The collection and storage of information for later analysis and retrieval, often managed using databases.

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    Application Software

    Specialized software that helps users perform specific tasks, such as writing documents, creating presentations, or browsing the internet.

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    Algorithm

    A set of instructions that defines the steps to solve a particular problem. Algorithms are often represented using flowcharts.

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    Flowchart

    A visual representation of the steps involved in an algorithm, using symbols and arrows.

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    Computer Network

    A collection of interconnected computers that communicate and share resources. Networks can be local, connecting devices in a building, or wide-area, spanning across the globe.

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    Usability Design

    The process of identifying and understanding user needs to design effective and usable software.

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    Operating System

    A set of rules and guidelines that govern the behavior of a computer system, including how users interact with it.

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    Turing Machine

    A theoretical computer that can perform any calculation that can be performed by a real computer. It consists of a tape, a read/write head, and a set of instructions. The tape is divided into cells, each of which can hold one symbol. The read/write head can read or write a symbol to the current cell, move the tape left or right, or halt the machine.

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    Analytical Engine

    A mechanical general-purpose computer designed by Charles Babbage in the 19th century. It was capable of performing calculations and storing instructions using punched cards. However, it was never fully built due to technological limitations and lack of funding.

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    Jacquard Loom

    A device that reads and processes instructions from punched cards. It was used in the 19th century for controlling looms in textile factories.

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    Evolution of Computing

    A series of key advancements and inventions that have shaped the field of computing. It includes the development of Babbage's Analytical Engine, Turing Machines, and the first electronic computers.

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    Basic Capability of Modern Computers

    The ability to store and process information using binary code, representing data as 0s and 1s. This foundation allows modern computers to perform complex operations at high speeds.

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    CS101

    A course that teaches fundamental concepts of computing, including programming, algorithms, and computer hardware. It provides a foundation for further learning on the subject.

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    Glossary

    A collection of definitions for technical terms or jargon, often provided in the back of textbooks or manuals.

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    Assessment Components

    A combination of assignments, exams, and homework, used to assess a student's understand of the material.

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    Quantum Computer

    A computer that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations.

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    Physical Bounds to Miniaturization

    These are limits to further miniaturization in conventional computers, caused by the physical size of atoms.

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    Practical Limits to Computer Power

    These limits arise due to the increasing cost of manufacturing highly advanced and powerful microchips.

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    Liquid-Based Quantum Computer

    A computer that leverages the properties of molecules within a liquid to perform computations.

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    HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

    A type of communication protocol employed by web browsers to request content from web servers.

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    Web Browser

    Software that allows users to access and interact with web content.

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    World Wide Web

    The collection of interconnected websites, documents, and resources accessible through the internet.

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    Factoring a Number

    The process of breaking down a large number into its prime factors.

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    What was the ABC computer and what were its key innovations?

    The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) was the first electronic digital computer, built in 1937-42. It used binary arithmetic, had regenerative memory, and had parallel processing, separating memory from computing functions.

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    Describe the Harvard Mark I.

    The Harvard Mark I was a giant roomful of noisy, clicking metal parts, 55 feet long and 8 feet high. It was used by the US Navy for calculations and was in operation from 1944 to 1959.

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    What were some of the functionalities of the Harvard Mark I?

    The Harvard Mark I used pre-punched paper tape for input, performed basic arithmetic, had subroutines for complex functions, and used decimal numbers.

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    What was the ENIAC and what were its key features?

    The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator And Calculator) was built in 1946 and used by the US military for artillery-firing tables. It contained 17,468 vacuum tubes, 70,000 resistors, and 10,000 capacitors.

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    Who were the main figures behind the ENIAC?

    John Mauchly was the chief consultant, and J. Presper Eckert was the chief engineer of the ENIAC. Eckert was a student at the Moore School when he met Mauchly in 1943.

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    What was the revolutionary invention in 1947?

    The transistor was invented in 1947 by William Shockley at Bell Laboratories. This invention was crucial for the development of integrated circuits and microprocessors, which are essential parts of modern electronics.

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    What is the significance of the transistor?

    The transistor allowed for the development of smaller, more powerful, and efficient electronics. It replaced vacuum tubes in computers and other devices.

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    How did the transistor pave the way for modern electronics?

    The transistor was a key step towards the development of modern computers and integrated circuits. It led to smaller, faster, and more affordable devices.

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    Home page

    The initial page displayed when a user accesses a website, providing a starting point for navigation. It's often associated with the website's main address.

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    Uniform Resource Locator (URL)

    The address used to locate and access specific information on the World Wide Web, typically consisting of a protocol (e.g., http), domain name (e.g., www.example.com), and optional file path (e.g., /index.html).

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    Internet

    The global network of interconnected computers that allows users to share information and resources. It's a vast web of communication and access.

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    World Wide Web (WWW)

    A system for accessing and sharing information, developed at CERN, which enables users to navigate and retrieve documents on the Internet using hyperlinks.

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    Semantic Web

    A concept proposed by Tim Berners-Lee to enhance the World Wide Web's intelligence and ability to understand and interpret information, allowing for a more intuitive and personalized user experience.

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    Web page

    A document or resource stored on a web server and accessible through a web browser, typically containing text, images, and hyperlinks.

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    Web server

    A computer system designed to store and serve web pages, making them accessible to users over the internet.

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    Transistor

    A solid-state semiconductor device used for amplification and switching. It has three terminals: a small current/voltage applied to one terminal controls the current through the other two. It's the key component in all modern electronics.

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    Integrated Circuit (IC)

    A small, thin piece of silicon containing a large number of transistors and other electronic components. It's etched with transistors, and its size can vary from a few millimeters to an inch.

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    Analog IC

    A type of integrated circuit that processes electronic signals in a continuous manner, like sound waves or light.

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    Digital IC

    A type of integrated circuit that processes electronic signals in a discrete, on-or-off manner, like binary code (0s and 1s).

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    Mixed Signal IC

    A type of integrated circuit that combines both digital and analog circuitry on the same chip.

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    Logic Gate

    A fundamental component within an integrated circuit, acting as a fast electronic switch. It can be turned on or off, controlling the flow of electricity.

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    Flip-Flop

    A device within an integrated circuit that stores a single bit of information (0 or 1) and can be accessed very quickly.

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    Multiplexer

    A device within an integrated circuit that allows selecting one input signal from multiple inputs and sending it to a single output.

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    Study Notes

    Introduction to Computing - CS101

    • Course covers the evolution of computing, including key figures like Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace
    • Explores the evolution of computing devices, from early mechanical designs to modern microprocessors
    • Discusses quantum computing and its potential uses
    • Covers the World Wide Web, its components (URLs, web sites, home pages), and its evolution
    • Introduces various computer types categorized by capabilities (supercomputers, mainframes, servers, desktops, and portables)
    • Explains fundamental hardware components of computers (input devices, processors, memory, storage, and output devices)
    • Discusses binary numbers and logic operations (NOT, AND, OR, XOR), essential for understanding how computers operate
    • Covers programming languages, including machine language, assembly language, and high-level languages, along with software development methodologies
    • Examines the Internet, Internet services, protocols, and network topologies
    • Includes important topics like cyber-crime, and the social impact of computing
    • Presents various topics including the role of operating systems in managing resources for different users, and their types (Real-Time, Single-user, single-task, Single-User Multi-Tasking, Multi-user).

    Table of Contents

    • Lists the lecture topics and page numbers in the textbook

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    Description

    This quiz covers essential concepts related to computability theory, Turing machines, and the history of the Analytical Engine, including the use of punched cards. It also explores the course structure and key figures in computer science. Test your understanding of these foundational topics!

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