Computer Generations Overview

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Questions and Answers

What was a notable feature of the second generation of computers?

Usage of vacuum tubes

Introduction of integrated circuits

Use of transistors (correct)

Microprocessor technology

Which of the following was a disadvantage of first generation computers?

Larger size and expense (correct)

Magnetic tape storage

Low power consumption

Used air-cooling technology

Which technology was prominent in the third generation of computers?

Microprocessors

Vacuum tubes

Transistors in large quantities

Integrated circuits (correct)

What major advancement did the fourth generation of computers introduce?

Intel's first microprocessor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following programming languages were primarily used in the second generation of computers?

Machine and assembly language Signup and view all the answers

What was a feature of the fifth generation computers?

Use of ULSI microprocessors Signup and view all the answers

Which challenge was specifically associated with the second generation of computers?

Excessive cooling requirements Signup and view all the answers

Which computer was an example of the third generation?

IBM System/360 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the CPU in a computer?

Perform computing operations Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is considered volatile and loses its data when the power is off?

RAM Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes cache memory from other types of memory?

It is the nearest memory to the processor and faster Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory contains programs essential for the operation of a computer and cannot be changed by use?

ROM Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of input/output devices in a computer system?

To communicate with the CPU Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of secondary storage?

Hard disk Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines primary memory?

It is used for temporary storage of data Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of busses in a computer system?

To interface all units through signals Signup and view all the answers

What is the main disadvantage of a hardwired control unit compared to a microprogrammed control unit?

It is less flexible to accommodate new specifications. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the speed of the control units?

Microprogrammed control units are slower than hardwired control units. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of microprocessor typically utilizes a microprogrammed control unit?

CISC Microprocessor Signup and view all the answers

What component holds the opcode of the currently executing instruction in a CPU?

Instruction Register (IR) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of using a microprogrammed control unit?

Greater flexibility to adapt to new specifications. Signup and view all the answers

In the steps required to execute a program, what is the first action taken?

Fetch the opcode from memory. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about control memory in CPU architecture is true?

Control memory is not needed for microprogrammed control units. Signup and view all the answers

Which register holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched?

Program Counter (PC) Signup and view all the answers

What does MIPS stand for in computer architecture?

Million Instructions Per Second Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of Complex Instruction Set Computers (CISC)?

CISC requires more RAM to store instructions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)?

CPOC Signup and view all the answers

In a RISC based processor, what is the primary focus of the instruction set?

A simple load/store instruction set Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC)?

RISC operates mainly on registers. Signup and view all the answers

How is performance defined in terms of execution time?

Performance = 1 / Execution Time Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes how MIPS is calculated?

MIPS is calculated by dividing instruction count by execution time. Signup and view all the answers

What role do registers play in the operation of a RISC processor?

Registers hold data and facilitate faster operations. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'throughput' refer to in computer performance?

The number of tasks completed per unit time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following enhances a computer's response time?

Using a faster processor. Signup and view all the answers

In which architecture is the most significant byte stored at the lowest address?

Big Endian Signup and view all the answers

How many general-purpose registers (GPRs) does a typical RISC based processor have?

32 Signup and view all the answers

In the context of execution time, if computer X takes 10 seconds and computer Y takes 15 seconds to run a program, how much faster is X than Y?

1.5 times faster. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common attribute of RISC architectures?

Fewer instructions overall. Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard data type size for a word in the described architecture?

32 bits Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about CISC processor design is accurate?

CISC systems typically require more work for compilers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

First Generation Computers

Achieved a processing speed of 5000 additions per second.
Utilized machine language for programming.
Depended heavily on vacuum tubes, which were prone to generating heat and consuming large power.
Notable drawbacks included their large size and expense.
Examples include ENIAC, EDVAC, IBM-701, and IBM-650.

Second Generation Computers

Operated from 1956 to 1963 and introduced transistors, a 1947 invention from Bell Labs.
Transistors provided cost-efficiency, reduced power usage, compact size, reliability, and speed improvements over vacuum tubes.
Employed magnetic cores for primary memory and magnetic tape/disks for secondary storage.
Advantages included reduced size, increased speed, and the ability to save instructions in memory.
Programming utilized machine and assembly languages like COBOL and FORTRAN.
Air conditioning was necessary due to heat, and they were mainly for commercial use.
Examples included IBM 7049 Series and CDC 3600.

Third Generation Computers

Spanned from 1964 to 1971, characterized by integrated circuits (ICs) comprising numerous transistors on a silicon chip.
Offered increased speed, reduced size, greater reliability, and less heat generation.
Integrated circuits allowed interaction with I/O devices and were often accompanied by operating systems.
Examples include IBM System/360 and PDP-8.

Fourth Generation Computers

Marked by the introduction of microprocessors in the early 1970s, with over 100,000 transistors on a single chip.
Intel's 4004, an early four-bit microprocessor, led the way for subsequent models like 8008 and 8086.
Notable features included VLSI technology, portability, high speed, and significant accuracy and reliability.
Compatible with large memory interfacing.
Examples included a series of Intel processors and AMD processors.

Fifth Generation Computers

Focused on artificial intelligence applications post-1988, featuring ULSI microprocessors and nano-meter technology.
Employed high-level languages such as C, C++, Java, and .NET.
Noted for faster processing, decreased costs, intelligent capabilities, and parallel processing.
Examples comprised desktops, laptops, and Chromebooks.

Computer Memory

Primary memory includes cache and is categorized as temporary or permanent storage.
RAM (temporary storage, lost when powered off) and ROM (non-volatile, contains essential programs).
Cache memory is smaller and faster, storing frequently accessed programs.
Secondary storage (e.g., hard drives, DVDs) is slower but offers permanent and larger capacity for data.

CPU and Control Units

The CPU performs arithmetic and logic operations and executes instructions from memory.
Two primary control unit architectures: hardwired (faster but more complex) and microprogrammed (more flexible).
Different types of registers exist, including general-purpose and specialized registers like IR, PC, MAR, and MDR.

Instruction Execution Process

The program execution involves fetching, decoding, reading operands (if necessary), executing operations, and writing back results.

Performance Metrics

MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second) measures execution rate, inversely related to execution time.
Performance is defined as 1 divided by execution time.

Architecture Classification

Distinctions between CISC and RISC architectures based on instruction complexity and handling.
Execution time affects perceived performance, specifically through response time and throughput.

Memory Addressing

Memory addressing involves understanding big-endian (most significant byte at lowest address) and little-endian (least significant byte at lowest address) formats for data storage.

Example: Instruction Comparison

CISC: Directly operate on memory banks with complex instructions and addressing modes.
RISC: Focus on registers with simpler instructions emphasizing hardware efficiency.

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Description

This quiz covers the first and second generations of computers, including the technology used such as vacuum tubes and transistors. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies, alongside examples like ENIAC and IBM-701. Test your knowledge of the evolution of computer technology!