Computing Measurements and Breakthroughs Quiz

Time and Measurement Units

• 1 second is equivalent to 1,000 milliseconds (ms).
• 1 second contains 1,000,000 microseconds (μs).
• 1 millisecond consists of 1,000,000 nanoseconds (ns).
• 1 millisecond has 1,000 microseconds; 1 microsecond has 1,000 nanoseconds.

Data Measurement Units

• 1 gigabyte (GB) contains 1,000,000 kilobytes (KB).
• 1 megabyte (MB) equals 1,000 kilobytes (KB).
• 1 gigabyte (GB) consists of 1,000 megabytes (MB).
• 20 megabytes translates to 20,000,000 bytes.
• 2 gigabytes is the same as 2,000,000 kilobytes.

Historical Breakthroughs in Computing

• Blaise Pascal invented the Pascaline, the first mechanical calculator, capable of adding and subtracting six-digit numbers.
• John Atanasoff developed the Atanasoff Berry Computer, the first electronic computer, known for solving linear equations using vacuum tubes.

Von Neumann Architecture

• The program counter in the von Neumann model indicates the location of the next instruction.
• The control unit coordinates data retrieval from memory, which is executed by the arithmetic logic unit in the central processing unit.
• Programs and data stored in memory may lead to accidental self-modification, allowing a programmer to solve problems without rewiring.

Virtual Machines and Instructions

• Modern machines utilize multiple levels of virtual machines to manage and execute different sets of instructions independently.
• "Fetching" an instruction involves the control unit retrieving the next instruction from memory.

Moore's Law Context

• Moore's Law predicts that the number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every 18 months, leading to increased microprocessor power.
• Developing a new chip that is six times faster than current chips would still be advantageous despite a four-and-a-half-year prototype duration, as chips will become significantly faster during that time.

Computational Efficiency

• Replacing a slow algorithm with a faster one can yield results quicker than waiting for hardware improvements through Moore's Law, demonstrating the impact of algorithm efficiency.

Limitations and Implications of Moore's Law

• Moore's Law faces physical and financial limitations, making perpetual advancement impractical due to increasing manufacturing costs.
• Future advancements in computing are expected to branch into new technologies, such as quantum computing, reflecting the evolution of computer design and efficiency.

Test your knowledge on time and data measurement units, as well as significant historical breakthroughs in computing. This quiz covers key concepts like the von Neumann architecture and important inventions in computing history. Challenge yourself and expand your understanding of technological advancements!