Computing Measurements and Breakthroughs Quiz

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Questions and Answers

How many milliseconds (ms) are in 1 second?

1000 (correct)

2000

500

1500

How many microseconds (μs) are in 1 second?

100000

1000000 (correct)

1000

100

How many nanoseconds (ns) are in 1 millisecond?

10^9

10^12

10^3

10^6 (correct)

How many microseconds are in 1 millisecond?

1000 (D) Signup and view all the answers

How many nanoseconds are in 1 microsecond?

1000 (B) Signup and view all the answers

How many kilobytes (KB) are in 1 gigabyte (GB)?

1000000 (A) Signup and view all the answers

How many kilobytes are in 1 megabyte (MB)?

1000 (C) Signup and view all the answers

How many megabytes are in 1 gigabyte (GB)?

1000 (A) Signup and view all the answers

How many bytes are in 20 megabytes?

20 million (B) Signup and view all the answers

How many kilobytes are in 2 gigabytes?

2 million (C) Signup and view all the answers

Briefly explain two breakthroughs in the history of computing.

Blaise Pascal invented the first mechanical calculator, called the Pascaline, which could add and subtract numbers with up to six digits. John Atanasoff constructed the first completely electronic computer, called the Atanasoff Berry Computer. Signup and view all the answers

In the von Neumann model, explain the purpose of: a) processing unit b) program counter.

a) The program counter helps the control unit determine the location of the next program instruction. b) It manages the data that comes from the memory unit into the central processing unit for execution. Signup and view all the answers

What implications does the von Neumann architecture present to you as a programmer?

Programmers no longer need to rewire a system to solve a problem. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why modern machines consist of multiple levels of virtual machines.

Each level executes its own instructions and calls on lower levels to perform tasks. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what it means to 'fetch' an instruction.

The control unit retrieves the next program instruction from the memory unit. Signup and view all the answers

Given the variations of Moore's Law, should you develop your chip or invest elsewhere?

You should develop your chip because it will be faster than the current chips after you finish. Signup and view all the answers

If you have a problem that takes 100,000 hours of computer time, which solution would be better?

Replacing the algorithm with one that runs twice as fast would give the answer first. Signup and view all the answers

What are the limitations of Moore's Law?

There are physical and financial limitations, making it unsustainable indefinitely. Signup and view all the answers

What are some technical implications of Moore's Law?

Ways computers are made will change, leading to innovations like quantum computers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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!