CS1110 Introduction to Computer Science Chapter 1

Questions and Answers

What approach does fourth-generation software typically use in programming?

Procedural Programming

Functional Programming

Event-Driven Programming

Structured Programming (correct)

What significant development occurred in fifth-generation software?

Dominance of the Microsoft Windows OS (correct)

Development of Spreadsheets

Utilization of Cobol Programming

Introduction of Assembly Language

What are two main types of programmers mentioned in the context of computing as a tool?

Systems Programmer and Applications Programmer (correct)

Network Administrator and Database Analyst

Web Developer and Systems Engineer

Software Architect and Application Designer

What skill is essential for efficiently expressing problems as step-by-step procedures?

Algorithmic Thinking Signup and view all the answers

What type of programs are typically included in the new application software developed during the fourth generation?

Word Processors and Database Management Systems Signup and view all the answers

Which early computing device was used for basic arithmetic calculations?

Abacus Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as the first programmer?

Ada Lovelace Signup and view all the answers

In computing, what purpose does a utility program serve?

Optimizes hardware performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an operating system?

To manage hardware resources and run programs Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant characteristic of vacuum tubes used in first-generation hardware?

They were large and generated a lot of heat. Signup and view all the answers

Which language is an example of one used during the era of structured programming?

Pascal Signup and view all the answers

What abstract mathematical model did Alan Turing invent?

Turing Machine Signup and view all the answers

Which device is known for introducing punched cards in computing?

Jacquard Loom Signup and view all the answers

What type of storage did the magnetic drum serve as?

Sequential auxiliary storage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes Ada Lovelace's contribution to computing?

Conceptualized the loop in programming. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary use of early computers like the UNIVAC I?

To facilitate advancements in mathematics and engineering. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of a computing system?

Hardware, software, and data Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an operating system in a computing system?

To manage interactions between hardware, programs, and data Signup and view all the answers

How does abstraction function in computing?

As a mental model that removes complex details Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of a computing system focuses on specific real-world problem-solving?

Applications layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between systems programmers and applications programmers?

Systems programmers focus on lower-level tasks, while applications programmers focus on end-user software Signup and view all the answers

What does the term ‘computing’ refer to in this chapter?

Using technology as a tool and as a discipline Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes hardware in a computing system?

It consists of physical elements like printers and circuit boards Signup and view all the answers

What role does communication play within computing systems?

It is a fundamental layer necessary for operation Signup and view all the answers

What technology replaced vacuum tubes due to its advantages such as speed and durability?

Transistor Signup and view all the answers

Which hardware technology replaced magnetic drums by providing instant information availability?

Magnetic Disk Signup and view all the answers

What significant development emerged in the fourth generation of hardware (1971 onwards)?

Large-scale Integration Signup and view all the answers

What programming language type was widely used from 1951 to 1959 and involved writing programs in binary?

Machine Language Signup and view all the answers

Which language layer in the first generation of software was primarily written using mnemonics?

Assembly Language Signup and view all the answers

What was a major advancement in computing during the late 1980s with regards to networking?

Introduction of Ethernet Signup and view all the answers

What programming methodologies divided programmers into application and systems programmers during the first generation of software?

Language Layers Signup and view all the answers

Which high-level programming languages emerged during the second generation of software (1959-1965) to simplify programming?

Fortran, COBOL, Lisp Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter Goals

Understand the layers of a computer system.
Learn the concept of abstraction and its significance in computing.
Explore the history of computer hardware and software.
Recognize the evolving role of computer users.
Differentiate between systems programmers and applications programmers.
Distinguish computing as a tool versus computing as a discipline.

Computing Systems

A computing system is a dynamic entity designed for problem-solving and environmental interaction.
Components of a computing system include hardware, software, and data.

Layers of a Computing System

Information Layer: Represents how information is stored and communicated on a computer.
Hardware Layer: Encompasses physical components such as printers and keyboards.
Programming Layer: Involves software that governs computations and data management.
Operating Systems: Facilitate user interaction with hardware and manage data and programs (e.g., Windows, Linux).
Applications Layer: Focuses on utilizing computers for solving real-world problems.
Communication Layer: Vital for data exchange and fundamental operations within computing systems.

Abstraction

Abstraction is a mental model that simplifies complex details, crucial in understanding computing concepts.

History of Computing

Abacus: Early device for recording numeric values.
Blaise Pascal: Developed a mechanical calculator for basic arithmetic operations.
Joseph Jacquard: Innovated the Jacquard Loom using punched cards for automation.
Charles Babbage: Known for the Analytical Engine, an early mechanical computer.
Ada Lovelace: Recognized as the first programmer and conceptualized the loop in programming.
Alan Turing: Created the Turing Machine, providing a foundational mathematical model for computation.
Early Computers: Harvard Mark I, ENIAC, and UNIVAC I marked the dawn of modern computing.

Generations of Hardware

First Generation (1951–1959): Utilized vacuum tubes, magnetic drums, and card readers.
Second Generation (1959–1965): Introduced transistors, magnetic cores, and magnetic disks, enhancing efficiency and reducing size.
Third Generation (1965–1971): Featured integrated circuits which improved reliability and performance.
Fourth Generation (1971–present): Saw the rise of personal computers and workstations, making technology widely accessible.

Parallel Computing and Networking

Parallel Computing: Involves interconnected processors or memory units to enhance processing speeds.
Networking: Early systems like ARPANET led to the development of the Internet, allowing resource sharing.

Generations of Software

First Generation (1951–1959): Focused on machine language, assembly languages, and early programming divisions.
Second Generation (1959–1965): Emerged high-level languages such as Fortran and COBOL, facilitating programming ease.
Third Generation (1965–1971): Systems software including translators and operating systems became prevalent.
Fourth Generation (1971–1989): Structured programming became standard with languages like Pascal and C++.
Fifth Generation (1990–present): Dominated by Microsoft, emphasizing object-oriented design and global communication via the Internet.

Computing as a Tool vs. Discipline

Systems programmers create tools while applications programmers utilize them.
Necessary Skills for Computing as a Discipline:
- Algorithmic Thinking: Develop step-by-step solutions to problems.
- Representation: Efficient data storage and processing methods.
- Programming: Combining algorithmic thinking and representation into software solutions.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts introduced in Chapter 1 of CS1110. You'll explore the layers of a computer system, the idea of abstraction, and the history of computer hardware and software. Additionally, the quiz distinguishes between systems and applications programmers.