Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes the earliest form of computers and their function?
Which of the following best describes the earliest form of computers and their function?
- They referred to specialized individuals trained for specific mathematical tasks. (correct)
- They comprised intricate networks to connect multiple users.
- They were established systems designed for automated processes.
- They were mechanical devices that performed all types of calculations.
What significant change occurred in the definition of 'computer' around the mid-20th century?
What significant change occurred in the definition of 'computer' around the mid-20th century?
- The term evolved to describe electronic machines exclusively.
- The meaning shifted from a person performing calculations to an electronic device. (correct)
- It became a title for individuals managing programming software.
- It was redefined to only reference networked computing systems.
How did the manual calculations by early humans influence the development of computers?
How did the manual calculations by early humans influence the development of computers?
- They were entirely replaced by machines without any impact on future developments.
- They underscored the necessity for automation and faster computation methods. (correct)
- They weakened the credibility of mathematical accuracy in computations.
- They established the foundation for modern graphical user interfaces.
What role did the training of early human computers play in the evolution of computing?
What role did the training of early human computers play in the evolution of computing?
In what way did the first recorded use of the term 'computer' impact society?
In what way did the first recorded use of the term 'computer' impact society?
Which microprocessor was introduced in 1981 as a significant advancement in personal computing technology?
Which microprocessor was introduced in 1981 as a significant advancement in personal computing technology?
What was a key feature of the first successful Apple Macintosh computer released in 1984?
What was a key feature of the first successful Apple Macintosh computer released in 1984?
What advancement did the Intel 486 achieve in 1989?
What advancement did the Intel 486 achieve in 1989?
Which event is recognized as the beginning of the personal computer era in 1978?
Which event is recognized as the beginning of the personal computer era in 1978?
Who conceptualized Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), which laid the foundation for web development?
Who conceptualized Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), which laid the foundation for web development?
Study Notes
Fourth Generation: Microprocessor
- 1976: Cray developed the Cray-I supercomputer, a significant advancement in computing power.
- 1976: Apple Computer, Inc. founded by Steven Jobs and Stephen Wozniak, pioneering the personal computing revolution.
- 1977: Jobs and Wozniak created the first Apple II microcomputer, enhancing accessibility to personal computing.
- 1978: The personal computer (PC) era commenced, leading to diverse desktop computer designs by various companies.
- 1981: Osborne 1 became the first portable desktop computer, revolutionizing the form factor.
- 1981: IBM PC was introduced with a 16-bit microprocessor, marking IBM's entry into the personal computing market.
- 1984: Apple launched the Macintosh, the first successful mouse-driven computer featuring a graphical user interface (GUI).
- 1984: IBM released the PC/AT with the 80286 chip—three times faster than earlier PCs, signifying advancements in processing power.
- 1989: Intel 486 emerged as the first microprocessor with over one million transistors, demonstrating significant integration of technology.
- HTML proposed by Tim Berners-Lee from CERN, laying the groundwork for web development.
Evolution of Computers
- The evolution of computers spans centuries, transitioning from manual calculations to modern automated technology.
- Modern powerful devices are integral in various domains, including homes, organizations, and governments.
Basic Computing Periods
- Early calculations were performed by humans employed as computers, focusing primarily on mathematical computations.
- The term "computer" was first recorded in 1613, referring to individuals performing calculations.
Second Generation: Transistors
- 1953: COBOL was developed by Grace Hopper, recognized as the "First Lady of Software," facilitating business computing.
- 1954: FORTRAN introduced by John Backus and his IBM team, becoming a key programming language in scientific computing.
- 1958: Jack St.Clair Kilby and Robert Noyce created the first integrated circuit, greatly enhancing computer efficiency.
Third Generation: Integrated Circuits (IC)
- 1960s: Gene Amdahl designed the IBM System/360, the first general-purpose digital computer series using integrated circuits.
- 1965: BASIC programming language was developed by Dr. Thomas Kurtz and Dr. John Kemeny, promoting programming accessibility.
- 1969: The inception of ARPAnet, a military computer network, marks the start of the Internet's evolution.
- 1969: UNIX operating system developed at Bell Labs by Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, and others, influencing modern operating systems.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the advancements in fourth-generation microprocessors, including notable developments such as the Cray-I supercomputer and the founding of Apple Computer, Inc. Review the key events and figures that shaped this era in computing.
