History of Computers: First Generation
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of workstations?

  • They are not suitable for commercial tasks.
  • They are less powerful than personal computers.
  • They have limited storage capacity compared to PCs.
  • They are difficult to transport due to their size. (correct)

What is a primary characteristic of a workstation?

  • Limited display size.
  • Inability to upgrade hardware components.
  • Lightweight and portable design.
  • Designed to perform professional or commercial work. (correct)

What is a major advantage of personal computers (PCs)?

  • They have a high processing power.
  • They can be easily customized. (correct)
  • They require extensive maintenance.
  • They are designed for single-user professional work.

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of the specialized computers mentioned?

<p>They can be easily transported. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key features of workstations compared to personal computers?

<p>They typically have more memory and multiple processors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a function of a PC?

<p>Used primarily for personal tasks such as movie watching. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes a disadvantage of the specialized computers mentioned?

<p>They have fixed hardware components that cannot be upgraded. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might someone choose a workstation over a personal computer?

<p>For better handling of high-graphic applications. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in converting a decimal number to octal?

<p>Perform division on the integer and successive quotients. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the conversion of the decimal number 152.25 to octal, what is the octal representation of the integer part?

<p>(230)8 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After conducting the multiplication step of the decimal fraction 0.25 in octal conversion, what is the final octal fraction result?

<p>(2)8 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first operation performed when converting a decimal number to hexadecimal?

<p>Perform division on the integer and successive quotients. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After completing the conversion of the decimal number 152.25 to hexadecimal, what is the correct hexadecimal representation of the integer part?

<p>(98)16 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct octal representation for the fractional part 0.25 when converted to octal?

<p>(2)8 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What positional weights are used when converting an octal number to decimal?

<p>Powers of 8 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When converting decimals, what is the final result for the fractional part 0.25 after multiplying with the base of hexadecimal?

<p>(4)16 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the input unit in a computer system?

<p>To collect data from the user through input devices. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a major component of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

<p>Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) within the CPU?

<p>To perform all calculations and logical operations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes how the output unit functions?

<p>It converts machine language into signals readable by output devices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sequence of actions occurs when a user inputs data into an application?

<p>The CPU suspends the application, receives input signals, and then restarts processing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

<p>To control operations of all devices in the computer system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Control Unit (CU) interact with the ALU during computations?

<p>The CU passes data from the memory unit to the ALU for processing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following output devices is commonly referenced as a Visual Display Unit (VDU)?

<p>Monitor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the binary number system primarily use to represent information?

<p>Electronic pulses for 0 and 1 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many digits are present in the decimal number system?

<p>10 digits from 0 to 9 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which number system is a collection of bits represented using only three bits?

<p>Octal number system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum digit value in the octal number system?

<p>7 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the position of a digit and its value in the decimal number system?

<p>Each position is a power of 10 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the correct definition for a byte in the binary number system.

<p>A collection of eight bits (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of an electronic pulse represent in the binary number system?

<p>The binary value of 1 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the communication between processors in the OS described?

<p>OS communicates between processors through various communication lines. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which operating system is classified as a Network OS?

<p>UNIX (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the base of the binary number system?

<p>Base 2 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates Hard Real-Time Systems from Soft Real-Time Systems?

<p>Soft Real-Time Systems can tolerate delays. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about DOS?

<p>DOS supports a command-line interface only. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of Linux compared to DOS and Windows?

<p>Linux is an open-source operating system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which operating system was distributed by Microsoft?

<p>Windows (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What interface do modern versions of Windows support?

<p>Both Command-line and Graphical interfaces (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes multitasking in Linux?

<p>Linux supports multitasking and case it on various vendors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Random Access Memory (RAM) in a computer system?

<p>To temporarily store data currently in use (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the nature of RAM?

<p>It is volatile memory, losing data when power is turned off. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates Static RAM (SRAM) from Dynamic RAM (DRAM) in terms of construction?

<p>SRAM is built using D flip-flops, while DRAM uses tiny capacitors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following memory types is non-volatile?

<p>Read-Only Memory (ROM) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would you typically find the use of Random Access Memory?

<p>Running active applications during a session (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about Read-Only Memory (ROM)?

<p>It provides stability and reliability for essential system functions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application of Dynamic RAM (DRAM) compared to Static RAM (SRAM)?

<p>Utilized in main memory of computers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of RAM contributes to the speed of data processing in a computer system?

<p>RAM allows simultaneous reading and writing of data (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Workstation

A computer, or group of computers, primarily used by one person for professional or commercial work, often requiring more processing power than a standard PC for tasks like video editing or 3D design.

Workstation: Advantages

Workstations offer long lifespan, high performance, easy troubleshooting, large keyboards, more memory and multiple processors, and are scalable.

Workstation: Disadvantages

Workstations are typically large and heavy, making them less portable.

PC (Personal Computer)

A general-purpose computer for personal use, including a CPU, memory, input, and output devices; suitable for everyday tasks.

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PC: Advantages

PCs require little maintenance, are small and easy to use, customizable, offer large storage, and are easily upgradeable.

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PC: Disadvantages

Desktop PCs lack battery backup and can have limited storage options.

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Compact Computers: Characteristics

These computers lack dissipating fans, CD/DVD drives, small screens and keyboards, fixed hardware, and limited RAM storage.

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Compact Computers: Disadvantages

Compact computers lack features like fans, CD/DVD drives, and have small screens and keyboards, fixed hardware, and have a smaller RAM space.

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Input Unit

The part of a computer that collects data from the user via input devices. It transforms user inputs into computer-readable signals.

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Output Unit

Communicates results of computer processing to the outside world, converting machine language into human-readable signals.

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CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The "brain" of the computer; processes instructions, performs calculations, and controls other devices.

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ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

Part of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations; handles calculations and comparisons.

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Data Input-Output

The process where the computer takes data from input devices (like a keyboard), converts it into a usable format for the CPU, and then processes the instructions. After processing instructions, the computer converts output into a displayable format for humans to understand.

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Data Conversion

The process of transforming data from human-readable form to computer-readable machine language, and vice-versa.

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Computer Instruction Processing

The sequence of steps the CPU follows when processing instructions, involving receiving instructions from the user, input data, performing calculations, and generating output.

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Control Unit (CU)

Coordinates the operation of other CPU components, directing data flow between memory, ALU, and other units.

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Decimal to Octal Conversion

A process for converting decimal numbers to octal numbers by integer and fraction division, division operations on integer and successive quotients with base 8 and multiplication operation of fraction and successive quotients with base 8.

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Octal to Decimal Conversion

A method for converting octal numbers to decimal numbers by multiplying each octal digit with its corresponding positional weight, representing the power of 8, and summing up these products.

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Decimal to Hexadecimal Conversion

Method to convert decimal to hexadecimal numbers, involving integer and fraction division, using base 16.

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Hexadecimal Number System

Number system with base 16, using digits 0-9 and A-F, having 16 symbols.

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Base 8 (Octal)

Number System using 8 distinct symbols (0-7).

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Successive Quotients

Quotients obtained in a series of divisions, e.g., in converting decimals to octal or hexadecimal

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Conversion of fractions in octal/hexadecimal

Conversion of fractional components from a decimal to a specified number system based on successive multiplication in base 8 or 16 respectively.

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Positional Weights

The powers of the base (e.g., 8 or 16) that correspond to each digit's place in a number system, used in conversions from other number systems to decimals.

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Binary Number System

A number system that uses only two digits (0 and 1) in digital computers. Electronic pulses represent 1, while their absence represents 0.

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Bit

A single digit in a binary number system (either 0 or 1).

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Nibble

A collection of four bits.

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Byte

A collection of eight bits. This is a common unit of measurement for digital data.

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Decimal Number System

A number system using ten digits (0-9). Used in everyday life.

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Octal Number System

A number system using eight digits (0-7).

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Base of a Number System

The total number of digits used in a given system to represent values. (e.g., 10 for decimal, 2 for binary)

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Place value in Number Systems

The value of a digit determined by its position within the number. A place value is a specific power of the base.

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RAM (Random Access Memory)

Computer memory that temporarily stores data the computer is using or processing.

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ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Computer memory containing permanent instructions for starting the computer.

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Distributed OS

An operating system that distributes tasks across multiple independent processors without shared memory or clock.

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Primary Memory

Computer memory directly accessible to the CPU (Central Processing Unit).

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Network OS

Connects multiple systems to a server, enabling resource sharing (files, printers, apps).

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Secondary Memory

Computer memory that stores data not currently in use, like hard drives or flash drives.

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SRAM (Static RAM)

A type of RAM that retains data without constant refreshing.

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Real-time OS (RTOS)

Operating systems with very short response times, ideal for time-critical tasks.

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Hard Real-Time System

Real-time system with extremely strict time constraints; no delays are allowed.

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DRAM (Dynamic RAM)

A type of RAM that needs consistent refreshing to retain data.

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Volatile Memory

Computer memory that loses its stored information when the power is off.

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Soft Real-Time System

Real-time system with less strict time constraints; some delays are acceptable.

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Non-volatile Memory

Computer memory that retains its stored information even without power.

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DOS vs. Windows vs. Linux

Comparison of operating systems based on development, interface, multitasking, and distribution approaches.

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Open-source

Software with source code publicly available, allowing modifications and distributions.

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Proprietary OS

Software with restricted access to the source code, often only used by specific vendors.

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Study Notes

History of Computers

  • Computers are electronic machines that collect, store, process information based on user instructions, and return the result.
  • A computer is a programmable electronic device that performs arithmetic and logical operations automatically according to instructions.
  • Computers have evolved through several generations, starting around 1940, with each generation characterized by advancements in technology like vacuum tubes, transistors, integrated circuits, and microprocessors.

First Generation (1940s-1950s)

  • Used vacuum tube technology.
  • Expensive and produced significant heat.
  • Limited to large organizations.
  • Machine language was used for programming.
  • Example computers: ENIAC, EDVAC, IBM-650, IBM-701, Manchester Mark 1, Mark 2.
  • Main characteristics: vacuum tubes, magnetic drums/tapes, machine language, slow speed, large size (often taking up entire rooms), punched cards/paper tape as input/output devices.
  • Approximately 100 vacuum tube computers were produced between 1942 and 1959.

Second Generation (1950s-1960s)

  • Used transistor technology.
  • Generated less heat than vacuum tubes.
  • Smaller and more reliable than first-generation computers.
  • Assembly language was used for programming.
  • Example computers: IBM 1401, IBM 7090, 7094, UNIVAC 1107.
  • Main characteristics: transistors, magnetic core/tape/disk, assembly language, low power consumption, smaller size, punched cards/magnetic tape as input/output devices.

Third Generation (1960s-1970s)

  • Used integrated circuits (ICs)
  • More powerful, smaller, and more reliable than second-generation computers.
  • High-level programming languages like FORTRAN, BASIC, Pascal, COBOL, C were used.
  • Main characteristics: integrated circuits, large magnetic core/tape/disk, high-level languages, smaller size, and cheaper, improved performance, magnetic tape/keyboard/monitor/printer as input/output devices

Fourth Generation (1970s-Present)

  • Used very large-scale integration (VLSI) and microprocessors.
  • Thousands of transistors on a single chip.
  • Significant increase in speed, accuracy and reliability.
  • Extensive use of high-level languages (Python, C#, Java, JavaScript, Rust, Kotlin, etc.).
  • Smaller, cheaper, and more efficient than third-generation computers.
  • Example computers: IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11, UNIVAC 1108, various Apple products, IBM PC, STAR 1000, Apple II, Apple Macintosh, etc.

Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond)

  • Based on artificial intelligence and ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI).
  • Use of parallel processing and neural networks.
  • Ability for computers to learn and adapt.
  • Includes desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones.
  • Aim to achieve faster processing speed, accuracy, and reliability than previous generations.

Computer Block Diagram

  • The major components of a computer are the input unit, output unit, central processing unit (CPU), and memory unit (both primary and secondary).
  • The CPU includes the control unit (CU) and arithmetic logic unit (ALU).
  • The CU directs and controls the processing, while the ALU performs calculations and logical operations.
  • Primary memory is volatile and holds data currently being processed, is relatively quick to access, whereas secondary memory is non-volatile and stores data permanently.

Types of Computers

  • Computers are classified by size (supercomputer, mainframe, minicomputer, workstation, personal computer) and data handling capabilities (analog, digital, hybrid).
  • Supercomputers are the largest and fastest, used for intensive scientific computations.
  • Mainframes are used for large-scale transaction processing and commercial databases.
  • Minicomputers are smaller and used for engineering and scientific tasks.
  • Workstations are for professional tasks like video editing and graphic design.
  • PCs are for general-purpose use.

Operating Systems

  • An operating system (OS) acts as an interface between the hardware (physical components) and the user/ software applications.
  • OS manages the allocation and deallocation of resources, handles memory, processor, and device management, provides file management and ensures security & stability.
  • Different types of OS available include: Batch OS, Time-Shared OS, Distributed OS, Network OS and Real-Time OS. Differentiate between features of these OS.

Number Systems

  • Digital computers use number systems to represent information.
  • The most common systems are binary (base 2), decimal (base 10), octal (base 8), and hexadecimal (base 16).
  • Each system has a unique way of representing values using digits or symbols.
  • Key characteristics of each system include the digits used, the positional value of each digit, and the base.

Memory Management (RAM and ROM)

  • RAM (Random Access Memory) is a temporary storage area, used during normal operations, and is volatile (loses data when power is removed).
  • SRAM and DRAM are common types of RAM, distinguished by construction and data retention.
  • ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a permanent storage area, used for startup instructions, and non-volatile (data remains when power is removed).
  • Types of ROM include masked ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, differing by their programmability and erasability.
  • Basic functionalities and differences in various types of computer memory are explained

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History of Computers PDF

Description

Explore the evolution of computers, focusing on the first generation from the 1940s to 1950s. Learn about the technology of vacuum tubes, the limitations faced, and notable examples such as ENIAC and IBM-650. This quiz will highlight the characteristics and programming of early computers.

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