History of Computing and Software Evolution
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a control unit (CU) in a computer system?

  • To process machine language instructions
  • To manage data storage on external devices
  • To execute tasks directly on the hardware
  • To direct operations within the processor (correct)

    • Which type of file access allows retrieval of data from any location without sequential reading?

  • Sequential access file
  • Magnetic tape file
  • Direct access file (correct)
  • Buffered access file

    • Which storage device is NOT classified as a direct access storage device?

  • Hard drives
  • Optical disks
  • Magnetic tape units (correct)
  • Flash drives

    • What concept allows both instructions and data to be stored in computer memory?

    <p>The stored-program concept</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key benefit of analyzing e-mails and electronic chats among employees in an organization?

    <p>It identifies the social networks within the company.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true about machine language?

    <p>It comprises a sequence of digital binary numbers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a 'killer application' introduced in the mid-1990s?

    <p>An application with widespread global impact.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a removable direct access storage device?

    <p>Compact Disk (CD)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a way companies can compete using computers and communication networks?

    <p>Expanding physical retail spaces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do processor chips play in modern electronic devices?

    <p>To process data and complete tasks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Telecommuters are defined as individuals who:

    <p>Communicate with their office via remote means.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is NOT a characteristic of sequential access files?

    <p>It allows random retrieval of individual data records</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a 'virtual team'?

    <p>A group collaborating without geographical constraints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary responsibility does the Information Systems Department hold?

    <p>To manage the organization's IT resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about 'free agents' is correct?

    <p>They function independently without heavy supervision.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Investments in wireless connectivity mainly serve to support which group of workers?

    <p>Mobile workers within organizational premises.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant impact did the IBM Personal Computer have when it was introduced in 1981?

    <p>It initiated the trend of desktop computing as a common standard.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which company’s Windows software became the dominant operating system for microcomputers by the 1990s?

    <p>Microsoft Corporation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of systems have been widely adopted by organizations to facilitate real-time data sharing?

    <p>Enterprise systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Beehive in the context of IBM's internal communication?

    <p>An intranet platform for social networking</p> Signup and view all the answers

    As of the late 1990s, what software bundle had become the go-to choice for U.S. organizations?

    <p>Microsoft Office Suite</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of ThinkPlace at IBM?

    <p>To facilitate employee idea exchange and feedback</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What advantage do the typical modern computers offer compared to those in the 1960s?

    <p>Higher processing power at a lower cost</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following features is characteristic of modern computers?

    <p>Graphical icons and touch screen navigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does MIPS stand for in the context of computer performance measurement?

    <p>Millions of Instructions Per Second</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which computer system is specifically designed to handle large-scale parallel processing?

    <p>Supercomputers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of microcomputers compared to other types of computer systems?

    <p>They can be carried or moved by one person.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best defines MegaFLOPS?

    <p>A calculation of one million floating-point operations per second.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of microcomputer is typically designed for heavy-duty computing tasks such as programming and gaming?

    <p>Desktop PC</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do cost and power ranges compare among microcomputers, midrange systems, mainframes, and supercomputers?

    <p>They exhibit overlaps, reflecting differences in design purpose.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a laptop from a desktop microcomputer?

    <p>Laptops offer portability and are limited in processing power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a feature of handheld/palmtop computers?

    <p>They are the size of a large pocket calculator.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What new feature in the Comparative Budget Spreadsheet Creator is aimed at enhancing customer relations?

    <p>Customer Management Center</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which software is primarily recognized as the leader in presentation graphics?

    <p>Microsoft PowerPoint</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which productivity software is acknowledged as the most widely used database management system?

    <p>Microsoft Access</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic is typical of personal productivity software applications?

    <p>They include user-friendly graphical interface (GUI) applications.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a feature of word processing software?

    <p>Converting Web files to Word format</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following software is classified as an electronic spreadsheet application?

    <p>Microsoft Excel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes microcomputers in the context of business tools?

    <p>They offer numerous reasonably priced products.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do PC Magazine and PC World serve entrepreneurs in selecting software products?

    <p>They review new products to help users make informed choices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    History of Computing

    • The concept of a "computer-on-a-chip" emerged in the 1970s.
    • The IBM Personal Computer (PC) was introduced in 1981, marking the beginning of desktop computing.
    • Modern computers have processing power comparable to entire computing centers of the 1960s.

    Computer Hardware

    • Modern computers offer graphical icons, point-and-click navigation, and preloaded software for internet access.
    • Computers are becoming increasingly affordable and offer better virus protection.

    Software Evolution

    • Microsoft Windows became the standard operating system for microcomputers in early 1990s.
    • Microsoft Office suite—including word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation software, and email—became widely adopted by the late 1990s.
    • Enterprise systems, software packages with integrated modules, have become popular for sharing data across teams, divisions, and international boundaries.

    Social Networking in Organizations

    • IBM utilizes social networking tools like Beehive, ThinkPlace, and SmallBlue to connect employees.

    Computer Networks

    • The introduction of web browsers in the mid-1990s had a significant impact on global communication.
    • Increased investment in wireless connectivity supports mobile workforces.
    • Cloud computing utilizes the internet for remote hosting and IT capabilities.

    Competitive Advantages with IT

    • Companies can compete through low-cost production or product differentiation.
    • Product differentiation can be achieved through innovative products, high quality, or exceptional customer service.

    New Models of Work

    • IT advancements enable more efficient working practices, including remote work (telecommuting), virtual teams, and freelance work.

    Managing IT in Organizations

    • Information Systems Department is responsible for managing IT within an organization.

    Computer Data Storage

    • Users can open, review, change, save, and close files.
    • Sequential Access Files: Data records are written sequentially in chronological order.
    • Direct-Access Files: Allows random access to data records directly from any location without reading other records.

    Control Unit

    • Control unit (CU) within a processor directs operations.
    • CU manages communication between logic unit, memory, and input/output devices.

    Stored Program Concept

    • Instructions and data are stored in computer memory.
    • Machine language is the fundamental language of computers, comprised of binary numbers.
    • Processor chips execute instructions and process data.
    • MIPS (Millions of Instructions Per Second) is a measure of a computer's processing power.
    • MegaFLOPS (Millions of Floating-point Operations Per Second) measures the speed of operations involved in parallel processing.

    Types of Computer Systems

    • Microcomputers are the most popular for end users.
    • Desktop PCs are powerful and used for tasks like gaming and video editing.
    • Laptops are portable and commonly used for routine computer tasks.
    • Handheld/Palmtop computers are compact and used for basic computing.

    Personal Productivity Software

    • Word processing software helps in writing and editing documents. Popular options include Microsoft Word and OpenOffice Writer.
    • Spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel aid in organizing and analyzing data.
    • Database management systems like Microsoft Access allow for data storage and analysis.
    • Presentation graphics software like Microsoft PowerPoint helps in creating visual presentations.

    Emerging Business Tools

    • Microcomputers have become integral business tools.
    • Software products are relatively affordable and widely used.
    • Technology magazines provide reviews to assist users in selecting suitable products.

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    Description

    Explore the significant milestones in the history of computing, from the inception of the computer-on-a-chip in the 1970s to the rise of Microsoft Windows in the 1990s. Understand how computer hardware and software have evolved over the decades, including the impact of social networking in organizations. This quiz covers key developments and trends in the computing world.

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