History of Digital Computing

Questions and Answers

What significant increase in memory capacity occurred in 2017?

From 50,000 bits to 200 trillion bits

From 10,000 bits to 160 trillion bits (correct)

From 5,000 bits to 150 trillion bits

From 1,000 bits to 100 trillion bits

Which technology is primarily used in fifth generation computers?

ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)

VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration)

ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) (correct)

CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device)

What is a key feature of microprocessors?

They exclusively handle analog signals

They do not accept binary data

They are only used in gaming systems

They integrate multiple functions of the CPU (correct)

During which period were the fourth generation computers prevalent?

1971 to 1980 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about fiber optics is correct?

Each fiber optic cable can have hundreds of strands Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant result of the fourth generation of computers?

Increased personal computer availability Signup and view all the answers

What makes fifth generation computers distinctive?

They incorporate technology for AI development Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a microprocessor?

To accept binary data and process it Signup and view all the answers

What significant invention helped to reduce the overheating issues of early computers?

Transistors Signup and view all the answers

Which computer was developed during World War II to decode Nazi war codes?

Colossus Signup and view all the answers

Who were the inventors of the transistor?

William Shockley, John Bardeen, and Walter Brattain Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary issue with the first generation of computers, such as ENIAC?

Overheating due to vacuum tubes Signup and view all the answers

Which computer represented a major advance with its use of a binary arithmetic system?

Atanasoff-Berry Computer Signup and view all the answers

What marked the beginning of the current epoch in the electronics industry?

Introduction of the Transistor Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristic feature of the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC)?

It was the first to patent a digital computing system. Signup and view all the answers

The convergence of government, military, and industry cooperation in innovation was crucial for the development of which technology?

Transistors Signup and view all the answers

Which type of satellite is primarily used for communication purposes?

Geostationary satellites Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the fourth generation of computers?

Utilization of microprocessors Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant milestone in the history of artificial satellites?

The launch of Sputnik 1 Signup and view all the answers

Semiconductors are critical in computing because they:

Can control electrical flow effectively Signup and view all the answers

What function do microprocessors serve in a computer system?

Perform arithmetic and logic operations Signup and view all the answers

Which generation of computers was marked by the use of transistors instead of vacuum tubes?

Second generation Signup and view all the answers

What kind of satellite primarily collects data about the Earth's atmosphere and surface?

Meteorological satellites Signup and view all the answers

Microprocessors revolutionized computer technology by allowing for:

The reduction in physical size of computers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Digital Video and Its Impact

The new millennium marks the rise of digital video as a key player in the future of television.

Early Computer Development

Early computers were primarily developed to serve military needs.
Between 1939-1942, the first digital-electronic computer, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, was created by John Vincent Atanasoff and Clifford Berry at Iowa State University.
Key innovations of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer included binary arithmetic, parallel processing, regenerative memory, and separation of memory and computing functions.
In 1839, Allan Turing developed "Colossus", the first fully functioning electronic digital computer used in WWII to decode Nazi war codes.

ENIAC - First Digital Computing System

In 1946, Presper Eckert and John Mauchly patented the ENIAC, the first digital computing system.
ENIAC at first utilized vacuum tubes, leading to overheating issues.

Invention of Transistors

Transistors were invented by William Shockley, John Bardeen, and Walter Brattain; addressing overheating issues associated with vacuum tubes.
The development of transistors marked a significant advancement in electronics, facilitating widespread technological advances.

Integrated Circuits

The progression of computer technology was significantly influenced by government, military, and industrial collaborations.
From 1978 to 2017, memory capacity surged from 10,000 bits to 160 trillion bits, largely due to advancements in semiconductors.

Microprocessors

Microprocessors are integrated circuits that serve as the central processing unit (CPU) of computers.
These programmable chips operate by accepting binary inputs and producing outputs after processing based on stored instructions.

Fourth Generation Computers

Fourth generation computers (1971-1980) utilized Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits containing approximately 5,000 transistors on a single chip.
This era marked an increase in power, compactness, reliability, and affordability, leading to the emergence of Personal Computers (PCs).
Technologies such as time-sharing, real-time networks, and distributed operating systems were prevalent.

Fifth Generation Computers

Fifth generation computers, starting around 1981, feature Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI) technology, enabling advanced scientific calculations.
They are instrumental in the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capable of autonomous thinking.

Fiber Optics

Fiber optics consist of thin glass or plastic strands, capable of transmitting data over long distances.
A single fiber optic cable can contain anywhere from two to several hundred strands, representing significant advancements in data transmission technology.

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Description

Explore the pivotal developments in digital computing from early machines to the invention of transistors. This quiz covers significant contributions, including the Atanasoff-Berry Computer and the ENIAC. Test your knowledge on the key figures and innovations that shaped the technology we use today.