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Questions and Answers
What was a key feature of first generation computers?
What was a key feature of first generation computers?
- Reliance on vacuum tubes for circuitry (correct)
- Use of assembly languages for programming
- Use of transistors for circuitry
- Integration of circuits on single chips
Which generation of computers introduced the concept of graphical user interface (GUI)?
Which generation of computers introduced the concept of graphical user interface (GUI)?
- Second generation
- First generation
- Fourth generation (correct)
- Third generation
Which of the following was a programming method used in first generation computers?
Which of the following was a programming method used in first generation computers?
- Machine language (correct)
- High-level programming languages
- Object-oriented programming
- Structured programming
What was a significant advancement in the second generation of computers?
What was a significant advancement in the second generation of computers?
What advancement characterized the third generation of computers?
What advancement characterized the third generation of computers?
Which statement best describes the computing capability of first generation computers?
Which statement best describes the computing capability of first generation computers?
Which one of the following was an example of a second generation computer?
Which one of the following was an example of a second generation computer?
What is the defining feature of the fourth generation of computers?
What is the defining feature of the fourth generation of computers?
Which invention occurred first during the electromechanical age?
Which invention occurred first during the electromechanical age?
What significant advancement in computing occurred in 1940?
What significant advancement in computing occurred in 1940?
During which generation of digital computing were transistors first introduced?
During which generation of digital computing were transistors first introduced?
What was the primary use of the ENIAC computer when it was initially designed?
What was the primary use of the ENIAC computer when it was initially designed?
Which programming languages emerged during the second generation of computing?
Which programming languages emerged during the second generation of computing?
What replaced magnetic cores for internal storage in the third generation of computing?
What replaced magnetic cores for internal storage in the third generation of computing?
What device is considered the first large-scale automatic digital computer in the United States?
What device is considered the first large-scale automatic digital computer in the United States?
What is one positive impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)?
What is one positive impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)?
How does automation negatively impact employment?
How does automation negatively impact employment?
What technology did the first generation of digital computers primarily rely on?
What technology did the first generation of digital computers primarily rely on?
What characteristic best describes a computer?
What characteristic best describes a computer?
What is a significant negative consequence of reduced personal interaction due to ICT?
What is a significant negative consequence of reduced personal interaction due to ICT?
Which of the following issues is associated with the high cost of ICT implementation?
Which of the following issues is associated with the high cost of ICT implementation?
Why can increased competition from ICT be challenging for certain organizations?
Why can increased competition from ICT be challenging for certain organizations?
How have the roles of early computers evolved over time?
How have the roles of early computers evolved over time?
What is one health issue linked to reduced physical activity caused by ICT?
What is one health issue linked to reduced physical activity caused by ICT?
What was the original meaning of the word 'computer' as recorded in 1613?
What was the original meaning of the word 'computer' as recorded in 1613?
Which invention is credited with being the first reliable and commercially successful calculating machine?
Which invention is credited with being the first reliable and commercially successful calculating machine?
Which of the following devices was designed for automatic control using punched cards?
Which of the following devices was designed for automatic control using punched cards?
Who invented the device known as Napier’s Bones, and what was its primary function?
Who invented the device known as Napier’s Bones, and what was its primary function?
Which invention by Blaise Pascal was limited to addition and subtraction?
Which invention by Blaise Pascal was limited to addition and subtraction?
What was the primary use of the Slide Rule, invented by William Oughtred in 1622?
What was the primary use of the Slide Rule, invented by William Oughtred in 1622?
Which of the following is true about the Stepped Reckoner, invented by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz?
Which of the following is true about the Stepped Reckoner, invented by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz?
What is a unique characteristic of the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine?
What is a unique characteristic of the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine?
Who is considered the first computer programmer?
Who is considered the first computer programmer?
Which invention is recognized as the first mechanical computer?
Which invention is recognized as the first mechanical computer?
What was the primary purpose of the Tabulating Machine invented by Herman Hollerith?
What was the primary purpose of the Tabulating Machine invented by Herman Hollerith?
Which of the following was the first programmable computer?
Which of the following was the first programmable computer?
Which computer is known as the first electronic digital computing device?
Which computer is known as the first electronic digital computing device?
What significant feature does the EDVAC have that distinguishes it from earlier computers?
What significant feature does the EDVAC have that distinguishes it from earlier computers?
Which of the following statements is true about ENIAC?
Which of the following statements is true about ENIAC?
Which invention was developed by John Presper Eckert and John Mauchly?
Which invention was developed by John Presper Eckert and John Mauchly?
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Study Notes
Basic Computing Periods
- Electromechanical Age (1840-1940): Characterized by early telecommunications, including the telegraph and telephone.
- Key Inventions:
- Telegraph (early 1800s)
- Morse code by Samuel Morse (1835)
- Telephone by Alexander Graham Bell (1876)
- First radio by Guglielmo Marconi (1894)
Generations of Computers
- First Generation (1946-1958): Utilized vacuum tubes and magnetic drums for memory; relied on machine language; examples include ENIAC, EDSAC, and UNIVAC I.
- Second Generation (1959-1964): Transistors replaced vacuum tubes, leading to smaller computers; moved to assembly languages; examples include UNIVAC III and IBM 7000 series.
- Third Generation (1965-1970): Introduction of integrated circuits, which improved speed and efficiency, leading to more powerful computers.
Fourth Generation
- Fourth Generation (1971-Present): Development of CPUs, integrating memory, logic, and control circuits on a single chip; introduction of graphical user interfaces; notable personal computer development includes Apple II.
Impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Positive Impact:
- Distance Learning: Provides access to educational resources globally.
- Negative Impact:
- Job Loss: Automation results in displacement of manual labor.
- Reduced Personal Interaction: Can lead to isolation and unhappiness.
- Health Issues: Decreased physical activity linked to social isolation.
- Cost: High expenses for implementing and maintaining ICT systems.
- Competition: Increased competition can challenge certain organizations.
Definition of a Computer
- An electronic device that manipulates, stores, retrieves, and processes data based on instructions (program).
Early Computing Devices
- Tally Sticks: Ancient devices for recording numbers and messages.
- Abacus: Invented in Babylonia (2400 B.C.) for basic arithmetic.
- Napier's Bones: Introduced by John Napier (1614) for multiplication and division.
- Slide Rule: Created by William Oughtred (1622) for mathematical calculations.
- Pascaline: Developed by Blaise Pascal (1642), limited to addition and subtraction.
- Stepped Reckoner: Engineered by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1672) for basic operations.
- Jacquard Loom: Invented by Joseph-Marie Jacquard (1801) using punched cards for automation.
- Arithmometer: First commercially successful calculator by Thomas de Colmar (1820).
- Difference Engine and Analytical Engine: Mechanical calculators designed by Charles Babbage (1822, 1834).
Notable Early Computers
- Harvard Mark I: Also known as IBM ASCC, the first electro-mechanical computer (1943).
- Z1: First programmable computer, created by Konrad Zuse (1936-1938).
- Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC): First electronic digital computing device (1939-1942).
- ENIAC: First electronic general-purpose computer, completed in 1946.
- UNIVAC I: First commercial computer, designed by Eckert and Mauchly.
- EDVAC: First stored-program computer, designed by Von Neumann (1952).
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