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Questions and Answers
What was the first effective utilization of computers?
What was the first effective utilization of computers?
What enables users to read and write documents with additional features?
What enables users to read and write documents with additional features?
What is the primary function of the Internet?
What is the primary function of the Internet?
What is the benefit of copy-paste features in word-processing software?
What is the benefit of copy-paste features in word-processing software?
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What is the primary advantage of email communication?
What is the primary advantage of email communication?
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What makes digital video or audio composition and editing simple?
What makes digital video or audio composition and editing simple?
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What is the primary use of video conferencing tools?
What is the primary use of video conferencing tools?
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What was the primary field of application for computers when they were first developed?
What was the primary field of application for computers when they were first developed?
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What has led to the widespread use of computers in various fields?
What has led to the widespread use of computers in various fields?
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What do computers make possible in real-time?
What do computers make possible in real-time?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Computers
- A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, performs mathematical and logical operations, and outputs the result.
- Characteristics of computers:
- Diligence: Computers can continually work for hours without creating errors.
- Versatility: Computers can perform different tasks simultaneously.
- Memory: Computers have internal and external memory for storing data and programs.
Generations of Computers
- 1943-1944: John W. Mauchly and J.Presper Eckert built the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC), considered the grandfather of digital computers.
- 1946: Mauchly and Presper designed UNIVAC, the first commercial computer for business and government applications.
- 1947: William Shockley, John Bardeen, and Walter Brattain invented the transistor, replacing vacuum tubes in computers.
- 1953: Grace Hopper developed the first computer language COBOL.
- 1954: The FORTRAN programming language was developed.
- 1958: Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce separately invented the integrated circuit (computer chip).
- 1964: Douglas Engelbart developed a prototype of the modern computer with a mouse and graphical user interface (GUI).
- 1969: Unix operating system was developed at Bell Labs, written in C programming language.
- 1970: DRAM chips were introduced by Intel.
- 1971: Alan Shugart invented the floppy disk, allowing data sharing among computers.
- 1973: Robert Metcalfe developed Ethernet for connecting multiple computers.
- 1974-1977: Personal computers started becoming popular.
- 1975: Paul Allen and Bill Gates started writing software for the Altair 8800 using BASIC language.
Types of Computers
- Supercomputers: Process large amounts of data, solving complex scientific problems, using parallel processing technology.
- Mainframe Computers: Large-scale computers, supporting multiple processors, used in organizations such as banks, airline companies, and universities.
- Minicomputers: Smaller, cheaper, and slower than mainframes, used in various fields.
Applications of Computers
- Word-processing: Enables users to read, write, and edit documents, with features like spell-checking and copy-paste.
- Internet: Connects computers worldwide, providing access to vast information, enabling communication, and facilitating digital transactions.
- Digital video or audio composition: Computers make audio or video composition and editing simple.
- Real-time control systems: Used in applications like landing on the moon.
- Military applications: Initially used for decoding messages.
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Description
Learn about the basics of computers, their characteristics, and the different generations of computers from the past.
