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Questions and Answers
What is the full form of CPU?
What is the full form of CPU?
Central Processing Unit
Who is considered the "Father of Computer"?
Who is considered the "Father of Computer"?
Charles Babbage
What was the purpose of Charles Babbage's invention?
What was the purpose of Charles Babbage's invention?
What is the primary difference between the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine?
What is the primary difference between the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine?
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What is the name of the first successful electronic computer?
What is the name of the first successful electronic computer?
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What does ENIAC stand for?
What does ENIAC stand for?
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What year was ENIAC completed and announced?
What year was ENIAC completed and announced?
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ENIAC was not able to solve large class of numerical problems through reprogramming.
ENIAC was not able to solve large class of numerical problems through reprogramming.
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What type of computer was EDVAC?
What type of computer was EDVAC?
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EDVAC used vacuum tubes as its primary electronic component.
EDVAC used vacuum tubes as its primary electronic component.
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UNIVAC was designed as a commercial data processing computer.
UNIVAC was designed as a commercial data processing computer.
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What was the main purpose of UNIVAC's design?
What was the main purpose of UNIVAC's design?
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What was the main electronic component used in first-generation computers?
What was the main electronic component used in first-generation computers?
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First-generation computers were known for their small size and low energy consumption.
First-generation computers were known for their small size and low energy consumption.
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What major technological advancement characterized second-generation computers?
What major technological advancement characterized second-generation computers?
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Second-generation computers were faster, smaller, and more reliable than their first-generation predecessors.
Second-generation computers were faster, smaller, and more reliable than their first-generation predecessors.
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What was the name of the first operating system used in fourth-generation computers?
What was the name of the first operating system used in fourth-generation computers?
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The main aim of the fifth-generation computer is to create computers capable of artificial intelligence.
The main aim of the fifth-generation computer is to create computers capable of artificial intelligence.
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Fifth-generation computers are based on the use of transistors as their primary electronic component.
Fifth-generation computers are based on the use of transistors as their primary electronic component.
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Which of the following are considered examples of fifth-generation computers?
Which of the following are considered examples of fifth-generation computers?
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What are three advantages of fifth-generation computers?
What are three advantages of fifth-generation computers?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Computing
- Computing encompasses a broad range of topics and concepts
- Computers are often referred to as CPUs, central processing units.
Computer
- CPUs interpret and execute program instructions
- CPUs communicate with peripheral devices.
Who Invented The Computer?
- Charles Babbage, a British mathematician, is considered the father of the computer.
- His purpose was to mechanize mathematical calculations.
- He died at the age of 79 due to a gall bladder infection or kidney failure.
Difference Engine and Analytical Engine
- Difference Engine: A simple mechanical computer used for performing only one mathematical operation (usually addition).
- Analytical Engine: A general-purpose computer capable of multiple mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and more complex tasks. It was slower and more complicated than the Difference Engine
First Programmer
- Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace is the first programmer
- She worked with Charles Babbage on the Difference Engine
- Ada died at the age of 36 due to cancer
Evolution of Computers
- Computers have evolved through different generations, each marked by advancements in technology.
First Generation
- This generation used vacuum tubes.
- ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer), was a notable early computer completed in 1945.
- Notable examples also include EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer) and UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer).
Advantages (First Generation)
- Calculated in milliseconds (very fast computations)
- Used vacuum tubes for electronic components
Disadvantages (First Generation)
- Enormous size (weighing about 30 tons)
- Could only store small amount of information
- Maintenance and cooling issues due to vacuum tubes
- Limited programming
- High energy consumption
Second Generation
- Transistors were used instead of vacuum tubes, leading to improved performance.
- Key examples include Honeywell 400 (1960), IBM 7094 (1962), CDC 1604, CDC 3600, UNIVAC 1108
Third Generation
- Integrated circuits (ICs) became the key component, drastically reducing computer size and increasing efficiency.
- First ICs were invented in 1958/1959 by Jack Kilby & Robert Noyce.
- Languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, and PASCAL were commonly used for programming Key examples include PDP-8, PDP-11, ICL 2900, IBM 360, and IBM 370
Advantages (Third Generation)
- Cheaper than preceding generations
- Faster than preceding generations
- Smaller than preceding generations
- Improved performance
- Increased storage capacity
- User-friendly interfaces (with multimedia)
Disadvantages (Third Generation)
- IC chips were complex to maintain
- Air conditioning is required for IC operation
Fourth Generation
- Microprocessors and VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) were prominent technologies
- C and C++ programming languages became common
- Unix was one of the earliest operating systems Key examples include DEC 10, STAR 1000, PDP 11, CRAY-1, and CRAY-X-MP
Advantages (Fourth Generation)
- Fastest in computation
- Reduced size
- Reduced heat generation
- Less maintenance
- High-level languages used
Disadvantages (Fourth Generation)
- Complex microprocessor design and fabrication
- Advanced technology needed for ICs
- Air conditioning required in some cases
Fifth Generation
- Based on artificial intelligence (AI) and large-scale integration (ULSI)
- Microprocessor chips contained millions of electronic components
- Aim and capability to understand natural language and learn complex tasks independently
Advantages (Fifth Generation)
- More reliable
- Faster operation
- Available in various sizes
- User-friendly interfaces
- Multimedia capabilities
Disadvantages (Fifth Generation)
- Need for low-level languages
- Potential concern about making the human brain lazy
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of computing, including the definition of computers, the invention of the computer, and key figures in computer history. Explore the significance of the Difference Engine and Analytical Engine as well as the contributions of pioneers like Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace.
