Lesson 01 - Generations of Computers

Questions and Answers

What was a primary characteristic of 1st generation computers?

They had low power consumption

They used thermionic valves (correct)

They were portable and lightweight

They utilized integrated circuits

Which computer is recognized as the first electronic general purpose calculator?

ENIAC (correct)

UNIVAC

IBM 701

Colossus

What major challenge was associated with programming 1st generation computers?

Lack of efficient programming languages

Use of paper tape for input

Hardwired programming methods (correct)

Difficulties in managing binary code

How heavy was the ENIAC computer?

33 tons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding power consumption in 1st generation computers?

They consumed approximately 150 kw of power Signup and view all the answers

When was the 1st generation of computers in use?

1944-1955 Signup and view all the answers

What was a common programming challenge faced by users of 1st generation computers?

Slow programming methods Signup and view all the answers

What type of internal components characterized early computer programming in the 1st generation?

Thermionic valves and switches Signup and view all the answers

What significant development occurred in 1965 related to microcomputers?

The first commercially successful microcomputer, DEC PDP-8, was produced. Signup and view all the answers

Which component has largely replaced large scale Integrated Circuits (LSIC) in fourth generation computers?

Very Large Scale Integrated Circuits (VLSIC) Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is most prominent in the software used for fourth generation computers?

Software development techniques have vastly improved. Signup and view all the answers

Which key feature describes fourth generation languages (4GLs)?

They make the development process much easier and faster. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable advancement in memory chips during the fourth generation of computers?

They increased to megabit range. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary advancement in 2nd generation computers compared to their predecessors?

Introduction of high-level programming languages Signup and view all the answers

Which feature defined the 3rd generation of computers?

Development of integrated circuits Signup and view all the answers

What technological innovation contributed to the explosive growth of the computer industry during the 2nd generation?

The use of high-level programming languages Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable consequence of the development of substantial operating systems in the 3rd generation?

Development of time-sharing systems Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major companies founded during the 3rd generation of computers?

Intel Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key characteristics of 2nd generation computers regarding their cost and size?

They were smaller and less costly Signup and view all the answers

In which year was BASIC created, marking a significant advancement in programming languages?

1964 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following programming languages was developed during the 3rd generation of computers?

BASIC Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant advantage of transistors over valves?

Transistors were smaller, cheaper, and more reliable. Signup and view all the answers

What proposal did John Von Neumann introduce regarding programs and data?

Programs and data can be stored in a memory device for easier retrieval. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the Von Neumann architecture?

A graphics processing unit Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Manchester Mark 1 computer?

It was the first stored program computer built in the UK. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature allowed the Manchester Mark 1 to perform operations efficiently?

It operated at a speed of about 5000 operations per second. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the stored program concept important in early computers?

It enabled the automatic loading of programs into memory. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key distinctions of the Von Neumann architecture?

It combined both the data and instructions in a single memory space. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the first generation of computers, including the Manchester Mark 1?

They relied heavily on vacuum tubes for operation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Generations of Computers

1st Generation (1944-1955): Utilized thermionic valves; large, heavy, and high power consumption; programming was slow and complex through hardwired methods.
ENIAC: First electronic general-purpose calculator, built in 1946; weighed 33 tons, consumed 150 kW, and averaged 5000 operations per second.
Hard Wired Programming: Early computers were programmed using numerous switches and manual cable connections.

Invention of Transistor

Transistor (1947): Invented at Bell Labs by William Shockley, John Bardeen, and Walter Bartain; provided a smaller, more reliable, and cost-effective alternative to valves.

John Von Neumann

Proposed a shift in programming paradigms by storing both programs and data in memory, eliminating manual rewiring.

Von Neumann Architecture

Introduced key components such as a binary number system, sequentially addressed memory, separate arithmetic/logic unit, stored program concept, and a controller for instruction fetching and execution.

2nd Generation (1955-1964)

Replaced valves with transistors, resulting in higher speeds, reduced size and weight, and lower manufacturing costs.
Development of central processing units (CPUs), memory, programming languages, and input/output units; introduction of high-level programming languages led to significant software growth.

3rd Generation (1964-1971)

Integrated Circuits (ICs) replaced previous components, leading to further size reductions and enhanced speed.
Established large IC companies like Intel (1968) and AMD (1969); operating systems improved the efficiency and management of computing resources.

Key Developments in 3rd Generation

Introduction of BASIC programming language in 1964, popularized for personal computers.
DEC PDP-8, the first commercially successful microcomputer, launched in 1965.

4th Generation (1971-Present)

Personal computers emerged, with IBM launching the PowerPC and Pentium introducing microprocessors; predominantly using large-scale and very-large-scale integrated circuits.
Software advancements included more powerful operating systems like Unix and improved software development techniques, along with the introduction of fourth-generation languages (4GLs).

Summary of Computer Generations

Evolution from large, power-hungry machines to compact, efficient, and affordable personal computers, showcasing rapid technological advancements and increased accessibility.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the different generations of computers, examining their evolution from the 1st generation (1944-1955) to the later developments. It also covers the Von Neumann Architecture, main components of a computer, and the functioning of CPUs and bus architecture. Test your knowledge about the basics of computer science and how technology has progressed over the years.