Second Generation Computers

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What was the primary material used in the memory element of the third generation computers?

Metal Oxide Semiconductors (correct)

Integrated Circuits

Magnetic drums

Transistors

What is the main advantage of integrated circuits compared to transistors?

They consume more electricity

They produce more heat

They are smaller in size (correct)

They are slower in speed

What was the primary feature of the second generation computers?

They used high-level languages

They used magnetic drums

They used transistors (correct)

They used integrated circuits

What is the characteristic of computers in the third generation that allows them to perform multiple tasks simultaneously?

Multi-processing ability Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the programming language used in the second generation computers?

Assembly language Signup and view all the answers

What is the technological invention that led to the third generation of computers?

Integrated Circuit Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main components of a computer?

The hardware and the software Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between RAM and ROM?

RAM is volatile, while ROM is non-volatile Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the physical elements that make up a computer system?

Computer hardware Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with inventing the mechanical calculator in 1642?

Blaise Pascal Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the generation of computers that allowed devices to run many different applications at once?

Third generation Signup and view all the answers

What is the acronym for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer?

ENIAC Signup and view all the answers

Why is RAM considered 'random access'?

Because you can access any memory cell directly Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way digital computers record data?

By counting in discrete variables corresponding to 'on' and 'off' states of electricity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of ROM?

It stays active regardless of whether power supply is turned on or off Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of analogue computers?

For measurement purposes, such as measuring temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between RAM and ROM?

RAM is volatile, ROM is not Signup and view all the answers

What type of computers combines the concepts of digital and analogue computers?

Hybrid computers Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a hard drive?

To store your operating system and application programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of general purpose computers?

They can be programmed for multiple tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of secondary memory?

It stores data and programs permanently Signup and view all the answers

How do hard disks store data?

On an electromagnetically charged surface Signup and view all the answers

What type of computers is designed for a specific task?

Special purpose computers Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a special purpose computer?

Calculator Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the input unit in a computer?

To accept and convert data from the outside world Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the storage unit in a computer?

To hold data and instructions for processing and later use Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of primary storage?

RAM Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the data in primary storage when the computer is switched off?

It is lost Signup and view all the answers

Why is the primary storage more expensive compared to the secondary storage?

Because it is faster Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the keyboard in a computer?

To accept data and instructions from the outside world Signup and view all the answers