Slide 02-History Of Computers

Question 1

What device formalized computation 1000 years ago?

Answer 1

The abacus

The abacus is one of the earliest known calculating devices, used for arithmetic processes.

Question 2

Who built mechanical calculators in the 1640s?

Answer 2

Blaise Pascal

Pascal’s calculator was designed to perform addition.

Question 3

What type of problems do digital computers solve?

Answer 3

Counting precisely, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and comparing

Digital computers operate on discrete data and are widely used in data processing.

Question 4

What is the primary function of analog computers?

Answer 4

Perform computations by setting up physical situations analogous to mathematical situations

Examples include measuring temperature and speed using continuous physical quantities.

Question 5

What are hybrid computers?

Answer 5

Computers that combine analog and digital capabilities

Hybrid computers are typically used in industrial applications.

Question 6

Which computer type is known for handling high transaction volumes?

Answer 6

Mainframe

Mainframes are designed for large-scale processing and multi-user environments.

Question 7

What is the classification of computers based on size?

Answer 7

Supercomputers, Mainframe, Minicomputer, Microcomputer

This classification helps understand the processing power and capacity of different computers.

Question 8

What significant advancement did the Intel 8080 microprocessor have over the 8008 chip?

Answer 8

It was 10 times faster and addressed 64 KB of memory

This marked a significant improvement in microcomputer technology.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The original IBM PC operated at a speed of _______.

Answer 9

4.77MHz

The 8088 CPU was used in the original IBM PC, which set a standard in the industry.

Question 10

What does Moore’s Law predict?

Answer 10

Processor complexity will double every 18 months

This prediction has held true for decades regarding computing power and storage.

Question 11

What are special purpose computers designed for?

Answer 11

Performing a restricted number of tasks

Examples include military operations and industrial control systems.

Question 12

What is a general purpose computer?

Answer 12

Designed to solve a wide range of problems

General purpose computers can perform various tasks by changing application programs.

Question 13

True or False: Digital computers use measurements in their operations.

Answer 13

False

Digital computers operate on discrete data rather than continuous measurements.

Question 14

What are the three basic categories of computer systems?

Answer 14

Mainframe, Midrange computers, Microcomputers

These categories help classify computers based on their capabilities and applications.

Question 15

What was the significance of the Altair kit introduced in 1975?

Answer 15

It encouraged companies to write programs for microcomputers

The Altair kit included an open architecture system bus.

Question 16

What is the primary function of computers in the medical field?

Answer 16

Patient simulation and surgical assistance

Technologies like the Da Vinci Surgical System exemplify this application.

Question 17

What are the applications of computers in sports?

Answer 17

Training, timing, scorekeeping, data storage, and statistics

Computers play a crucial role in enhancing performance and record-keeping in sports.

Question 18

List the types of computer systems based on purpose.

Answer 18

• Special Purpose Computers
• General Purpose Computers

This classification helps identify their specific applications in various fields.

Question 19

What role does artificial intelligence play in modern technology?

Answer 19

Enhancing capabilities in robotics and decision-making

AI applications are expanding in various sectors including healthcare and business.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: A _______ is an example of an analog computer.

Answer 20

speedometer

Analog computers measure continuous physical quantities.

Question 21

What is the significance of network servers in computer systems?

Answer 21

Manage networks of PCs and terminals

They are less costly and popular for multi-user environments.

Question 22

What is the significance of the IBM Model 5100 introduced in 1981?

Answer 22

It was IBM’s first personal computer

This model featured a built-in display and BASIC language interpreter.

Question 23

What significant event in computer history occurred in 1953?

Answer 23

IBM entered into the history of computers with the IBM 701 EDPM

The IBM 701 was one of the first computers used for scientific calculations.

Question 24

Who developed FORTRAN, and why is it significant?

Answer 24

John Backus & IBM developed FORTRAN, the first successful high-level programming language

FORTRAN revolutionized programming by allowing more complex expressions than assembly language.

Question 25

What was the first bank industry computer created in 1955?

Answer 25

ERMA and MICR ## Footnote ERMA was designed for handling checks, while MICR allowed for magnetic ink character recognition.

Question 26

What innovation did Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce contribute to in 1958?

Answer 26

The integrated circuit, commonly known as 'The Chip' ## Footnote This invention laid the groundwork for modern electronics and computing.

Question 27

What was the first PC game created in 1962?

Answer 27

Spacewar ## Footnote Developed by Steve Russell at MIT, Spacewar is considered one of the earliest digital video games.

Question 28

Who invented the mouse and windows interface in 1964?

Answer 28

Douglas Engelbart ## Footnote Engelbart's work was foundational in human-computer interaction.

Question 29

What is ARPAnet, and when was it established?

Answer 29

The original Internet, established in 1969 ## Footnote ARPAnet was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense for secure communication.

Question 30

What was the significance of the Intel 1103 introduced in 1970?

Answer 30

It was the first dynamic RAM chip ## Footnote This innovation significantly advanced computer memory technology.

Question 31

What was the first microprocessor, developed in 1971?

Answer 31

Intel 4004 ## Footnote It marked the beginning of microprocessor technology, enabling more compact and powerful computing.

Question 32

What was the first freely programmable computer created by Konrad Zuse?

Answer 32

Z1 Computer ## Footnote The Z1 laid the foundation for future programmable computers.

Question 33

Who created the ABC computer in 1942?

Answer 33

John Atanasoff & Clifford Berry ## Footnote The ABC was one of the earliest electronic computers.

Question 34

What was the Harvard Mark I, and who developed it?

Answer 34

A computer developed by Howard Aiken and Grace Hopper ## Footnote It was one of the first electromechanical computers.

Question 35

What was ENIAC and when was it built?

Answer 35

The first large-scale electronic computer, built between 1943 and 1946 ## Footnote ENIAC was primarily used for ballistics calculations.

Question 36

Who were the creators of the transistor?

Answer 36

John Bardeen, Walter Brattain & William Shockley ## Footnote The transistor is a fundamental building block of modern electronic devices.

Question 37

What was UNIVAC known for?

Answer 37

The first commercial computer ## Footnote UNIVAC played a significant role in popularizing computer technology in business.

Question 38

What concept did John von Neumann introduce in the late 1940s?

Answer 38

The stored program concept ## Footnote This concept allowed computers to store instructions in memory, enabling more complex programming.

Question 39

What are analog computers, and how do they differ from digital computers?

Answer 39

Computers that use continuous physical processes for computations ## Footnote They were used for solving differential equations before digital computers became prevalent.

Question 40

What was the purpose of the harmonic analyzer?

Answer 40

To sum trigonometric series and predict tides ## Footnote It represents an early form of analog computing.

Question 41

What mechanical devices were precursors to programmable machines?

Answer 41

Player pianos and Jacquard's automatic loom ## Footnote These devices used punched cards to control their operation.