1: Introduction

Question 1

2 types of linkages to external environment

Answer 1

• peripheral devices
• communication device

Question 2

4 main structural components in computer

Answer 2

• CPU (central processing unit) - control operation, perform data processing function
• main memory - store data
• I/O - move data between computer and its external environment
• system interconnection - provide connection

Question 3

4 main components in CPU

Answer 3

• control unit (CU)
• arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)
• register
• CPU interconnection

Question 4

function of control unit

Answer 4

• control movement of data and instruction
• control operation of CPU

Question 5

function of ALU

Answer 5

• perform data processing function

Question 6

function of register

Answer 6

• provide internal storage of CPU

Question 7

function of interconnection

Answer 7

• provide communication among CU, ALU and register

Question 8

5 computer generation

Answer 8

1. vacuum tube
2. transistor
3. integrated circuit
4. microprocessor
5. artificial intelligent

Question 9

first generation

Answer 9

Vacuum tube
- sometime use magnetic drum as memory
- generate a lot of heat, easily burn
- solve one problem at a time
- punch card and paper tape as I/O

Question 10

2nd generation

Answer 10

Transistor
- alternately allow and disallow electronic signal to pass
- smaller than vacuum tube
- produce less heat
- draw less power
- punch card for input, printouts for output

Question 11

3rd generation

Answer 11

Integrated circuit
- package transistor and other electronic components on semiconductor
- faster and more efficient
- keyboard and monitor as I/O
- magnetic disks as secondary memory

Question 12

4th generation

Answer 12

Microprocessor
- LSI and VLSI circuit
- hundred to millions of transistor
- development of GUIs, mouse and handheld device

Question 13

5th generation

Answer 13

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- making computer to think and behave like human
- robotics, natural language, games playing