Chapter 2 Flashcards
What are the four main phases of computer evolution?
1) First Generation: Vacuum tubes
2) Second Generation: Transistors
3) Third Generation: Integrated Circuits
4) Later Generations: Semiconductor memory and microprocessors
Describe the ENIAC and its significance
ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was one of the first general-purpose digital computers, built during WWII for artillery calculations.
What is the Von Neumann Machine model?
It introduced the stored-program concept, where program instructions are stored in memory, which became the basis for all modern computers.
Key components of the IAS Computer.
Main Memory, ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit), Control Unit, and I/O equipment.
What advancement did the UNIVAC bring?
UNIVAC I was the first successful commercial computer used for both scientific and business applications.
What replaced vacuum tubes in the second generation of computers?
Transistors, which made computers smaller, cheaper, and more energy-efficient.
Define Integrated Circuits and their role in third-generation computers.
Integrated circuits (ICs) combine multiple transistors on a chip, allowing for more compact and efficient design in computers.
Explain Moore’s Law.
The number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every 18 months, enabling ongoing improvements in computer performance.
What was the significance of IBM’s 360 series?
It was the first planned family of computers with similar instruction sets, allowing easy upgrades within the series.
What is a Microprocessor, and why was it revolutionary?
The microprocessor integrates all CPU components on a single chip, allowing for compact and versatile computers.
How does Pipelining improve microprocessor performance?
Pipelining allows overlapping stages of instruction processing, increasing the rate of execution.
Define Multicore Processors and their benefit.
Multicore processors have multiple processing units (cores) on one chip, improving parallel processing and performance.
What are GPUs, and what are they optimized for?
GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) are designed for parallel operations, primarily used in video and image processing.
Evolution of Intel’s x86 Architecture key stages.
From early 8080 (8-bit) processors to modern multicore and 64-bit processors, with backward-compatible instruction sets.
What were the limitations of the ENIAC?
ENIAC had no internal memory for programs and consumed a lot of power with 18,000 vacuum tubes, making it large and costly.
What improvements did the UNIVAC II offer over the UNIVAC I?
Faster processing, more memory, and backward compatibility with UNIVAC I.
Why were transistor-based computers (2nd Gen) a significant improvement?
They were smaller, generated less heat, and enabled the development of more complex and efficient computers.
Explain Microelectronics and its importance.
Microelectronics, or “small electronics,” reduced the size and cost of digital circuits, laying the foundation for ICs and more advanced computing.
What impact did IBM’s 7000 Series have?
As the first transistor-based series by IBM, it marked the transition from vacuum tubes to more efficient transistors.
Describe the Performance Balance concept.
Performance balance involves optimizing all computer components (CPU, memory, I/O) to prevent bottlenecks, ensuring efficiency.
