Chapter 2 Flashcards

1
Q

What does the term ‘computer generations’ refer to?

A

Stages of computer development associated with technological innovations

Each generation reflects advancements in hardware and software since the mid-nineteen forties.

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2
Q

What was the main innovation that led to the first generation of computers?

A

Stored program concept

This concept was proposed during the construction of the ENIAC.

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3
Q

What characterized first generation computers?

A
  • Use of vacuum tubes
  • Large physical size
  • Slow operation
  • Low internal storage capacity
  • High heat dissipation
  • Reliability issues

Examples include UNIVAC 1, UNIVAC 1103, IBM 700 series.

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4
Q

When did the first generation of computers span?

A

Mid-forties to mid-fifties

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5
Q

What significant invention revolutionized the second generation of computers?

A

Transistor

Invented in 1946 at Bell Telephone Laboratories.

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6
Q

What were the key features of second generation computers?

A
  • Use of transistors
  • Smaller size
  • Lower power consumption
  • Higher internal storage capacity
  • Microsecond speed range

Examples include Whirlwind, IBM 7030, UNIVAC 1107.

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7
Q

What technological innovation marked the third generation of computers?

A

Integrated Circuit (IC)

This allowed for complex circuits on a single chip.

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8
Q

What were some characteristics of third generation computers?

A
  • Smaller and faster
  • Operated at nanosecond speed
  • Used metal-oxide semiconductor for memory
  • Advanced operating systems

Companies involved included IBM, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC).

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9
Q

What significant development occurred in the fourth generation of computers?

A

Introduction of microprocessors

This led to the creation of microcomputers.

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10
Q

What types of software tools emerged during the fourth generation?

A
  • Database management systems
  • Word processing packages
  • Spreadsheet packages
  • Graphics packages
  • Computer games packages
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11
Q

What was expected of fifth generation computers?

A
  • Speed and power
  • Different architecture from Von Neumann’s model
  • Leading role of artificial intelligence

Expected to be data-driven rather than control-driven.

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12
Q

What are the two main types of data computers can process?

A
  • Discrete data
  • Continuous data
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13
Q

What is an analog computer?

A

Computers that operate on continuous variable values

Examples include slide rules and differential analyzers.

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14
Q

What is the purpose of hybrid computers?

A

To combine the speed of analog computers with the flexibility of digital computers

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15
Q

What defines digital computers?

A

They process data represented in discrete values

Examples include counting on fingers.

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16
Q

What are supercomputers known for?

A

Largest, fastest, and most expensive computers

Considered improvements on mainframe computers.

17
Q

What are mainframe computers typically used for?

A

Handling multiple simultaneous functions in large organizations

Examples include banks and commercial organizations.

18
Q

What distinguishes minicomputers from mainframes?

A
  • Smaller size
  • Lower cost
  • Easier installation

Introduced by DEC with the PDP-8.

19
Q

What is a microcomputer?

A

A small computer with a processor on a single silicon chip

Commonly known as desktop or personal computers.

20
Q

What are portable computers?

A

Microcomputers designed for mobility

Includes laptops, tablet PCs, and PDAs.

21
Q

What are the two major classes of computers based on purpose?

A

Special-purpose computers and general-purpose computers

Special-purpose computers are designed for specific tasks, while general-purpose computers can perform a variety of tasks based on the software loaded.

22
Q

What is a special-purpose computer?

A

A computer designed to carry out specific tasks with in-built programs stored in Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Examples include computers in digital watches and word processors.

23
Q

What type of memory do general-purpose computers typically use?

A

Random-Access Memory (RAM)

General-purpose computers can solve various problems depending on the software loaded into them.

24
Q

List three examples of special-purpose computers.

A
  • Computers in digital watches
  • Word processors
  • Devices with in-built programs

These computers cannot have their ROM modified by users.

25
Q

What is the speed of operation of a computer typically measured in?

A
  • Milliseconds
  • Microseconds
  • Nanoseconds
  • Picoseconds

These measurements represent fractions of a second, indicating the high speed of computer operations.

26
Q

True or False: A computer can produce highly accurate results if the input is correct.

A

True

Machine errors are rare due to in-built error detection schemes.

27
Q

What characteristic allows a computer to perform tasks consistently without fatigue?

A

Reliability

A computer does not suffer from human traits like tiredness and lack of concentration.

28
Q

What is the computer’s ability to store data measured in?

A

Kilo modules (K), where K equals 1024 memory locations

This allows computers to handle large volumes of data effectively.

29
Q

What does the automatic operation of a computer imply?

A

Once a program is in memory, instructions are executed without human intervention

This feature enhances efficiency and speed in processing tasks.

30
Q

Fill in the blank: A computer can perform almost any task provided the task can be reduced to a series of _______.

A

logical steps

This highlights the programmable ability of computers.

31
Q

What flexibility do modern general-purpose computers offer?

A

They can be used for a variety of purposes like concurrent batch and online processing, multi-programming, and real-time processing

This versatility makes them suitable for different applications.

32
Q

Name three types of personal digital assistants (PDAs).

A
  • Handheld computer
  • Pocket computer
  • Smartphone

PDAs are typically operated with one hand and are known as mobile computers.

33
Q

What is a Tablet PC?

A

A laptop operated with a stylus on a touch-sensitive screen

Tablet PCs combine features of laptops and touch-screen technology.

34
Q

What distinguishes a wearable computer?

A

It has a hands-free interface and usually includes some voice capability

Wearable computers are designed for mobility and convenience.