Computing History

Question 1

HISTORY: Turing Machines

Answer 1

First abstract model for computability. If there was something computable it could be done by a Turing Machine. Used to prove not everything was computable

Question 2

HISTORY: Transistors

Answer 2

Replaced bulky and less reliable vacuum tubes, enabling development of smaller, faster and more energy-efficient electronic devices. Laid the foundation for modern semi-conductor technology

Question 3

HISTORY: Integrated Circuits

Answer 3

AKA microchip. integrates multiple electronic components, like transistors, resistors, and capacitors, onto a single semiconductor chip, typically silicon. Smaller, faster and less expensive than those constructed of discrete components. This allowed computers to have a much larger transistor count.

Question 4

HISTORY: ARPNET

Answer 4

the forerunner of the internet. Many protocols used by modern computers networks were developed for ARPNET

Question 5

HISTORY: Microprocessors

Answer 5

type of integrated circuit that acts as the brain of a computer or embedded system, performing arithmetic, logic, and control operations on a small chip. Led to rapid advancement of personal computers and other electronics

Question 6

HISTORY: Personal Computers

Answer 6

Revolutionized the way people work, learn and communicate. Their affordability made them much more accessible to use in their daily lives to access information and use tools.

Question 7

TREND: Quantum computing

Answer 7

Potential to solve problems much faster than classical computing. This can lead to breakthroughs in medicine and science. They are very expensive to develop and maintain. Their speed and power could also lead to modern encryption methods becoming obsolete, posing a significant risk to privacy and security.

Question 8

TREND: IoT

Answer 8

Internet of Things. Improves convenience and efficiency by connecting various devices and systems enabling smart houses, smart cities and smart industries. Interconnected nature of devices creates many potential entry points for cyberattacks.

Question 9

TREND: Blockchain

Answer 9

Offers decentralized and transparent way to record transactions, enhances trust in finance, supply chains and voting systems since there is no single point of control. Enhanced security because once information is entered on blockchain it is extremely difficult to alter.
Privacy concern for some as all transactions recorded and are able to be traced back to them.
Environmental conerns since they require substantial energy consumption for mining and validating transactions