d322 Flashcards
What is an Abacus?
Stores values with bead positions on rods
What innovation did Leibniz’s Machine introduce?
One of the first machines using gears for arithmetic
Who is considered the first programmer?
Ada Lovelace
What was significant about Babbage’s Analytical Engine?
Designed to read instructions and perform calculations using paper cards
What was ENIAC?
First programmable computer, used vacuum tubes
What did Apple introduce in 1976?
Early personal computers developed by Steve Jobs & Steve Wozniak
What was the role of the IBM PC introduced in 1981?
Helped popularize computers for business and home use
What technology did the First Generation of computers (1946-1959) rely on?
Vacuum tubes, magnetic drums for memory, and machine language.
What was introduced in the Second Generation of computers (1959-1965)?
Transistors, tapes, disks for storage, and started using high-level programming languages like FORTRAN and COBOL.
What advancement characterized the Third Generation of computers (1965-1971)?
Integrated circuits and floppy disks for storage, users could interact with computers using keyboards and monitors. Operating systems were introduced, allowing multiple applications to run simultaneously.
What are some features of the Fourth Generation of computers (1971-Present)?
- Microprocessors
- Graphical user interfaces (GUIs)
- Handheld devices
What technologies are focused on in the Fifth Generation of computing?
- AI
- Quantum computing
- Ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI)
- Nanotechnology
What does CPU stand for and what is its function?
Central Processing Unit; processes information and executes commands
What is RAM and its characteristic?
Random Access Memory; temporary storage that is volatile
What is the purpose of ROM?
Read-Only Memory; permanent storage for essential system instructions
What distinguishes HDD from SSD?
- HDD: spinning disk
- SSD: faster, no moving parts
What is the function of a GPU?
Renders images, graphics, and videos
What devices are considered input devices?
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Scanner
What are common output devices?
- Monitor
- Speakers
- Printer
What is the role of the ALU in a CPU?
Does math and logic operations
What does the Control Unit in a CPU do?
Tells all parts what to do
What is the purpose of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?
Holds the memory location of data to be accessed
What does the Memory Data Register (MDR) do?
Holds data being transferred
What is the function of the Accumulator (AC)?
Stores results from the ALU
What does the Program Counter (PC) store?
The address of the next program instruction
What is the main function of the motherboard?
Connects all parts of the computer
What does the System Clock do?
Sends electric pulses to keep everything running on time
What is a modem used for?
Talks over phone lines
What type of computer is used for scientific simulations?
Supercomputers
What are mainframe computers used for?
Handling large amounts of data for big organizations
What characterizes microcomputers?
For personal use, including desktops and laptops
What does quantum computing aim to achieve?
Increase processing power while reducing energy consumption
What does nanotechnology involve?
Molecular-level tools to improve hardware
What does AI & Natural Language Processing allow computers to do?
Understand and respond to human language
What is the function of the Address Bus?
Where should this data go?
What does the Data Bus represent?
Here’s the actual data!
What is the role of the Control Bus?
I’m sending commands!
What are workstations built for?
Technical and scientific applications, such as graphic design, music production, and engineering.
What does modem mean?
Talks over phone lines.
Refers to traditional communication methods using telephony.
What are network cables?
Direct connections between devices.
Commonly used for wired networking in local area networks.
What is a satellite in the context of communication?
Wireless signal from space.
Used for broadcasting and internet services over long distances.
What does Wi-Fi stand for?
Wireless internet connection.
Allows devices to connect to the internet without physical cables.
What is Bluetooth used for?
Short-range wireless communication.
Commonly used for devices like AirPods for audio streaming.
