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1
Q

What is a computing device?

A

A device that accepts data from the user, processes it, and gives the direct output.

Includes machines capable of performing calculations.

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2
Q

When did the evolution of computers start?

A

In the late 1930s.

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3
Q

What language did early computers use for their operations?

A

Binary language.

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4
Q

What is an abacus?

A

An early calculating device used for arithmetic processes.

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5
Q

Who developed Napier’s Bones and when?

A

Sir John Napier, released in 1617.

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6
Q

What was the primary use of Napier’s Bones?

A

For calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

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7
Q

What is Pascaline?

A

A calculating device invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642 for addition.

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8
Q

What is the Difference Engine?

A

A mechanical device designed by Charles Babbage in 1822 capable of storing data and printing output.

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9
Q

What is the Analytical Engine?

A

The first mechanical general-purpose computer designed by Charles Babbage in 1837.

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10
Q

What characterizes first generation computers (1940-1956)?

A

The use of vacuum tubes.

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11
Q

What are examples of first generation computing devices?

A

UNIVAC and ENIAC.

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12
Q

What significant advancement marked the second generation of computers (1956-1963)?

A

The replacement of vacuum tubes with transistors.

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13
Q

What was a drawback of transistors in second generation computers?

A

They were subject to damage due to heat emission.

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14
Q

What programming language was commonly used in second generation computers?

A

Assembly language.

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15
Q

What defines third generation computers (1964-1971)?

A

The introduction of integrated circuits.

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16
Q

What is a high-level programming language?

A

A language that uses the English alphabet and mathematical symbols, easy to use and understand.

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17
Q

What are examples of high-level programming languages?

A
  • Fortran
  • COBOL
  • BASIC
  • C
  • C++
  • Java
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18
Q

What is the hallmark of fourth generation computers (1971-2010)?

A

The introduction of microprocessors.

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19
Q

What is a microprocessor?

A

A compact, multipurpose, programmable device that processes input and provides output.

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20
Q

What was the world’s first commercially available microprocessor?

A

Intel 4004.

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21
Q

What characterizes fifth generation computers (2010 onwards)?

A

They are based on artificial intelligence and natural language recognition.

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22
Q

How are computers classified based on size and speed?

A
  • Minicomputer
  • Supercomputer
  • Microcomputer
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23
Q

What is a personal computer?

A

A microcomputer used by one person at a time, typically slower and with less storage than larger computers.

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24
Q

What is a microcomputer?

A

A small computer designed for individual use, typically slower and with less storage capacity than mini or mainframe computers

Commonly used in classrooms, homes, and banks.

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25
What is a Desktop PC?
A microcomputer designed to fit comfortably on top of a desk, typically with the monitor in front and the system unit on the side.
26
What defines a Laptop?
A portable microcomputer that can be used on the lap, also known as a notebook computer.
27
What is a Tablet?
A mobile computer that offers a touchscreen environment and may include a stylus, available in various sizes.
28
What is a Smartphone?
A mobile phone built on a mobile operating system with enhanced features such as digital cameras, GPS, and web browsing.
29
What characterizes a Mainframe computer?
Very large computers that process enormous amounts of information and can communicate with many users simultaneously.
30
What are common users of Mainframe computers?
Large businesses, government agencies, banks, and universities.
31
What is a Minicomputer?
Larger and more expensive than microcomputers, often referred to as midrange computers, used by medium and small businesses.
32
What is a Supercomputer?
A powerful computer capable of very speedy calculations, used in fields like graphic animation and nuclear research.
33
Fill in the blank: The functional components of a computer include the ______, Central Processing Unit (CPU), and Output Unit.
Input Unit
34
What is the role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
The control center of a computer that guides, directs, and governs its performance.
35
What does the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) do?
Performs all arithmetic and logical operations within a computer.
36
What is the function of the Control Unit (CU)?
Controls and guides the interpretation, flow, and manipulation of all data and information within the computer.
37
What is the Memory Unit (MU)?
The part of the computer where data is stored and is accessible to the CPU.
38
What is an Input Unit?
The component that accepts data into a computer, with the keyboard being the standard input device.
39
What are some examples of input devices?
* Joysticks * Mice * Web cameras * Magnetic Ink Character Recognition Readers (MICR) * Optical Mark Recognition Readers (OMR) * Optical Character Readers (OCR) * Touchscreens * Smart card readers * Digital readers
40
What is a Bar code reader?
A device used to scan and identify product or item codes in various retail environments.
41
What are Quick Response (QR) codes?
Special barcodes that can be read using QR reading devices, linking users directly to text, emails, or websites.
42
What does a Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) Reader do?
Reads characters printed with special magnetic ink, commonly used for sorting cheques.
43
What is an Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) reader used for?
Recognizing pre-specified spaces on paper marked by a pencil or pen, commonly used for examination sheets.
44
What is the role of the control unit in a computer?
The control unit controls the flow of data from the input devices to memory and from memory to the output devices.
45
What does MU stand for in computer architecture?
Memory Unit
46
Define a bit.
A bit means a binary digit, with only two possibilities: either 0 or 1.
47
What is a byte?
A group of 8 bits is called a byte.
48
What is the smallest unit of computer memory that can represent meaningful data?
Byte
49
Define a nibble.
A group of 4 bits is called a nibble.
50
How many bytes are in a kilobyte (KB)?
1024 Bytes
51
What is the relationship between bytes and terabytes (TB)?
1 TB = 1024 GB
52
What are the two types of primary memory?
* Volatile memory (RAM) * Non-volatile memory (ROM)
53
True or False: The information stored in RAM is retained when the computer is turned off.
False
54
What is the main function of primary memory?
It determines the size and number of software applications that a computer can store.
55
What type of memory is RAM?
Volatile memory
56
What is ROM?
Read-Only Memory
57
What does secondary memory refer to?
Auxiliary memory used for storing data or programs on a temporary or permanent basis.
58
Give examples of secondary memory storage devices.
* Hard disks * Compact discs (CDs) * Flash drives
59
What is cache memory used for?
To increase the capacity of the primary memory and to make processing faster.
60
What is the purpose of the Output Unit?
For getting information from a computer.
61
What is a soft copy?
Information shown on a display unit.
62
What is a hard copy?
Printed information obtained from a computer.
63
What are the three basic types of plotters?
* Inkjet plotter * Flatbed plotter * Drum plotter
64
What is system software?
A program that manages and supports the resources and operations of a computer system.
65
What is an operating system?
Software that acts as an interface between the user and the computer.
66
What are the types of language translators?
* Compiler * Interpreter * Assembler
67
What does a compiler do?
Translates high-level language programs into machine code.
68
What is application software?
A set of programs necessary to carry out operations for a specific application.
69
What is the function of utility software?
To assist a computer by performing housekeeping functions.
70
Fill in the blank: _______ is a program that manages the resources and operations of a computer system.
System software
71
True or False: The computer uses its input and output devices to access data stored in primary memory.
False
72
What is GIGO in computing?
Garbage In Garbage Out
73
What is the function of utility software?
Utility software ensures the smooth functioning of a computer.
74
Name three important types of utility software.
* Text editor * Backup utility * Compression utility
75
What is the open-source substitute of MS Office?
OpenOffice
76
What does a disk defragmentation utility do?
Minimizes fragmentation on the disk.
77
What type of software ensures a virus-free environment?
Anti-virus software
78
What is an abacus?
The first calculating machine that performed simple arithmetic calculations.
79
What is a mainframe computer?
A much larger computer, often filling an entire room.
80
Define a microcomputer.
A commonly used term for personal computers.
81
What is a byte?
A group of eight bits.
82
What is the purpose of a compiler?
Translates high-level language programs into machine language.
83
True or False: The first generation of computers was based on integrated circuits.
False
84
What characterizes second generation computers?
Replacement of vacuum tubes with transistors.
85
What are the three components of the CPU?
* ALU * CU * MU
86
Fill in the blank: _______ is a software that acts as an interface between the user and the computer.
[Operating system]
87
What is the function of application software?
Performs specific tasks for users.
88
What generation of computers introduced microprocessors?
Fourth generation computers.
89
Name two features of a smartphone.
* Built on a mobile OS * Enhanced features compared to ordinary mobile phones
90
What is high-level language?
A programming language that is more user-friendly and abstracted from machine code.
91
What devices are classified as supercomputers?
Very large and powerful computers used for complex calculations.
92
What does primary memory refer to?
Memory used for storing data or programs temporarily.
93
What type of software assists the computer by performing housekeeping functions?
Utility software
94
True or False: The Pascaline was one of the first mechanical calculators to be developed.
True
95
What is the role of an interpreter in programming?
Converts high-level language programs into machine language by executing line by line.
96
Name a common characteristic of third generation computers.
Use of integrated circuits.
97
Fill in the blank: _______ is a portable computer that can be placed on your lap.
[Laptop]
98
What defines a minicomputer?
Smaller than a mainframe but larger than a microcomputer.
99
What is a language processor?
Converts high-level language programs into machine language.
100
List the functional components of a computer.
* Input unit * Central Processing Unit * Output unit
101
What is secondary memory also known as?
Auxiliary memory
102
What does OCR stand for in computing?
Optical Character Recognition
103
What is the function of a difference engine?
An early mechanical calculator designed for mathematical calculations.
104
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a software that controls the internal computer operations.
[System software]
105
What are the characteristics of fifth generation computers?
Based on principles of artificial intelligence and natural language recognition.

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