Slide 02-History Of Computers Flashcards
What device formalized computation 1000 years ago?
The abacus
The abacus is one of the earliest known calculating devices, used for arithmetic processes.
Who built mechanical calculators in the 1640s?
Blaise Pascal
Pascal’s calculator was designed to perform addition.
What type of problems do digital computers solve?
Counting precisely, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and comparing
Digital computers operate on discrete data and are widely used in data processing.
What is the primary function of analog computers?
Perform computations by setting up physical situations analogous to mathematical situations
Examples include measuring temperature and speed using continuous physical quantities.
What are hybrid computers?
Computers that combine analog and digital capabilities
Hybrid computers are typically used in industrial applications.
Which computer type is known for handling high transaction volumes?
Mainframe
Mainframes are designed for large-scale processing and multi-user environments.
What is the classification of computers based on size?
Supercomputers, Mainframe, Minicomputer, Microcomputer
This classification helps understand the processing power and capacity of different computers.
What significant advancement did the Intel 8080 microprocessor have over the 8008 chip?
It was 10 times faster and addressed 64 KB of memory
This marked a significant improvement in microcomputer technology.
Fill in the blank: The original IBM PC operated at a speed of _______.
4.77MHz
The 8088 CPU was used in the original IBM PC, which set a standard in the industry.
What does Moore’s Law predict?
Processor complexity will double every 18 months
This prediction has held true for decades regarding computing power and storage.
What are special purpose computers designed for?
Performing a restricted number of tasks
Examples include military operations and industrial control systems.
What is a general purpose computer?
Designed to solve a wide range of problems
General purpose computers can perform various tasks by changing application programs.
True or False: Digital computers use measurements in their operations.
False
Digital computers operate on discrete data rather than continuous measurements.
What are the three basic categories of computer systems?
Mainframe, Midrange computers, Microcomputers
These categories help classify computers based on their capabilities and applications.
What was the significance of the Altair kit introduced in 1975?
It encouraged companies to write programs for microcomputers
The Altair kit included an open architecture system bus.
What is the primary function of computers in the medical field?
Patient simulation and surgical assistance
Technologies like the Da Vinci Surgical System exemplify this application.
What are the applications of computers in sports?
Training, timing, scorekeeping, data storage, and statistics
Computers play a crucial role in enhancing performance and record-keeping in sports.
List the types of computer systems based on purpose.
- Special Purpose Computers
- General Purpose Computers
This classification helps identify their specific applications in various fields.
What role does artificial intelligence play in modern technology?
Enhancing capabilities in robotics and decision-making
AI applications are expanding in various sectors including healthcare and business.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is an example of an analog computer.
speedometer
Analog computers measure continuous physical quantities.
What is the significance of network servers in computer systems?
Manage networks of PCs and terminals
They are less costly and popular for multi-user environments.
What is the significance of the IBM Model 5100 introduced in 1981?
It was IBM’s first personal computer
This model featured a built-in display and BASIC language interpreter.
What significant event in computer history occurred in 1953?
IBM entered into the history of computers with the IBM 701 EDPM
The IBM 701 was one of the first computers used for scientific calculations.
Who developed FORTRAN, and why is it significant?
John Backus & IBM developed FORTRAN, the first successful high-level programming language
FORTRAN revolutionized programming by allowing more complex expressions than assembly language.
What was the first bank industry computer created in 1955?
ERMA and MICR
ERMA was designed for handling checks, while MICR allowed for magnetic ink character recognition.
What innovation did Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce contribute to in 1958?
The integrated circuit, commonly known as ‘The Chip’
This invention laid the groundwork for modern electronics and computing.
What was the first PC game created in 1962?
Spacewar
Developed by Steve Russell at MIT, Spacewar is considered one of the earliest digital video games.
Who invented the mouse and windows interface in 1964?
Douglas Engelbart
Engelbart’s work was foundational in human-computer interaction.
What is ARPAnet, and when was it established?
The original Internet, established in 1969
ARPAnet was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense for secure communication.
What was the significance of the Intel 1103 introduced in 1970?
It was the first dynamic RAM chip
This innovation significantly advanced computer memory technology.
What was the first microprocessor, developed in 1971?
Intel 4004
It marked the beginning of microprocessor technology, enabling more compact and powerful computing.
What was the first freely programmable computer created by Konrad Zuse?
Z1 Computer
The Z1 laid the foundation for future programmable computers.
Who created the ABC computer in 1942?
John Atanasoff & Clifford Berry
The ABC was one of the earliest electronic computers.
What was the Harvard Mark I, and who developed it?
A computer developed by Howard Aiken and Grace Hopper
It was one of the first electromechanical computers.
What was ENIAC and when was it built?
The first large-scale electronic computer, built between 1943 and 1946
ENIAC was primarily used for ballistics calculations.
Who were the creators of the transistor?
John Bardeen, Walter Brattain & William Shockley
The transistor is a fundamental building block of modern electronic devices.
What was UNIVAC known for?
The first commercial computer
UNIVAC played a significant role in popularizing computer technology in business.
What concept did John von Neumann introduce in the late 1940s?
The stored program concept
This concept allowed computers to store instructions in memory, enabling more complex programming.
What are analog computers, and how do they differ from digital computers?
Computers that use continuous physical processes for computations
They were used for solving differential equations before digital computers became prevalent.
What was the purpose of the harmonic analyzer?
To sum trigonometric series and predict tides
It represents an early form of analog computing.
What mechanical devices were precursors to programmable machines?
Player pianos and Jacquard’s automatic loom
These devices used punched cards to control their operation.
