Computers and their Evolution

Who is known as the 'father of the computer'?

• Alan Turing

• Charles Babbage

• John von Neumann

• Steve Jobs

Answer explanation

Charles Babbage is known as the 'father of the computer' for his design of the Analytical Engine, a mechanical general-purpose computer, which laid the groundwork for modern computing.

Babbage's analytical engine resembled modern computers because it had ______.

• a screen

• a keyboard

• a processing unit

• internet connectivity

Answer explanation

Babbage's analytical engine had a processing unit, which is a key component of modern computers, allowing it to perform calculations and process data, unlike the other options listed.

Babbage's detailed notes contributed to the development of ______.

• modern software

• the internet

• artificial intelligence

• future computing technologies.

Answer explanation

Babbage's detailed notes laid the groundwork for future computing technologies, as he conceptualized the analytical engine, which influenced modern computing principles and designs.

Which of the following is an example of a first-generation computer?

• IBM PC

• Apple II

• UNIVAC

• Commodore 64

Answer explanation

The UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) is considered a first-generation computer, developed in the 1950s. In contrast, the IBM PC, Apple II, and Commodore 64 are later models from the personal computer era.

UNIVAC was the first commercial data processing computer replacing the ________.

• Typewriters

• Calculators

• Accounting machines

• Telephones

Answer explanation

UNIVAC was designed to automate data processing tasks that were previously done by accounting machines, making it the first commercial computer to replace these manual processes.

What replaced vacuum tubes in the second generation of computers?

• Transistors

• Magnetic memory

• Assembly language

• Machine language

Answer explanation

Transistors replaced vacuum tubes in the second generation of computers, allowing for smaller, faster, and more efficient machines. They were a key advancement in technology, leading to the development of modern computing.

The second generation of computers introduced _______ memory.

• Optical

• Magnetic

• Flash

• Solid-state

Answer explanation

The second generation of computers utilized magnetic memory, which allowed for more efficient data storage and retrieval compared to the first generation's vacuum tubes. This advancement was key in enhancing computer performance.

The IBM 7094 is an example of a computer from which generation?

• First

• Second

• Third

• Fourth

Answer explanation

The IBM 7094 is classified as a second-generation computer, which utilized transistors instead of vacuum tubes, marking a significant advancement in computing technology compared to the first generation.

In the second generation of computers, programming became easier with _______ language.

• Machine

• Assembly

• High-level

• Binary

Answer explanation

In the second generation of computers, Assembly language simplified programming compared to Machine and Binary languages, making it easier for programmers to write code using mnemonics instead of numeric codes.

What was a key feature of the third generation of computers?

• Vacuum tubes

• Integrated circuits (microchips)

• Transistors

• Mechanical switches.

Answer explanation

The third generation of computers was characterized by the use of integrated circuits (microchips), which allowed for smaller, more efficient, and powerful machines compared to earlier generations that used vacuum tubes and transistors.