Lesson 1 - What are computers?

What is a computer chip or processor often compared to?

• A car engine

• A human brain

• A book

• A light bulb

What did the word "computer" originally mean for hundreds of years?

• A machine that plays games

• A person who solved math problems

• A device that shows videos

• A tool for writing letters

Why did scientists want to invent machines to help human computers?

• Human computers were too slow at typing.

• Math problems were too complicated or long to solve easily by hand.

• They wanted to play games on machines.

• They needed machines to watch videos.

What were the first computers that were small and cheap enough for families to buy called?

• Supercomputers

• Mainframes

• Home computers

• Pocket computers

How were early computer games like Zork One different from many modern games?

• They had very detailed graphics.

• They were played using a mouse.

• They only used words and no pictures.

• They were only for two players.

Before home computers, what tool did people often use to write reports and letters?

• A smartphone

• A tablet

• A typewriter

• A calculator

What was considered "magic" about the new home computers compared to typewriters?

• They could play music.

• They had a 'backspace' button to easily correct mistakes.

• They could connect to the internet.

• They were very colorful.

What is a major advancement in computers today that allows them to fit in our pockets?

• They are made of wood.

• They are powered by sunlight.

• They are smartphones with touchscreens.

• They can fly.

How have computers changed over time, from the earliest electronic ones to today's devices?

• They have become larger and more expensive.

• They have become smaller, cheaper, and more useful.

• They only do math problems now.

• They no longer need electricity.

What is a Personal computer?

• a computer made for one person to use. It usually sits on a desk and has a screen, keyboard, and mouse.
  

• a computer you can carry around. It has a screen and keyboard all in one, and it runs on a battery
  

• • a small computer built into another device to help it work. You don’t usually see it or control it directly. 

• • a highly advanced computer