[#1] – Introduction to Computer Fundamentals – Questions

The word computer comes from the word “compute” which means to calculate. Hence, people usually consider a computer to be calculating device than can perform arithmetic operations at high speed.

In fact, the original objective for inventing a computer was to create a fast calculating machine. However, more than 80% of work done by computers today is of non-mathematical or non-numerical nature. Hence, to define a computer merely as a calculating device is to ignore over 80% of its functions.

Also Read:

• [#1] – Introduction to Computer Fundamentals
• [#2] – Basic computer organization
• [#3] – Number systems
• [#4] – Computer Codes
• [#5] – Computer Arithmetic
• [#6] – Processor and Memory
• [#7] – Secondary Storage Devices
• [#8] – Input-Output Devices
• [#9] – Computer software
• [#10] – Planning the Computer Program
• [#11] – Computer Languages
• [#12] – System Implementation and Operation
• [#13] – Operating Systems
• [#14] – Application Software packages
• [#15] – Business Data Processing
• [#16] – Data Communications and Computer Networks
• [#17] – The Internet
• [#18] – Multimedia
• [#19] – Classification of Computers
• [#20] – Introduction to C Programming Language

Points To Remember:

• People usually consider a computer to be a calculating device that can perform arithmetic operations at high speed. It is also known as a data processor because it not only computers in the usual sense but also performs other functions with the data.
• The activity of processing data using a computer is called ‘data processing’. Data is raw material used as input to data processing and information is processed data obtained as output of data processing.
• Computers are characterized by their being automatic, speed, accuracy of computing, diligence, versatility, power of remembering, and lack of intelligence and feelings.
• Charles Babbage is considered the father of modern digital computers.
• Some of the well-known early computers are the MARK I (1937-44), the ATANASOFF-BERRY (1939-42), the ENIAC (1943-46), the EDVAC (1946-52), the EDSAC (1947-49) and the UNIVAC I (1951).
• Dr. John Von Neumann introduced the “stored program” concept that considerably influenced the development of modern digital computers. Due to this feature, we often refer to modern digital computers as stored program digital computers.
• “Generation” in computer talk is a step in technology. It provides a framework for growth of computer industry. Originally, It was used to distinguish between various hardware technologies but it has now been extended to include both hardware and software.
• Till date, there are five computer generations namely, first, second, third, fourth, and fifth generation.

List of Questions:

1. What is a computer? Why it is also known as a data processor?
2. What is data processing? Differentiate between data and information. Which is more useful to the people and why?
3. List and explain some important characteristics of a computer.
4. What is garbage-in-garbage-out?
5. Who is known as the father of modern digital computers and why?
6. Who invented the concept of stored program? Why is this concept so important?
7. Why are modern digital computers often referred to as stored program digital computers?
8. Which was the first commercially produced computer? When and where was it first installed?
9. Write full form of following abbreviations used in computer terminology: IBM, ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC, UNIVAC.
10. What is “generation” in computer terminology? How many computer generations are there till date?
11. List the various computer generations along with the key characteristics of computers of each generation.
12. List the key hardware technologies used in building computers of each of the five generations.
13. List key software technologies used in building computers of each of the five generations.
14. What are the advantages of transistors over vacuum tubes?
15. What is an IC? How it helps in reducing the size of computers?
16. List the advantages of IC technology over transistor technology.
17. Write the full form of following abbreviations used in computer terminology: GIGO, IC, SSI, MSI, LSI, VLSI, ULSI.
18. Why were first- and second- generation computers more difficult and costlier to produce commercially than computers of subsequent generations?
19. Name the technologies used for constructing main memory in first-, second-, third- and fourth-generation, and fifth-generation computers.
20. What is a microprocessor? How it revolutionized the computer industry?
21. Name some applications that emerged due to emergence of computer networks.
22. Name some applications that emerged due to emergence of the Internet.
23. Name some representative computer systems of each of the five computer generations.

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