EE AC - MIDTERM

• the first generation computers uses vacuum tubes and magnetic drums.

  vacuum tubes for circuitry; magnetic drums for memory
• First generation computers relied on machine language.
• Machine language is lowest-level programming language understood by computers; can only perform operations and solve one problem at a time.
• inputs was based on punched cards and paper tape while output was displayed on printouts.
• Second Generation Computers used transistors instead of vacuum tubes, which made them smaller, faster, more reliable, and less expensive than the First Generation Computers.
• one transistor is equivalent to 40 vacuum tubes.
• second generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to symbolic or assembly languages allowing programmers to specify instructions in words.
• Second generation computers also moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core technology.
• Third Generation Computers (1960's) introduced integrated circuits (ICs), which are miniaturized electronic components containing thousands of transistors, diodes, resistors, and capacitors fabricated onto a single chip. ICs allowed computer manufacturers to produce cheaper, smaller, and faster machines.
• semiconductors are called silicon chips which transistors were miniaturized and placed on.
• Fourth generation computes uses microprocessors .
• Fourth generation computers form networks which eventually lead to the development of internet.
• Fourth generation computers also saw the development of GUI's (Graphical User Interface).
• GUI's are handheld devices.
• Fifth generation computers use artificial intelligence or AI.
• Artificial Intelligence is the ability of a machine to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.
• computer is a machine that manipulates data in accordance to the instructions given.
• Computers are devices capable of performing operations and making logical decisions at a speed unknown.
• Computers are electronic machines used for data processing.
• Information is the output made by a computer after processing data.
• what are the two main categories of computer? Hardware and Software
• Hardware is anything what you can touch.
• Hardware refers to the computer's physical components.
• Software is the set of instructions followed by the hardware to complete a task.
• three categories of software: System software/ operating system, application software, and utility software
• system software has two main functions: (1) controls all components of computer and (2) serves as an interface between user and hardware.
• Application software is used for the specific purpose of the user like MS Word, MS Excel, and etc..
• Utility software is used to remove any problem or resolve complex situation in computer like anti-virus.
• What are the four primary functions of a computer? Input, output, storage, and processing.
• Software is the non-tangible aspect of the computer, opposite to the hardware.
• Software is also known as program or application.
• Depending on the basic features and functionality, software can be categorized into Operating Systems and Application Software.
• Operating System loads the basic program automatically as soon as the computer is started.
• what are the classification of a computer system on the basis of size and capacity: Supercomputer, Mainframe, Mini and Micro Computer
• what are the classification of computer system on the basis of purposes: General and Special Purpose
• Analogue Computer uses continuous data to complete task.
• Voltage, Pressure, Electric Current, and Temperature are all measured by an analogue computer.
• Analogue computer measures value that fluctuate continually.
• Digital computers are designed to solve equations with virtually infinite precision.
• Digital computers need small number of key functions to fulfill their duties and have comparable components for receiving, processing, sorting and transferring data.