Computer Generations - Quiz

Q: First generation computers used ______ languages.

A. machine
B. assembly
C. Both
D. high?level

Correct Option: A
Explanation: First generation computers used ___machine___ languages. [SBI Clerk 2012]

Q: What is the function of a processing element in a modern computer?

A. To carry out arithmetic and logical operations.
B. To change the order of operations in response to stored information.
C. To retrieve information from an external source.
D. To enable the result of operations to be saved and retrieved.

Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Explanation: The processing element in a modern computer carries out arithmetic and logical operations.

Q: Computers that are portable and convenient to use for users who travel, are known as

A. supercomputers
B. minicomputers
C. mainframe computers
D. laptops

Correct Option: C
Explanation: mainframe computers

Q: What was the purpose of the sector?

A. Solving problems in proportion, trigonometry, multiplication and division
B. Calculating the area of a closed figure
C. Tracking the perpetual calendar
D. Solving differential equations

Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Explanation: Solving problems in proportion, trigonometry, multiplication and division. The sector was developed in the late 16th century and found application in gunnery, surveying, and navigation.

Q: Integrated Chips or IC

A. 1st Generation
B. 2nd Generation
C. 3rd Generation
D. 4th Generation

Correct Option: C
Explanation: <h3>Generation: Third (1964-71)</h3> Switching Device: Integrated Circuits (ICs) (Made up of silicon) Storage Device/Speed: Magnetic core as primary storage medium (100 nano seconds) Operating System: Real-time system (High level language (FORTRAN, COBOL, ALGOL)) Characteristics: <ul> <li>Consumed less power.</li> <li>Highly sophisticated technology required.</li> </ul> Applications: Database management system e.g. NCR-395, B6500, etc. [IBPS PO 2016]

Q: What was the purpose of the planisphere?

A. Solving problems in proportion, trigonometry, multiplication and division
B. Calculating the area of a closed figure
C. Predicting the perpetual calendar
D. A star chart for astronomical use

Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation: The planisphere was a star chart invented by Abū Rayhān al-Bīrūnī in the early 11th century.

Q: What was the name of the first modern analog computer and who invented it?

A. a. Tide-predicting machine, invented by Sir William Thomson
B. b. Difference Engine, invented by Charles Babbage
C. c. Analytical Engine, invented by Charles Babbage
D. d. Differential Analyzer, built by H. L. Hazen and Vannevar Bush

Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation: The differential analyzer was the first modern analog computer, which was built by H. L. Hazen and Vannevar Bush at MIT starting in 1927.

Q: Microcomputer hardware consists of three basic categories of physical equipment

A. keyboard, monitor, hard drive
B. system unit, input/output, memory
C. system unit, input/output, secondary storage
D. system unit, primary storage, secondary storage

Correct Option: B
Explanation: system unit, input/output, memory

Q: What is the purpose of the planimeter?

A. To calculate the area of a closed figure
B. To solve problems in proportion, trigonometry, multiplication, and division
C. To predict tides in shallow waters
D. To perform integration

Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Explanation: The planimeter is a manual instrument used to calculate the area of a closed figure by tracing over it with a mechanical linkage.

Q: A complete electronic circuit with transistors and other electronic components on a small silicon chip is called a(n)

A. workstation
B. CPU
C. magnetic disc
D. integrated circuit

Correct Option: D
Explanation: integrated circuit [RBI Grade B 2012]