Download Why did the size of computers reduce in third generation computer?

OKENDO JULLY AUMA.
F21/1956/2012.
FEB 116 ASSIGNMENT.
FUNDAMENTALS OF
COMPUTING.
1. Why is a computer known as a data processor?
A computer is known as a data processor because it receives raw information which is data and
processes it into information using programs and hence provides sensible information that can be
understood by human beings.
2. Explain in brief the various generations in computer
technology.
The first generation computers were from 1946 to 1955. They used thermion valves in their operations
and they also had switching circuits. They were large in size and writing programs in it was difficult since
they used machine language which was very slow. They weighed 30000 tones and occupied a large
space. They had a very high power consumption rate. They generated a lot of heat which was the major
cause for their malfunctions. Input was based on punched cards and paper type, and output was
displayed on teletype of printers for example UNIVAC
The second generation was from 1956-1963. Transistors replaced vacuum tubes. Transistors allowed
computers to be smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy efficient and more reliable. Still generate a great
deal of heat though it was a great improvement from the vacuum tubes. Still relied on punched cards for
input, and printouts for output. Moved from cryptic binary machine language to symbolic or assembly
languages, this allowed programmers to specify instructions in words. Early versions of higher
programming languages such as FORTRUN and COBOL were developed at his time. E.g. IBM
The third generation was from 1964-1970. Characterized by the development of integrated circuits,
which is a complete electrical circuit whose components (transistors, capacitors) are fabricated into a
small chip made of silicon, otherwise known as integrated circuit chip. These drastically increased speed
and efficiency of computers. Used keyboards and monitors and were interfaced with an operating
system, which allowed the device to run many different applications at one time with a central program
that monitored the memory. Much smaller and cheaper than second generation computers. E.g. IBM’s
The fourth generation was from 1971-1991. The personal computer first appeared in this generation.
Made possible by the development of the microprocessor by Intel Corp. a microprocessor is a single IC
chip that contains an entire computer processor-essentially an entire first generation computer that can
fit onto the palm. IC chips with tens of thousands of transistors were developed through a process called
large scale integration (LSI). It allowed more complex systems to be produced using smaller circuit
boards, and at a reduced cost. Fourth generation computers saw the development of graphical user
interfaces, the mouse and handheld devices. In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home
user, and in 1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh.
Firth generation was from 1992- present. Microprocessors have become more powerful, and integrated
circuits have become smaller too, though, the underlying technology hasn’t really changed since the
fourth generation. The emergence of the internet and particularly the World Wide Web has changed the
way computers are used in society. Artificial intelligence which is a field of study that predates the first
generation-is now a reality with devices that are capable of learning, self-organizing, and natural
language input.
3. Write a short note on the fifth generation of computer.
What makes it different from fourth generation
computers?
The fifth generation of computer looks to turn the whole industry on its head once again. The fifth
generation of computing is called "artificial intelligence," and it is the goal of computer scientists and
developers to eventually create computers than outsmart, outwit, and maybe even outlast their human
inventors. Artificial intelligence can be broken into five distinct categories: games playing, robotics,
expert systems, neural networks, and natural language. Each of these categories is being developed
largely independent of one another; game playing, for instance, has seen great success over the course
of the past 15 years, while natural language has taken longer to full develop and perfect.
The fifth generation computers differ from fourth generation in computer use rather than technology.
4. Why did the size of computers reduce in third generation
computer?
This was necessary in order for them to occupy less space and it was also in this generation that the
computers were spreading out widely into the world.
5. Give short notes in the following :

Versatility
It’s the ability of a computer to perform different tasks at the same time.

Storage
This is the technology consisting of computer components and recording media used to retain digital
data.

Babbage analytical engine
It is the first fully automatic calculating machine and it was constructed by British computing pioneer
Charles Babbage. The machine was designed to evaluate any mathematical formula and to have even
higher powers of analysis than his original difference engine of the 1820’s. Only part of the machine as a
trial piece was completed before Babbage’s death in 1871.
6. Distinguish between microcomputer and mainframe
computer.
Microcomputers are general purpose computer also called Pc. They are used at our homes. Micro
computer can handle one user at a time. These computers are used for documentation, making power
point presentation, printing tasks and other usual tasks that u all know while mainframe computers are
those which can handle 100 of user at a time. That mean we cannot run Pc operating system on
mainframe. Mainframe computers have special operating system that can handle parallel user
processing, transactions and time sharing. These computers run best run on Linux operating system. In
mainframe computers there are many processors working and integrating with each other. These
include host processor, back-end processor and front-end processor. Host processor gives instructions
to back-end and front-end processors. Back end processor gets record from the storage. Front-end
processor sends the data to the interconnected users.