Download ANTHONY MAIYO 22nd FEBRUARY 2013 F21/1946/2012

ANTHONY MAIYO
22nd FEBRUARY 2013
F21/1946/2012
FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTING ASSIGNMENT
1. Why is computer known as data processor?
A computer is described as a data processor because it accepts raw data, manipulates the data using
programs and outputs meaningful information thereby processing data.
2. Explain in brief the various generations in computer technology.

First generation computers
These computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory and were very
enormous. They generated a lot of heat and was often the cause of malfunctions. They relied on
machine language which is the lowest level programming language.

Second generation computers
The vacuum tubes were replaced by transistors. The transistors allowed computers to be smaller, faster,
cheaper, more energy efficient and more reliable than the first generation computers. They relied on
assembly language for programming.

Third generation computers
This generation saw the development of integrated circuits. Transistors were miniaturized and placed on
silicon chips called semi conductors, which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of computers.
This generation also saw the development of devices such as keyboards and monitors and 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.

Fourth generation computers
Introduction of microprocessors. This drastically reduced the size of computers.

Fifth generation computers
These devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still in development, though there are some
applications such as voice recognition that are being used today. They use parallel processing and
supercomputers. The goal of fifth generation computing is to develop devices that respond to natural
language input and are capable of learning and self organization.
3. Write a short note on fifth generation of computer. What makes it different from fourth generation
computer?
They will be able to take commands in an audio visual way and carry out instructions. Many of the
operations which require low human intelligence will be performed by these computers. Parallel
processing is coming and showing the possibility that the power of many CPU’s can be used side by side
and computers will be more powerful than those under central processing. Advances in super conductor
technology will greatly improve the speed of information traffic.
The fifth generation computer is different from a fourth generation computer as it will use artificial
intelligence.
4. Why did the size of computer get reduced in third generation computer?
The size was reduced due to the introduction of integrated circuits and transistors as opposed to the
vacuum tubes of the second generation computers.
5. Give short notes on the following:
a) Versatility
Refers to the capability of computers to perform almost any task provided the task can be reduced to a
series of logical steps.
b) Storage
A computer’s storage is divided into primary and secondary storage:
Primary (Main) storage, holds data in memory temporarily (RAM) and secondary storage holds data
(semi permanently) on hard disks and other external storage devices such as flash disks.
c) Slide rule
This, also known colloquially as a slip stick, is a mechanical analog computer. The slide rule is used
primarily for multiplication and division and also for functions such as roots, logarithms and
trigonometry but is not normally used for addition or subtraction.
d) Babbage’s analytical Engine
This analytical engine, the first fully automatic calculating machine, conceived the idea of an advanced
calculating machine to calculate and print mathematical table.
6. Distinguish between microcomputer and mainframe computer
A microcomputer is a small computer designed to handle one user at a time, with semi-limited multitasking while a main frame computer is designed to handle multiple processors and users
simultaneously at a fairly decent speed.