Download F21/1947/2012 ANGELA WAITHERA NABA FEB 116 ASSIGNMENT

F21/1947/2012 ANGELA WAITHERA NABA
FEB 116 ASSIGNMENT
1. A computer is known as a data processor because it is an electronic device which manipulates
data into information and gives desired output to the user by using programs stored in the
computer. The microprocessor carries out the processing of data in the computer.
2. First generation-this were from the period between 1940 and 1956. They weighed up to 30000
tonnes and used 50 kilowatts of power. They were very slow and used vacuum tube for circuitry
and magnetic drums for memory. They would also generate a lot of heat.
Second generation-these were developed in the period between 1956 and 1963. They used
transistors as a replacement for vacuum tubes. They used symbolic languages as compared to
binary cryptic language.
Third generation-were developed between 1964 and 1971. They used integrated circuits which
were mounted on silicon chips know as semi-conductors. This increased the efficiency and
speed of the computers. They were relatively smaller and cheaper than the previous generation.
Fourth generation-were developed between 1972 and 1984. There was development of large
scale and very large scale integrated circuits. There was development of programming languages
like functional programming and programming in logic.
Fifth generation-were developed between 1984 to present day. These computers could perform
parallel processing. They used artificial intelligence. They used microprocessors that could
process data at very high speeds.
3. Fifth generation computers used artificial intelligence while fourth generation used integrated
circuits. Fifth generation computers were generally cheaper, smaller and more portable than the
fourth generation computers. Fifth generation computers also used more advanced
programming language and could process data faster than fourth generation computers.
4. The third generation computers were smaller because of the development of a small chip
consisting of the capacity of 300 transistors, registers and capacitors all on the same chip which
was small hence the decrease in size.
5. (a)Versatility- this means that the computer is capable of performing different tasks provided
that the tasks can be reduced to a series of logical steps.
(b)Storage-this is where computers stores its data. There is the primary storage known as the
main memory located inside the computer and the secondary storage is external with devices
like the flash disks and compact disks.
(c)Slide rule-this is a mechanical analogue computer used primarily for computing calculations of
multiplication and division and also for functions such as roots, logarithms and trigonometry.
(d)Babbage’s analytical engine-it was created by Charles Babbage between 1834 and 1871. It
was the first fully automatic calculating machine. It was designed to evaluate any mathematical
formula and to have even higher powers of analysis.
6. Mainframes are computers used mainly by large organizations for critical applications, typically
bulk data processing such as census. Microprocessors are smaller and occupy less space used for smaller
processing function like in businesses or as a personal computer.