Download Write a short note of the fifth generation of computers and what

MARTIN KIMANI MUIRU
BQS 214
COMPUTING I
B66/39552/2011
1. Why is the computer known as a data processor?
Computer is known as a data processor device since it accepts input raw
data t, stores the data, does arithmetic and logic operation on it and
outputs it as information in a desired format that is useful to the user.
2. Explain in brief the various generations in computer technology.
Generations of computers has been divided into five according to the
development of technologies used to fabricate the processors, memories
and I/O units. The first generation computers were used between 1945 –
1955 and used vacuum tubes for basic arithmetic operations and magnetic
drums for memory. They were huge, expensive and consumed a lot of
power. The second generation of computers were used between 1955 –
1965 and used transistors in place of vacuum tubes. They were the first
computers that stored their instructions in their memory using magnetic
core technology; they were also faster, smaller in size and consumed less
power compared to first generation computers. Third generation of
computers were used between 1965 – 1975 and were the first to use
integrated circuits with miniature transistors placed on the. Users
interacted with the computers through keyboards and monitors and
interfaced with an operating system. They were smaller, performed better
and cost less than previous generations hence more people started
acquiring them. Fourth generation computers were used around 1975 –
1989 with emergence of a lot of technologies such as microprocessors for
the CPU, CRT screens, laser printers and floppy disks. Lastly there’s fifth
generation computers that are in use up to date with their specifications
changing day by day. They are small in size, cheaper and very fast
processing speeds.
3. Write a short note of the fifth generation of computers and what makes it
different from the fourth generation computers.
Fifth generation computers have got superior processors which change and
upgrade each and every time. These computers have got multiple
processors and hence can process data that is very complex or even
multitask processing of tasks. Millions of transistors can be contained on a
single IC in what is called ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology.
Computing based on artificial intelligence is still in development though
there are some applications such as voice recognition that are being used
today. This generation came by with the introduction of the World Wide
Web and also advanced programming languages such as JAVA. They also
have large main memory and disk storage. They are cheap, small, and
portable and consume a little power making it possible for more and more
people to own personal computers.
The difference between fifth generation and forth generation is that fourth
generation computers used VLSI technology whereby Tens of thousands of
transistors can be placed in a single chip whereas fifth generation use ULSI.
4. Why did the size of computers get reduced in the third generation of
computers?
Third generation computers were much smaller than the previous
generations because they made use of integrated circuits and
semiconductors and moved from use of punch cards to input devices such
as keyboards.
5. Give short notes on :Versatility– versatility in computer means the computer is capable of
performing almost any task provided the task can be reduced to a series of
logical steps. This makes it possible for the computer to perform task
simultaneously with ease
Storage – Computer storage is the place where data is held in an
electromagnetic or optical form for access by the computer processor and
it’s divided into primary and secondary storage. Primary memory is the
main storage and data and programs used for execution are stored here
and is accessed frequently. It’s in the form of RAM and RAM. Secondary
memory or auxiliary memory holds data on hard disks, flash disks and other
devices requiring input and output operations.
Slide rule- This is a mechanical analogue computer used primarily for
multiplication and division and mathematical functions such as roots, logs
and trigonometry. They come in a diverse range of styles and generally
appear in a linear or circular form with a standardized set of scales
necessary for performing mathematical computations. The slide rule is not
normally used for addition or subtraction.
Babbage’s analytical engine- This was the first fully automatic calculating
machine designed by a Briton Charles Babbage who is considered as the
father of computing. The machine was designed to evaluate any
mathematical formulae and calculate and print mathematical tables.
6. Distinguish between a microcomputer and a mainframe computer.
Microcomputers use microprocessors as its central processing unit and
their sizes vary from the size of a single chip to the size of a desktop. They
are designed to be used by only one user at a time and examples of its uses
include personal computers, TV sets and even cars.
Mainframe computers are able to process large amount of data at very high
speed and support multiple users like up to 100. They are large and kept in
large air conditioned rooms to keep them cool and cost a lot of money. It
can be used in places that need a lot of processed data such as banks,
hospitals and airports.