Evolution of computers and Computers today

Who amongst the following is regarded as the creator of the first digital electronic computer?

George Boole
Alan Turing
John V Atanasoff
Frederic Calland Williams
John von Neumann

Solution

John Vincent Atanasoff is widely recognized as the creator of the first digital electronic computer. In the late 1930s, along with his graduate student Clifford Berry, he developed the Atanasoff–Berry Computer (ABC) at Iowa State College (now Iowa State University). This machine was completed around 1939–1942.

Why the ABC was important:

It was the first computing machine to use binary digits (bits) to represent all data.
It used electronic vacuum tubes for arithmetic calculations, which made it much faster than mechanical computers.
It could solve systems of linear equations, a critical need in engineering and physics.

Although the ABC was never fully operational or commercialized like later computers (such as ENIAC), it introduced key ideas that shaped future designs.

Why not the other options?

George Boole: Known for Boolean algebra (mid-1800s), which forms the foundation of digital logic, but he didn’t invent a computer.
Alan Turing: Proposed the concept of a "universal machine" (Turing Machine), which laid theoretical groundwork for computing, but he did not build the first digital electronic computer.
Frederic Calland Williams: Known for developing the Williams-Kilburn tube (an early computer memory device), not the first computer itself.
John von Neumann: Helped design the EDVAC and proposed the stored-program concept, which became a standard for modern computers — but this was after Atanasoff’s ABC.

Which of the following is/are first generation of computers?

ICL-2900
IBM-1401
IBM-1620
EDVAC
CDC-1604

Solution

The first generation of computers (1940–1956) used vacuum tubes for processing and machine language for programming. They were large, slow, and generated a lot of heat. Let’s analyze each option:

ICL-2900

This was introduced in the 1970s by International Computers Limited (ICL).
It is a fourth-generation computer that used LSI (Large-Scale Integration) chips.
Not a first-generation computer.

IBM-1401

Released in 1959, this computer used transistors instead of vacuum tubes.
It belongs to the second generation of computers.
Not a first-generation computer.

IBM-1620

Introduced in 1959, it also used transistors.
Known as a scientific computer and falls under the second generation.
Not a first-generation computer.

EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer)

Designed in the 1940s, EDVAC is one of the earliest electronic computers.
It used vacuum tubes and was based on the stored-program concept.

Let's dive into Generations of Computers (1st to 4th)

Computers have evolved through several generations. Each generation is marked by major technological advancements, especially in hardware components and programming methods. Here's a breakdown of the first four generations:

1st Generation (1940–1956) — Vacuum Tube Computers

Technology Used:

Vacuum tubes for processing
Magnetic drums for memory
Machine language (binary code)

Characteristics:

Very large in size
Generated a lot of heat
Consumed a lot of electricity
Slow and unreliable
Input/output via punch cards and paper tape

Examples:

ENIAC
EDVAC
UNIVAC I
IBM 701

2nd Generation (1956–1963) — Transistor Computers

Technology Used:

Transistors replaced vacuum tubes
Magnetic core memory
Assembly language

Characteristics:

Smaller and more reliable than 1st gen
Generated less heat
Faster processing
Lower power consumption
Introduction of early operating systems

Examples:

IBM 1401
IBM 1620
CDC 1604
Honeywell 400

Characteristics:

3rd Generation (1964–1971) — Integrated Circuit (IC) Computers

Technology Used:

Integrated Circuits (ICs)
High-level languages like COBOL, FORTRAN

Characteristics:

Much smaller and faster
More reliable and efficient
Supported multiprogramming and time-sharing
Used monitors and keyboards
Lower cost

Examples:

IBM 360
ICL 1900
CDC 1604
Honeywell 6000 series

4th Generation (1971–Present) — Microprocessor Computers

Technology Used:

Microprocessors (single-chip CPUs)
VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration)

Characteristics:

Very small, portable, and affordable
Very high speed and accuracy
Graphical User Interface (GUI) introduced
Use of networks, email, Internet
Rise of personal computers (PCs)

Examples:

Intel 4004, 8086-based PCs
Apple Macintosh
CDC 1604
IBM PC

Generation	Technology	Language Used	Size	Example
1st	Vacuum Tubes	Machine Language	Very Large	ENIAC, EDVAC
2nd	Transistors	Assembly Language	Large	IBM 1401
3rd	ICs	High-level	Smaller	IBM 360
4th	Microprocessors	GUI-Networks	Very Small	IBM PC, Apple

In 1980s ............ automated his weaving factory using a series of punch card readers that recorded data using a combination of holes. What is the suitable option to fill the blank above?

Charles Babbage
Herman Hollerith
Joseph-Marie Jacquard
John Von Neuman
Howard Aiken

Solution

The suitable option to fill the blank is (c) Joseph-Marie Jacquard. Joseph-Marie Jacquard invented the Jacquard loom in the early 1800s, which used punch cards to automate the weaving process and create intricate patterns. The question's reference to "1980s" is likely a typo and should refer to the early 1800s.

In other words, "Who is credited with the idea of using punch cards to control patterns in a waving machine?"

Jacquard

Microprocessors as switching devices were used in which generation of computers?

First Generation
Second Generation
Third Generation
Fourth Generation
Fifth Generation

Solution

Microprocessors as switching devices were used in the Fourth Generation of computers.

The first generation used vacuum tubes.
The second generation used transistors.
The third generation used integrated circuits (ICs).
The fourth generation introduced microprocessors, which integrated thousands of ICs onto a single silicon chip.
The fifth generation is based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and uses advanced parallel processing.

The personal computer industry was started by

IBM
Dell
Microsoft
Compaq
NEC

Solution

While many companies contributed to the development of personal computing, IBM is widely credited with significantly impacting the personal computer industry's start by introducing the IBM Personal Computer (IBM PC) in 1981. This machine set a standard for personal computers and led to widespread adoption and the growth of the industry.

Which of the following computer implemented binary numbers perform calculations using electronics and implemented separate computation and memory for the first time?

Mark I
ABC
ENIAC
Z3
Difference Engine

Solution

The question asks to identify the computer that first implemented binary numbers, performed calculations using electronics, and had separate computation and memory.

(a) Mark I: The Harvard Mark I was an electromechanical computer, not fully electronic.used decimal numbers.
(b) ABC: The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) used binary numbers and electronics for calculation.

Used binary numbers for calculations.
Performed calculations using electronics (vacuum tubes).
Separated memory and computation, which was a novel architecture at the time.
but its memory was not entirely separate in the modern sense.

It used binary numbers for computation — a major innovation.
It was electronic, using vacuum tubes for arithmetic operations (as opposed to relays or mechanical switches).
It pioneered the concept of separating computation (arithmetic unit) from memory (capacitor-based drum memory).
It was not programmable, but it automated specific linear algebra tasks.

The memory and processing were not separate in the same general-purpose von Neumann sense we understand today.

The ABC used rotating capacitors on a drum for storage, and data had to be synchronized with processing.
There was no instruction set, and control logic was hardwired.

The memory was closely tied to its specific task (solving linear equations), not abstracted or addressable in a general way.

(c) ENIAC: The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was the first general-purpose electronic digital computer. It used decimal numbers initially but later could be reconfigured for binary, and importantly, it used separate electronic circuits for computation and memory functions.
(d) Z3: The Z3 was an electromechanical computer and used binary floating-point numbers, but it was not fully electronic.
(e) Difference Engine: The Difference Engine was a mechanical calculator designed by Charles Babbage, predating electronic computers. not electronic, nor did it use binary numbers.

This is a critical question, because ENIAC is fully electronic. But it's not the first. The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), built between 1939 and 1942, holds the distinction of being the first electronic digital computer.

Who developed a mechanical device in the 17th century that could add, subtract, multiple, divide and find square roots?

Babbage
Napier
Leibniz
Pascal
Mauchly

Solution

The correct answer is: (c) Leibniz

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, a German mathematician and philosopher, developed a mechanical calculator called the Stepped Reckoner in the late 17th century (around 1672). It was capable of performing:

Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Division
And square root extraction (though this function was less commonly used and less reliable)

Other options:

(a) Charles Babbage – Designed the Difference Engine and Analytical Engine in the 19th century (not 17th).
(b) John Napier – Invented logarithms and Napier’s Bones (used for multiplication/division), but not a full mechanical device for all those functions.
(d) Blaise Pascal – Invented the Pascaline (1642), a mechanical calculator that could only add and subtract.
(e) John Mauchly – Co-invented the ENIAC (20th century, first general-purpose electronic computer).

So, the Stepped Reckoner by Leibniz is the correct choice.

The first microprocessor built by the Intel corporation was called?

8008
8080
8086
8080
4004

Solution

The correct answer is: (e) 4004.

The Intel 4004 was the first microprocessor ever built by Intel Corporation, released in 1971.

It was a 4-bit microprocessor.
Originally designed for a calculator (Busicom calculator).
Marked the beginning of the microprocessor revolution.

About the other options:

8008 – Released in 1972, it was Intel’s first 8-bit microprocessor, and a successor to the 4004.
8080 – Released in 1974, a more powerful 8-bit processor, used in early personal computers.
8086 – Released in 1978, a 16-bit processor; it started the x86 architecture line.
(d) 8080 – Duplicate of option (b), same explanation.

The processing speed of first generation computers was

milliseconds
microseconds
nanoseconds
picoseconds
attoseconds

Solution

The correct answer is: (a) milliseconds

First-generation computers (1940s–1950s), which used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory, had very slow processing speeds by modern standards.

Their processing speed was measured in milliseconds (ms), where:

1 millisecond = 1/1,000 of a second

Other options (for comparison):

Microseconds (μs) – 1/1,000,000 of a second → Second generation computers (using transistors).
Nanoseconds (ns) – 1/1,000,000,000 of a second → Third generation (using integrated circuits).
Picoseconds (ps) – 1/1,000,000,000,000 of a second → Modern high-speed processors.
Attoseconds (as) – 1/1,000,000,000,000,000,000 of a second → Currently used in physics, not computing.

Therefore, first-generation computers had speeds in the range of milliseconds.

Which of the following statements is/are true?

Charles Babbage is considered the "father of the computer", He conceptualized and invented the first mechanical computer in the early 19th century.
The principle of the modern computer was proposed by Alan Turing, who proposed a simple device that he called "Universal Computing machine" that was later known as a Universal Turing machine.
The Pascaline developed by Blaise Pascal read data from punch cards.
John Vincent Atanasoff and Clifford E. Berry developed and tested the Atanasoff–Berry Computer (ABC), the first "automatic electronic digital computer".
The Differential Engine was developed by Charles Babbage.

Let’s analyze each statement for accuracy:

True

Charles Babbage is considered the "father of the computer". He conceptualized and invented the first mechanical computer in the early 19th century.

Correct. Babbage designed the Difference Engine and later the more advanced Analytical Engine, both mechanical computers.

True

The principle of the modern computer was proposed by Alan Turing, who proposed a simple device that he called "Universal Computing Machine" that was later known as a Universal Turing machine.

Correct. Alan Turing introduced the concept of a Universal Turing Machine in 1936, which is the theoretical foundation of modern computers.

False

The Pascaline developed by Blaise Pascal read data from punch cards.

Incorrect. The Pascaline was a mechanical calculator (1640s) used for addition and subtraction only and had no punch card mechanism. Punch cards were introduced much later by Herman Hollerith.

True

John Vincent Atanasoff and Clifford E. Berry developed and tested the Atanasoff–Berry Computer (ABC), the first "automatic electronic digital computer".

Correct. The ABC (1937–1942) was the first electronic digital computing device, though it wasn't programmable like modern computers.

False

The Differential Engine was developed by Charles Babbage

Let's analyze:

Correct term: It's actually called the Difference Engine, not "Differential Engine".
Charles Babbage designed the Difference Engine in the 1820s to compute polynomial functions using the method of finite differences (not calculus/differentiation).
He did not complete it himself during his lifetime.
Parts were built, but a full working model was only constructed by the Science Museum in London in 1991, based on Babbage’s original drawings.

Final Verdict: Statement e is technically inaccurate due to:

Wrong terminology: “Differential” vs “Difference”.
Ambiguity around the word “developed” (he designed it, but it wasn’t completed during his life).

So the correct statements are: (a),(b),(d)

Which of the following is/are (a) fourth generation of computer(s)?

ICL-2900
IBM-1401
Apple II
EDVAC
CDC-1604

Solution

To identify which of the listed computers belong to the fourth generation, we need to understand the timeline and technology of computer generations:

Fourth Generation of Computers

Time Period: ~1971 onward
Key Technology: Microprocessors (integrated circuits with thousands/millions of transistors)
Examples: Personal computers like the Apple II, IBM PC, and later systems.

Let's evaluate each option:

ICL-2900

Generation: Third
Introduced: 1974 by International Computers Limited (ICL)
Technology: Integrated circuits, but not microprocessor-based
Not fourth generation

IBM-1401

Generation: Second
Introduced: 1959
Technology: Transistor-based
Not fourth generation

Apple II

Generation: Fourth
Introduced: 1977
Technology: Microprocessor (MOS 6502)
Fourth generation

EDVAC

Generation: First
Introduced: 1949
Technology: Vacuum tubes
Not fourth generation

CDC-1604

Generation: Second
Introduced: 1959
Technology: Transistor-based
Not fourth generation

Which of the following device(s) was the first electronic programmable computer?

Analytical Engine
Punch Card Reader
ENIAC
Differential Engine
EDVAC

Solution

Analytical Engine – Incorrect. It was mechanical and never completed.
Punch Card Reader – Incorrect. It's an input device, not a computer.
ENIAC – Correct. It was the first general-purpose electronic programmable computer, completed in 1945.
Differential Engine – Incorrect. It was a mechanical calculator, not electronic or programmable.
EDVAC – Incorrect. It was developed after ENIAC and introduced stored-program architecture.

Bonus Question

Which one came first ENIAC or EDVAC?

Solution

ENIAC came first.

ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was completed in 1945 and publicly unveiled in February 1946. It was the first general-purpose, large-scale electronic digital computer, though it was programmed using plugboards and switches.
EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer) was designed in 1944–45, but construction began later, and it was only completed in 1949–1951. EDVAC introduced the stored-program concept (instructions stored in memory), which was a big step forward compared to ENIAC.

So, ENIAC was the first built and operational, while EDVAC came after but influenced future computer design much more.

What is the text code originally used mainly on IBM mainframe and IBM midrange computer operating systems?

Binary
EBCDIC
Unicode
ASCII
Extended ASCII

Solution

Binary – Incorrect. Binary is a data representation, not a character encoding.
EBCDIC – Correct. EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code) was specifically developed by IBM and used in its mainframe and midrange systems.
Unicode – Incorrect. A universal modern character set, not originally used by IBM systems.
ASCII – Incorrect. Used widely in PCs and other systems, but not originally on IBM mainframes.
Extended ASCII – Incorrect. An extension of ASCII, also not primarily used on IBM mainframes.

The story of the computer in chronological order.

In 1958 Jack Kilby at Texas Instruments created the first integrated circuit (IC).
In 1969 the ARPAnet was developed. (This became the base for Internet later.)
in 1971, IBM introduced the 8-inch floppy disk
In 1972 Intel introduced the Intel 8008 microprocessor.
In 1973 Robert Metcalfe introduced the Ethernet method for network connections.
In 1973, the Xerox Alto, developed at Xerox PARC, was the first computer to feature a mouse as an input device.
In 1977 Apple Computers introduced Apple II.
In 1979 Motorola introduced the 68000 microprocessor.
In 1980 Segate Technology created the first hard disk drive for microcomputers.
In 1981 Xerox introduced the Star, the first personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI).
In 1981 Sony introduced the 3 " floppy drives.
In 1982 Sony introduced the first CD player.
In 1984 Apple Computer introduced the Macintosh, the first successful mouse driven, GUI based computer.
In 1984 IBM released the personal computer PC-AT. This introduced the 16-bit ISA bus and is the computer which all modern personal computers are based.
In 1985 Philips introduced the first CD-ROM drive.
In 1987 IBM introduced its PS/2 machines. This machine made the 3 " floppy disk drives and VGA video standards for personal computers.
In 1990 the World Wide Web (WWW) was introduced. Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) also was introduced.
In 1995 Microsoft introduced the Windows 95 operating system. This is the first main 32-bit operating system.
In 1997 Intel released the Pentium II microprocessor.
In 1997 AMD released the K6 microprocessor.
In 1998 Microsoft released Windows 98.
In 1999 Intel released the Pentium III, with SSE (Streaming SIMD Extensions) added.
In 1999 AMD released Athlon.
In 2000 Microsoft released Windows Me and Windows 2000.
In 2000 both Intel and AMD released processor at 1 GHz.
In 2000 Intel released Pentium 4. It belongs to Intel Architecture 32-bit (IA-32) family.
In 2001 Intel released the Itanium processor. This is Intel’s 64-bit processor for personal computers.
In 2001 Microsoft released Windows XP.
In 2002 Intel released the Pentium 4 with 3GHz speed. This processor also included the Hyper-Threading (HT) technology.
In 2003 Intel released the Pentium M, a processor designed for mobile computer systems.
In 2005 Intel released the dual core processor named Core Duo.

Which of the following device(s) was/were developed by Herman Hollerith?

ADA
Punch Card Reader
ENIAC
Differential Engine
Analytical Engine

Solution

Correct Answer: Punch Card Reader

Explanation: Herman Hollerith invented the Punch Card Reader to process data for the 1890 U.S. Census. The other options refer to devices created by other pioneers:

ADA – Refers to Ada Lovelace, considered the first computer programmer.
ENIAC – Developed by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert.
Difference Engine and Analytical Engine – Designed by Charles Babbage.