Name: kipchilim judy jepsergon

REG NO: B66/39201/2011

COURSE: COMPUTING 1

COURSE CODE: BQS214

1. Why is the computer known as a data processor?

This is because it collects, manipulates and distributes data to achieve certain objectives. This can be by way of calculations, comparison, decision making and or other logical to produce the result required.

2. Explain in brief the various generations in computer technology.

First generation :( 1946-1956)

The computer relied on vacuum tubes to store and process information. The tubes consume a great deal of power; they were short lived and generated a lot of heat. They used magnetic drum memories. Maximum memory size was of about 2000 bytes and a speed of 10kilo instructions per second. Examples were UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) and IBM 650.

Second generation :( 1957-1963)

They relied on transistors technology and magnetic core memories. The transistors were much more stable and reliable than vacuum tubes because they generated less heat and consumed less power. The memory size expanded to 32 kilobytes and speed ranged from 200000-300000 instructions per second. Examples were NCR 501, IBM 7094, and CDC 6600.

Third generation :( 1964-1979)

They used integrated circuits which were made by combining several transistors together (3-15 transistors). The magnetic disk was discovered. Computer memories expanded to 2 megabytes and speed accelerated to 5million instructions per second. Examples were IBM 360, 370, PDP 111, 8bit microcomputers etc.

Fourth generation: (1979-1989)

They used large scale integration (LSI which combined hundreds of transistors). Memories used included magnetic disks, bubble memories and optical disks. Memory size expanded to several hundred megabyte and speed to 50 MIPS. Examples were IBM 308, Amdahl 580, 16 bit and 32 bit microcomputers.

Fifth generation :( 1990-present)

Technologies currently used include parallel architectures, three dimensional circuit design and super conducting materials. Speed range of 1 giga to 1 tera instructions per second.

3. Write a short note of the fifth generation computers. What makes it different from the fourth generation computers?

Technologies currently used include parallel architectures, three dimensional circuit design and super conducting materials. Speed range of 1 giga to 1 tera instructions per second.

In the fourth generation speeds were up to 50 MIPS and in the fifth generation speed ranged between 1giga-1tera instructions per second.

4. Why did the size of computers get reduced in the third generation?

They used integrated circuits which were made by combination of several transistors together (3-15transistors) unlike the first and second generation than contained about 800 transistors thus the consumption of less energy. Memory was large that is 2 megabyte of ram and speed accelerated to five million instructions per second unlike the previous which was the second generation where memory size was 32 kilobytes of ram memory and speed was 200000-300000 instructions per second which was slow. This period saw the production of the first microcomputer in 1974. This generation computers consisted of fast main frame computers.

5. Give short notes on the following.

1. 
   Versatility-this is where a computer is capable of performing almost any task provided the task can be reduced to a series of logical steps.
   
2. 
   Storage- it is a place where data is held in an electromagnetic or optical form for access by a computer processor.
   
3. 
   Slide rule-an analogue computer consisting of a hand held instrument used for rapid calculations, and has been replaced by pocket calculators.
   
4. 
   Babbage’s analytical engine-it was developed by Charles Babbage of England in 1832 which was able to combine arithmetic process with decision based on its on computer. It signified the start of computer age.
   

Microcomputer

It is smaller than a microcomputer. Its “heart” is the microprocessor (a single chip containing the arithmetic and control units). Microprocessor is cheaper, faster, smaller, more energy efficient, more reliable and more modular. The computing power is on the desktop. Examples are IBM PC, IBM-PC “compatibles”.

Mainframe computer