1. What is the generation of computing known for the introduction of electronic components that could maintain exactly two states?
A. First Correct
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fourth
Explanation
The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes as electronic components, which operated in binary, maintaining exactly two states: on or off, representing 1 and 0, forming the foundation of digital computing. The second generation introduced transistors, which also operated in two states but were not the first to do so. The third and fourth generations built upon integrated circuits and microprocessors, respectively, relying on binary logic but not marking the introduction of binary electronic components.
2. Which technology is characteristic of second-generation computing?
A. Nanotechnology
B. Artificial intelligence
C. Transistors Correct
D. Microprocessors
Explanation
Second-generation computers replaced vacuum tubes with transistors, which were smaller, more reliable, generated less heat, and consumed less power, marking a significant leap in computing efficiency and miniaturization during the late 1950s to mid-1960s. Nanotechnology is associated with developments beyond the fourth generation, artificial intelligence was not a defining hardware characteristic, and microprocessors emerged in the fourth generation, enabling personal computing.
3. Which generation of computing is known for the use of operating systems to allow for shared memory and resources?
A. Second
B. Third Correct
C. Fourth
D. Fifth
Explanation
The third generation of computers, spanning the mid-1960s to early 1970s, introduced integrated circuits and brought about operating systems capable of managing hardware resources, multitasking, and allowing multiple users or programs to share memory and peripherals. Second-generation machines used batch processing and rudimentary monitors, lacking true resource-sharing capabilities, while fourth-generation systems refined these features with microprocessors, and fifth-generation computing focuses on artificial intelligence and parallel processing.
4. Which generation of computing is associated with integrated circuits?
A. Fourth
B. Third Correct
C. Fifth
D. Second
Explanation
Integrated circuits, combining multiple transistors and components onto a single silicon chip, were introduced in the third generation of computers from the mid-1960s to early 1970s, enabling reductions in size, cost, and power consumption while increasing reliability and speed. The second generation relied on discrete transistors, the fourth generation is marked by microprocessors built using integrated circuits, and the fifth generation focuses on artificial intelligence and advanced architectures.
5. What is the generation of computing known for natural language processing and machine learning capabilities?
A. Second
B. Fourth
C. Third
D. Fifth Correct
Explanation
The fifth generation of computing, starting in the 1980s and continuing to evolve, focuses on artificial intelligence, including natural language processing, machine learning, parallel processing, and knowledge-based systems. Earlier generations lacked the computational power, algorithms, and software frameworks for these capabilities, with the second generation focused on scientific and business applications, the third introducing operating systems and integrated circuits, and the fourth enabling personal computing through microprocessors.