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Q 1: Which among following first generation of computers had ?

 A Vaccum Tubes and Magnetic Drum


 B Integrated Circuits
 C Magnetic Tape and Transistors
 D All of above
Answer: A

Option A: Vaccum Tubes and Magnetic Drum

Q 2: What is the name of the first supercomputer of India?


 A Saga 220
 B PARAM 8000
 C ENIAC
 D PARAM 6000
Answer: B

Option B: PARAM 8000

Q 3: The second generation of computers consists of which of following?


 A Vaccum Tubes
 B Diodes
 C VLSI Microprocessor
 D Transistors
Answer: D

Transistors

Q 4: From which year 5th generation of computers is considered?


 A 1970
 B 1980
 C 1990
 D 2000
Answer: B

1980

Q 5: Which language was used as first generation language?


 A Machine language
 B Assembly language
 C Java
 DC
Answer: A

Machine language

Q 6: What is unit of speed of Super Computer?


 A KFLOPS
 B LFLOPS
 C MFLOPS
 D GFLOPS
Answer: D

GFLOPS

Q 7: In which generation of computers microprocessor was introduced?


 A First Generation
 B Second Generation
 C Third Generation
 D Fourth Generation
Answer: D

Fourth Generation

Q 8: The Napier
 A Naptologia
 B Vibologia
 C Semiconductor
 D Rabdologia
Answer: D

Napier’s Bones (1617)

Inventor: John Napier (Scotland)

Characteristics:

 Three dimensional structure.


 Holding numbers from 0 to 9 only.
 Represent graphical structure of calculatingresult.
Applications:

 Perform multiplication on numbers.


 Technology used for calculation called Rabdologia.
Q 9: Pascaline is also known by
 A abacus
 B adding machine
 C division machine
 D difference machine
Answer: B

Pascaline (1642)

Inventor: Blaise Pascal (France)

Characteristics:

 First mechanical adding machine.


 It was structured like rectangular box, with eight disc (represent number of units).
Applications:

Perform addition and subtraction of two numbers.

Mainly designed with regard to the pressure of liquid.

Q 10: Which of the following is known as father of computer?


 A Dennis Ritchie
 B Napier
 C Charles Babbage
 D Alan Turing
Answer: C

Analytical Engine (1837)

Inventor: Charles Babbage (Father of Computer) (London)

Characteristics:

 First general-purpose computer.


 Stored program in the form of ‘pegs’ also called barrels.
Applications:

 It was a decimal machine used sign and magnitude for representation of a number.

Q 11: The Analytical Engine developed during first generation of


computers used ________ as a memory unit.
 A RAM
 B floppies
 C cards
 D counter wheels
Answer: D

The Analytical Engine developed during first generation of computers used ___Counter wheels

_____ as a memory unit.

[RBI Grade B 2012]

Q 12: The first computer which provides storage is


 A EDSAC
 B EDVAC
 C MARK-I
 D ACE
Answer: A
EDSAC (1949)

Inventor: John Von Neumann (America)

Characteristics:

 It was first computer which provided storage capacity.


 First computer program was run on machine.
Applications:

 Capable of storing instructions and data in memory.


 Used mercury delay lines for memory, vacuumtubes for logic.

[SSC CPO 2012]


Q 13: Computer size was very large in
 A first generation
 B second generation
 C Third generation
 D Fourth generation
Answer: A
Computer size was very large in first generation

Q 14: First generation computers were based on


 A transistors
 B conductors
 C ICs
 D vacuum tubes
Answer: D
Generation: First ((1940-56))

Switching Device: Vacuum tubes

Storage Device/Speed: Magnetic drums (333 micro seconds)

Operating System: Batch operating system (Machine language (Binary number 0’s and 1’s)

Characteristics:

 Fastest computing device.


 Generate large amount of heat.
 Non-portable.
Applications:

Used for scientific purpose e.g. ENIAC, UNIVAC, MARK-1, etc.

Q 15: Computer built before the first generation computer was


 A mechanical
 B electromechanical
 C electrical
 D electronics
Answer: B
A generation refers to the state of improvement in the development of system. Computers are

built of electromechanical, before generation.

Q 16: First generation computers used ______ languages.


 A machine
 B assembly
 C Both
 D high?level
Answer: A

First generation computers used ___machine___ languages.

[SBI Clerk 2012]

Q 17: Speed of first generation computer was in


 A nano seconds
 B milli seconds
 C nano-milli second
 D micro seconds
Answer: D

Generation: First ((1940-56))


Switching Device: Vacuum tubes

Storage Device/Speed: Magnetic drums (333 micro seconds)

Operating System: Batch operating system (Machine language (Binary number 0’s and 1’s)

Characteristics:

Fastest computing device.



Generate large amount of heat.

Non-portable.

Applications:

Used for scientific purpose e.g. ENIAC, UNIVAC, MARK-1, etc.

[IBPS Clerk 2012]


Q 18: The period of the second generation computers was
 A 1946-1958
 B 1940-1960
 C 1956-63
 D 1957-1964

Answer: C

Generation: Second (1956-63)


Switching Device: Transistors (Made up of semiconductor)

Storage Device/Speed: Magnetic core technology (10 micro seconds)

Operating System: Time sharing OS, Multitasking OS (Assembly language, high level

language)

Characteristics:

 More reliable and less prone to hardware failure.


 Portable and generate less amount of heat.
Applications:

Used for commercial production e.g. PDP-8, IBM-1401, etc.

Q 19: Time sharing became possible in ______ generation of computers.


 A First
 B Second
 C Third
 D Fourth
Answer: B

Generation: Second (1956-63)


Switching Device: Transistors (Made up of semiconductor)

Storage Device/Speed: Magnetic core technology (10 micro seconds)

Operating System: Time sharing OS, Multitasking OS (Assembly language, high level

language)

Characteristics:

 More reliable and less prone to hardware failure.


 Portable and generate less amount of heat.
Applications:

Used for commercial production e.g. PDP-8, IBM-1401, etc.


Q 20: Integrated Chips or IC
 A 1st Generation
 B 2nd Generation
 C 3rd Generation
 D 4th Generation
Answer: C

Generation: Third (1964-71)


Switching Device: Integrated Circuits (ICs) (Made up of silicon)

Storage Device/Speed: Magnetic core as primary storage medium (100 nano seconds)

Operating System: Real-time system (High level language (FORTRAN, COBOL, ALGOL))

Characteristics:

 Consumed less power.


 Highly sophisticated technology required.
Applications:

Database management system e.g. NCR-395, B6500, etc.

[IBPS PO 2016]
Q 21: Chip is a common nickname for a(n)
 A transistor
 B resistor
 C integrated circuit
 D semiconductor
Answer: C

integrated circuit.

[IBPS Clerk 2014, 15]

Q 22: The third generation computers were made with


 A bio chips
 B transistors
 C integrated circuits
 D discrete components
Answer: C

Generation: Third (1964-71)


Switching Device: Integrated Circuits (ICs) (Made up of silicon)

Storage Device/Speed: Magnetic core as primary storage medium (100 nano seconds)

Operating System: Real-time system (High level language (FORTRAN, COBOL, ALGOL))

Characteristics:

 Consumed less power.


 Highly sophisticated technology required.
Applications:

Database management system e.g. NCR-395, B6500, etc.

[SBI PO 2014]
Q 23: A complete electronic circuit with transistors and other electronic
components on a small silicon chip is called a(n)
 A workstation
 B CPU
 C magnetic disc
 D integrated circuit
Answer: D

integrated circuit

[RBI Grade B 2012]

Q 24: PCs are considered fourth-generation and contain


 A information
 B data
 C vacuum tubes
 D microprocessors
Answer: D

microprocessors

[SBI PO 2014]

Q 25: Artificial Intelligence is an example of


 A first generation computer
 B second generation computer
 C fourth generation computer
 D fifth generation computer

Answer: D

fifth generation computer

Q 26: In latest generation computers, the instructions are executed


 A only parallel
 B only sequentially
 C Both
 D Either
Answer: C

Both ‘1’ and ‘2’

Q 27: Microcomputer hardware consists of three basic categories of


physical equipment
 A keyboard, monitor, hard drive
 B system unit, input/output, memory
 C system unit, input/output, secondary storage
 D system unit, primary storage, secondary storage
Answer: B

system unit, input/output, memory

Q 28: Which of the following options correctly expresses the meaning of


the term
 A Independent computers for all working staff
 B Personal computers widely available to individual workers with which they can access
information from layer systems and increase their personal productivity
 C Packed computers system formed by joining together of various computer terminals
 D Computer manufactured by the Pentium Company

Answer: B
Personal computers widely available to individual workers with which they can access

information from layer systems and increase their personal productivity

[IBPS PO 2012]

Q 29: Which of the following is a small microprocessor based computer


designed to beused by oneperson ata time?
 A Netbook
 B Supercomputer
 C Personal computer
 D Notebook
Answer: C

Personal computer [SBI Clerk 2014]

Q 30: Tablet PC is a type of


 A microcomputer
 B supercomputer
 C minicomputer
 D mainframe?computer
Answer: A

microcomputer

Q 31: Computers that are portable and convenient to use for users who
travel, are known as
 A supercomputers
 B minicomputers
 C mainframe computers
 D laptops
Answer: C

mainframe computers

Q 32: Desktop and personal computers are also known as


 A supercomputers
 B microcomputers
 C mainframes
 D peripheral equipment

Answer: B

microcomputers

[SBI Clerk 2012]

Q 33: Which of the following uses a handheld operating system?


 A A supercomputer
 B A personal computer
 C A PDA
 D A mainframe
Answer: C

A PDA

[SBI PO 2013]

Q 34: Palmtop computer is also known as


 A personal computer
 B notebook computer
 C tablet PC
 D handheld computer
Answer: D

handheld computer

Q 35: A central computer that holds collections of data and programs for
many PCs, workstations and other computers is a
 A supercomputer
 B minicomputer
 C laptop
 D server
Answer: D

server
Q 36: Which computer is used for Computer Aided Design (CAD)
calculations?
 A Minicomputer
 B Mainframe computer
 C Supercomputer
 D Microcomputer
Answer: A

Minicomputer

Q 37: Which of the following is generally costlier?


 A Server
 B Notebook computer
 C Personal computer
 D Mainframe
Answer: D

Mainframe

[SBI Clerk 2012, IBPS Clerk 2015]

Q 38: The user generally applies ________ to access mainframe or


supercomputer.
 A terminal
 B node
 C desktop
 D handheld
Answer: B

node

Q 39: These are specially designed computers that perform complex


calculations extremely rapidly.
 A Servers
 B Supercomputers
 C Laptops
 D Mainframes
Answer: B
Supercomputers

Q 40: A ______ is a large and expensive computer capable of performing


scientific and business applications.
 A supercomputer
 B mainframe computer
 C minicomputer
 D handheld computer
Answer: A

supercomputer

Q 41: First supercomputer developed in India is


 A PARAM
 B CRAY-1
 C PARAM ISHAN
 D EPRAM
Answer: A

Supercomputer

These are the fastest and most expensive machines. They have high processing speed compared

to other computers. Supercomputers are most powerful, large in size and memory, compared to

all other computers. The speed of supercomputers are measured in FLOPS (Floating Point

Operations Per Second).

Supercomputers are used for highly calculation intensive tasks, such as weather forecasting,

nuclear research, military agencies and scientific research laboratories.

(i) CRAY-1 was the world’s first supercomputer introduced by Seymour R CRAY in 1976.

(ii) PARAM was the first supercomputer developed in India in 1990.

(iii) PARAM ISHAN is the latest machine in the series of PARAM made by C-DAC and IIT

Guwahati on 20th September, 2016.

Q 42: Pratyush is _____ fastest supercomputer in the world.


 A first
 B second
 C third
 D fourth
Answer: D

Pratyush India’s fastest and first multi-petaflops (PF) supercomputer named Pratyush was

unveiled at Pune based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

Pratyush has 6.8 PF computational power installed at two MoES Institutes. 4.0 Peta Flops HPC

facility at IITM, Pune and 2.8 Peta Flops facility at NCMRWF, Noida. Pratyush is fourth fastest

supercomputer in the world dedicated for weather and climate research.

Note: PF is a measure of a computer’s processing speed.

Q 43: Pratyush supercomputer is dedicated for


 A multimedia
 B weather forecasting
 C recreation
 D military personnel
Answer: B

Pratyush India’s fastest and first multi-petaflops (PF) supercomputer named Pratyush was

unveiled at Pune based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

Pratyush has 6.8 PF computational power installed at two MoES Institutes. 4.0 Peta Flops HPC

facility at IITM, Pune and 2.8 Peta Flops facility at NCMRWF, Noida. Pratyush is fourth fastest

supercomputer in the world dedicated for weather and climate research.

Note: PF is a measure of a computer’s processing speed.

Q 44: Which of the following is the India


 A PARAM
 B Pratyush
 C PARAM Ishan
 D Tianhe-2
Answer: B
Pratyush India’s fastest and first multi-petaflops (PF) supercomputer named Pratyush was

unveiled at Pune based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

Pratyush has 6.8 PF computational power installed at two MoES Institutes. 4.0 Peta Flops HPC

facility at IITM, Pune and 2.8 Peta Flops facility at NCMRWF, Noida. Pratyush is fourth fastest

supercomputer in the world dedicated for weather and climate research.

Note: PF is a measure of a computer’s processing speed.

Q 45: Analog computer works on the supply of


 A continuous electrical pulses
 B electrical pulses but not continuous
 C magnetic strength
 D physical strength
Answer: A

continuous electrical pulses

Q 46: Seismograph is an example of


 A Analog computer
 B Digital computer
 C Hybrid computer
 D All of these
Answer: A

Analog computer

Q 47: These computers work by calculating the binary digits.


 A Hybrid
 B Digital
 C Analog
 D Analog
Answer: B

Digital
Q 48: Choose the odd one out.
 A Microcomputer
 B Minicomputer
 C Supercomputer
 D Digital computer
Answer: D

Microcomputer A microprocessor-based computer, consisting of an CPU, internal

semiconductor memory, input and output sections and a system bus, all on one, or several

monolithic IC chips inserted into one or several PC boards.

Minicomputer Considered to be more capable than a microcomputer but less powerful than a

mainframe.

Supercomputer The largest mainframe computer featuring exceptionally high speed operation

while manipulating huge amounts of information.

[IBPS Clerk 2011]


Q 49: A hybrid computer is the one having the combined properties of
 A super and microcomputers
 B mini and microcomputers
 C analog and digital computers
 D super and min computers
Answer: C

Hybrid Computer These computers are made by taking the best features of the analog computer

and digital computer.

[SBI Clerk 2013]


Q 50: Which types of computer are used in hospitals like ECG and
DIALYSIS?
 A Digital
 B Hybrid
 C Analog
 D Microcomputer
Answer: B

Hybrid Computer

These are the combination of analog and digital computers. Machines used in hospitals

like ECG and DIALYSIS are the commonly used hybrid computers.
Q 51: Which type of computer is used in automatic aircraft landing?
 A General computer
 B Supercomputer
 C Special purpose computer
 D Microcomputer
Answer: C

Special Purpose Computer

Special purpose computers are those computers which are used to solve a single and dedicated

types of problem. e.g. Automatic aircraft landing, multimedia computer, etc.

Quantum computer was first introduced by Richard Feynman. It uses quantum mechanical

phenomena. It is the fastest computer imitating brain working.

Nano computer is a general team used to describe a computer smaller than a microcomputer,

usually about the size of a credit card. e.g. Raspberry Pi which could be used in schools to teach

science to children.

Pratyush India’s fastest and first multi-petaflops (PF) supercomputer named Pratyush was

unveiled at Pune based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

Pratyush has 6.8 PF computational power installed at two MoES Institutes. 4.0 Peta Flops HPC

facility at IITM, Pune and 2.8 Peta Flops facility at NCMRWF, Noida. Pratyush is fourth fastest

supercomputer in the world dedicated for weather and climate research.

Note PF is a measure of a computer’s processing speed.

Q 52: Which of the following is the smallest and fastest computer


imitating brain working?
 A Supercomputer
 B Quantum computer
 C Param-10000
 D IBM chips
Answer: B

Special Purpose Computer

Special purpose computers are those computers which are used to solve a single and dedicated

types of problem. e.g. Automatic aircraft landing, multimedia computer, etc.


Quantum computer was first introduced by Richard Feynman. It uses quantum mechanical

phenomena. It is the fastest computer imitating brain working.

Nano computer is a general team used to describe a computer smaller than a microcomputer,

usually about the size of a credit card. e.g. Raspberry Pi which could be used in schools to teach

science to children.

Pratyush India’s fastest and first multi-petaflops (PF) supercomputer named Pratyush was

unveiled at Pune based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

Pratyush has 6.8 PF computational power installed at two MoES Institutes. 4.0 Peta Flops HPC

facility at IITM, Pune and 2.8 Peta Flops facility at NCMRWF, Noida. Pratyush is fourth fastest

supercomputer in the world dedicated for weather and climate research.

Note PF is a measure of a computer’s processing speed.

[IBPS PO 2012]
Q 53: In which of the following computers are used?
 A Banking
 B Education
 C Offices
 D All of these
Answer: D

Applications of Computer

Some of the areas where computers are being used areas follows

 Banking Computers are used in bank for electronic money transfer, making deposits,
voucher, bank sheet, etc.
 Education Computer is a very effective tool which can be used for teaching and
learning, result processing, student data processing, notes preparation, etc.
 Entertainment Different types of entertainment fields such as multimedia, film
making with animation, graphics, audio and visual design are done with the help of
computer.
 Offices Computers are used for preparing reports, storing/deleting reports, updating
reports, etc. in office.
 Advertisement Computers are used in the different fields of advertisement such as
business advertisement, film advertisement, education advertisement, etc.
 Business Computers are used in business foraccounting, keeping all records up-to
date,etc.
Q 54: It is the science that attempts to produce machines that display the
same type of intelligence that humans do
 A Nano science
 B Nano technology
 C Simulation
 D Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Answer: D

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science that emphasises the creation of

intelligent machines that work and react like humans. Some of the activities computers with AI

are designed for include : speech recognition, learning, planning, problem solving, etc.

Q 55: Which of the following deals with the design, construction,


operation and use of robots?
 A Robotics
 B Artificial Intelligence
 C Nano computer
 D Quantum computer
Answer: A

Robotics is the branch of engineering and science that deals with the design, construction,

operation and use of robots as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback and

information processing.

Q 56: If vaccum tubes is related to first generation of computers then


Integrated circuits are related to
 A Third generation
 B Second generation
 C Fifth generation
 D None of the above
Answer: A

Integrated circuits are related to third generation whereas transistors are related to second
generation and Ai is related to fifth generation.
Q 57: What is a computer?
 A A device that can perform arithmetic and logical operations automatically
 B A device that can only perform calculations
 C A device that can only perform logical operations
 D A device that can only be programmed
Answer: A
Explanation: A computer is a machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of

arithmetic or logical operations automatically. It is not limited to performing calculations only,

but can also perform a wide range of tasks.

Q 58: What is the operating system?


 A A set of hardware used for full computer operation
 B A set of programs used for full computer operation
 C A set of input devices used for full computer operation
 D A set of output devices used for full computer operation
Answer: B

Explanation: The operating system (OS) is the main software that manages the computer

hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It is a

set of programs that control and manage the computer's hardware and software resources, and

allows applications to run on the computer.

Q 59: What is a computer network?


 A A group of linked computers that function together
 B A device that can perform arithmetic operations only
 C A device that can perform logical operations only
 D A device that cannot be programmed
Answer: A

Explanation: A computer network is a group of computers that are linked together and function

together, allowing them to share resources and communicate with each other. Examples include

local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).

Q 60: What is Moore's law?


 A The prediction that transistor counts will increase at a rapid pace
 B The prediction that computers will become obsolete in the near future
 C The prediction that computer processing speed will remain constant
 D The prediction that computers will become smaller and cheaper over time
Answer: D
Explanation: Moore's law is a prediction made by Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, in 1965,

which states that the number of transistors on a microchip will double approximately every two

years, leading to an exponential increase in processing power and decrease in cost per transistor.

Q 61: What are peripheral devices?


 A Devices that carry out arithmetic and logical operations
 B Devices that provide common services for computer programs
 C Devices that allow information to be retrieved from an external source and enable the result of
operations to be saved and retrieved
 D Devices that manage the computer's hardware and software resources

Answer: C

Explanation: Peripheral devices include input devices (such as keyboards and mice), output

devices (such as monitors and printers), and input/output devices (such as touchscreens) that

allow information to be retrieved from an external source and enable the result of operations to be

saved and retrieved. They are not responsible for carrying out arithmetic and logical operations,

managing hardware and software resources, or providing common services for computer

programs.

Q 62: What is the definition of a computer system?


 A A machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations.
 B A device used for calculating numbers and performing logical operations.
 C A nominally complete computer that includes the hardware, operating system, and peripheral
equipment needed and used for full operation.
 D A group of interconnected computers that function together, such as a computer network or
computer cluster.
Answer: C

Explanation: A computer system is a complete computer that includes the hardware, operating

system, and peripheral equipment needed for full operation. It can also refer to a group of

computers that are linked and function together, such as a computer network or computer cluster.

Q 63: What is the name of the first digital electronic calculating machines
developed during World War II?
 A Colossus computer
 B ENIAC
 C MOSFET
 D Microcomputer
Answer: A

Explanation: The first digital electronic calculating machines were developed during World War

II, and the Colossus computer was one of the earliest examples of this technology. It was

developed by British codebreakers to help decrypt messages sent by the German military

Q 64: What is the name of the law that predicted that the transistor count
in microprocessors would double roughly every two years?
 A Boyle's law
 B Newton's law
 C Ohm's law
 D Moore's law
Answer: D

Explanation: Moore's law is a prediction made by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore in 1965 that

the number of transistors in a microprocessor would double roughly every two years. This

prediction has held true for several decades and has been a driving force behind the rapid

advancement of computer technology.

Q 65: What is the name of the processing element in a modern computer


system?
 A Peripheral device
 B Central processing unit (CPU)
 C Sequencing and control unit
 D Microprocessor
Answer: B

Explanation: The central processing unit (CPU) is the processing element in a modern computer

system. It carries out arithmetic and logical operations and responds to stored information. Other
elements in a computer system include peripheral devices, such as input and output devices, and

memory chips

Q 66: What was the first known use of the term "computer" according to
the Oxford English Dictionary?
 A In a 1943 book called The Yong Mans Gleanings by the English writer Richard Brathwait.
 B In a 1613 book called The Yong Mans Gleanings by the English writer Richard Brathwait.
 C In a 1640s book called The Yong Mans Gleanings by the English writer Richard Brathwait.
 D In a 1897 book called The Yong Mans Gleanings by the English writer Richard Brathwait.
Answer: B

Explanation: According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first known use of the term

computer was in a 1613 book called The Yong Mans Gleanings by the English writer Richard

Brathwait.

Q 67: What did the term "computer" refer to in the early days?
 A A machine that could perform arithmetic or logical operations.
 B A person who carried out calculations or computations.
 C A device used to automate long, tedious tasks.
 D A specialized analog calculating machine.
Answer: B

Explanation: In the early days, the term "computer" referred to a person who carried out

calculations or computations.

Q 68: When did the first digital electronic calculating machines appear?
 A During World War I.
 B During World War II.
 C During the Industrial Revolution.
 D During the late 19th century.
Answer: B

Explanation: The first digital electronic calculating machines were developed during World War

II.
Q 69: What is the function of a processing element in a modern computer?
 A To carry out arithmetic and logical operations.
 B To change the order of operations in response to stored information.
 C To retrieve information from an external source.
 D To enable the result of operations to be saved and retrieved.
Answer: A

Explanation: The processing element in a modern computer carries out arithmetic and logical

operations.

Q 70: What is the purpose of peripheral devices in a computer system?


 A To carry out arithmetic and logical operations.
 B To change the order of operations in response to stored information.
 C To retrieve information from an external source.
 D To enable the result of operations to be saved and retrieved.
Answer: C

Explanation: Peripheral devices in a computer system allow information to be retrieved from an

external source.

Q 71: What is the earliest known mechanical analog computer?


 A Antikythera mechanism
 B Planisphere
 C Astrolabe
 D Slide rule
Answer: A

Explanation: The Antikythera mechanism is believed to be the earliest known mechanical analog

computer, designed to calculate astronomical positions. It was discovered in 1901 in the

Antikythera wreck off the Greek island of Antikythera, between Kythera and Crete, and has been

dated to approximately c. 100 BC.

Q 72: What is the slide rule?


 A A mechanical doll
 B A calculating instrument for solving problems in proportion, trigonometry, multiplication, and
division
 C A hand-operated analog computer for doing addition and subtraction
 D A device used for predicting tides in shallow waters

Answer: B

Explanation: The slide rule is a hand-operated analog computer for doing multiplication and

division. As slide rule development progressed, added scales provided reciprocals, squares and

square roots, cubes and cube roots, as well as transcendental functions such as logarithms and

exponentials, circular and hyperbolic trigonometry, and other functions.

Q 73: Who invented the slide rule?


 A Giovanni Plana
 B Pierre Jaquet-Droz
 C Sir William Thomson
 D William Oughtred
Answer: D

Explanation: The slide rule was invented around 1620-1630 by the English clergyman William

Oughtred, shortly after the publication of the concept of the logarithm.

Q 74: What is the purpose of the planimeter?


 A To calculate the area of a closed figure
 B To solve problems in proportion, trigonometry, multiplication, and division
 C To predict tides in shallow waters
 D To perform integration
Answer: A

Explanation: The planimeter is a manual instrument used to calculate the area of a closed figure

by tracing over it with a mechanical linkage.

Q 75: What is the purpose of the differential analyzer?


 A To predict tides in shallow waters
 B To calculate the area of a closed figure
 C To perform integration
 D To solve problems in proportion, trigonometry, multiplication, and division

Answer: C

Explanation: The differential analyzer is a mechanical analog computer designed to solve

differential equations by integration, using wheel-and-disc mechanisms to perform the

integration.

Q 76: Who devised the Perpetual Calendar machine?


 A Sir William Thomson
 B William Oughtred
 C Giovanni Plana
 D Abi Bakr
Answer: C

Explanation: In 1831-1835, mathematician and engineer Giovanni Plana devised a Perpetual

Calendar machine, which, through a system of pulleys and cylinders and over, could predict the

perpetual calendar for every year from AD 0 (that is, 1 BC) to AD 4000, keeping track of leap

years and varying day length.

Q 77: What is the purpose of the Astrolabe?


 A To calculate the area of a closed figure
 B To predict tides in shallow waters
 C To perform integration
 D To work out problems in spherical astronomy
Answer: D

Explanation: The Astrolabe was invented in the Hellenistic world in either the 1st or 2nd

centuries BC and is often attributed to Hipparchus. It was effectively an analog computer capable

of working out several different kinds of problems

Q 78: Who is credited with inventing the first mechanical geared lunisolar
calendar astrolabe?
 A Pierre Jaquet-Droz
 B Abi Bakr of Isfahan
 C William Oughtred
 D Giovanni Plana

Answer: B

Explanation: Abi Bakr of Isfahan. He invented the astrolabe incorporating a mechanical calendar

computer and gear-wheels in 1235.

Q 79: What was the purpose of the sector?


 A Solving problems in proportion, trigonometry, multiplication and division
 B Calculating the area of a closed figure
 C Tracking the perpetual calendar
 D Solving differential equations
Answer: A

Explanation: Solving problems in proportion, trigonometry, multiplication and division. The

sector was developed in the late 16th century and found application in gunnery, surveying, and

navigation.

Q 80: What is a slide rule?


 A A mechanical doll that could write holding a quill pen
 B A calculating instrument used for solving problems in proportion, trigonometry, multiplication
and division
 C A hand-operated analog computer for doing multiplication and division
 D An instrument for calculating the area of a closed figure

Answer: C

Explanation: A hand-operated analog computer for doing multiplication and division. The slide

rule was invented around 1620-1630 by the English clergyman William Oughtred.

Q 81: Who invented the differential analyzer?


 A Sir William Thomson
 B Giovanni Plana
 C Pierre Jaquet-Droz
 D Vannevar Bush
Answer: D
Explanation: Vannevar Bush and others developed mechanical differential analyzers starting in

the 1920s. Sir William Thomson had discussed the possible construction of such calculators

earlier but had been stymied by the limited output torque of the ball-and-disk integrators.

Q 82: What was the purpose of the Antikythera mechanism?


 A Solving problems in proportion, trigonometry, multiplication and division
 B Calculating the area of a closed figure
 C Predicting the perpetual calendar
 D Calculating astronomical positions
Answer: D

Explanation: The Antikythera mechanism is believed to be the earliest known mechanical analog

computer, designed to calculate astronomical positions. It was discovered in 1901 in the

Antikythera wreck off the Greek island of Antikythera.

Q 83: What was the purpose of the planisphere?


 A Solving problems in proportion, trigonometry, multiplication and division
 B Calculating the area of a closed figure
 C Predicting the perpetual calendar
 D A star chart for astronomical use
Answer: D

Explanation: The planisphere was a star chart invented by Abū Rayhān al-Bīrūnī in the early 11th

century.

Q 84: Who invented the perpetual calendar machine?


 A Pierre Jaquet-Droz
 B Abi Bakr of Isfahan
 C Giovanni Plana
 D Sir William Thomson
Answer: C
Explanation: He devised a Perpetual Calendar machine, which could predict the perpetual

calendar for every year from AD 0 to AD 4000.

Q 85: What was the purpose of the tide-predicting machine?


 A Solving problems in proportion, trigonometry, multiplication and division
 B Calculating the area of a closed figure
 C Predicting the perpetual calendar
 D Predicting tide levels for a set period at a particular location
Answer: D

Explanation: Predicting tide levels for a set period at a particular location. The tide-predicting

machine was invented by the Scottish scientist Sir William Thomson in 1872.

Q 86: Who is considered the "father of the computer"?


 A Alan Turing
 B Charles Babbage
 C Vannevar Bush
 D William Thomson
Answer: B

Explanation: Charles Babbage is considered the "father of the computer" for conceptualizing and

inventing the first mechanical computer in the early 19th century.

Q 87: What was the name of the first mechanical computer designed by
Babbage?
 A Analytical Engine
 B Digital Computer
 C Mechanical Engine
 D Arithmetic Logic Unit
Answer: A

Explanation: Babbage's first mechanical computer was called the Analytical Engine, which

incorporated an arithmetic logic unit, control flow, and integrated memory

Q 88: How was data input provided to the Analytical Engine?


 A Through a printer
 B Through punched cards
 C Through a keyboard
 D Through a mouse
Answer: B

Explanation: Data input was provided to the Analytical Engine via punched cards, a method used

at the time to direct mechanical looms.

Q 89: What was the major problem in constructing Babbage's Analytical


Engine?
 A Political and financial difficulties
 B Lack of skilled labor
 C Technical limitations
 D None of the above
Answer: A

Explanation: The construction of the Analytical Engine was hindered by political and financial

difficulties, as well as Babbage's desire to develop an increasingly sophisticated computer.

Q 90: What was the first modern analog computer?


 A Tide-predicting machine
 B Differential analyzer
 C Mechanical integrator
 D Torque amplifier
Answer: A

Explanation: The tide-predicting machine, invented by William Thomson in 1872, was the first

modern analog computer.

Q 91: What is an analog computer?


 A A computer that uses digital circuits
 B A computer that uses direct mechanical or electrical models of problems
 C A computer that uses vacuum tubes
 D A computer that uses punched cards
Answer: B
Explanation: An analog computer uses direct mechanical or electrical models of problems as a

basis for computation.

Q 92: What was the differential analyzer?


 A An analog computer designed to solve differential equations
 B A digital computer designed to solve differential equations
 C A mechanical integrator
 D A torque amplifier
Answer: A

Explanation: The differential analyzer was a mechanical analog computer designed to solve

differential equations using wheel-and-disc mechanisms.

Q 93: When was the differential analyzer conceptualized?


 A 1872
 B 1876
 C 1927
 D 1950s
Answer: B

Explanation: The differential analyzer was conceptualized by James Thomson, the elder brother

of William Thomson, in 1876.

Q 94: Who built the differential analyzer?


 A H. L. Hazen and Vannevar Bush
 B Charles Babbage
 C William Thomson
 D James Thomson
Answer: A

Explanation: The differential analyzer was built by H. L. Hazen and Vannevar Bush at MIT

starting in 1927.

Q 95: How many differential analyzers were built before becoming


obsolete?
 A One
 B Two
 C A dozen
 D Hundreds
Answer: C

Explanation: A dozen differential analyzers were built before their obsolescence became obvious

Q 96: What was the name of the first modern analog computer and who
invented it?
 A a. Tide-predicting machine, invented by Sir William Thomson
 B b. Difference Engine, invented by Charles Babbage
 C c. Analytical Engine, invented by Charles Babbage
 D d. Differential Analyzer, built by H. L. Hazen and Vannevar Bush
Answer: D

Explanation: The differential analyzer was the first modern analog computer, which was built by

H. L. Hazen and Vannevar Bush at MIT starting in 1927.

Q 97: What was the main disadvantage of analog computers compared to


digital computers?
 A They were not programmable.
 B They lacked versatility and accuracy.
 C They were too large and heavy.
 D They were too expensive to build.
Answer: B

Explanation: Analog computers used a direct mechanical or electrical model of the problem as a

basis for computation, but they were generally not programmable and lacked the versatility and

accuracy of modern digital computers.

Q 98: What was the main advantage of punched cards as an input method
for early computers?
 A They were faster than other input methods.
 B They were more accurate than other input methods.
 C They allowed for the input of programs and data.
 D They were more affordable than other input methods.
Answer: C

Explanation: Punched cards were a method of providing input to early computers and were used

to direct mechanical looms such as the Jacquard loom. For computers, punched cards allowed for

the input of programs and data.

Q 99: Who completed a simplified version of the Analytical Engine's


computing unit in 1888?
 A Charles Babbage
 B Ada Lovelace
 C Henry Babbage
 D Lord Kelvin
Answer: A

Explanation: Charles Babbage invented the Analytical Engine, but his son Henry Babbage

completed a simplified version of the Analytical Engine's computing unit (the mill) in 1888.

Q 100: Who conceptualized the differential analyzer, a mechanical analog


computer designed to solve differential equations by integration using
wheel-and-disc mechanisms?
 A James Thomson
 B H. L. Hazen
 C Vannevar Bush
 D Sir William Thomson
Answer: A

Explanation: James Thomson, the elder brother of Sir William Thomson, conceptualized the

differential analyzer, a mechanical analog computer designed to solve differential equations by

integration using wheel-and-disc mechanisms.

Q 101: What was the name of the mechanical integrators that the
differential analyzer built upon?
 A Differential analyzers
 B Torque amplifiers
 C Wheel-and-disc mechanisms
 D Jacquard looms

Answer: B

Explanation: The differential analyzer built upon the mechanical integrators of James Thomson

and the torque amplifiers invented by H. W. Nieman.

Q 102: What was the main reason for the obsolescence of analog
computing machines by the 1950s?
 A They lacked versatility and accuracy.
 B They were too expensive to build.
 C They were too large and heavy.
 D The success of digital electronic computers.
Answer: D

Explanation: By the 1950s, the success of digital electronic computers had spelled the end for

most analog computing machines.

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