Revision (Answer Key) – Evolution of Computers
A. Mark a tick (🗸) against the correct option.
1) Which language was used in the second generation of computers?
i. Machine
ii. Cobol
iii. Java
iv. Python
2) This was the first computer that could handle both numeric and text data.
i. EDVAC
ii. ENIAC
iii. UNIVAC I
iv. Mark I
3) Which generation of computers used scanners as an input device?
i. First generation
ii. Second generation
iii. Third generation
iv. Fourth generation
4) A taxi meter is an example of which of the following?
i. Abacus
ii. Pascal’s Adding Machine
iii. Leibniz Calculator
iv. Tabulating Machine
B. Match the following:
i. Transistor a. First generation
ii. Microprocessor b. Second generation
iii. Vacuum Tubes c. Third generation
iv. Integrated Circuits d. Fourth generation
v. Artificial Intelligence e. Fifth generation
Answer: i – b, ii – d, iii – a, iv – c, v - e
C. Answer the following questions:
1) Describe the Pascal’s Adding Machine.
Ans: Pascal's Adding Machine could perform addition and subtraction.
• It consists of gears, wheels, and dials.
• Numbers were displayed by rotating the wheels.
• A taxi meter is an example of Pascal’s Adding Machine.
2) Describe the fifth generation of computers. (Use these pointers: Input device, output device
and data storage facility)
Ans: a) Fifth-generation computers involve Artificial Intelligence (AI), where computers can
think and react in the same way as humans do.
b) These computers are still in development, though there are some applications, such as
voice recognition, that are being used today.
c) Input and Output devices – Touch screen, voice recognition and other sensor-based input
output devices, 3D printers.
d) Data Storage – Magnetic disks with higher capacity and cloud storage.
3) List and explain five features of a computer.
Ans: a) Speed: Speed is the amount of time taken to complete a task.
b) Accuracy: It is the degree of perfection of operations performed. Computers are capable of
handling complex instructions accurately.
c) Versatility: They can perform a variety of tasks.
d) Diligence: Computers can work for long hours without rest as they do not feel tired, bored
or fatigued.
e) Storage: Computer can store a large amount of data, which can be used anytime.
4) Raman thinks that computers are smarter than human beings and they may give commands to
us. Explain to Raman the limitations of a computer to help him clear his misconceptions.
Ans: Limitations of a computer:
a) Incapability to think - A computer cannot think and take decisions on its own. In case of any
error, it cannot take alternative action.
b) No intelligence – Computer has no intelligence. It needs instructions at each step.
c) Dependence on power – Computer is an electronic machine and its dependence on power
makes it costly.
