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Early Age Calculation Devices

1. What is the Abacus, and when was it developed?

 Answer: The Abacus is the first counting device designed for

simple calculations like addition, subtraction, multiplication,
etc. It was developed in 3000 BC in China.

2. Who invented Napier's Bones, and what was its purpose?

 Answer: Scottish mathematician John Napier invented Napier's

Bones in 1616. It was a calculating device used for
multiplication, division, square roots, and cube roots.

3. Describe Pascaline and its inventor.

 Answer: Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, invented

Pascaline in 1642. It was the first mechanical calculator with
eight movable wheels for addition and subtraction.

4. What significant contribution did Gottfried Wilhelm Von

Leibniz make in 1673?

 Answer: Leibniz built a calculator that could add, subtract,

multiply, and divide, later becoming popular as Leibniz's
Calculator.

5. Explain the importance of Jacquard Loom in the context of

early computing.

 Answer: In 1801, J. M. Jacquard invented a powered loom

using punched cards, resembling the first "read only memory"
device.

6. Who is considered the "father of modern computers," and

what machine did he design?

 Answer: Charles Babbage is considered the "father of modern

computers." He designed the Analytical Engine in 1834,
featuring an input device, processing unit (mill), storage device,
and output device.

7. Who revised Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine and

suggested binary data storage?
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 Answer: Augusta Ada Lovelace, Babbage's assistant and

daughter of Lord Byron, revised the Analytical Engine and
suggested using binary data storage.

8. What was the Harvard Mark I, and who developed it?

 Answer: The Harvard Mark I, an early proto-computer, was

developed by Howard H. Aiken in 1937, representing the first
automatic electronic computer.

9. What distinguished EDVAC from its predecessor ENIAC?

 Answer: EDVAC, unlike ENIAC, was binary, had a stored-

program design, and was one of the earliest electronic
computers.

10. Who developed the UNIVAC-I, and what was its

significance?

 Answer: J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly developed the

UNIVAC-I in 1951, marking the first commercial electronic
computer that could work with both numeric and text data.

Generations of Computers

11. What characterized the first generation of computers?

 Answer: The first generation (M40-WS6) was based on vacuum

tubes and magnetic drums, consuming a lot of electricity.
Examples include ENIAC, EDVAC, and UNIVAC I.

12. What technological shift occurred in the second generation

of computers?

 Answer: The second generation (1456-1363) replaced vacuum

tubes with transistors, resulting in smaller, faster, and cheaper
computers, such as UNIVAC III and IBM 1401.

13. What major development marked the third generation of

computers?

 Answer: Integrated Circuits (IC) replaced transistors in the

third generation, increasing speed and efficiency. Examples
include UNIVAC 900 series, IBM 360, and ICL 1900.
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14. What key innovation defines the fourth generation of

computers?

 Answer: Microprocessor chips and binary coding for

arithmetical operations characterize the fourth generation. IBM
introduced its first home computer in 1981.

15. What is the focus of the fifth-generation computers?

 Answer: Fifth-generation computers, still in development, will

be based on Artificial Intelligence, aiming to make computers
think and make decisions like humans.

Modern Age Computers

16. Name three types of modern computers and briefly

describe each.

 Answer:
 Desktop Computers: Placed on a desk and commonly
used at homes, schools, shops, etc.
 Laptop: Smaller than desktops, portable for use
everywhere.
 Tablets: Portable with touch screens and virtual
keyboards.

Characteristics of Computers

17. List and explain four main characteristics of modern

computers.

 Answer:
 Speed: Computers perform calculations in seconds.
 Accuracy: Computers provide accurate results with
correct input.
 Diligent: Computers can repeat tasks with consistent
accuracy and speed.
 High Storage: Computers can store large amounts of
data safely for future use.

Limitations of Computers
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18. What are the limitations of computers mentioned in the

text?

 Answer:
 Zero IQ: Computers lack intelligence and cannot operate
on their own.
 Lack of Decision-making Power: Computers require
instructions from users and may give incorrect results in
unexpected situations.
 Needs Electricity: Computers depend on electricity to
function.
 No Heuristics: Computers cannot learn from past
mistakes like humans.

Year-Based Points

1. In which year was the Abacus developed, and where?

 Answer: The Abacus was developed in 3000 BC in China.

2. Who invented Napier's Bones, and in which year?

 Answer: Napier's Bones were invented by Scottish

mathematician John Napier in 1616.

3. When did Blaise Pascal invent Pascaline, and what

was its purpose?

 Answer: Blaise Pascal invented Pascaline in 1642, and it was

the first mechanical calculator designed for addition and
subtraction.

4. What year saw the development of Jacquard's Loom,

and who was the inventor?

 Answer: In 1801, J. M. Jacquard invented Jacquard's Loom,

which used punched cards for automatic weaving.

5. In which year did Charles Babbage design the

Analytical Engine, and what did it include?
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 Answer: Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine in

1834, featuring an input device, processing unit, storage
device, and output device.

6. Who revised the Analytical Engine, and in what year

did this happen?

 Answer: Augusta Ada Lovelace, Babbage's assistant, revised

the Analytical Engine. The specific year is not mentioned.

7. When was the Harvard Mark I, the early proto-

computer, developed?

 Answer: The Harvard Mark I, developed by Howard H. Aiken,

was presented to IBM in 1937.

8. In what year was the EDVAC (Electronic Discrete

Variable Automatic Computer) delivered?

 Answer: EDVAC was delivered to the Ballistics Research

Laboratory in August 1949.

9. When was the UNIVAC-I (Universal Automatic

Computer) developed, and who were the developers?

 Answer: J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly developed the

UNIVAC-I in 1951.

10. What significant event happened in 1981 regarding

home computers, and which company was involved?

 Answer: In 1981, IBM introduced its first computer for the

home user, marking a significant development in home
computing.

11. What is the focus of the fifth-generation computers,

and what is their current status?

 Answer: Scientists are working on fifth-generation computers

based on Artificial Intelligence. The text indicates they are in
the present and beyond, but no specific year is mentioned.
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MCQs
1. What is the Abacus, and when was it developed?
 a. An early computer, 1937
 b. A counting device, 3000 BC (Correct)
 c. A mechanical calculator, 1642
 d. An electronic device, 1951
2. Who invented Napier's Bones, and what were they used
for?
 a. Charles Babbage, multiplication
 b. John Napier, addition and subtraction
 c. Blaise Pascal, division
 d. Gottfried Wilhelm Von Leibniz, square roots and cube
roots (Correct)
3. What did Jacquard's Loom use punched cards for?
 a. Musical compositions
 b. Automatic weaving (Correct)
 c. Mathematical calculations
 d. Text data processing
4. Which mathematician is considered the "father of
modern computers"?
 a. John Napier
 b. Charles Babbage (Correct)
 c. Blaise Pascal
 d. Gottfried Wilhelm Von Leibniz
5. When was the Harvard Mark I, an early proto-computer,
developed?
 a. 1801
 b. 1937 (Correct)
 c. 1951
 d. 1981
6. What distinguished EDVAC from its predecessor ENIAC?
 a. It was smaller and cheaper.
 b. It used punched cards.
 c. It was binary and stored-program (Correct).
 d. It was developed in 1937.
7. Who developed the UNIVAC-I, and in which year was it
developed?
 a. John Napier, 1616
 b. Charles Babbage, 1834
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 c. J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly, 1951 (Correct)

 d. Howard H. Aiken, 1937
8. What characterizes the second generation of
computers?
 a. Vacuum tubes
 b. Transistors (Correct)
 c. Integrated Circuits
 d. Microprocessor chips
9. Which generation of computers introduced Integrated
Circuits (IC)?
 a. First generation
 b. Second generation
 c. Third generation (Correct)
 d. Fourth generation
10. What defines the fourth generation of computers?
 a. Vacuum tubes
 b. Transistors
 c. Integrated Circuits
 d. Microprocessor chips (Correct)
11. What is the focus of fifth-generation computers?
 a. Vacuum tubes
 b. Artificial Intelligence (Correct)
 c. Microprocessor chips
 d. Integrated Circuits
12. Who is credited as the world's first computer
programmer?
 a. Charles Babbage
 b. John Napier
 c. Augusta Ada Lovelace (Correct)
 d. Howard H. Aiken
13. In which year did IBM introduce its first computer
for the home user?
 a. 1642
 b. 1834
 c. 1981 (Correct)
 d. 1951
14. What is the significance of the Analytical Engine in
the history of computers?
 a. First electronic computer
 b. First stored-program computer
 c. First general-purpose computer (Correct)
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 d. First mechanical calculator

15. What does the term "Heuristics" refer to in the
context of computer limitations?
 a. Ability to learn from past mistakes (Correct)
 b. Speed of calculations
 c. Accuracy in results
 d. Lack of decision-making power

16. What early calculating device had two sections

named Heaven and Earth?
 a. Napier's Bones
 b. Pascaline
 c. Abacus (Correct)
 d. Jacquard's Loom
17. Who proposed the use of Binary Data storage for
Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine?
 a. Blaise Pascal
 b. Gottfried Wilhelm Von Leibniz
 c. John Napier
 d. Augusta Ada Lovelace (Correct)
18. Which early calculating device was used for
multiplying, dividing, and taking square roots and cube
roots?
 a. Abacus
 b. Napier's Bones (Correct)
 c. Pascaline
 d. Leibniz's Calculator
19. When was the first commercial electronic computer,
UNIVAC-I, developed?
 a. 1801
 b. 1834
 c. 1951 (Correct)
 d. 1937
20. What term is used to describe the ability of
computers to perform different types of tasks
simultaneously?
 a. Speed
 b. Accuracy
 c. Versatility (Correct)
 d. Diligence
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21. Which generation of computers replaced vacuum

tubes with transistors?
 a. First generation
 b. Second generation (Correct)
 c. Third generation
 d. Fourth generation
22. What was the significance of the Jacquard Loom in
the history of computing?
 a. Invented punched cards for automatic weaving
(Correct)
 b. Developed the first mechanical calculator
 c. Introduced vacuum tubes
 d. Proposed the Analytical Engine
23. Who proposed the concept of the Analytical Engine
and is known as the "father of modern computers"?
 a. Blaise Pascal
 b. John Napier
 c. Charles Babbage (Correct)
 d. Howard H. Aiken
24. Which generation of computers introduced
Microprocessor chips?
 a. Third generation
 b. Fourth generation (Correct)
 c. Fifth generation
 d. Second generation
25. In 1801, what did J. M. Jacquard invent that could
be considered an early form of "read-only memory"?
 a. Pascaline
 b. Analytical Engine
 c. UNIVAC-I
 d. Jacquard's Loom (Correct)
26. What is the primary focus of the third generation of
computers?
 a. Vacuum tubes
 b. Transistors
 c. Integrated Circuits (Correct)
 d. Microprocessor chips
27. Which early calculating device had a frame with
beads sliding on wires and two sections named Heaven
and Earth?
 a. Napier's Bones
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b. Pascaline
 c. Abacus (Correct)
 d. Leibniz's Calculator
28. Who developed the Harvard Mark I, an early proto-
computer?
 a. Blaise Pascal
 b. John Mauchly
 c. Howard H. Aiken (Correct)
 d. J. M. Jacquard
29. Which generation of computers focused on making
computers think and take decisions like human beings?
 a. First generation
 b. Second generation
 c. Third generation
 d. Fifth generation (Correct)
30. What is the primary limitation mentioned regarding
computers' decision-making power?
 a. Lack of electricity
 b. Zero IQ (Correct)
 c. No heuristics
 d. Lack of accuracy

Answers

1. b. A counting device, 3000 BC

2. d. Gottfried Wilhelm Von Leibniz, square roots and cube roots
3. b. Automatic weaving
4. c. J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly, 1951
5. b. 1937
6. c. It was binary and stored-program
7. c. J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly, 1951
8. b. Transistors
9. c. Third generation
10. d. Microprocessor chips
11. b. Artificial Intelligence
12. c. Augusta Ada Lovelace
13. c. 1981
14. c. First general-purpose computer
15. a. Ability to learn from past mistakes
16. c. Abacus
17. d. Augusta Ada Lovelace
18. b. Napier's Bones
19. c. 1951
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20. c. Versatility
21. b. Second generation
22. a. Invented punched cards for automatic weaving
23. c. Charles Babbage
24. b. Fourth generation
25. d. Jacquard's Loom
26. c. Integrated Circuits
27. c. Abacus
28. c. Howard H. Aiken
29. d. Fifth generation
30. b. Zero IQ

Input/Output devices

1. Question: What is a keyboard, and what is its primary function

in a computer system?
Answer: A keyboard is an input device with keys representing
alphanumeric characters, numbers, and symbols. Its primary
function is to allow users to input data, commands, and text
into a computer.
2. Question: Define a mouse and explain its role as an input
device.
Answer: A mouse is an input device used to move a cursor on
the screen, facilitating user interaction with graphical
interfaces. It enables the selection of items, navigation, and
interaction with software.
3. Question: What is the purpose of a scanner, and how does it
contribute to computer usage?
Answer: A scanner is an input device that converts physical
documents or images into digital format. Its purpose is to
enable the computer to store, manipulate, and reproduce these
documents in a digital form.
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4. Question: Describe the functionality of a webcam and its

significance in computer communication.
Answer: A webcam is an input device that captures video and
images. It plays a crucial role in video communication, allowing
users to participate in video conferences, record videos, or
capture still images for various applications.
5. Question: What characterizes a microphone as an input
device, and why is it essential in computing?
Answer: A microphone is an input device that captures audio.
Its role is to record voice, facilitating audio communication,
voice recognition software, or audio content creation on a
computer.
6. Question: Explain the function of a touchpad or trackpad as an
input device.
Answer: A touchpad or trackpad is an input device that allows
users to control the cursor on the screen by making physical
gestures on the pad's surface. It is commonly found on laptops
and provides an alternative to a traditional mouse for
navigation and interaction.
7. Question: What is a graphics tablet, and how does it serve as
an input device?
Answer: A graphics tablet is an input device that allows users
to draw or input graphics using a stylus or pen on a sensitive
surface. It is commonly used by artists and designers for
precise digital drawing.
8. Question: Define a barcode scanner and explain its function as
an input device.
Answer: A barcode scanner is an input device that reads and
interprets barcodes. Its primary function is to input data quickly
by scanning barcodes, commonly used in retail and inventory
management.
9. Question: What is the purpose of a digital camera as an input
device for computers?
Answer: A digital camera is an input device that captures still
images and videos. Its primary purpose is to input visual data
into a computer for storage, editing, and sharing.
10. Question: Describe the functionality of a joystick and its
role as an input device.
Answer: A joystick is an input device used for controlling the
movement of an object on the screen, often in gaming or
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simulation applications. It provides a hands-on, directional

control interface.
11. Question: What characterizes a fingerprint scanner as an
input device, and how is it used?
Answer: A fingerprint scanner is an input device that captures
and analyzes fingerprints for identification purposes. It is
commonly used for security and access control, providing a
biometric means of authentication.

Output
1. Question: Define a computer monitor or display, and what is
its primary role as an output device?
Answer: A computer monitor or display is an output device
that presents visual information, including text, graphics, and
videos, generated by the computer. Its primary role is to
provide a visual interface for users to interact with the
computer.
2. Question: What is the function of a printer, and how does it
contribute to the computer's output capabilities?
Answer: A printer is an output device that produces hard
copies of digital documents or images on paper. Its primary
function is to provide users with physical copies of digital
content for various applications.
3. Question: Describe the role of speakers as output devices in a
computer system and the type of output they provide.
Answer: Speakers are output devices that provide audio
output. They play a crucial role in allowing users to hear sound
generated by the computer, including music, system alerts, and
other audio elements.
4. Question: How does a projector function as an output device
for a computer, and in what scenarios would you use it?
Answer: A projector is an output device that displays
computer-generated images or presentations on a larger
screen or surface. It is commonly used in situations where a
larger visual display is needed, such as presentations,
meetings, or educational purposes.
5. Question: Define the function of headphones as output
devices in a computer system, and how do they enhance the
user experience?
Answer: Headphones are output devices that provide a private
audio experience. They enhance the user experience by
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allowing individuals to listen to audio content without disturbing

others, providing a more personal and immersive audio
environment.
6. Question: What is the purpose of a plotter as an output
device, and in what applications is it commonly used?
Answer: A plotter is an output device that draws vector
graphics on paper. It is commonly used in engineering,
architectural design, and other applications that require precise
and detailed graphical output.
7. Question: Define a plotter and explain its role as an output
device in specific applications.
Answer: A plotter is an output device that draws vector
graphics on paper. Its primary role is to provide precise and
detailed graphical output, making it commonly used in
engineering, architectural design, and other applications that
require high-quality drawings.
8. Question: What characterizes a tactile or haptic feedback
device, and how does it contribute to the user experience?
Answer: A tactile or haptic feedback device is an output device
that provides physical sensations to users. It contributes to the
user experience by offering touch-based feedback, enhancing
interactions in virtual environments or touch-sensitive
applications.
9. Question: Describe the function of an LED/LCD screen as an
output device and its advantages.
Answer: An LED/LCD screen is an output device that displays
visual information using liquid crystal technology. Its function is
to provide high-resolution and energy-efficient visual output.
Advantages include slim design, vibrant colors, and suitability
for various devices like TVs and computer monitors.
10. Question: What is the role of an inkjet printer, and how
does it differ from other types of printers?
Answer: An inkjet printer is an output device that produces
high-quality prints by spraying tiny droplets of ink onto paper. It
differs from other printers by offering superior photo printing
capabilities, making it suitable for graphics, images, and color
documents.
11. Question: Define a 3D printer and explain its significance
in modern manufacturing and prototyping.
Answer: A 3D printer is an output device that creates three-
dimensional objects layer by layer. Its significance lies in
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modern manufacturing and prototyping, allowing the efficient

production of complex and customized objects directly from
digital designs.
12. Question: What is the function of a smartboard or
interactive whiteboard as an output device, and how is it used
in educational settings?
Answer: A smartboard or interactive whiteboard is an output
device that displays computer-generated content and allows
users to interact by touching or using a stylus. It is commonly
used in educational settings to enhance classroom engagement
through interactive lessons, presentations, and collaborative
activities.

MCQs
Input Devices:

1. What is the primary function of a keyboard?

 a. Displaying visuals
 b. Audio output
 c. Data input (Correct)
 d. Generating power
2. Which device allows users to draw or input graphics
using a stylus or pen?
 a. Mouse
 b. Scanner
 c. Graphics tablet (Correct)
 d. Webcam
3. What does a barcode scanner primarily read and
interpret?
 a. Fingerprints
 b. Barcodes (Correct)
 c. Voice commands
 d. Images
4. What is the purpose of a webcam in computing?
 a. Audio input
 b. Video communication (Correct)
 c. Document scanning
 d. Graphics rendering
5. Which device captures audio, enabling voice recognition
and communication?
 a. Microphone (Correct)
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 b. Scanner
 c. Graphics tablet
 d. Joystick
6. What is the primary function of a graphics tablet?
 a. Audio output
 b. Graphics input (Correct)
 c. Document printing
 d. Video rendering
7. Which input device is commonly used for controlling
movement in gaming applications?
 a. Webcam
 b. Microphone
 c. Joystick (Correct)
 d. Keyboard
8. What does a fingerprint scanner capture for
identification purposes?
 a. Visual images
 b. Barcodes
 c. Fingerprints (Correct)
 d. Audio signals

Output Devices:

9. What is the primary role of a computer monitor or

display?
 a. Audio output
 b. Visual input
 c. Visual output (Correct)
 d. Data storage
10. Which output device produces hard copies of digital
documents on paper?
 a. Printer (Correct)
 b. Projector
 c. Monitor
 d. Joystick
11. What is the function of speakers in a computer
system?
 a. Visual output
 b. Audio output (Correct)
 c. Data input
 d. Barcode scanning
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12. Which output device is commonly used for

displaying computer-generated images in large
settings?
 a. Printer
 b. Monitor
 c. Projector (Correct)
 d. Webcam
13. What do headphones provide in a computer
system?
 a. Visual feedback
 b. Audio output (Correct)
 c. Touch-sensitive input
 d. Barcode scanning
14. What is the primary function of a plotter as an
output device?
 a. Audio output
 b. Visual input
 c. Graphical output (Correct)
 d. Data storage
15. Which output device provides physical sensations
to users as feedback?
 a. Printer
 b. Speakers
 c. Tactile/haptic feedback device (Correct)
 d. Monitor
16. What is the primary purpose of a 3D printer?
 a. Audio output
 b. Visual input
 c. Producing three-dimensional objects (Correct)
 d. Data storage
17. What is the role of a smartboard or interactive
whiteboard in educational settings?
 a. Audio output
 b. Visual input
 c. Enhanced classroom engagement (Correct)
 d. Document printing

Input Devices:

1. Answer: c. Data input

2. Answer: c. Graphics tablet
3. Answer: b. Barcodes
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4. Answer: b. Video communication

5. Answer: a. Microphone
6. Answer: b. Graphics input
7. Answer: c. Joystick
8. Answer: c. Fingerprints

Output Devices:

9. Answer: c. Visual output

10. Answer: a. Printer
11. Answer: b. Audio output
12. Answer: c. Projector
13. Answer: b. Audio output
14. Answer: c. Graphical output
15. Answer: c. Tactile/haptic feedback device
16. Answer: c. Producing three-dimensional objects
17. Answer: c. Enhanced classroom engagement