Introduction to Information Systems (IST1020)
computer - Answer: An electronic device that takes in data and instructions (input), processes
said data, and produces information (output)
data - Answer: Raw facts fed to a computer lacking context.
information - Answer: Data that has been processed to become meaningful for making
decisions.
processing - Answer: The act of converting data into information.
hardware - Answer: The physical parts of a computer.
software - Answer: Non-physical parts of a computer, consisting of a set of instructions fed to a
computer.
first-generation computers - Answer: From 1940-1956
Characterized by:
a) use of vacuum tubes
b) being very large (took up whole rooms)
c) being expensive
d) being unreliable and overheating
e) requiring a lot of power
Examples include UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) and ENIAC (Electronic Numerical
Integrator and Computer)
second generation computers - Answer: From 1956-1963.
Characterized by:
,Introduction to Information Systems (IST1020)
a) being smaller
b) being more reliable
c) being less power hungry
d) using transistors
Examples include the IBM Stretch
form of input and output for first-generation and second-generation computers - Answer: Input:
punch cards
Output: printouts
third generation computers - Answer: From 1964-1971.
Characterized by:
a) the use of Integrated Circuits (ICs, which are electrical components like transistors, resistors
and capacitors on semiconductor material)
b) replacing punch cards and printouts with keyboards and monitors
c) having memory management systems through the OS
fourth generation computers - Answer: From 1971-Present.
Characterized by:
a) using large, very large, and ultra large scale integration.
b) being cheaper
c) being smaller
d) being faster
e) being more efficient
f) being used as personal computers
g) fitting thousands of ICs onto a single silicon chip (microprocessor)
, Introduction to Information Systems (IST1020)
Examples include Apple's Macintosh in 1984 and the first PC ever by IBM in 1981
fifth generation computers - Answer: Focuses on artificial intelligence and advanced computing
through fields like nanoscience and biomedical implants.
classification of hardware devices - Answer: By one of the five basic operations of computers:
a) Input
b) Output
c) Storage
d) Processing
e) Communication
input devices - Answer: Machines that generate input for the computer.
Examples include keyboards, mice, joysticks, touch screens, graphics tablets, microphones,
barcode scanners, digital cameras and others.
types of keyboards - Answer: a) QWERTY keyboards (enhanced features, standard on most PCs)
b) Dvorak keyboards (sets commonly used keys as "home keys" to reduce finger-stretching
distance)
c) Specialty keyboards (for non-standard devices (laptops, PDAs, wireless devices) or special use
cases (ergonomics))
types of mice - Answer: a) Roller ball mouse (inexpensive but hard to clean)
b) Trackball mouse (stationary on a desk but hard to control)
c) Optical mouse (needs no mouse pad or cleaning but expensive)
formats of computer commands - Answer: a) Data
computer - Answer: An electronic device that takes in data and instructions (input), processes
said data, and produces information (output)
data - Answer: Raw facts fed to a computer lacking context.
information - Answer: Data that has been processed to become meaningful for making
decisions.
processing - Answer: The act of converting data into information.
hardware - Answer: The physical parts of a computer.
software - Answer: Non-physical parts of a computer, consisting of a set of instructions fed to a
computer.
first-generation computers - Answer: From 1940-1956
Characterized by:
a) use of vacuum tubes
b) being very large (took up whole rooms)
c) being expensive
d) being unreliable and overheating
e) requiring a lot of power
Examples include UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) and ENIAC (Electronic Numerical
Integrator and Computer)
second generation computers - Answer: From 1956-1963.
Characterized by:
,Introduction to Information Systems (IST1020)
a) being smaller
b) being more reliable
c) being less power hungry
d) using transistors
Examples include the IBM Stretch
form of input and output for first-generation and second-generation computers - Answer: Input:
punch cards
Output: printouts
third generation computers - Answer: From 1964-1971.
Characterized by:
a) the use of Integrated Circuits (ICs, which are electrical components like transistors, resistors
and capacitors on semiconductor material)
b) replacing punch cards and printouts with keyboards and monitors
c) having memory management systems through the OS
fourth generation computers - Answer: From 1971-Present.
Characterized by:
a) using large, very large, and ultra large scale integration.
b) being cheaper
c) being smaller
d) being faster
e) being more efficient
f) being used as personal computers
g) fitting thousands of ICs onto a single silicon chip (microprocessor)
, Introduction to Information Systems (IST1020)
Examples include Apple's Macintosh in 1984 and the first PC ever by IBM in 1981
fifth generation computers - Answer: Focuses on artificial intelligence and advanced computing
through fields like nanoscience and biomedical implants.
classification of hardware devices - Answer: By one of the five basic operations of computers:
a) Input
b) Output
c) Storage
d) Processing
e) Communication
input devices - Answer: Machines that generate input for the computer.
Examples include keyboards, mice, joysticks, touch screens, graphics tablets, microphones,
barcode scanners, digital cameras and others.
types of keyboards - Answer: a) QWERTY keyboards (enhanced features, standard on most PCs)
b) Dvorak keyboards (sets commonly used keys as "home keys" to reduce finger-stretching
distance)
c) Specialty keyboards (for non-standard devices (laptops, PDAs, wireless devices) or special use
cases (ergonomics))
types of mice - Answer: a) Roller ball mouse (inexpensive but hard to clean)
b) Trackball mouse (stationary on a desk but hard to control)
c) Optical mouse (needs no mouse pad or cleaning but expensive)
formats of computer commands - Answer: a) Data
