Lesson Notes & Identification Quiz
Introduction to Computing
■ Lesson Notes
1. Computing
Computing is the process of using computer technology to accomplish goal-oriented tasks.
It includes design & development of software and hardware, information processing,
scientific studies, intelligent systems, media, and communication. Computing is also a
branch of engineering science that deals with algorithmic processes. Types include Cloud
Computing, Social Computing, Ubiquitous Computing, Parallel Computing, and Grid
Computing.
2. Computer
A programmable electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data. It performs
calculations and logical operations.
3. Brief History of Computers
• Abacus – First counting machine (~300–500 BC), from Greek word 'abax'. • Pascaline –
Adding machine by Blaise Pascal (1642). • Difference Engine – Designed by Charles
Babbage (1822). • Vacuum Tubes – Invented by John Ambrose Fleming (1904). •
Colossus – First digital, programmable electronic computer (1944). • ENIAC – First
large-scale electronic computer (1943–1945). • EDVAC – Early binary-based mainframe
(1940s). • EDSAC – First stored-program computer (1949). • UNIVAC 1 – First commercial
computer (1951).
4. Characteristics of Computers
• Speed – Very high calculation speed. • Storage – Large data capacity. • Accuracy – High
precision. • Versatility – Performs varied tasks. • Automation – Executes programmed
tasks automatically. • Diligence – Consistent performance without fatigue.
5. Components of a Computer System
• Hardware (tangible): Input Devices, Processing Devices, Output Devices, Storage
Devices. • Software (intangible): System Software, Utility Software, Application Software.
■ Expanded Identification Quiz (with Answers)
1. The process of using computer technology to accomplish tasks. Answer: Computing
2. A programmable electronic device that stores, retrieves, and processes data. Answer:
Computer
3. First counting machine invented around 300–500 BC, derived from the Greek word
abax. Answer: Abacus
4. Early adding machine created by Blaise Pascal in 1642. Answer: Pascaline
5. Known as the 'Father of the Computer,' designed the Difference Engine in 1822.
Answer: Charles Babbage
6. Invented in 1904 by John Ambrose Fleming, used as electronic switches in early
computers. Answer: Vacuum Tubes
7. The first digital, programmable, and electronic computer built in 1944. Answer:
Colossus
8. First large-scale all-electronic computer (1943–1945). Answer: ENIAC
9. One of the first binary-based mainframes designed in the 1940s. Answer: EDVAC
10. First stored-program computer, developed at Cambridge University in 1949. Answer:
EDSAC
11. First commercial computer developed in 1951 by Eckert and Mauchly. Answer:
UNIVAC 1
12. The computer characteristic that refers to its ability to perform tasks without fatigue.
Answer: Diligence
13. The computer characteristic that allows it to perform tasks with great accuracy.
Answer: Accuracy
14. The computer characteristic that allows it to perform different tasks, from simple to
complex. Answer: Versatility
15. The computer characteristic that refers to its high calculation speed. Answer: Speed
16. Tangible part of a computer system. Answer: Hardware
17. Intangible part of a computer system. Answer: Software
18. Computer hardware used to input raw data. Answer: Input Devices
19. Hardware component responsible for transforming raw data into useful information.
Answer: Processing Devices
20. Hardware component used to present information in a human-readable format.
Answer: Output Devices
21. Hardware component used for retaining/storing data. Answer: Storage Devices
22. Volatile memory that works with the processor. Answer: Primary Memory (RAM)
23. Non-volatile memory used for long-term storage (e.g., Hard disk, SSD). Answer:
Secondary Memory
24. Software that helps run the computer’s internal functions, e.g., Operating System.
Answer: System Software
25. Software that performs specific tasks like virus scanning and optimization. Answer:
Utility Software
26. Software used by end-users to accomplish tasks like writing documents or browsing.
Answer: Application Software
27. The main control system software that manages computer hardware and software
resources. Answer: Operating System (OS)
28. A type of system software that enables the OS to control hardware devices. Answer:
Device Driver
29. Type of software that translates programming languages into machine code. Answer:
Programming Language Translator (Compiler/Interpreter)
30. An example of application software used for creating and editing text documents.
Answer: Word Processor
31. An example of application software used for browsing the internet. Answer: Web
Browser
32. The storage device that is volatile and loses data when power is turned off. Answer:
RAM (Random Access Memory)
33. The storage device that is non-volatile and retains data even without power. Answer:
ROM (Read-Only Memory) / Hard Drive / SSD
34. A computer hardware device that visually displays information to the user. Answer:
Monitor
35. A computer hardware device that converts hard copy to soft copy. Answer: Scanner
