UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA
ASSIGNMENT
COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING
COURSE CODE: COS 101
NAME: GBADAMOSI RIDWAN ADELEKE
MATRIC NO: 24/211ESM/084
FACULTY: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT: ESTATE MANAGEMENT
Q1a. Mention 3 devices invented in each of the following era in the
history of computing other than the one mention in your lecture notes.
ANSWER
I. Ancient era
The Ancient Era falls between (3000 BCE - 500 CE) and the following
devices were invented.
Abacus (2500 BCE): A manual calculating tool used for arithmetic
calculations.
Antikythera Mechanism (100 BCE): An ancient analog computer
used for astronomical calculations.
Salaminian Calculating Table (500 CE): A mechanical device used
for arithmetic calculations
II. Mechanical era
The Mechanical Era falls between (1500 - 1800 CE) and the following
devices were invented.
Napier's Bones (1617): A manual calculating device used for
multiplication and division.
Pascaline (1642): A mechanical calculator used for arithmetic
calculations.
Babbage's Difference Engine (1822): A mechanical computer used
for mathematical calculations
III. Electro mechanical era
The Electro-Mechanical Era falls between (1800 - 1940 CE) and the
following devices were invented.
Herman Hollerith's Tabulating Machine (1890): An electro-
mechanical device used for data processing.
Teleprinter (1900s): An electro-mechanical device used for
transmitting and receiving typed messages.
Z1 Computer (1938): An electro-mechanical computer used for
mathematical calculations
Q1b. Explain devices mentioned above.
ANSWER
To answer the above question I will say each of these devices
represents a significant milestone in the development of computing
technology. They demonstrate the evolution of computing from manual
calculating tools to mechanical computers and eventually to electro-
mechanical devices.
Q1c. Write the acronym of each of the following.
ANSWER
1. BASIC: Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
2. COBOL: Common Business-Oriented Language
3. FORTRAN: Formula Translating System
4. ENIAC: Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer
5. EDVAC: Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer
6. CPU: Central Processing Unit
7. RAM: Random Access Memory
8. ROM: Read-Only Memory
9. AMD: Advanced Micro Devices
10. ABC: Atanasoff-Berry Computer
Q2a. Differentiate between ENIAC AND EDVAC Computers
ANSWER
ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) and EDVAC
(Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer) were both early
computers developed in the 1940s. The main differences between them
are:
- Design: ENIAC used a fixed-program design, whereas EDVAC used a
stored-program design.
- Programming: ENIAC required manual reprogramming using patch
cords and switches, whereas EDVAC allowed for programming using a
stored-program concept
Q2b. Compare and contrast between 4th and 5th generation of
computer.
ANSWER
The 4th generation of computers (1972-1990) was characterized by the
use of microprocessors, while the 5th generation (1990-present) is
characterized by the use of artificial intelligence and parallel processing.
- Similarities: Both generations used semiconductor technology and had
increased processing power and memory.
- Differences: The 5th generation introduced new technologies like AI,
parallel processing, and the internet, which revolutionized computing
Q2c. Write short note on the following.
i. Atnassof Berry Computer
The ABC was an early electronic computer developed in the 1930s by
John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry. It used vacuum tubes and introduced
the concept of binary arithmetic.
ii. First generation computer
The first generation of computers (1940-1956) used vacuum tubes and
were characterized by their large size, high power consumption, and
limited programming capabilities
iii. Abacus
The abacus is an ancient manual calculating tool used for arithmetic
calculations. It consists of beads or counters on wires, which are
manipulated to perform calculations
Q3a. Distinguish between Hardware and Software with
examples.
ANSWER
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, such
as the CPU, RAM, and hard drive. Software, on the other hand, refers to
the programs and operating systems that run on the hardware.
- Hardware Examples: CPU, RAM, hard drive, keyboard, mouse
- Software Examples: operating systems (Windows, macOS),
productivity software (Microsoft Office), web browsers (Google Chrome)
Q3b List and explain CPU Manufacturing Company.
ANSWER
Some notable CPU manufacturing companies include:
1. Intel: Known for their x86 architecture and widely used in desktop
and laptop computers.
2. AMD (Advanced Micro Devices): Known for their x86-64 architecture
and widely used in desktop and laptop computers.
3. ARM (Advanced RISC Machines): Known for their RISC architecture
and widely used in mobile devices and embedded systems.
Q3c: Explain two components of operating system
ANSWER
Two key components of an operating system are:
1. Kernel: The kernel is the core component of an operating system.
It is responsible for managing the system's hardware resources
and providing basic services to applications. The kernel acts as a
bridge between the hardware and the applications, allowing them
to interact with each other.
2. Shell: The shell is a component of the operating system that
provides a user interface for interacting with the system. It acts as
a command interpreter, allowing users to execute commands and
access system services
Q3ci. Itemize 5 example of popular operating system.
ANSWER
1. Windows: Developed by Microsoft, Windows is one of the most widely
used operating systems for desktop and laptop computers.
2. macOS: Developed by Apple, macOS is the operating system used by
Apple computers, known for its user-friendly interface and seamless
integration with other Apple devices.
3. Linux: An open-source operating system, Linux is widely used by
developers, programmers, and power users who value its customizability
and flexibility.
4. Android: Developed by Google, Android is the most widely used
operating system for mobile devices, known for its intuitive interface and
vast app ecosystem.
5. iOS: Developed by Apple, iOS is the operating system used by Apple
mobile devices, known for its sleek design and seamless integration with
other Apple devices.
ii. Write short note on each of 3ci above
ANSWER
1. Windows: Windows is a popular operating system known for its user-
friendly interface and compatibility with a wide range of software
applications. It is widely used in business and personal settings.
2. macOS: macOS is a proprietary operating system developed by Apple,
known for its sleek design and seamless integration with other Apple
devices. It is popular among creative professionals and those invested in
the Apple ecosystem.
3. Linux: Linux is an open-source operating system that offers users a
high degree of customizability and flexibility. It is popular among
developers, programmers, and power users who value its ability to be
tailored to specific needs.
4. Android: Android is a popular mobile operating system known for its
intuitive interface and vast app ecosystem. It is widely used by mobile
device manufacturers and offers users a range of customization options.
5. iOS: iOS is a proprietary mobile operating system developed by Apple,
known for its sleek design and seamless integration with other Apple
devices. It is popular among those invested in the Apple ecosystem and
values its ease of use and security features
Q4. What are the similarities between system software and
application software?
ANSWER
1. Both are types of software: System software and application software
are both forms of software that run on computer hardware.
2. Both provide functionality: System software provides the underlying
functionality for a computer system, while application software provides
specific functionality for tasks such as word processing or web browsing.
3. Both require maintenance: System software and application software
both require regular updates and maintenance to ensure they continue
to function correctly.
4. Both can be customized: System software and application software
can both be customized to meet specific user needs or preferences.
5. Both interact with hardware: System software and application
software both interact with computer hardware to provide functionality
and perform tasks
