Module 7: The History of the Computer

During which generation did computers begin to see widespread use in business?

Third generation. (The invention of microcomputers made computer usage viable for many companies.) Incorrect answers: First Second Fourth

Which of the following high-level programming languages was created to be business-oriented?

COBOL (COBOL stands for "Common Business Oriented Language.") Incorrect answers: SNOBOL (developed for string manipulations) LISP (developed for artificial intelligence research) FORTRAN (developed for mathematical/scientific computing)

Which accurately describes the advantaged of high-level programming languages over low-level programming languages?

High-level languages use English words. (The use of English words makes these languages easier to read and understand. Incorrect answers: High-level languages must be translated to machine code before they can be run. High-level languages are more difficult to learn. High-level languages make writing large, complex programs harder.

Which of the following technologies was introduced in the fourth generation of computers?

Microprocessors. (This technology led to the creation of the first personal computers.) Incorrect answers: Magnetic core memory. Integrated circuits. Disk drives.

Which of the following programming languages first introduced the concept of object-oriented programming?

Smalltalk. (Introduced in the 1970s, this was the first language to use the OOP paradigm.) Incorrect answers: C C++ Simula

Which factor contributed to the development of the first generation of computers?

The need to easily calculate missile trajectories. (Early computers were meant to eliminate human error from the calculation of missile trajectories in World War II.) Incorrect answers: They were in demand by small organizations. They had potential for business applications. They were seen as a valuable product for consumers.