Q1.

The journey of computer started in 1940 and went through a series of

changes which led the growth of different generations of computer. Give a
brief description on generations of computer.
The generations of computers are
First Generation Computers [1942 - 1955]
The first generation computers are vacuum tubes. These computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and
magnetic drums for memory. These computers relied on binary coded language to perform operations and
were able to solve only one problem at a time. They were very large in size and required a lot of space for
installation. These computers lacked in versatility and speed. Since machine language was used, these
computers were difficult to program and use. Examples: ENIAC, EDVAC
Second Generation Computers [1955 - 1964]
The computers used in second generation were transistors. The vacuum tubes were replaced by transistors
which are made up of semiconductor material like germanium and silicon. The size of transistor is small
so the size of the computers was greatly reduced. These computers used magnetic cores as primary
memory and magnetic disks as secondary storage devices. Computers became smaller, faster, cheaper and
more reliable than their predecessors. The computational time was reduced to microseconds from
milliseconds. Examples: IBM1401, IBM7090
Third Generation Computers [1965 - 1974]
The greatest development of the third generation was integrated circuit called as IC. It consists of a single
chip with the components like transistors and resistors, fabricated on it. The development of the
transistors helped decrease the size of the computers as they replaced several individually wired
transistors.
In first and second generation computers punched cards and printouts were used to interact with the
computers. Third generation onwards the user started interacting through keyboard and monitors and
interfaced with an operating system. Examples: NCR 395, B6500
Fourth Generation Computers [1975 - Till date]
The fourth generation computers use microprocessor (circuits containing millions of transistors) as their
basic processing device. The computers of fourth generation led to the growth of large scale integration
(LSI) and very large scale integration (VLSI) technology. This technology helped in squeezing thousands
of transistors on a single chip. The ultra-large scale integration (ULSI) increased the number into millions.
Examples: Apple II, CRAY 1.
Fifth Generation Computers

The goal of the fifth generation computing is to develop devices that respond to natural language input,
and will have the capability of learning and self-organization. These computers use intelligent
programming (artificial intelligence) and knowledge-based problem solving techniques. The input and
output for these machines will be in the form of graphic images or speeches. Presently these computers
are used in field of medicine, treatment planning, monitoring etc. on a very small scale.
Q2. A. Determine the decimal equivalent of the given number (34.51) 8
To calculate the decimal equivalent,
We need to calculate according to the exponent value
Y1 x 81 + Y2 x 80 + Y3 x 8-1 + Y4 x 8-2
Where Y1,Y2,Y3 and Y4 are the numbers
So
(34.51)8 = 3 x 81 + 4 x 80 + 5 x 8-1 + 1 x 8-2
= 24 + 4 + 0.625 + 0.015625
= (28.640625)10
Is the decimal value
B. Determine the decimal equivalent of the given number (155) 16
To calculate the hexadecimal equivalent,
We need to calculate according to the exponent value
Y1 x 162 + Y2 x 161 + Y3 x 160
Where Y1,Y2 and Y3 are the numbers
So
(155)16 = 1 x 162 + 5 x 161 + 5 x 160
= 256+ 80 + 5
= (341)10
Is the decimal value

Q3. Write Short Notes on

a. Magnetic disk description
b. CD rom description

a. Magnetic Disks resemble L.P. [Long playing] records and can be accessed randomly.
Six or more disks are mounted on a central hub to form a Disk Pack, which rotates,
spinning the disks at speeds of 50 or more revolutions per second. Information can be
recorded on both sides of the inner disks through a series of magnetized and nonmagnetized spots, while on the two outer disks; recording is possible only on the
inner surface. Each recording surface is divided into a number of concentric tracks
and patterns of bits in sequence on one-track represents a character. Despite the
varying lengths, each track has the same number of characters. The tracks are further
sub-divided into sectors and information can be accessed by track and sector address.
The standard sized disk is about 14, 8, 51/4 & 31/2 varying in size and may have several
hundred tracks per surface, easily making the storage capacity of pack about 1000
Megabytes / Gigabytes. The disk packs can either be permanently fixed or can be
replaceable [Removable] disks.
Magnetic disk

b. CD-ROM stands for compact disc, read only memory, the data that is in huge
volumes but rarely needs to be changed is stored on this media Example: dictionaries,
encyclopedias, medical/legal reference libraries, music, video companies distribute
their products on CD-ROM. Because of high precision and data density CD-ROMs
can hold data density CD-ROMs can hold data upto 600MB 700MB. Because of the
CDs high capacities and the fact that nobody can change the data many companies
choose CD-ROMs as the distribution media for their products. Another important
application of CD-ROM technology is CD-l or CD-Interactive which stores digital
audio, full motion video and graphics, animation, text and data on CD.
CD-ROM Drive

CD-R/W Drive