Midterm Questions

Midterm Ahmed Amer
What was an abacus used for? How was it used in relation to

the history of early computers?
o It was used to perform computations by people in the past. Some
of the earliest forms of computers were used to solve
mathematical functions as well, so an abacus and early
computers main functions are directly related.
What are THREE examples of FIRST GENERATION computers?
What was each one specifically designed for?
The Colossus was a first generation computer designed to decode
encrypted German messages.
ENIAC was designed to calculate ballistic missile trajectories
UNIVAC was designed to be commercially available computing device.
What was an arithometer?
o The arithometer was a new invention of the 19 th century which
performed four basic mathematical functions which were:
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
What was unique about SECOND GENERATION computers?
What was unique about THIRD GENERATION computers?
o In second generation computers, vacuum tubes were replaced by
transistors, and in terms of programming, they shifted from
physically rerouting cables to software stored on punch cards
and tape storage.
o By the time third generation computers came around, integrated
circuits were invented. They allowed computers to be smaller
and more powerful.
List FIVE examples of FOURTH GENERATION computers and

explain some information about each one of your examples.
MITS Altair 8800- Microcomputer designed in 1974 based on Intel 8080
CPU
Commodore PET- A line of home/personal computers produced starting
in 1977 by Commodore International
Apple II- 8-bit home computer, one of the first highly successful massproduced microcomputer products
IBM PC- The original version and progenitor of the IBM PC compatible
hardware platform.
Macintosh- Its beige case consisted of a 9 in (23 cm) CRT monitor and
came with a keyboard and mouse. A handle built into the top of the
case made it easier for the computer to be lifted and carried. It had an
initial selling price of $2,495
Explain what data storage is. How is its capacity measured and
stored?
o Data storage uses a variety of media to stash away/ store data.
Capacity is measured in bits and bytes. Data can be stored in
hard drives, or in removable media such as CDs or flash drives.
What is the definition of computer hardware?
o Computer hardware can be defined as the physical components
of a computer. Examples off computer hardware include: Central
Processing Unit, Random Access Memory (RAM), Motherboard
and Chipset
List examples of Input Devices and Output devices.
o Input Devices:
Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
o Output Devices:
Monitor
Speakers
Printer
What is a CPU? What is RAM? How do both of these items work

in sync together in a computer?
o A CPU is a computers Central Processing Unit, which performs
the basic functions of the computer, basically the brain of the
computer. RAM is the Random Access Memory of a computer
which stores data used by the CPU. The CPU depends on the RAM
for information to complete its processes, so without the RAM,
the CPU is unable to function. They are both necessary for a
computer to be able to function properly and efficiently.
What is a hard drive? What are some unique qualities of a hard
drive?
o A hard drive is the primary storage device in a computer. There
are two types of hard drives, the Solid State Drive (SSD) and
Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Hard drives are a unique form of storage
because they have a long life for usage, are rewritable, have
large capacity, and are inexpensive
Describe specifically two types of removable storage.
o CD/DVD:
Medium capacity
Inexpensive, aid in mass production etc.
Easy to transport from one computer to another
USB/Flash Drive:
Differing capacities
Different price points based on the amount of storage Example: A 16
GB USB would cost around $16 CAD.
Describe the two types of software categories. What are three

applications for software?
o The first is systems software, which includes operating systems,
compilers, and utilities. The second is known as application
software which runs on top of an operating system. The three
applications for software are: Web based software, Desktop
software and Web services.
Explain the differences between low-level computer languages

and high-level computer languages. Give examples of each.
o Low level languages use simple commands to communicate with
the CPU. Examples include: Machine Language and Assembly
Language
o High level languages use step by step processes or are object
oriented to perform specific functions, and solve problems.
Examples include: Pascal, C, C++ and Java.
What is an operating system (OS)? Describe in detail three
operating systems.
o An operating system manages the hardware and software on a
computer system. It also manages memory and hardware
resources, allocates resources to applications and provides an
interface for applications.
What are the basic steps for software development?
o The basic steps for software development include:
Analysis- Involves analyzing an identifying a function that needs to be
performed or a problem that needs to be solved
Design- Program/ Software is designed using a variety of tools
Implementation- Software is used by developers
Testing- Software tested and usually developers run it through various
benchmark and other usage tests
Deployment- Released for others to use, may be commercial or within
a specific institution.
Maintenance- Make sure it is up to date, fixing bugs etc.
What is the purpose of an object-oriented computer program
and a problem domain?
o Object oriented models help us build models to manage the
complexity found in a problem domain. The problem domain
describes real world objects and concepts that a computer
program is trying to solve. Together, these make programming
much easier and efficient.
Why is it important to use a good model in a complex system?
o Important for a programmer because it helps to identify the most

important aspects of a problem, and allows them to focus on the
problem they are trying to solve instead of on the complexity of
the problems data.
Why would a computer program use a metaphor?
o A programmer uses metaphors to represent real objects. The
programmer probably uses metaphors so the computer can
understand what the programmer means, in its own language,
and make it easier for the program and computer to run and
perform functions specified by the program.
Describe the two types of object relationships.
o Association is a method of one object calls the method of another
object. Basically they work with association to each other.
Composition is the object relationship in which one object is
made up of another object,
If an object represents real-world things, what are two aspects

an object must represent in relation to its characteristics and
properties?
o It must represent its characteristics and behaviors
What is the relationship of objects to class and type?

o An object is an instance of a class and type.

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Midterm Ahmed Amer

What was an abacus used for? How was it used in relation to

List FIVE examples of FOURTH GENERATION computers and

What is a CPU? What is RAM? How do both of these items work

Describe the two types of software categories. What are three

Explain the differences between low-level computer languages

o Important for a programmer because it helps to identify the most

If an object represents real-world things, what are two aspects

o It must represent its characteristics and behaviors

What is the relationship of objects to class and type?

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