Welcome to the fascinating world of computers, a truly remarkable and indispensable invention of mankind. Here, we have gathered important information that will not only help you comprehend the significance of computers but also enable you to navigate through this ever-evolving realm with ease.
Let’s begin our journey with some fundamental facts:
- A Half Byte equals 1 Nibble, which is equivalent to 4 bits.
- The term “Bit” stands for Binary Digit.
- 1 Byte consists of 8 bits.
- 1 Megabyte equals a staggering 1,048,576 bytes.
- Similarly, 1 Kilobyte corresponds to 1,024 bytes.
- A combination of 16 bits is referred to as a “Word.”
- A Terabyte impressively encompasses 1 trillion bytes.
- Our personal computers belong to the esteemed 4th generation.
- The term “computer virus” was coined by Fred Cohen.
- The first computer virus came into existence in 1970 at Bell Laboratories.
- WORM stands for “Write Once Read Many.”
- The power of a supercomputer is measured in FLOPS (Floating Point Operations per Second).
- The World Wide Web (WWW/HTTP) was created by Tim Burners-Lee in 1992.
- Intel, a renowned company, derives its name from “Integrated Electronics.”
- A single worksheet contains an impressive 256 columns.
- G.W. Basic, where G.W. stands for “Gateway,” is a notable programming language.
- The Super Computer was created by the visionary J.H. Van Tassel.
- CORBA stands for “Common Object Request Broker Architecture.”
- URL, an abbreviation for “Uniform or Universal Resource Locator,” is the address of a web page.
- Intel played a pivotal role in inventing the RAM chip.
- Information is stored on a disk as a series of bumps on its shiny side.
- DVDs have a greater information capacity than CDs. They employ smaller bumps and possess two reflective layers.
- Recordable CDs, however, lack bumps. Instead, they have patches of color on the disk that alter the reflected laser light.
- In 1951, John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert designed the world’s first commercial computer, the UNIVAC-1. Additionally, they constructed ENIAC, the first electronic computer, in 1946.
- In 1968, the mainframe computer was built, marking a significant milestone.
- The year 1976 witnessed the development of the first supercomputer, the Cray-1.
- IBM introduced the iconic IBM PC in 1981, revolutionizing the personal computing landscape.
- IBM achieved another milestone in 1998 with the creation of the quantum computer.
- Supercomputers employ parallel processing techniques to enhance their capabilities.
- In 1974, computer games made their grand entrance, captivating users worldwide.
- PROM, an acronym for “Programmable Read-Only Memory,” represents a significant memory type.
- The world’s first high-level programming language was IBM FORTRAN, introduced in 1957.
- JPEG, a widely used picture file format, stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group.
- Shockingly, during World War II, IBM built the computers that the Nazis utilized to manage their death/concentration camps.
- Registers are temporary storage areas within the CPU, facilitating efficient processing.
- The first Apple computer was built in a humble garage, marking the birth of an iconic brand.
- The Smalltalk programming language is renowned for its object-oriented approach.
- Shell refers to an operating environment that enables interaction with the computer system.
- Virtual memory, also known as a virtual page, is a crucial concept in computing.
- NOS refers to operating systems designed for networks.
- In EBCDIC, each character is denoted by 8 bits.
- Diodes find applications in analog computer circuits as limiters.
- Wetware represents any form of organic intelligence.
- GIGO, an acronym for “Garbage In, Garbage Out,” underscores the importance of input quality for accurate output.
- Flip-flops serve as essential components in counters, shift registers, and transfer registers.
- Bootstrap is a term associated with the initial startup process of a computer system.
- FORTRAN, which stands for “Formula Translator,” has left an indelible mark on the programming landscape.
- A group of characters considered as a single entity is aptly called a “Word.”
- Clip art refers to computer-prepared art, often utilized for various purposes.
- Mark sensing is another term for OMR (Optical Mark Recognition).
- Authorization to make multiple software copies is known as site licensing.
- Antivirus software, also referred to as vaccines, protects computer systems from malicious threats.
- Free software, also known as public domain software, offers users the freedom to use, modify, and distribute software without restrictions.
- DFD, an abbreviation for “Data Flow Diagram,” provides a visual representation of data movement within a system.
- Cyber Space epitomizes the virtual world of computers, fostering interconnectedness on a global scale.
- In the name “SUN Microsystems,” SUN stands for “Stanford University Network.”
- Intel, renowned for its innovative technologies, expands to “Integrated Electronics.”
- BIOS, found in all PCs, stands for “Basic Input Output System” and plays a crucial role in system initialization.
- An integrated circuit, commonly known as a “Chip,” is a ubiquitous component in modern computing.
- In WWW terms, “i.e.” denotes Ireland in a domain name context.
- DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) introduced the first commercially available minicomputer in 1965.
- NCSA Mosaic holds the distinction of being the first widely available web browser.
- ASCI White currently reigns as the world’s most powerful supercomputer.
- Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1993, forever changing the way we connect and share information.
- Ken Thompson developed the influential B programming language.
- The UNIVAC, created in 1951, holds the honor of being the first commercially produced and sold computer.
- Microprocessors played a pivotal role in the transformation from heavy computers to the compact and ubiquitous PCs we use today.
- Intel led the way in 1971 with the development of the first microprocessor.
- The Pentium 4 (P-4) impressively incorporates approximately 40 million transistors.
- The Mark-1, Apple-1, and Colossus were among the earliest desktop computers, laying the foundation for modern computing.
- Binary digits are commonly referred to as “Bits.”
- A collection of bits is aptly named a “Byte.”
- The Apple II, introduced in 1977, revolutionized home computing, achieving unprecedented sales.
- ‘PARAM’ stands as a testament to the power of supercomputing.
- Charles Babbage is hailed as the Father of the Computer, a visionary who paved the way for future innovations.
- CMOS, in the context of computers, stands for “Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor,” a key technology used in modern computer chips.
Embark on this enriching journeyand discover the incredible world of computers, where innovation and possibilities know no bounds. With this newfound knowledge, you’ll be equipped to answer questions, unravel mysteries, and embrace the endless opportunities that the computer realm has to offer. Let your curiosity guide you as you delve deeper into this captivating field. Happy exploring!