Computer Fundamentals and System Concepts

Transistors were first used in 2nd generation computers (roughly 1959-1964). 1st generation used vacuum tubes (1946-1959). 3rd generation used integrated circuits (1964-1971), and 4th generation used microprocessors (1971-present). The transistor revolutionized computing by replacing bulky, unreliable vacuum tubes with smaller, more reliable solid-state components.

A front-end processor is a specialized computer that handles communication tasks and offloads routine processing from the host computer. This allows the main computer to focus on core processing tasks while the front-end processor manages data transmission and protocol handling. Remote concentrators and demux devices have different purposes, and 'Massage switcher' appears to be a nonsensical option.

The trend of decreased cost and increased performance has been a consistent feature across ALL generations of computers, from vacuum tubes to integrated circuits to microprocessors. Each generation brought both lower costs AND better performance compared to its predecessor. This continuous improvement characterizes the entire history of computer hardware development.

Howard Aiken designed the Harvard Mark I (IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator), which was the first fully automatic calculating machine. UNIVAC I was the first commercial computer, EDVAC used stored-program architecture, and ENIAC was the first general-purpose electronic digital computer.

Third generation computers (1965-1970) were characterized by the use of integrated circuits (ICs), which replaced the discrete transistors used in second generation computers. Vacuum tubes were first generation, and SSI (Small Scale Integration) is a type of IC, not a device category itself.

The system unit houses the CPU, RAM, motherboard, and storage devices - all components that actually process and store data. Without it, peripheral devices like keyboard and mouse have nothing to control.

Boot sector viruses specifically infect the boot sector of hard disks and other storage devices. They execute during the system boot process before the operating system loads, giving them early system access and making them difficult to remove.

Diagnostic utilities perform hardware tests on particular devices to check if they are working correctly. For example: Scan-disk.

This processor mode in a computer system is the one which provides running of DOS program in the windows operating system.

 In a distributed system, all machines are standalone. They do not share memory.

This characteristic of computer states that a computer can continually work for hours without creating any error.

This is a power supply component of a computer system that converts AC power from an electrical outlet to the DC power needed by system components.

This security feature of the operating system is mediated by access control tables.