Introduction & Generations of Computers MCQs with Answers
50+ solved MCQs on Introduction & Generations of Computers — origin of the word, CPU, BOOT, compiler, analog vs digital vs hybrid, plus all 5 generations (Vacuum Tubes, Transistors, ICs, Microprocessors, AI), ENIAC, UNIVAC, Intel 4004, FORTRAN, COBOL, GUI & VLSI. For PPSC, FPSC, NTS, CSS & PMS.
Introduction & Generations of Computers — Master Reference for Pakistani Competitive Exams
The chapter Introduction & Generations of Computers is the most fundamental — and the most repeated — Computer Science topic in Pakistan’s PPSC, FPSC, NTS, CSS, PMS, OTS, CTS, BPSC, KPPSC and SPSC One Paper exams. Almost every Junior Clerk, Assistant, Sub-Inspector, Lecturer and BPS-14 to BPS-17 paper carries 2–4 MCQs from this single chapter. This page consolidates 50+ solved MCQs with answers covering computer fundamentals (origin, CPU, BOOT, compiler, analog vs digital), the complete five-generation timeline, key inventors (Ted Hoff, Intel) and all the classic acronyms (ENIAC, UNIVAC, FORTRAN, COBOL, IC, VLSI, GUI).
The 5 Generations of Computers — Quick Comparison
| Generation | Period | Technology | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Generation | 1940 – 1956 | Vacuum Tubes | Used machine language. ENIAC, UNIVAC. UNIVAC = first commercial computer. |
| 2nd Generation | 1956 – 1963 | Transistors | Assembly / symbolic language. Transistor invented 1947, used 1950s. FORTRAN & COBOL. First atomic-energy computer. |
| 3rd Generation | 1964 – 1971 | Integrated Circuits (ICs) | Keyboards & monitors introduced. PDP-8, IBM 360, ICL 2900. |
| 4th Generation | 1972 – 2010 | Microprocessors (VLSI) | GUI developed. Intel 4004 by Ted Hoff (1971). Apple II, IBM PC, STAR 1000. |
| 5th Generation | 2010 – Present | Artificial Intelligence | AI-based. Still in active development. |
Key Facts to Memorise
- Computer (origin) — From the Latin word computare meaning “to calculate / to count / to sum up / to think together”.
- Computer — An electronic machine that processes input into meaningful information.
- Brain of computer — Central Processing Unit (CPU).
- BOOT — The word used for “to start a computer”.
- Recycle Bin — Stores all files deleted from the computer.
- Compiler — Converts an entire programme from a high-level language to a lower-level (object/machine) language at one time.
- Key features of a computer — Accuracy, Reliability and Speed.
- Multiprocessor — A computer with more than one processor.
- Hybrid computer — Resembles both a digital and an analogue computer.
- Analog computer — Works on continuous electrical pulses.
- Digital computer — Works on discrete electrical pulses.
- Total generations — Five.
- First microprocessor — Intel 4004 — discovered by Ted Hoff — commercially available in 1971.
- GUI (Graphical User Interface) — Developed in the 4th Generation.
- First-ever transistor — Invented in 1947 but used in computers from the 1950s.
- FORTRAN — Formula Translation; COBOL — Common Business-Oriented Language. Both developed in the 2nd Generation.
- VLSI — Very Large Scale Integration; used in 4th Generation computers.
- UNIVAC — Universal Automatic Computer — the first commercial computer (1st generation).
- ENIAC — Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer — classic 1st-generation example.
3GL vs 4GL — Quick Comparison
| Feature | 3GL (3rd Generation Language) | 4GL (4th Generation Language) |
|---|---|---|
| Users | Professional programmers only | May also be used by non-programmers |
| Task Specification | Specifies HOW to perform the task | Specifies WHAT task to perform |
| Alternatives | All alternatives must be specified | Default alternatives are built-in |
| Instructions | Requires a large number of instructions | Requires far fewer instructions |
| Code Readability | Difficult to read and understand | Easy to read and maintain |
| Original Use | Batch processing | On-line use |
| Learning | Difficult to learn | Easy to learn |
| Debugging | Difficult to debug | Easier to debug |
| Orientation | File oriented | Database oriented |
Exam tip: Lock six anchors and you cover ~80% of all MCQs from this chapter — computare (Latin), CPU = brain, 5 generations, Vacuum Tubes → Transistors → ICs → Microprocessors → AI, UNIVAC = first commercial, and Intel 4004 (1971, Ted Hoff).
Frequently Asked Questions
There are five generations of computers — 1st (Vacuum Tubes, 1940–1956), 2nd (Transistors, 1956–1963), 3rd (Integrated Circuits, 1964–1971), 4th (Microprocessors / VLSI, 1972–2010) and 5th (Artificial Intelligence, 2010–Present).
The word “Computer” is derived from the Latin word computare, meaning to calculate, to count, to sum up or to think together.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is called the brain of the computer because it processes input and executes instructions.
UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) was the first commercial computer. It was a first-generation machine that used vacuum tubes.
The first microprocessor — the Intel 4004 — was discovered by Ted Hoff and made commercially available in 1971. This launched the 4th generation of computers.
Analog computers work on continuous electrical pulses (signals). Digital computers work on discrete electrical pulses — typically represented as 0s and 1s. A hybrid computer combines both analog and digital features.
Yes — essential. Computer fundamentals and generations are tested in every One Paper, NTS NAT, GAT, OTS, CTS, BPSC, KPPSC, SPSC, PPSC and FPSC exam. Expect 2–4 MCQs from this chapter in any 100-mark paper.
Yes. Click the Download PDF button in the hero or quiz section to get all 50+ Introduction & Generations of Computers MCQs with correct answers as a branded QuizWing PDF for offline revision.