Basic Computer: Generations of Computers MCQ — 15 Practice Questions with Answers

Explanation

Fifth-generation computers are usually described in basic computer studies as systems focused on artificial intelligence, natural language processing, expert systems and advanced parallel processing ideas. Therefore Assertion (A) is true. The reason, however, says that fifth-generation computers are based mainly on vacuum tubes. That is the defining technology of the first generation, not the fifth. Since the assertion is true but the reason is false, option C is the correct choice.

Explanation

Second-generation computers replaced vacuum tubes with transistors. This made computers smaller, faster, more reliable, and less heat-producing than first-generation machines. The question asks for the correct description of the second generation, so the key cue is the use of transistors. Vacuum tubes belong to the first generation, microprocessors to the fourth, and artificial-intelligence-oriented systems to the fifth-generation concept. Hence option B is correct.

Explanation

Third-generation computers are identified by the use of integrated circuits, often shortened to ICs. An integrated circuit placed many electronic components on a small chip, making computers smaller, faster and more reliable than transistor-based machines. The stem asks specifically for the correct statement about the third generation. Vacuum tubes indicate the first generation, transistors indicate the second, and microprocessors indicate the fourth. Hence, the correct statement is that third-generation computers were based on integrated circuits.

Explanation

First-generation computers, developed mainly during the 1940s and 1950s, used vacuum tubes as their basic electronic switching component. The cue in the question is the phrase “first-generation computers”. Vacuum tubes made these machines large, costly, power-hungry and heat-producing. Transistors, integrated circuits and microprocessors belong to later generations in the standard sequence. Therefore, among the given options, vacuum tube is the defensible answer for the first generation.

Explanation

The standard hardware sequence of computer generations is a direct chronology. First-generation machines used vacuum tubes. Second-generation machines used transistors. Third-generation machines used integrated circuits, which placed many components together on a chip. Fourth-generation computers are associated with microprocessors, where the CPU became available on a single chip. Matching these in order gives I-3, II-4, III-1 and IV-2. This is why option A is correct.