The document is a study guide containing 17 questions about the history of computers. It asks about early computers from the 1940s-1950s, the technological advances that enabled second and third generation computers, important early computers like the first personal computer and VisiCalc, the development of personal computers and the World Wide Web, and concepts like multimedia and convergence. It concludes by asking what the student would like to see computers be able to do in the future.

1. The History of Computers (30 min.)
Name: _______________________ Date: _____________
1. What basic tasks does the computer perform?
2. What are some ways that computers are used in schools?
3. List 3 ancestors of computers?
4. Why did early computers break down so often?
5. Name 3 early electronic computers from the 40’s & 50’s.
6. What was the operating speed of Australia’s first computer and how much RAM did it
have?
7. What were the advantages of 2nd Generation computers and what technological
advance allowed for this?
8. List a few of the earlier computer languages?

2. 9. What were the advantages of 3rd generation computers and what technological
advance allowed for this?
10.What was the name of the first large scale production personal computer?
11.What was VisiCalc and why was it so important?
12.What does PC stand for? Who made PC’s?
13.When did PC users gain access to the World Wide Web
14.Describe the term multimedia.
15.What are computers used for now
16.Explain the concept of convergence.
17.What would you like to see computers be able to do in the future?