History of Computers MCQs: From Invention to Innovation

Explore the fascinating journey of computing with our History of Computers Test. From early inventions to modern innovations, test your knowledge on the evolution of technology.

Questions (30)


  1. Who is known as the "Father of Computers"?

    • a) Blaise Pascal
    • b) Alan Turing
    • c) John von Neumann
    • d) Charles Babbage
    View Answer
    Correct Charles Babbage
  2. What was the first mechanical computer designed by Charles Babbage called?

    • a) Analytical Engine
    • b) Difference Engine
    • c) ENIAC
    • d) Pascaline
    View Answer
    Correct Difference Engine
  3. The first generation of computers was built using which technology?

    • a) Integrated Circuits
    • b) Transistors
    • c) Vacuum Tubes
    • d) Microprocessors
    View Answer
    Correct Vacuum Tubes
  4. What was the purpose of the ENIAC computer?

    • a) Perform large-scale numerical calculations for military applications
    • b) Conduct space exploration research
    • c) Automate industrial processes
    • d) Control nuclear reactors
    View Answer
    Correct Perform large-scale numerical calculations for military applications
  5. Which programming language was the first high-level language?

    • a) Assembly Language
    • b) COBOL
    • c) BASIC
    • d) FORTRAN
    View Answer
    Correct FORTRAN
  6. What concept is credited to John von Neumann in computer science?

    • a) Stored Program Concept
    • b) Binary Code System
    • c) Punch Cards
    • d) Algorithmic Calculations
    View Answer
    Correct Stored Program Concept
  7. The term "computer bug" originated from an actual bug found in which device?

    • a) UNIVAC
    • b) ENIAC
    • c) Colossus
    • d) Mark II
    View Answer
    Correct Mark II
  8. What was the key innovation in the second generation of computers?

    • a) Transistors
    • b) Vacuum Tubes
    • c) Integrated Circuits
    • d) Magnetic Drums
    View Answer
    Correct Transistors
  9. In what year was the first email sent?

    • a) 1971
    • b) 1969
    • c) 1981
    • d) 1990
    View Answer
    Correct 1971
  10. Who developed the concept of the World Wide Web?

    • a) Vint Cerf
    • b) Tim Berners-Lee
    • c) Bob Kahn
    • d) Steve Jobs
    View Answer
    Correct Tim Berners-Lee
  11. What was the primary storage device used in first-generation computers?

    • a) Hard Drives
    • b) Magnetic Tape
    • c) Floppy Disks
    • d) Magnetic Drums
    View Answer
    Correct Magnetic Drums
  12. The invention of the transistor was a key milestone in which generation of computers?

    • a) Second Generation
    • b) First Generation
    • c) Third Generation
    • d) Fourth Generation
    View Answer
    Correct Second Generation
  13. What was the primary feature of third-generation computers?

    • a) Use of Integrated Circuits
    • b) Magnetic Tape Storage
    • c) Transistor Technology
    • d) Introduction of Microprocessors
    View Answer
    Correct Use of Integrated Circuits
  14. Which was the first general-purpose electronic digital computer?

    • a) Colossus
    • b) UNIVAC
    • c) ENIAC
    • d) Analytical Engine
    View Answer
    Correct ENIAC
  15. Who is considered the first computer programmer?

    • a) Alan Turing
    • b) Grace Hopper
    • c) Charles Babbage
    • d) Ada Lovelace
    View Answer
    Correct Ada Lovelace
  16. Which innovation marked the fourth generation of computers?

    • a) Microprocessors
    • b) Transistors
    • c) Integrated Circuits
    • d) Artificial Intelligence
    View Answer
    Correct Microprocessors
  17. What is the significance of the Colossus computer?

    • a) It used vacuum tubes for the first time
    • b) It was the first commercial computer
    • c) It introduced graphical interfaces
    • d) It was used to break encrypted German messages during World War II
    View Answer
    Correct It was used to break encrypted German messages during World War II
  18. Who is credited with creating the Turing Machine?

    • a) Charles Babbage
    • b) Alan Turing
    • c) John von Neumann
    • d) Blaise Pascal
    View Answer
    Correct Alan Turing
  19. What was the first spreadsheet software for personal computers?

    • a) VisiCalc
    • b) Lotus 1-2-3
    • c) Microsoft Excel
    • d) Quattro Pro
    View Answer
    Correct VisiCalc
  20. What does the acronym ARPANET stand for?

    • a) Advanced Routing Protocol Agency Network
    • b) Automated Research Projects Agency Network
    • c) Advanced Research Projects Agency Network
    • d) Artificial Routing and Processing Agency Network
    View Answer
    Correct Advanced Research Projects Agency Network
  21. What was the primary function of punch cards in early computing?

    • a) Powering the computer
    • b) Storing output data
    • c) Data input and program instructions
    • d) Connecting peripherals
    View Answer
    Correct Data input and program instructions
  22. What does GUI stand for?

    • a) Graphical User Interface
    • b) General User Interface
    • c) Global User Interface
    • d) Grid Utility Interface
    View Answer
    Correct Graphical User Interface
  23. What is considered the first true programming language?

    • a) FORTRAN
    • b) Machine Language
    • c) Assembly Language
    • d) COBOL
    View Answer
    Correct Assembly Language
  24. The concept of Artificial Intelligence was first introduced in which year?

    • a) 1966
    • b) 1946
    • c) 1956
    • d) 1976
    View Answer
    Correct 1956
  25. What major computing event occurred in 1984?

    • a) The introduction of the Apple Macintosh
    • b) The launch of Microsoft Windows
    • c) The release of the first IBM PC
    • d) The creation of the Internet
    View Answer
    Correct The introduction of the Apple Macintosh
  26. What type of memory was used in early computers for data storage?

    • a) Optical Disk
    • b) Flash Memory
    • c) SSD
    • d) Magnetic Core Memory
    View Answer
    Correct Magnetic Core Memory
  27. What was the primary programming language used for business applications in the 1960s?

    • a) COBOL
    • b) FORTRAN
    • c) BASIC
    • d) Assembly
    View Answer
    Correct COBOL
  28. What is the full form of ASCII?

    • a) Advanced System for Computer Information and Integration
    • b) American Standard Code for Information Interchange
    • c) Automated Standard Communication and Information Interchange
    • d) Analog System for Code Integration
    View Answer
    Correct American Standard Code for Information Interchange
  29. What was a key feature of fifth-generation computers?

    • a) Use of Magnetic Tape
    • b) Vacuum Tube Technology
    • c) Batch Processing
    • d) Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems
    View Answer
    Correct Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems
  30. What does the term "mainframe" refer to in computing history?

    • a) Large, powerful computers used for centralized data processing
    • b) Early personal computers
    • c) High-performance gaming systems
    • d) Portable computing devices
    View Answer
    Correct Large, powerful computers used for centralized data processing

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