History Of Computing Quiz! Trivia Questions
Computers are used in almost every field in the world today, but it was created to help in making calculations. Do you know who the first computer programmer is and some of the great minds that helped in the evolution of computers? Have a go at trying to answer the trivia questions in the history of computing quiz and stand a chance to learn some more about it. All the best!
- 1.
Who invented the first modern type of mechanical computing machine?
- A.
John A. McDonald
- B.
Thomas Edison
- C.
Alexander Graham Bell
- D.
Charles Babbage
Correct Answer
D. Charles BabbageExplanation
Charles Babbage is credited with inventing the first modern type of mechanical computing machine. He designed and conceptualized the Analytical Engine, a general-purpose computer that was programmable using punched cards. Although the Analytical Engine was never built during Babbage's lifetime, his work laid the foundation for modern computing. Babbage's contributions to the field of computing, including his ideas on algorithms and mechanical computation, make him a key figure in the history of computer science.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What was the name of his invention?
- A.
The Change Machine
- B.
The Difference Engine
- C.
The Card Reader
- D.
The Manhattan Project
Correct Answer
B. The Difference EngineExplanation
The correct answer is "The Difference Engine." The Difference Engine was an early mechanical computer designed by Charles Babbage in the 19th century. It was intended to perform complex mathematical calculations automatically, eliminating the need for manual computation. Babbage's invention laid the foundation for modern computers and is considered a significant milestone in the history of computing.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What method was used to feed instructions into early computing machines?
- A.
Paper Tickets
- B.
Cables and Plugs
- C.
Punch Cards
- D.
Vacuum Tubes
Correct Answer
C. Punch CardsExplanation
Punch cards were used to feed instructions into early computing machines. These cards contained holes that represented binary code, allowing the machine to read and execute the instructions. The holes in the punch cards were created by a machine called a keypunch, which operators used to input the instructions. The cards were then fed into the machine, and the instructions were processed accordingly. This method was widely used before the development of more advanced input methods like keyboards and magnetic tape.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which female was known as the "World's First Programmer"?
- A.
Augusta Anderson
- B.
Mother Theresa
- C.
Ada Augusta
- D.
Adeline August
Correct Answer
C. Ada AugustaExplanation
Ada Augusta is known as the "World's First Programmer" because she was a mathematician and writer who is credited with writing the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine. She worked with Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine, a mechanical general-purpose computer, and her algorithm was designed to be executed by this machine. This makes her the first person to recognize that a machine could be programmed to perform a series of calculations, making her the world's first programmer.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What was the first activity in America that spawned the need for a fast calculating machine?
- A.
Great Depression
- B.
The Civil War
- C.
The American Census
- D.
The Railroad
Correct Answer
C. The American CensusExplanation
The American Census was the first activity in America that spawned the need for a fast calculating machine. Conducting a census involves collecting and analyzing a vast amount of data, which requires efficient and accurate calculations. As the population grew, the manual calculation methods became increasingly time-consuming and prone to errors. Therefore, the American Census created the demand for a fast calculating machine to streamline the process and ensure accurate results.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Herman Hollerith invented the first tabulating machine that used Punch Cards. What was the name of his company that sold machines to the American Census?
- A.
Calculating Computer Company
- B.
Tabulating Machine Company
- C.
International Business Machines
- D.
Punch Cards International
Correct Answer
B. Tabulating Machine CompanyExplanation
Herman Hollerith's company that sold machines to the American Census was called the Tabulating Machine Company.Rate this question:
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- 7.
This man, known for excellent sales skills eventually took over Hollerith's Tabulating Machine Company and later changed the name to International Business Machines (IBM).
- A.
Kent Brockman
- B.
Bill Gates
- C.
Thomas Watson
- D.
John Mockley
Correct Answer
C. Thomas WatsonExplanation
Thomas Watson is the correct answer because he is the person who took over Hollerith's Tabulating Machine Company and changed its name to International Business Machines (IBM). This indicates that he had excellent sales skills as he was able to expand and rebrand the company successfully. Kent Brockman, Bill Gates, and John Mockley are not relevant to the given information and do not have any connection to IBM.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What was the next significant event in world history that advanced the development of computing technology?
- A.
The Cold War
- B.
World War II
- C.
The Space Race
- D.
The Great Depression
Correct Answer
B. World War IIExplanation
World War II was the next significant event in world history that advanced the development of computing technology. During this time, governments and military organizations invested heavily in research and development of computing technology for various purposes, including codebreaking, ballistics calculations, and communication systems. The war led to the creation of the first electronic computers, such as Colossus and ENIAC, which played a crucial role in military operations. The advancements made during this period laid the foundation for modern computing technology and set the stage for further innovation and progress in the field.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What was the name of the British computer that cracked the German codes during World War II?
- A.
Optimus Prime
- B.
Megatron
- C.
King Kong
- D.
Colossus
Correct Answer
D. ColossusExplanation
Colossus was the name of the British computer that played a crucial role in cracking the German codes during World War II. It was specifically designed to decipher the Lorenz cipher used by the German High Command. Colossus was a groundbreaking machine that used vacuum tubes to perform complex calculations at a much faster speed than previous technology. Its success in breaking the German codes greatly aided the Allies in their war efforts and is considered a significant milestone in the development of modern computers.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What was the name of the computer that correctly predicted the outcome of the 1952 American Presidential election?
- A.
ENIAC
- B.
UNIVAC
- C.
SPACEMAC
- D.
Apple II
Correct Answer
B. UNIVACExplanation
UNIVAC is the correct answer because it was the name of the computer that correctly predicted the outcome of the 1952 American Presidential election. UNIVAC, which stands for Universal Automatic Computer, was one of the first commercial computers and it gained fame for accurately predicting the election results based on early polling data. It was a significant milestone in the history of computing and its successful prediction showcased the potential of computers in analyzing and processing large amounts of data.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 19, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Sep 13, 2011Quiz Created by
Jonhamlin
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