History Of Computing Quiz! Trivia Questions

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  • 1/10 Questions
    Who invented the first modern type of mechanical computing machine? - ProProfs

    Who invented the first modern type of mechanical computing machine?

    • John A. McDonald
    • Thomas Edison
    • Alexander Graham Bell
    • Charles Babbage
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About This Quiz

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!

History Of Computing Quiz! Trivia Questions - Quiz

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  • 2. 
    What method was used to feed instructions into early computing machines? - ProProfs

    What method was used to feed instructions into early computing machines?

    • Paper Tickets

    • Cables and Plugs

    • Punch Cards

    • Vacuum Tubes

    Correct Answer
    A. Punch Cards
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 3. 
    Which female was known as the "World's First Programmer"? - ProProfs

    Which female was known as the "World's First Programmer"?

    • Augusta Anderson

    • Mother Theresa

    • Ada Augusta

    • Adeline August

    Correct Answer
    A. Ada Augusta
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 4. 
    What was the name of his invention? - ProProfs

    What was the name of his invention?

    • The Change Machine

    • The Difference Engine

    • The Card Reader

    • The Manhattan Project

    Correct Answer
    A. The Difference Engine
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 5. 
    What was the name of the British computer that cracked the German codes during World War II? - ProProfs

    What was the name of the British computer that cracked the German codes during World War II?

    • Optimus Prime

    • Megatron

    • King Kong

    • Colossus

    Correct Answer
    A. Colossus
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 6. 
    What was the first activity in America that spawned the need for a fast calculating machine? - ProProfs

    What was the first activity in America that spawned the need for a fast calculating machine?

    • Great Depression

    • The Civil War

    • The American Census

    • The Railroad

    Correct Answer
    A. The American Census
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 7. 

    What was the next significant event in world history that advanced the development of computing technology?

    • The Cold War

    • World War II

    • The Space Race

    • The Great Depression

    Correct Answer
    A. World War II
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 8. 
    What was the name of the computer that correctly predicted the outcome of the 1952 American Presidential election? - ProProfs

    What was the name of the computer that correctly predicted the outcome of the 1952 American Presidential election?

    • ENIAC

    • UNIVAC

    • SPACEMAC

    • Apple II

    Correct Answer
    A. UNIVAC
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 9. 
    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). - ProProfs

    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).

    • Kent Brockman

    • Bill Gates

    • Thomas Watson

    • John Mockley

    Correct Answer
    A. Thomas Watson
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 10. 
    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? - ProProfs

    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?

    • Calculating Computer Company

    • Tabulating Machine Company

    • International Business Machines

    • Punch Cards International

    Correct Answer
    A. Tabulating Machine Company
    Explanation
    Herman Hollerith's company that sold machines to the American Census was called the Tabulating Machine Company.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 19, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Sep 13, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Jonhamlin

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