Question

Which of the following invention gave birth to the much cheaper microcomputers?

• A. PDAs
• B. Microprocessors
• C. Microcomputers
• D. Mainframes

Hint:

Associate the computer generations with their core technologies:
- 3rd Generation $\rightarrow$ Integrated Circuits (ICs)
- 4th Generation $\rightarrow$ Microprocessors (which enabled personal and microcomputers)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The evolution of computers is categorized into generations based on the underlying electronic components used: vacuum tubes (1st), transistors (2nd), integrated circuits (3rd), and microprocessors (4th).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze how computers became smaller, cheaper, and accessible to individual users:
- In the early generations, computers like mainframes were massive, expensive machines that filled entire rooms because their processing units were made of many discrete components.
- In 1971, the invention of the Microprocessor (such as the Intel 4004) consolidated all the components of a computer's central processing unit (CPU) onto a single silicon chip (an integrated circuit).
- This consolidation dramatically reduced manufacturing costs, power consumption, and physical size.
- The availability of affordable, single-chip microprocessors allowed manufacturers to build small, inexpensive personal computers, which are classified as microcomputers.
Therefore, the invention of the microprocessor was the key development that enabled the creation of cheap microcomputers.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The invention of Microprocessors gave birth to cheap microcomputers.