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Who invented the computer mouse?

July 28, 2006 10:38 IST
Computers

Today computers are an integral part of our lives, both at work and home. Take the rediff biz quiz and find how much you know about this very essential gadget.

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1. Who invented the first computer mouse?
a) Douglas Engelbart
b) Jack Kilby
c) Robert Noyce

2. Which is the first high-level programming language?
a) Fortran
b) BASIC
c) Algol

3. Xerox is also associated with the invention of one of these...
a) Microprocessor
b) Floppy Disk
c) Ethernet

Wrong! Try again..
Wrong!
The correct answer is Ethernet.
The Ethernet, a system for connecting computers within a building using hardware running from machine to machine, was invented by Robert Metcalfe in 1973. He was a member of the research staff for Xerox, at their Palo Alto Research Center (PARC). Xerox's motivation for the computer network was that they were also building the world's first laser printer and wanted all of the PARC's computers to be able to print with this printer.
Correct!
The Ethernet, a system for connecting computers within a building using hardware running from machine to machine, was invented by Robert Metcalfe in 1973. He was a member of the research staff for Xerox, at their Palo Alto Research Center (PARC). Xerox's motivation for the computer network was that they were also building the world's first laser printer and wanted all of the PARC's computers to be able to print with this printer.

4. Which company launched the 1st floppy disk?
a) Apple
b) IBM
c) Intel

Wrong! Try again..
Wrong!
The correct answer is IBM.
In 1971, IBM introduced the first 'memory disk' or the 'floppy disk'. The first floppy was an 8" plastic disk coated with magnetic iron oxide; data was written to and read from the disk's surface. The nickname "floppy" came from its flexibility. The 'floppy' was invented by IBM engineers led by Alan Shugart.
Correct!
In 1971, IBM introduced the first 'memory disk' or the 'floppy disk'. The first floppy was an 8" plastic disk coated with magnetic iron oxide; data was written to and read from the disk's surface. The nickname "floppy" came from its flexibility. The 'floppy' was invented by IBM engineers led by Alan Shugart.

5. Which company launched the first printer?
a) HP
b) Xerox
c) Remington-Rand

Wrong! Try again..
Wrong!
The correct answer is Remington-Rand.
In 1953, the first high-speed printer was developed by Remington-Rand for use on the Univac computer. In 1938, Chestor Carlson invented a dry printing process called electrophotography commonly called a Xerox.
The original laser printer called EARS was developed at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center beginning in 1971.
In 1992, Hewlett-Packard released the popular LaserJet 4, the first 600 by 600 dots per inch resolution laser printer.
In 1976, the inkjet printer was invented, but it took until 1988 for the inkjet to become a home consumer item with Hewlett-Parkard's release of the DeskJet inkjet printer, priced at a whopping $1000.
Correct!
In 1953, the first high-speed printer was developed by Remington-Rand for use on the Univac computer. In 1938, Chestor Carlson invented a dry printing process called electrophotography commonly called a Xerox.
The original laser printer called EARS was developed at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center beginning in 1971.
In 1992, Hewlett-Packard released the popular LaserJet 4, the first 600 by 600 dots per inch resolution laser printer.
In 1976, the inkjet printer was invented, but it took until 1988 for the inkjet to become a home consumer item with Hewlett-Parkard's release of the DeskJet inkjet printer, priced at a whopping $1000.

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