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The SWAC computer was known by its full name, the Standards Western Automatic Computer.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Standards Western Automatic Computer (SWAC) was indeed known by its full designation.
The SWAC computer was constructed in 1950 in New York City.
Answer: False
Explanation: The construction of the SWAC computer was completed in 1950, but its location was Los Angeles, California, not New York City.
Harry Huskey was the lead designer credited with the development of the SWAC computer.
Answer: True
Explanation: Harry Huskey is recognized as the principal designer responsible for the development of the SWAC computer.
SWAC was designed as a large-scale, high-performance machine intended for long-term use from its inception.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, SWAC was conceived as a small-scale, interim computer, intended for rapid construction and deployment rather than as a large-scale, long-term system.
What does the acronym SWAC stand for?
Answer: Standards Western Automatic Computer
Explanation: The acronym SWAC represents the Standards Western Automatic Computer.
In what year was the SWAC computer built?
Answer: 1950
Explanation: The construction of the SWAC computer was completed in the year 1950.
Which U.S. government agency was responsible for building the SWAC computer?
Answer: U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NBS)
Explanation: The development and construction of the SWAC computer were undertaken by the U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NBS).
Who is credited as the lead designer of the SWAC computer?
Answer: Harry Huskey
Explanation: Harry Huskey is recognized as the lead designer credited with the development of the SWAC computer.
What was the primary purpose behind the design of the SWAC computer?
Answer: To be a small-scale, interim computer for quick deployment.
Explanation: The primary purpose behind SWAC's design was to serve as a small-scale, interim computer, facilitating rapid construction and operational deployment.
What was the role of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) in the development of early computers like SWAC?
Answer: The NBS played a significant role by developing and building early computers like SWAC, aiming to provide computational resources while waiting for more advanced machines and contributing to the advancement of computing technology.
Explanation: The NBS played a significant role by developing and building early computers like SWAC, aiming to provide computational resources while waiting for more advanced machines and contributing to the advancement of computing technology.
What does the term 'interim computer' suggest about SWAC's place in computing history?
Answer: It was a computer designed for temporary use.
Explanation: The term 'interim computer' suggests that SWAC was a temporary solution, built to fill a gap in computational power while more advanced systems were under development, rather than being a long-term flagship machine.
What was the primary difference in the design philosophy between SWAC and computers like RAYDAC, as mentioned in the overview?
Answer: SWAC was small-scale and interim, while RAYDAC was more powerful.
Explanation: SWAC was designed as a small-scale, interim computer intended for quick construction and operation, whereas RAYDAC was a more powerful computer that the NBS was waiting for. This highlights SWAC's role as a stopgap solution.
SWAC was an analog computer that processed data using continuous signals.
Answer: False
Explanation: SWAC was a digital computer, processing data using discrete numerical values, not continuous analog signals.
The SWAC computer utilized approximately 2,300 vacuum tubes.
Answer: True
Explanation: The SWAC computer's architecture relied on approximately 2,300 vacuum tubes, a common component in early electronic computing.
SWAC's memory capacity was 256 words, with each word containing 16 bits.
Answer: False
Explanation: While SWAC's memory capacity was indeed 256 words, each word comprised 37 bits, not the 16 bits stated.
SWAC stored its primary memory using magnetic core technology.
Answer: False
Explanation: SWAC's primary memory was based on Williams tubes, an early cathode ray tube technology, rather than magnetic core memory.
Drum memory was added to SWAC several years after its initial completion.
Answer: True
Explanation: To augment its storage capabilities, drum memory was integrated into the SWAC system several years subsequent to its initial deployment.
The caption of the first image indicates that SWAC's Williams tube memory was located in the front.
Answer: False
Explanation: The caption associated with the first image specifies that SWAC's Williams tube memory was situated in the center rear, not the front.
How many vacuum tubes did the SWAC computer contain?
Answer: Approximately 2,300
Explanation: The SWAC computer was equipped with approximately 2,300 vacuum tubes.
What was the memory capacity of the SWAC in terms of words?
Answer: 256 words
Explanation: The memory capacity of the SWAC computer was 256 words.
What type of technology was used for SWAC's primary memory storage?
Answer: Williams tubes
Explanation: The primary memory storage for SWAC utilized Williams tubes technology.
What type of memory technology did SWAC use, as indicated by image captions?
Answer: Williams tubes
Explanation: As indicated by image captions, SWAC employed Williams tubes as its memory technology.
What was the bit length of each word in SWAC's memory?
Answer: 37 bits
Explanation: Each word stored in SWAC's memory consisted of 37 bits.
What kind of additional storage was added to SWAC several years after its initial completion?
Answer: Drum memory
Explanation: Several years following its initial completion, drum memory was integrated as an additional storage component for SWAC.
Upon its completion in August 1950, SWAC was recognized as the fastest computer globally.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon its completion in August 1950, SWAC achieved recognition as the fastest computer worldwide.
SWAC maintained its status as the world's fastest computer for over five years.
Answer: False
Explanation: SWAC's reign as the world's fastest computer was brief, lasting approximately one year until the completion of the IAS computer.
SWAC could perform an addition operation in 64 microseconds.
Answer: True
Explanation: SWAC demonstrated remarkable speed for its era, completing an addition operation in a mere 64 microseconds.
A multiplication operation on SWAC took approximately 384 milliseconds.
Answer: False
Explanation: A multiplication operation on SWAC was significantly faster than suggested, taking approximately 384 microseconds, not milliseconds.
The SWAC computer was capable of performing eight basic operations.
Answer: False
Explanation: The SWAC computer was designed to perform seven fundamental operations, not eight.
SWAC and SEAC were fundamentally different types of computers, with SEAC being analog.
Answer: False
Explanation: SWAC and SEAC were fundamentally similar in type, both being electronic digital computers, rather than fundamentally different with SEAC being analog.
The term 'fixed-point' in SWAC's operations refers to a method where the decimal point's position can vary.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the context of SWAC's operations, 'fixed-point' arithmetic denotes a method where the decimal or binary point is maintained in a constant, predetermined position, unlike variable-position floating-point arithmetic.
How did SWAC's performance compare to other computers upon its completion in 1950?
Answer: It was the fastest computer in the world.
Explanation: Upon its completion in 1950, SWAC distinguished itself by being the fastest computer globally.
For approximately how long did SWAC hold the title of the world's fastest computer?
Answer: Approximately one year
Explanation: SWAC maintained its status as the world's fastest computer for approximately one year.
What was SWAC's operational speed for adding two numbers?
Answer: 64 microseconds
Explanation: SWAC's operational speed for adding two numbers was 64 microseconds.
Which of the following was NOT one of the seven basic operations SWAC could perform?
Answer: Division
Explanation: Among the listed options, Division was not among the seven basic operations that SWAC was programmed to execute.
What does the term 'fixed-point' arithmetic refer to in the context of SWAC's operations?
Answer: A method where the decimal point is assumed to be in a fixed position.
Explanation: In the context of SWAC's operations, 'fixed-point' arithmetic refers to a numerical representation method where the decimal point's position is assumed to be constant.
What does the term 'fixed-point' refer to in the context of SWAC's operations?
Answer: A method where the decimal point is assumed to be in a fixed position.
Explanation: In the context of SWAC's operations, 'fixed-point' arithmetic refers to a numerical representation method where the decimal point's position is assumed to be constant.
In 1952, Raphael M. Robinson used SWAC to discover five Mersenne primes.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1952, mathematician Raphael M. Robinson leveraged the computational power of SWAC to identify five Mersenne primes.
The Mersenne primes discovered by Robinson using SWAC had sizes ranging up to 687 digits.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Mersenne primes discovered by Robinson using SWAC were substantial, with the largest containing 687 digits.
SWAC was instrumental in calculating the structure of vitamin C using X-ray analysis.
Answer: False
Explanation: SWAC's computational contributions were vital for determining the structure of vitamin B12 through X-ray analysis, not vitamin C.
Dorothy Hodgkin received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964 for her work on vitamin B12, which involved SWAC's computations.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dorothy Hodgkin's Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964 was awarded for her elucidation of the structure of vitamin B12, a feat significantly aided by SWAC's computational capabilities.
The SWAC computer was used for X-ray analysis to determine the structure of molecules.
Answer: True
Explanation: SWAC played a role in scientific research by performing complex calculations necessary for X-ray analysis, a technique used to elucidate molecular structures.
What significant mathematical discovery was made using SWAC in 1952 by Raphael M. Robinson?
Answer: Discovery of new prime numbers known as Mersenne primes.
Explanation: In 1952, Raphael M. Robinson utilized SWAC to achieve a significant mathematical discovery: the identification of five Mersenne primes.
What was the largest number of digits for a Mersenne prime discovered using SWAC?
Answer: 687 digits
Explanation: The largest Mersenne prime identified through computations on SWAC contained 687 digits.
SWAC was crucial for intensive calculations related to the X-ray analysis of which molecule?
Answer: Vitamin B12
Explanation: SWAC's computational power was instrumental in the intensive calculations required for the X-ray analysis of the vitamin B12 molecule.
Which scientist's Nobel Prize in Chemistry was partly attributed to SWAC's computational assistance?
Answer: Dorothy Hodgkin
Explanation: Dorothy Hodgkin's Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964 was partly attributed to the computational assistance provided by SWAC for her work on vitamin B12.
How did SWAC's performance in discovering Mersenne primes contribute to the understanding of large prime numbers?
Answer: By using SWAC to find these large Mersenne primes, researchers were able to identify and verify prime numbers that were significantly larger than any previously known, pushing the boundaries of number theory at the time.
Explanation: By utilizing SWAC to identify large Mersenne primes, researchers expanded the known range of prime numbers, significantly advancing the field of number theory.
What does the term 'X-ray analysis' imply in relation to Dorothy Hodgkin's work with vitamin B12?
Answer: A scientific technique using X-ray diffraction patterns to determine molecular structure.
Explanation: X-ray analysis, in this context, refers to a scientific technique that uses the diffraction patterns of X-rays passing through a crystal to determine the arrangement of atoms within that crystal, thereby revealing the molecule's structure.
What kind of scientific analysis was SWAC used for in Dorothy Hodgkin's research?
Answer: X-ray analysis
Explanation: The SWAC was used for the intense calculation required for X-ray analysis, a scientific technique that uses the diffraction patterns of X-rays to determine the three-dimensional structure of molecules.
What is the significance of the reference to 'MERSENNE AND FERMAT NUMBERS' by Raphael M. Robinson?
Answer: It documents Robinson's mathematical discoveries made using SWAC.
Explanation: This reference points to a document by Raphael M. Robinson detailing his work with Mersenne and Fermat numbers, which includes his discoveries made using the SWAC. It connects his mathematical research to the computer's capabilities.
The National Bureau of Standards (NBS) ceased using SWAC in 1954 when its Los Angeles office closed.
Answer: True
Explanation: The National Bureau of Standards (NBS) concluded its use of SWAC in 1954, coinciding with the closure of its Los Angeles facility.
UCLA used the SWAC computer until 1967.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following its service with the NBS, the SWAC computer continued its operational life at UCLA, remaining in use until 1967.
When used by UCLA, the SWAC computer had an hourly cost of $10.
Answer: False
Explanation: The hourly operational cost for the SWAC computer during its tenure at UCLA was $40, not $10.
Only one unit of the SWAC computer was ever produced.
Answer: True
Explanation: The SWAC computer was a unique machine, with only a single unit ever being produced.
The 'External links' section provides access to oral history interviews related to SWAC.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'External links' section of the source material offers access to valuable primary resources, including oral history interviews pertaining to SWAC.
Alexandra Illmer Forsythe discussed her husband George Forsythe's work on SWAC at Stanford University.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alexandra Illmer Forsythe discussed her husband George Forsythe's work on SWAC, but this work was associated with UCLA, not Stanford University.
The Margaret R. Fox Papers at the Charles Babbage Institute contain memoranda and histories of SWAC.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Margaret R. Fox Papers, housed at the Charles Babbage Institute, contain significant memoranda and historical accounts pertaining to the SWAC computer.
When did the NBS cease using SWAC?
Answer: 1954
Explanation: The National Bureau of Standards (NBS) ceased its operational use of SWAC in 1954.
Which university took over the use of SWAC after the NBS?
Answer: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Explanation: Following the NBS's cessation of use, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) assumed operational responsibility for SWAC.
What was the hourly usage cost for SWAC at UCLA?
Answer: $40 per hour
Explanation: When utilized by UCLA, the SWAC computer incurred an hourly usage cost of $40.
How many units of the SWAC computer were produced?
Answer: One
Explanation: The SWAC computer was produced as a single unit.
Which section of the article provides links to additional resources and articles about SWAC's history?
Answer: Further reading
Explanation: The 'Further reading' section is designated for providing links to supplementary resources and articles that delve deeper into SWAC's history.
Alexandra Illmer Forsythe discussed her husband George Forsythe's work on SWAC at Stanford University.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alexandra Illmer Forsythe discussed her husband George Forsythe's work on SWAC, but this work was associated with UCLA, not Stanford University.
The Margaret R. Fox Papers at the Charles Babbage Institute contain memoranda and histories of SWAC.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Margaret R. Fox Papers, housed at the Charles Babbage Institute, contain significant memoranda and historical accounts pertaining to the SWAC computer.
How did the modifications made to SWAC by UCLA affect its operation?
Answer: The modifications allowed it to continue functioning for several more years.
Explanation: The text mentions that SWAC was used by UCLA 'until 1967 (with modifications),' implying that these changes allowed it to continue functioning and be utilized for several more years beyond its initial NBS service.
What does the inclusion of ISBN numbers in the references indicate about the sources cited?
Answer: The sources are primarily published books, lending credibility.
Explanation: The inclusion of ISBN (International Standard Book Number) numbers indicates that several of the sources are published books, which are typically peer-reviewed or professionally edited, lending credibility to the information.
What is listed under the 'See also' section of the article?
Answer: List of vacuum tube computers
Explanation: The 'See also' section lists 'List of vacuum tube computers.' This category includes other early computing devices that utilized vacuum tubes as their primary electronic components.
What is the significance of the 'Further reading' section regarding SWAC?
Answer: It provides links to additional resources for deeper study.
Explanation: The 'Further reading' section provides links to additional resources and articles that offer more information about SWAC, including its history and technical details. These are supplementary materials for deeper study.
What does the 'External links' section offer for users interested in SWAC?
Answer: Links to primary and secondary source materials.
Explanation: The 'External links' section provides links to external websites and documents, such as IEEE transcripts, oral history interviews, and papers related to SWAC and its associated researchers. These links offer access to primary and secondary source materials.
What role did Alexandra Illmer Forsythe play in relation to SWAC?
Answer: She discussed her husband George Forsythe's involvement with SWAC at UCLA.
Explanation: Alexandra Illmer Forsythe discussed her husband, George Forsythe's, involvement with SWAC at UCLA. George Forsythe worked with the computer until 1957 when the NBS closed its operation there.
What kind of documents are included in the Margaret R. Fox Papers at the Charles Babbage Institute, related to SWAC?
Answer: Memoranda and histories of SWAC, plus other NBS computer activities.
Explanation: The Margaret R. Fox Papers include memoranda on and histories of SWAC, along with other early National Bureau of Standards (NBS) computer activities. This collection offers insights into the operational and historical aspects of early computing projects.
What is the purpose of the Wikimedia Commons link at the end of the article?
Answer: To offer access to media files, such as images, related to SWAC.
Explanation: The Wikimedia Commons link provides access to media files, such as images, related to the SWAC computer. Wikimedia Commons is a repository for freely usable media files.