Which of the following best describes an electronic computer?

Which of the following best describes an electronic computer?

• A. One that operates on electric motors
• B. One that uses tubes and transistors
• C. One that only processes text documents
• D. One that does not require a graphical interface

Answer: (B)

An electronic computer is best described as one that uses tubes and transistors. This is because electronic computers leverage these components to process information through electronic signals. In the history of computing, vacuum tubes were used in the first generation of computers, while transistors, which replace vacuum tubes, form the basis of modern computers, allowing for greater efficiency, speed, and miniaturization of circuitry. While other options mention various attributes, they do not encapsulate the essential technological foundation of electronic computers. Electric motors are not a defining characteristic of computers as they are not used specifically for processing data. The focus solely on text processing or the absence of a graphical interface does not accurately reflect the capabilities and design of electronic computers, which can perform a wide range of tasks beyond just text and often incorporate graphical elements.

An electronic computer is best described as one that uses tubes and transistors. This is because electronic computers leverage these components to process information through electronic signals. In the history of computing, vacuum tubes were used in the first generation of computers, while transistors, which replace vacuum tubes, form the basis of modern computers, allowing for greater efficiency, speed, and miniaturization of circuitry.

While other options mention various attributes, they do not encapsulate the essential technological foundation of electronic computers. Electric motors are not a defining characteristic of computers as they are not used specifically for processing data. The focus solely on text processing or the absence of a graphical interface does not accurately reflect the capabilities and design of electronic computers, which can perform a wide range of tasks beyond just text and often incorporate graphical elements.