Which device uses punched cards and was designed to process data for t...
Answer: B. Tabulating Machine
Explanation: The Tabulating Machine, invented by Herman Hollerith, used punched cards to process data for the 1890 census. It was the first electromechanical machine designed for data processing, significantly speeding up the census data tabulation process.
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Which device uses punched cards and was designed to process data for t...
Overview of the Tabulating Machine
The correct answer to the question is option 'B', the Tabulating Machine, which played a significant role in the processing of data for the 1890 census.
Background
- The Tabulating Machine was invented by Herman Hollerith, an American inventor and statistician.
- It was designed to automate the process of counting and sorting data, which was essential for the U.S. census.
Functionality
- The machine utilized punched cards to encode data. Each card represented an individual and contained holes that corresponded to specific answers or attributes.
- As the cards were fed into the machine, electric sensors would read the holes, allowing for quick data processing.
Impact on Census
- The 1890 census was the first to use this technology, significantly speeding up data collection and analysis.
- It reduced the time needed to process census data from several years to just months, showcasing the efficiency of mechanical data processing.
Legacy
- Hollerith's invention laid the groundwork for future developments in computing and data processing.
- His company eventually evolved into IBM, a cornerstone of the computing industry.
In summary, the Tabulating Machine, utilizing punched cards, revolutionized the data processing methods of the 19th century and marked a pivotal moment in the history of computing.