Production machines were first controlled by the computer by means of A. punched cards B. punched paper tape C. magnetic tape D. magnetic cards E. None of the above

The correct answer is: A. punched cards

Punched cards were the first type of data storage and input medium used in computers. They were used to control production machines in the early days of computing.

Punched paper tape was also used to control production machines, but it was less common than punched cards.

Magnetic tape and magnetic cards were not used to control production machines until later in the history of computing.

Here is a brief explanation of each option:

• A. Punched cards are a piece of stiff paper with rectangular holes punched into it. The holes represent data, such as numbers or letters. Punched cards were used to store and input data into computers in the early days of computing. They were also used to control production machines.
• B. Punched paper tape is a long, narrow strip of paper with holes punched into it. The holes represent data, such as numbers or letters. Punched paper tape was used to store and input data into computers in the early days of computing. It was also used to control production machines, but it was less common than punched cards.
• C. Magnetic tape is a thin, flexible plastic strip coated with a magnetic material. Data is stored on magnetic tape as a series of magnetic patterns. Magnetic tape was used to store and input data into computers in the later days of computing. It was not used to control production machines until later in the history of computing.
• D. Magnetic cards are a type of data storage medium that was used in the early days of computing. They are similar to punched cards, but they use magnetic material instead of holes to represent data. Magnetic cards were not used to control production machines.
• E. None of the above is not the correct answer.