Basic Applications of Computers

What is a computer?

The term computer was taken from the Greek word compute means calculation and the
computer was a person or device that did computation. A computer is a machine used to
manipulate data or information and perform mathematical and logical operations. Modern
computers perform a wide range of tasks, store retrieve, and process information. Using a
computer we can create/modify documents, send/receive emails, browse information on the
internet, and play video games. After the invention of computer science and technology
became too advanced. Today we can not imagine growing our technology without computers.

Components of the computer system:

The various components of the computer system are classified into two groups.

•Hardware

•Software
1. Hardware: Hardware is the physical tangible component of the computer system.
This type of component is touchable. CPU, Mouse, Keyboard are examples of hardware
components. So, the hardware of the computer system are:

•Input Device: Input devices allow the user to enter data/information in the CPU
(Central Processing Unit). Mouse, Keyboard, scanner, barcode reader are general
examples of input devices.

•Output Device: Output devices input the processed data/information into human-
readable form. Monitor, speaker, projector, printer are general examples of output devices
.
•Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is referred to as the brain of a computer
system. It is used to processed data/information and provides output to output devices.
The CU (control unit), ALU (arithmetic and logical unit), and registers are components
of the CPU.

•Storage: In a computer, storage devices are used to store the data or information that
entered into the computer system and the output comes from processing the information
or data.
2. Software: Software is a collection of programs (set of instructions), data, and
protocols. It is not in material form so we can not touch such types of components.
The execution of software programs is performed by hardware. Firmware, operating
systems, applications are examples of software .

Features of Computer
Speed: A computer is a time-saving device. It performs several calculations and
tasks in few seconds that we take hours to solve. The speed of a computer is
measure in terms of GigaHertz and MegaHertz.

Accuracy: A calculation or task performed by a computer is accurate the chances of

occurring errors are minimal. The errors occur in a computer by entering wrong data
by a human being. A computer performs several tasks and calculations so quickly
and accurately.

Memory: A computer can store billions of records as per requirement and these
records can easily accessible with full accuracy. The storing capacity of computer
memory is measured in terms of Bytes, Kilobytes (KB), Megabytes (MB),
Gigabyte(GB), and Terabyte(TB).

Versatility: A computer can perform more than one task at the same time, this
feature is called versatility. For example, we can create our project using PowerPoint
and Wordpad while listening to music or we can design a website while listening to
music.
Automation: Today the world is moving toward AI (Artificial Intelligence) based technology.
Once instructions are programmed, a computer can perform work automatically. This feature of the
computer replaces thousands of workers by performing tasks automatically.
Reliability: A computer is a reliable device. The output results never differ until the input is different.
If an input is the same then output won’t be different.
Diligence: A human can not work for several hours without taking a rest whereas a computer
device never gets tired. A computer can perform millions of calculations constantly with full
accuracy without taking a rest.

Uses of Computer
Computers are used in every field of life, such as homes, businesses, educational institutions,
research organizations, the medical field, government offices, entertainment, etc. Today we can not
imagine growing our technology without computers. The various field where the computer is very
essential are:

Role of Computer in Science: Today computer is the primary work tool in the field of science. It is
the best-suited machine for collecting, analyzing, classifying, and storing data. It becomes the most
essential medium to spread knowledge internally and internationally. It allows scientists from
different locations to work together and share ideas on the same project.

Role of Computer in Defense System: A computer performs a vital to control defense system.
Computers are used to track airplanes, missiles, tanks, and different kinds of weapons. Once the
radar system tracks a missile and artificial intelligence is programmed to target a missile and
destroy it before it comes on the surface. It also used for GPS tracking, controlling defense
vehicles, records of all members of the military.
Role of Computer in Medical: The computer plays a very important role in medical science such
as record patients’ information monitoring heart rate, oxygen level, and blood pressure. To conduct
various surgeries junior doctors get the help of another professional doctor by web conferencing.
Research is also spread with the help of computers in the health sector.

Role of Computer in Education: Today learning becomes easy because of computers. Anyone
employed or student can learn any stage of life with the help of a computer. Computers are very
crucial for online classes, download study material on the internet. Computers are also used to
track student attendance and learning strategies. Coaching and institutes increased their areas by
audio-visual aids using computers

Role of Computer in Banking: A computer performs a crucial role in banking sectors, by storing
several account holder details on a bank server. All transactions such as deposits and withdrawals
perform by a computer. A banking company can easily monitor all ATMs and passbook printing
machines.

Role of Computer in Government Sectors: Government can easily monitor government sectors
such as road services , railway, development, and other rising funds. The information of every
citizen is stored on the server through the computer.

Role of Computer in Entertainment: Today most people are so busy and they do not easily get
time to fresh their mind. We can play various interesting video games using a computer. We can
watch movies, TV shows, and reality shows on the computer. A computer is also used to create
sarcastic memes and make us happy.
 Types of Computers

A computer is a device that transforms data into meaningful information. It

processes the input according to the set of instructions provided to it by the
user and gives the desired output. Computers are of various types and they can
be categorized in two ways on the basis of size and on the basis of data handling
capabilities. So, on the basis of size, there are five types of computers:

•Supercomputer
•Mainframe computer
• Minicomputer
• Workstation
• PC (Personal Computer)

And on the basis of data handling capabilities, there are three types of computer:

• Analogue Computer
• Digital Computer
• Hybrid Computer
Generations of Computers
The modern computer took its shape with the arrival of your time. It had been
around 16th century when the evolution of the computer started. The initial
computer faced many changes, obviously for the betterment. It continuously
improved itself in terms of speed, accuracy, size, and price to urge the form of
the fashionable day computer. This long period is often conveniently divided into
the subsequent phases
called computer generations:
First Generation Computers (1940-1956)
Second Generation Computers (1956-1963)
Third Generation Computers (1964-1971)
Fourth Generation Computers (1971-Present)
Fifth Generation Computers (Present and Beyond)

Before there are graphing calculators, spreadsheets, and computer algebra

systems, mathematicians and inventors searched for solutions to ease the
burden of calculation.
Below are the 8 mechanical calculators before modern computers were
invented.
1. Abacus (ca. 2700 BC)
2. Pascal’s Calculator (1652)
3. Stepped Reckoner (1694)
4. Arithmometer (1820)
5. Comptometer (1887) and Comptograph (1889)
First Generation Computers: Vacuum Tubes (1940-1956)
The technology behind the primary generation computers was a fragile glass
device, which was called vacuum tubes. These computers were very heavy and
really large in size. These weren’t very reliable and programming on them was a
really tedious task as they used high-level programming language and used no OS.
First-generation computers were used for calculation, storage, and control
purpose. They were too bulky and large that they needed a full room and consume
rot of electricity.
Main first generation computers are:

ENIAC: Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, built by J. Presper Eckert

and John V. Mauchly was a general-purpose computer. It had been very heavy,
large, and contained 18,000 vacuum tubes.

EDVAC: Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer was designed by von

Neumann. It could store data also as instruction and thus the speed was enhanced.

UNIVAC: Universal Automatic Computer was developed in 1952 by Eckert and

Mauchly.

Main characteristics of first generation computers are:

•Main electronic component -Vacuum tube.
•Programming language - Machine language.
•Main memory - Magnetic tapes and magnetic drums.
•Input/output devices - Paper tape and punched cards.
•Speed and size - Very slow and very large in size (often taking up entire room).
Examples of the first generation - IBM 650, IBM 701, ENIAC, UNIVAC1, etc.

Second Generation Computers: Transistors (1956-1963)

Second-generation computers used the technology of transistors rather than
bulky vacuum tubes. Another feature was the core storage. A transistor may be a
device composed of semiconductor material that amplifies a sign or opens or
closes a circuit. Transistors were invented in Bell Labs. The use of transistors
made it possible to perform powerfully and with due speed. It reduced the
dimensions and price and thankfully the warmth too, which was generated by
vacuum tubes. Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, programming language
and input, and output units also came into the force within the
second generation.
Programming language was shifted from high level to programming language
and made programming comparatively a simple task for programmers.
Languages used for programming during this era were FORTRAN (1956), ALGOL
(1958), and COBOL (1959).

Main characteristics of second generation computers are:-

•Main electronic component - Transistor.
•Programming language - Machine language and assembly language.
• Memory - Magnetic core and magnetic tape/disk.
• Input/output devices - Magnetic tape and punched cards.
• Power and size - Smaller in size, low power consumption, and generated less
heat (in comparison with the first generation computers).
Examples of second generation - PDP-8, IBM1400 series, IBM 7090 and
7094, UNIVAC 1107, CDC 3600 et

Third Generation Computers: Integrated Circuits. (1964-1971)

During the third generation, technology envisaged a shift from huge transistors
to integrated circuits, also referred to as IC. Here a variety of transistors were
placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors. The most feature of this era’s
computer was the speed and reliability. IC was made from silicon and also called
silicon chips. A single IC, has many transistors, registers, and capacitors built on
one thin slice of silicon. The value size was reduced and memory space and
dealing efficiency were increased during this generation. Programming was
now wiped out Higher level languages like BASIC (Beginners All-purpose
Symbolic Instruction Code). Minicomputers find their shape during this era.

Main characteristics of third generation computers are:

•Main electronic component - Integrated circuits (ICs)

•Programming language - High-level language
•Memory -Large magnetic core, magnetic tape/disk
•Input / output devices - Magnetic tape, monitor, keyboard, printer, etc.
Examples of third generation - IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11, NCR 395, B6500,
UNIVAC 1108, etc.
Fourth Generation Computers: Micro-processors (1971-Present)
In 1971 First microprocessors were used, the large scale of integration LSI circuits built on one
chip called microprocessors. The most advantage of this technology is that one microprocessor
can contain all the circuits required to perform arithmetic, logic, and control functions on one
chip. The computers using microchips were called microcomputers. This generation provided the
even smaller size of computers, with larger capacities. That’s not enough, then Very Large Scale
Integrated (VLSI) circuits replaced LSI circuits. The Intel 4004chip, developed in 1971, located
all the components of the pc from the central processing unit and memory to input/ output
controls on one chip and allowed the dimensions to reduce drastically. Technologies like
multiprocessing, multiprogramming, time-sharing, operating speed, and virtual memory made it a
more user-friendly and customary device. The concept of private computers and computer
networks came into being within the fourth generation.

Fifth Generation Computers

The technology behind the fifth generation of computers is AI. It allows computers to behave like
humans. It is often seen in programs like voice recognition, area of medicines, and
entertainment. Within the field of games playing also it’s shown remarkable performance where
computers are capable of beating human competitors. The speed is highest, size is that the
smallest and area of use has remarkably increased within the fifth generation computers.
Though not a hundred percent AI has been achieved to date but keeping in sight the present
developments, it is often said that this dream also will become a reality very soon.
In order to summarize the features of varied generations of computers, it is often
said that a big improvement has been seen as far because the speed and accuracy
of functioning care, but if we mention the dimensions, it’s being small over the
years. The value is additionally diminishing and reliability is in fact increasing.

Main characteristics of fifth generation computers are:

Main electronic component - Based on artificial intelligence, uses the Ultra
Large-Scale Integration (ULSI) technology and parallel processing method (ULSI
has millions of transistors on a single microchip and Parallel processing method
use two or more microprocessors to run tasks simultaneously).
Language - Understand natural language (human language).
Size - Portable and small in size.
Input / output device - Trackpad (or touchpad), touchscreen, pen, speech input
(recognize voice/speech), light scanner, printer, keyboard, monitor, mouse, etc.
Example of fifth generation -
Desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.

Thank you

Sources :
https://www.guru99.com
www.tutorialspoint.com/