Lecture 2

Generation of Computers, Block

Diagram of Computer, Input
Devices
Course instructor: Dr. Shabana Bibi
Generation of Computers
In Computer language, “Generation” is a set of Technology. It provides a
framework for the growth of the computer technology. There are totally
Five Computer Generations till today.
First Generation : 1942-1955
Second Generation : 1955-1964
Third Generation : 1965-1975
Fourth Generation : 1975-1989
Fifth Generation : 1989 to Present
 First Generation
• Duration: 1942-1955
• Technology: vacuum tube
• Used as a calculating device.
• Performed calculations in milliseconds.
• To bulky in size & complex design.
• Required large room to place it.
• Generates too much heat & burnt.
• Required continuously hardware maintenance.
• Generates much heat so must air-conditioner rooms are required.
• Commercial production is difficult & costly.
• Difficult to configure.
• Limited commercial use.
• ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC are example of 1st generation computer.
Second Generation
• Duration: 1955-1964
• Technology: transistor
• 10 times Smaller in size than 1st generation system.
• Less heat than 1st generation computers.
• Consumed less power than 1st generation system.
• Computers were done calculations in microseconds.
• Air-conditioner is also required.
• Easy to configure than 1st generation computers.
• More reliable in information.
• Wider commercial use.
• Large & fast primary/secondary storage than 1st generation
 Third Generation
• Duration: 1965-1975
• Technology: IC chip
• Smaller in size than 1st & 2nd generation computers.
• Perform more fast calculations than 2nd generation systems.
• Large & fast primary/secondary storage than 2nd generation computers.
• Air –conditioner is required.
• Widely used for commercial applications.
• General purpose computers.
• High level languages like COBOL & FORTAN are allowed to write programs.
• Generate less heat & consumed less power than 2nd generation computer.
 Fourth Generation
• Duration: 1975-1989
• Technology: Microprocessor chip
• Based on LSI & VLSI microprocessor chip.
• Smaller in size.
• Much faster than previous generations.
• Minimum hardware maintenance is required.
• Very reliable as computer to previous generation computers.
• Totally general purpose computer.
• Easy to configure.
• Possible to use network concept to connect the computer together.
• NO requirement of air-conditioners.
• Cheapest in price.
Fifth Generation
• Duration: 1989 to Present
• Technology: ULSI microprocessor chip
• Much smaller & handy.
• Based on the ULSI chip which contains 100 million electronic components.
• The speed of the operations is increased.
• Consumed less power.
• Air-conditioner is not required.
• More user friendly interface with multi-media features.
• High level languages are allowed to write programs.
• Larger & faster primary/secondary storage than previous generations.
• Notebook computers are the example of 5th generation computers.
Block Diagram of Computer
Block Diagram of Computer
Input Devices:
• The devices which are used to entered data in the computer systems are known as input devices.
• Keyboard, mouse, scanner, mike, light pen etc are example of input devices.
Function of Input Devices:
• Accept the data from the outside worlds.
• Convert that data into computer coded information.
• Supply this data to CPU for further processing.
Output Devices:
• The devices which display the result generated by the computer are known as output devices.
• Monitor, printer, plotter, speaker etc are the example of output devices.
Function of Output Devices:
• Accept the result form the CPU.
• Convert that result into human readable form.
• Display the result on the output device.
 Block Diagram of Computer
Memory Unit:
• The data & instruction have to store inside the computer before the actual processing start.
• Same way the result of the computer must be stored before passed to the output devices. This tasks
performed by memory unit.
Function of Memory Unit:
• Store data & instruction received from input devices.
• Store the intermediate results generated by CPU.
• Store the final result generated by CPU.
Arithmetical & Logical Unit:
• The ALU is the place where actual data & instruction are processed.
• All the calculations are performed & all comparisons are made in ALU.
• Performs all arithmetical & logical operations.
• An arithmetic operation contains basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.
• Logical operations contains comparison such as less than, greater than, less than equal to, greater
than equal to, equal to, not equal to.
 Block Diagram of Computer
Control Unit:
• It controls the movement of data and program instructions into and out of the
CPU, and to control the operations of the ALU.
• In sort, its main function is to manage all the activities within the computer
system.
• Controls the internal parts as well as the external parts related with the
computer.
CPU:
• The Unit where all the processing is done is called as Central Processing Unit.
• It contains many other units under it.
• Main of them are:- Control Unit And ALU (Arithmetic & Logic Unit)
Input Devices:
 Keyboard
 Keyboard is most commonly used input device.
 It is similar like a type writer which is used to enter data in the computer.
 It contains sets of keys such as alphabets, number & special signs.
There are two types of keyboard.
o General purpose keyboard
o Special purpose keyboard
General-purpose keyboards are versatile and suited for a wide range of
standard tasks, while special-purpose keyboards are tailored for specific
applications or environments, enhancing functionality and usability for
particular needs.
 General Purpose Keyboard
Standard keyboard which are used in personal computers. It contains enough keys
which are used in all types of applications so they are known as general purpose
keyboard. Most popular general purpose keyboard contains 101 keys.

• The general purpose keyboard are divided into following parts:

ALPHANUMERAIC KEYPAD
• The centered part of the keyboard is known as alphanumeric keypad.
• It contains alphabets, numbers & special signs such as *,!, @, #, $, %,* etc.
NUMERAIC KEYPAD
• The right most part of the keyboard is known as numeric keypad.
• It contains 0 to 9 numbers & mathematical signs such as +, *, -, /.
• Mainly used for fast data entry in mathematical applications.
 General Purpose Keyboard
ARROW KEYS
• Set of four keys up, down, left & right.
• Used to move the cursor at left & right or up and down on the screen.
• They are referred as “cursor-control” or “cursor-movement” keys.

FUNCTION KEYS
• The first line of the keyboard contains a Set of 12 keys with name f1 to f2 are
known as function keys.
• Used to generate short-cuts in different software package.
SPECIAL KEYS
There are lots of keys that are used for some specific task describes follows:
◦ TAB: used for gives multiple spaces or move the cursor to next defined position.
◦ ENTER: used for generate the output of any command.
◦ SPACE: used to make one blank space between two words.
◦ BACKSPACE: used to remove the left-most character at cursor position.
◦ DELETE: used to remove the right-most character at cursor position.
◦ HOME: moves the cursor at the beginning of the line.
◦ END: moves cursor at the end of the line.
◦ PAGE UP: moves or scroll the screen up or previous page of the current page.
◦ PAGE DOWN: moves the screen to the next page from the currently displayed page.
◦ PRINT SCREEN: used to print what is currently displayed on the screen.
◦ INSERT: used to enter text between two characters.
◦ ESC: used to negate current command or terminate the execution of the program.
◦ ALT: used to expand the functionality of keyboard. Basically used to generate shortcuts in different application.
◦ CTRL: used to expand the functionality of keyboard. Basically used to generate shortcuts in different application.
◦ NUMLOCK: used to on or off the numeric keypad.
◦ CAPSLOCK: used to type the all inputted text capitally.
 Special Purpose Keyboard
• Special purpose keyboard is used for special purpose applications which required
faster data entry and rapid interaction with the computer system.
• Special purpose keyboards are designed for specific tasks or industries, and they
often feature customized layouts or additional functionality tailored to particular
needs.
For example:
• ATM used in banks used special purpose keyboard which contains a few keys.
• Designed for gamers who require quick, precise inputs and personalized key
mappings.
• Useful for users who frequently work with or consume multimedia content.
Mouse
• Mouse is Small hand-hold device Input device which is generally used for drawing
purpose.
• It’s a Pointing device.
• It contains two or three buttons
• Left button is used to point out or select any item by clicking.
• Right to generate context menu.
• When user moves mouse across flat surface, the graphic cursor moves on screen.
• Graphic cursor contains verity of symbols such as arrow, wrist, pointing finger etc.
• Depending on application text & graphic cursors are changed.
• The following 5 techniques are used to carry out various operations:
• POINT: To move the mouse on top of icon
• CLICK: To press & release the left button of mouse at once, Used to open any
currently selected icon, menu.
Mouse
• DOUBLE CLICK: To press & release the left button of mouse twice. Used to open
any application or program.
• SIMULTANEOUS-CLICK: Press & release left & right button to gather. Used in some
software package to added some functionality.
• DRAG: Press the left button down & moved the mouse on screen. Used to move
the graphics on screen.

• Many types of mouse are available such as mechanical mouse, optical mouse,
serial mouse, wireless mouse which are used for different purpose.
Trackball
• Trackball is a pointing device which is similar to a mouse.
• A ball is placed on the track ball device which is used to move the graphic cursor on
the screen.
• It also contains buttons which are used to select a particular item on the screen.
• To move the graphic cursor on screen, the ball is rolled with the fingers or thumb.
• It needs not to move the whole device to move the cursor so it is often attached with
some keyboards.
• Track balls come in various shapes with same functionality.
• In case of ball we need to move it with the help of finger.
• In case of button pushed with finger in desired direction of the cursor movement.
• In case of button press finger to up or down & left or right to move cursor.
 Joystick
• Joystick is a pointing device which is works on the same principle of track
ball.
• It contains a stick which is placed on the spherical ball.
• The stick is used to move the cursor at desired position left or right or
backward or forward.
• It also contain button that is clicked to make selection of currently pointed
item.
• A joystick is similar to a mouse, except that with a mouse the cursor stops
moving as soon as you stop moving the mouse.
• With a joystick, the pointer continues moving in the direction the joystick is
pointing.
• To stop the pointer, you must return the joystick to its upright position.
 Light Pen
• Light pen is a pointing device which is used to draw directly draw on the screen.
• It is called light pen because it is similar to a pen & senses light.
• It’s an input device in the form of light-sensitive stick used in conjunction with a CRT
display.
• The light pen allows the user to point out or draw any object on the screen.
• The user brings the pen to the desired point on screen and presses the pen button to
make contact.
• It has a switch on its top which allows the user to make contact with screen.
• It is useful for drawing or graphics in the program such as CAD (computer aided
design).
• An engineer, architect or fashion designer can draw directly on screen.
• Used in application such as gaming, graphic arts, healthcare applications etc.
• Light pen cannot scratch or damage a screen.
Touch Screen
• Touch screen is a pointing device.
• It is most simple & easiest to learn of all input devices.
• allows the user to choose from available options by simply touching with their figure to
the desired icon or menu item displayed on the computer screen.
• A touch screen is an electronic visual display that can detect the presence and location of a
touch within the display area.
• The term generally refers to touching the display of the device with a finger or hand.
• Touch screens are common in devices such as computers, tablet computers & Smartphone.
• The touch screen has two main attributes::
• First, it enables one to interact directly with what is displayed.
• Secondly, it lets one do so without requiring any intermediate device that would need
to be held in the hand
• It’s a very easy to operate device which users can use the system without any formal
training.
• Uses optical sensors that detect the touch of the finger on screen.
Touch Screen
• Sensors communicate the position of touch to the computer which interprets the input made by
the users.
• It contains pressure sensitive monitors which are placed inside the base of computer screen.
• Pressure sensitive monitors contain sensors to measure the monitor’s weight at many points.
• When user touches the screen, the changes on weights & forces transferred down to sensor which
allows the device to detect the location of the touch.
• This type of monitors required little pressure to transmit the desired input.
• Touch screen are commonly used in following places.
• An airport or railway station.
• Large departmental stores.
• In large museums or zoos to guide visitors to the locations of various attractions.
• Self service check out
• In ATM machines
• In I-phones
• Computer based training
Touch Screen
• Any type of touch screen contains Three main components:
A touch screen sensor panel:
• Which sits above the display & generate appropriate voltage according to
where precisely it is touched?
• A touch screen controller:
• Processes the signal received from the sensor & translates this touch event
data & passed to pc’s processor via serial or USB interface.
• A soft ware driver:
• Provides an interface to the pc’s operating system & which translates the
touch event data into mouse event.
Digitizer
• An input device, Used for converting pictures, map & drawing into digital form.
• Allows one to hand-draw images and graphics, similar to the way one draws images with a pencil and
paper.
• Also be used to capture data or handwritten signatures.
• The device consists of a flat surface upon which the user may "draw" an image using an attached
stylus, a pen-like drawing tool.
• These devices are usually connected via a Serial port.
• Placed on the desk n connected with the computer.
• Digitizer consists of graphic tablets which are associated with a stylus.
• The stylus is like a pen with a button.
• Stylus connected with a tablet and can press down at a point on the tablet to input (x, y) co-ordinates
of point.
• It contains hundreds of copper wires forming a grid that receives electric pulsed.
• When stylus moves on tables the cursor on screen moves simultaneously.
• Allows the user to draw sketches directly.
• Commonly used in CAD by architects & engineers.
• Used in GIS (geographical information system) for digitizing maps
Microphone
• It’s an input device.
• Used to stores the voice data into the computer system.
• Microphones are a type of transducer - a device which converts energy from
one form to another.
• Microphones convert sound waves into electrical energy.
• Different types of microphone have different ways of converting energy.
• All the microphones share one common thing: The diaphragm.
• Thin piece of material (such as paper, plastic or aluminium) which vibrates
when it is struck by sound waves.
• When the diaphragm vibrates, it causes other components in the
microphone to vibrate.
• These vibrations are converted into an electrical current which becomes the
audio signal.
Microphone
The microphones are divided in mainly two types The type of
conversion technology they use
• This refers to the technical method the mike uses to convert
sound into electricity.
• The most common technologies are dynamic, condenser, ribbon
and crystal.
The type of application they are designed for
• Some mikes are designed for general use and others are much
specialized purpose.
Web Camera
• It’s an input device.
• Used to feeds the image to a computer or computer network often via USB or Wi-Fi.
• Web camera is a hardware camera connected to a computer that allows everyone to connect to
internet to view either pictures or motion video.
• Most Web cameras are embedded to display with laptop computer or connected with USB or Wi-
Fi with a computer.
• Simple web cam. Consists a digital camera attached to your computer typically through USB.
• The camera part of web camera is just a digital camera.
• Web camera comes with software which preset interval & transfer it to another location of
viewing.
• Web camera system allows you to using video also for that you have web camera with high frame
rate.
• Web camera is a digital camera which taking picture over & over & again one after another.
• These images are stored image into the physical memory of camera in built in.
• After capture image & stored in memory it reduced the amount of data need to transmit.
• Web camera software takes image & converts data in jpeg (compressing format).