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Introduction to Computer

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4 views

Introduction to Computer

Uploaded by

haywrnty
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Computer

What is a computer?
Computer is an electronic device which is capable of receiving information or data
and performs a series of operations in accordance with a set of operations. This
produces results in the form of data or information. Computer is a machine capable of
solving problems and manipulating data. It accepts and processes the data bydoing
some mathematical and logical operations and gives us the desired output.
Therefore, we may define a computer as an electronic device that transforms data
into information. Data can be anything like marks obtained by you in various
subjects, ‫ و‬name, age, sex, weight, height, etc.

Generations Of Computers
The history of computer development is often referred to in reference to the different
generations of computing devices. Each generation of computer is characterized by a
major technological development that fundamentally changed the way computers
operate, resulting in increasingly smaller, cheaper, more powerful, efficient and
reliable devices.

1- First Generation Computers (Vacuum Tubes) (1940 – 1959)


• In these computers, vacuum tubes were used as the basic components of CPU and
memory. These tubes were used to provide electronic circuits, For memory these
computers used a magnetic drum (magnetic drum: a rotating cylinder whose outer
surface could be magnetized).

Computer Characteristics:
Size : Relatively big size .Size was equivalent to a room.
Speed : slow speed, hundred instructions per second.
Cost : cost was very high.
Language: Machine and Assembly Language.
Reliability : high failure rate , Failure of circuits per second.
Power: high power Consumption and it generated much heat

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Figure 1: Vacuum Tubes First Generation computer

2- Second Generation Computers (Transistors) (1959-1965)


The second generation of computer began when transistor replaced vacuum
tube. Transistors were 1/200th the size of vacuum tube, generated less heat,
faster and failed less often. In this generation, magnetic cores were used as the
primary memory and magnetic disc and tapes were used as the secondary storage.
language uses names and commands that resemble English.
Computer Characteristics:
 Size – Smaller than first generation Computers.
 Speed – Relatively fast as compared to first generation, thousand instructions
per second.
 Cost – cost Slightly lower than first generation.
 Language – Assembly Language and High level languages like FORTRAN,
COBOL, BASIC.
 Reliability – Failure of circuits per days.
 Power– Low power Consumption.

Figure4: Different types of transistors. 1961 - Z23-Germany Computer


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3- Third Generation Computers (Integrated Circuit) (1965 – 1971)
These computers used integrated circuits (ICs) instead of transistors.
A single IC can pack huge number of transistors which increased the power of a
computer and reduced the cost. The computers also became more reliable, efficient
and smaller in size. These computer used magnetic core memory as internal storage
Operating system (OS.) capable of time sharing began to appear during the
third generation.
Computer Characteristics:
Size – Smaller than Second generation Computers. Disk size mini computers.
Speed – Relatively fast as compared to second generation, Million
instructions per second (MIPS).
Cost – cost lower than Second generation.
Language– High level languages like PASCAL, COBOL,BASIC,C etc. which are
early learned language initially designed for teaching students to program on time-
shared computers.
Reliability – Failure of circuits in Weeks.

integrated circuits (ICs) IBM 360, released in 1965

4- Fourth Generation Computers (Microprocessors) (1971-1980)


This generation of computers took advantage of the invention of the
Microprocessor, more commonly known as a CPU. Microprocessors, along with
integrated circuits, made this generation computers more compact, powerful, fast and
affordable. These generation computers used real time, time sharing and distributed
operating system.

Computer Characteristics
Size – Type writer size micro Computer.
Speed – Relatively fast as compared to Third generation, Tens of
3
Millions instructions per second.
Cost – Cost lower than third generation.
Language– High level languages like C, C++, SQL.
Reliability – Failure of circuits in months.
Power– Low power Consumption.

Microprocessor IBM 1983

5- Fifth Generation Computers (Artificial Intelligence)(1980 till date)


This generation computers used parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial
Intelligence) software. In these computers, the VLSI technology was replaced with
ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). It made possible the production of
microprocessor chips with ten million electronic components. Some of the popular
fifth generation computers are; Desktop, Laptop,
NoteBook .

ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). IBM Portable Pc Robot 2000


Computer Characteristics
Size –Credit card size micro computers.
Speed – Billions instructions per second.
Cost – Cost Slightly lower than first generation.
Language– Artificial Intelligence (AI) Languages like PROLOG, etc
Reliability – Failure of circuits in year.
Power– Low power Consumption.

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What is a Personal Computer
The personal computers or Micro-computers are specially designed for general
purpose and to be used by one person at a time. Personal Computer is the smallest
with low storage capacity and processing speed. It supports only one user at a time.
Personal Computers are made up of input devices, output devices, storage device and
one Processor

Some Types of Personal Computer:

1- Desktop (PC)
Plays the major role in the user’s life because users
can perform several complicated tasks in few
times without getting any difficulty. This computer
is placed on the table, and it is connected to various
components through wires such as keyboard, mouse,
and monitor and system unit.


2- Laptop
It is designed like as briefcase. 
They can also perform various complex functions
like as Desktop Computer, and they able to run on their
in-built battery as well as wall outlet supply. More
expensive to desktop computers because in which
various small size components are in built such as
keyboard, touchpad LCD display, and other internal
parts (Motherboard, CPU, Hard disk, and more). 
Its best advantage is portability. 


3- Tablet :
Handheld portable devices along with touch screen
interface, and they are small size than laptop devices
but bigger to Smartphone. The users can perform both
activities (Input/output) on its LCD screen, and get
problems due to lack of its keyboard, but they can
use external keyboard. word processing and

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spreadsheets can be run. Sometimes.
4- Smartphone:
It is a touch screen mobile phone that is capable to
perform various advance functions similar to computer
such as install operating system, download different apps,
internet access, and more activities such as Email and
messaging, Social media, Connecting with other devices,
Mobile payment.

Features of a Computer:
1. Speed: Smaller computers can execute thousands of instructions per second,
while the more complex machines can execute millions of instructions per
second.
2. Accuracy: Computers can execute hundreds of instructions without any
errors.
3. Efficiency: The computers can perform repeated tasks with the same
efficiency any number of times without exhausting their selves.
4. Storage Capability: Computers can store large amounts of data.
5. Versatility: The capacity of the computer of performing more than one task at
the same time, we can work with spreadsheets and documents, also
downloading software from the internet,

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