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Computer

A computer is an electronic device that processes information using hardware and software components. It has evolved through five generations from the 1940s to the present, with advancements in technology such as vacuum tubes, transistors, and microprocessors. The document also explains the basic terms related to computers, the roles of hardware and software, and the fundamental operations of input, processing, output, and storage.

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2 views

Computer

A computer is an electronic device that processes information using hardware and software components. It has evolved through five generations from the 1940s to the present, with advancements in technology such as vacuum tubes, transistors, and microprocessors. The document also explains the basic terms related to computers, the roles of hardware and software, and the fundamental operations of input, processing, output, and storage.

Uploaded by

soribasesay249
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer

A computer, is an electronic device that processes information and performs


various tasks according to a set of instructions. It consists of hardware and software
components that work together to enable users to input, process, store, and output
data.

Generations of Computers
Computers have gone through many changes over time. The first generation of
computers started around 1940 and since then there have been five generations of
computers until 2023. Computers evolved over a long period of time, starting from
the 16th century, and continuously improved themselves in terms of speed,
accuracy, size, and price to become the modern-day computer.
Basic Terms Related to Computers
 The basic terms related to generations of computers are listed below.

 Vacuum Tube: Vacuum tubes have the functionality of controlling the


flow of electronics in a vacuum. Generally, it is used in switches,
amplifiers, radios, televisions, etc.
 Transistor: A transistor helps in controlling the flow of electricity in
devices, it works as an amplifier or a switch.
 Integrated Circuit (IC): Integrated circuits are silicon chips that contain
their circuit elements like transistors, resistors, etc.
 Microprocessors: Microprocessors are the components that contain
the CPU and its circuits and are present in the Integrated Circuit.
 Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is called the brain of the
computer. CPU performs processing and operations work.
 Magnetic Drum: Magnetic Drum is like a cylinder that stores data and
cylinder.
 Magnetic Core: Magnetic cores are used to store information. These
are arrays of small rings.
 Machine Language: Machine Language is the language that a
computer accepts (in the form of binary digits). It is also called low-
level programming language.
 Memory: Memory is used to store data, information, and program in a
computer.
 Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence deals with creating
intelligent machines and behaviors.

Phases of Computer Generations


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)

Generation Time Period Evolving Hardware


First Generation 1940s – 1950s Vacuum Tube Based
Second Generation 1950s – 1960s Transistor Based
Third Generation 1960s – 1970s Integrated Circuit Based
Fourth Generation 1970s – Present Microprocessor Based
Fifth Generation Present – Future Artificial Intelligence Based

 How Do Computers Work?


 Input--This is when information is entered into a computer. Some
common input devices include the keyboard, mouse and scanner.
 Output--This is the information that comes out of a computer after it
has been processed. The information comes out on output devices
such as a printer or computer monitor.
 Processing--This is when the information is handled by the
computer’s brain, known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit).
 Hardware and software are two essential components of a computer system,
and they work together to enable the computer to perform various tasks.

Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system. These are
tangible, visible, and touchable parts that make up the computer.
Examples: Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices (hard
drives, SSDs), input devices (keyboard, mouse), output devices (monitor, printer),
and other physical components.
Role: Hardware components perform the actual computing and processing tasks.
For example, the CPU executes instructions, memory stores data temporarily, and
storage devices store data permanently.
Central Processing Unit (CPU): Often referred to as the brain of the computer, the
CPU executes instructions and performs calculations.
Memory (RAM): Random Access Memory stores data that is currently being used
or processed by the CPU. It is volatile memory, meaning it loses its content when
the power is turned off.
Storage: This can be a hard drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), providing non-
volatile storage for your data and programs.
Input Devices: Devices like keyboards and mice allow users to provide input to the
computer.
Output Devices: Monitors, printers, and speakers are examples of devices that
display or output information from the computer.

Software
Software refers to the set of instructions or programs that tell the computer's
hardware what tasks to perform. It is intangible, not physically touchable, and
consists of code and data.
Examples: Operating systems (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux), application software
(e.g., word processors, web browsers, games), device drivers, and system utilities.
Role: Software provides the rules and instructions that guide the hardware in
carrying out specific functions. Without software, hardware alone cannot perform
useful tasks.
Operating System (OS): The OS is the software that manages hardware resources
and provides a user interface. Examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Applications: Programs or apps that perform specific tasks, such as word
processors, web browsers, and games.
Basic Operations:
Input: Users interact with the computer by providing input through devices like
keyboards, mice, and touchscreens.
Processing: The CPU processes the input and executes instructions stored in the
computer's memory.
Output: Results are displayed on the screen, printed on paper, or conveyed through
other output devices.
Storage: Data is stored on the computer's storage devices for later use.
Difference between Hardware and Software:
Physical vs. Intangible:
Hardware: Physical components that you can touch and see.
Software: Intangible instructions and programs that you cannot touch.
Functionality:
Hardware: Performs the actual computation, processing, and input/output tasks.
Software: Guides and instructs the hardware on what tasks to perform.
Examples:
Hardware: CPU, memory, storage devices, input/output devices.
Software: Operating systems, applications, device drivers.
Connectivity:
Internet: Computers can connect to the internet, enabling communication,
information retrieval, and online activities.

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