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Computer Fundamental

A computer is a programmable electronic device that processes data and produces output, consisting of hardware and software. The history of computers includes significant milestones from the abacus to modern computers, with five generations marked by technological advancements. Key characteristics of computers include speed, automation, accuracy, multitasking, storage, connectivity, versatility, and diligence.

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5 views

Computer Fundamental

A computer is a programmable electronic device that processes data and produces output, consisting of hardware and software. The history of computers includes significant milestones from the abacus to modern computers, with five generations marked by technological advancements. Key characteristics of computers include speed, automation, accuracy, multitasking, storage, connectivity, versatility, and diligence.

Uploaded by

kd4168617
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is a Computer?

A computer is a programmable electronic device that accepts raw data as input, processes it
using a set of instructions (a program), and produces output. It performs mathematical and
logical operations and can store the output for future use. The term "computer" is derived from
the Latin word computare, which means "to calculate."

A computer consists of both hardware and software. Hardware includes physical components
like transistors, circuits, hard disks, and wires, while software includes programs and data. The
first conceptual computer, the Analytical Engine, was invented by Charles Babbage in 1837,
earning him the title "Father of the Computer."

History of Computers

The evolution of computers began with basic counting tools and developed into highly advanced
digital machines. Below are significant milestones:

1. Abacus (c. 3000 BC)

 Invented by the Chinese, it is considered the first computing device.


 Consisted of a wooden frame with beads that could be moved for arithmetic calculations.

2. Napier's Bones (1617)

 Invented by John Napier, this device used rods inscribed with numbers to simplify
multiplication and division.
 It was the first device to use the decimal point.

3. Pascaline (1642-1644)

 Invented by Blaise Pascal, this was the first mechanical and automatic calculator.
 Could perform only addition and subtraction using gears and wheels.

4. Stepped Reckoner (1673)

 Developed by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz as an improvement on Pascaline.


 Used fluted drums instead of gears, making it a more advanced mechanical calculator.

5. Mark I (1944)

 Developed by Howard Aiken in partnership with IBM and Harvard University.


 First programmable digital computer, capable of handling large numerical calculations.
Generations of Computers
A generation of computers refers to the specific improvements in computer technology with time. In 1946, electronic pathways called circuits
were developed to perform the counting. It replaced the gears and other mechanical parts used for counting in previous computing
machines. In each new generation, the circuits became smaller and more advanced than the previous generation circuits. The
miniaturization helped increase the speed, memory and power of computers. There are five generations of computers which are described
below;

First Generation Computers


The first generation (1946-1959) computers were slow, huge and expensive. In these computers, vacuum tubes were used as the basic
components of CPU and memory. These computers were mainly depended on batch operating system and punch cards. Magnetic tape and
paper tape were used as output and input devices in this generation;

Some of the popular first generation computers are;

o ENIAC ( Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)


o EDVAC ( Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer)
o UNIVACI( Universal Automatic Computer)
o IBM-701
o IBM-650

Second Generation Computers


The second generation (1959-1965) was the era of the transistor computers. These computers used transistors which were cheap, compact
and consuming less power; it made transistor computers faster than the first generation computers.

In this generation, magnetic cores were used as the primary memory and magnetic disc and tapes were used as the secondary storage.
Assembly language and programming languages like COBOL and FORTRAN, and Batch processing and multiprogramming operating
systems were used in these computers.

Some of the popular second generation computers are;

o IBM 1620
o IBM 7094
o CDC 1604
o CDC 3600
o UNIVAC 1108

Third Generation Computers


The third generation 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
generation computers used remote processing, time-sharing, multi programming as operating system. Also, the high-level programming
languages like FORTRON-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, ALGOL-68 were used in this generation.

Some of the popular third generation computers are;

o IBM-360 series
o Honeywell-6000 series
o PDP(Personal Data Processor)
o IBM-370/168
o TDC-316

Fourth Generation Computers


The fourth generation (1971-1980) computers used very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits; a chip containing millions of transistors and
other circuit elements. These chips made this generation computers more compact, powerful, fast and affordable. These generation
computers used real time, time sharing and distributed operating system. The programming languages like C, C++, DBASE were also used
in this generation.

Some of the popular fourth generation computers are;

o DEC 10
o STAR 1000
o PDP 11
o CRAY-1(Super Computer)

Fifth Generation Computers


In fifth generation (1980-till date) 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. This generation computers used parallel processing hardware
and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software. The programming languages used in this generation were C, C++, Java, .Net, etc.

Some of the popular fifth generation computers are;

o Desktop
o Laptop
o NoteBook
o UltraBook
o ChromeBook

Characteristics of Computers

Computers possess several essential characteristics that make them powerful and efficient tools
in various fields. Below are the key characteristics:

1. Speed
o Computers can process data and execute instructions at incredible speeds.
o They perform millions or even billions of calculations per second.

2. Automation
o Once programmed, computers work automatically without requiring further human
intervention.
o They follow a set of instructions (software) to complete tasks.

3. Accuracy
o Computers perform tasks with a high level of accuracy.
o Errors usually occur due to incorrect user input, software bugs, or hardware failures.

4. Multitasking
o A computer can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as browsing the internet
while running a background application.

5. Storage
o Computers can store vast amounts of data permanently and retrieve it instantly.
o Storage devices include Hard Drives, SSDs, USBs, and cloud storage.

6. Connectivity
o Computers can connect to networks and the internet, allowing for global
communication and information sharing.

7. Versatility
o Computers can be used for a wide range of applications, from education and
entertainment to scientific research and business.

8. Diligence
o Unlike humans, computers do not experience fatigue or boredom.
o They can perform repetitive tasks without losing efficiency.

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