Introduction to

Computing
What is a computer?
 What is a computer?

A computer is an electronic device that processes data according to a set of

instructions, known as programs. It is designed to perform a wide range of tasks, from
basic calculations to complex data analysis and multimedia processing.
Evolution of Computers
 First Generation – Vacuum Tubes (1940 – 1956

The First Generation of Computers (1940-1956) was defined by the use of vacuum
tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory storage. These computers were
massive in size, often occupying entire rooms, and were incredibly expensive to build
and operate. They consumed large amounts of electricity, which led to significant heat
generation and frequent maintenance issues. Despite these challenges, they
represented a major technological breakthrough. Programs were written in machine
language, which used binary code, making programming complex and labor-intensive.
Notable examples of first-generation computers include
the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Computer), which was one of the first general-purpose
machines capable of performing large-scale
computations, and the UNIVAC (Universal Automatic
Computer), which became the first commercially
produced computer and was famously used for
business and government applications, such as the U.S.
Census.
 Second Generation – Transistors(1956 – 1963)
The Second Generation of Computers (1956-1963) marked a significant advancement with the
replacement of vacuum tubes by transistors. This change made computers smaller, faster, and
much more energy-efficient. Transistors also reduced the heat generated by earlier systems,
making these machines more reliable and easier to maintain.
Examples of second-generation computers include the IBM 7090, a widely used
system in scientific research and large-scale computing, and the UNIVAC 1107, which
brought significant advancements to commercial computing. These developments
paved the way for faster processing and more efficient data handling, further
advancing the computing industry.
 Third Generation – Integrated Circuits(1964 – 1
The Third Generation of Computers (1964-1971) introduced integrated circuits
(ICs), a breakthrough that combined multiple transistors onto a single silicon chip. This
innovation made computers significantly smaller, more powerful, and more
affordable than previous generations. Integrated circuits increased the processing
speed and reliability of computers, allowing for more complex tasks to be handled
efficiently. Another key development in this generation was the support for operating
systems, which enabled computers to perform multi-tasking—running several
programs
Examples simultaneously.
of third-generation computers
include the IBM System/360, a family of
computers that revolutionized business
and scientific computing with its
versatility, and the PDP-8, a smaller, cost-
effective computer that made computing
accessible to smaller businesses and
educational institutions. This generation
laid the groundwork for modern computing
by improving performance and
accessibility.
 Fourth Generation – Microprocessors(1971 – 2
The Fourth Generation of Computers (1971-2010) is defined by the invention of
microprocessors, which integrated thousands—and later millions—of transistors onto
a single chip, dramatically increasing the processing power of computers. This
innovation led to the development of personal computers (PCs), making computers
smaller, more affordable, and accessible to individuals and businesses.

Examples of fourth-generation machines include

the Intel 4004, the first commercially available
microprocessor, the Apple I, one of the earliest
personal computers, and the IBM PC, which
became a standard for personal and business
computing. These innovations continue to shape
modern computing, driving the rapid evolution of
technology.
 Fifth Generation – Artificial Intelligence(2010 – Pre

The Fifth Generation of Computers (Present-Future) is characterized by advances in

Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and natural language processing.
This generation aims to develop computers that can think, learn, and reason like
humans, leading to smarter and more autonomous systems. Additionally, the potential
of quantum computing promises unprecedented processing speeds by using
quantum bits (qubits), which can perform complex calculations far beyond the
capabilities of traditional computers.
Current computers are highly advanced, with the widespread use of
cloud computing, deep AI integration, and a focus on parallel
processing and robotics. These technologies are transforming
industries by automating tasks, enhancing decision-making, and
enabling new possibilities in data analysis. Examples of fifth-
generation innovations include IBM Watson, a powerful AI system
capable of natural language processing, and Google’s Quantum
Computer, which is at the forefront of quantum computing research.
Advantages and
Disadvantages of
Computers
 Advantages
• Multitasking: Multitasking is one of the main advantages of computers. A person
can do multiple tasks, and multiple operations at the same time, and calculate
numerical problems within a few seconds. The computer can perform millions or
trillions of work in one second.

• Speed: Now the computer isn’t just a calculating device. Now a day’s computer has
a vital role in human life. One of the most advantages of computers is their incredible
speed, which helps human to finish their task in a few seconds.

• Productivity: The level of productivity gets automatically doubled as the computer

can do the work very fast.

• Reduces workload: Information is often accessed by more than one person with the
necessity for work to be duplicated.

• Reliability: Computers can perform the same sort of work repeatedly without
throwing up errors thanks to tiredness or boredom, which are quite common among
 Disadvantages
• Virus and hacking attacks: A virus may be a worm and hacking is just
unauthorized access over a computer for a few illicit purposes. Viruses can go to
another system from email attachments, viewing an infected website advertisement,
through removable devices like USBs, etc.

• Online Cyber Crimes: Online cyber-crime means computers and networks may
have been utilized in order to commit a crime. Cyberstalking and fraud are the points
that come under online cyber crimes.

• Reduction in employed opportunity: Mainly past generation hasn’t used the pc or

they need the knowledge of computers they faced an enormous problem when
computers came into the field.

• High Cost: Computers are expensive. Even the foremost affordable computers are
still very expensive for the typical person in South Africa. Since computers empower
people.
 Disadvantages
• Increases waste and impacts the environment: With the speed at that
computer and other electronics get replaced, all of the old devices that get thrown
away have a big impact on the environment.

• Health Problems: Prolonged use of computers can lead to various health Hazards.
Too much sitting near the screen results in eye strain and drying up of the eyes. Also,
prolonged sitting leads to neck and back problems.
 Disadvantages
• Increases waste and impacts the environment: With the speed at that
computer and other electronics get replaced, all of the old devices that get thrown
away have a big impact on the environment.

• Health Problems: Prolonged use of computers can lead to various health Hazards.
Too much sitting near the screen results in eye strain and drying up of the eyes. Also,
prolonged sitting leads to neck and back problems.
Elements of a Computer
System
 Elements of a Computer System

1. Hardware- Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer

system that you can touch and see. It encompasses all the devices and
equipment that make up a computer, allowing it to perform tasks and
process data.
2. Software refers to the collection of programs, data, and instructions that
tell a computer how to perform specific tasks. Unlike hardware, which
encompasses the physical components of a computer, software is
intangible and operates within the hardware to enable functionality.
2. Peopleware is a concept that focuses on the human aspects of software
development and computing. It emphasizes the importance of people—
developers, users, and stakeholders—in the success of technology
projects. The term highlights that technology is not just about tools and
processes, but also about the individuals involved and their interactions.
 DATA
Data is consists of raw elements or unprocessed facts, encompassing numbers,
symbols, text, and images. When collected and viewed without interpretation, these
elements remain mere data—simple and unorganized. However, once analyzed and
contextualized, they transform into something more meaningful.

•Quantitative data: This type includes numerical information, such as an item’s weight,
volume, or cost.

•Qualitative data: This type is descriptive and non-numerical, such as a person’s name
or gender.
 INFORMATION
Information is generated when data is processed, organized, interpreted, and
structured. The resulting comprehensible output from raw data aids in making informed
decisions, developing strategies, and guiding actions. Essentially, information
transforms data into something valuable and accessible, playing a crucial role in the
decision-making process.

For example, if the data consists of daily temperature readings over a year, the
information derived would involve recognizing temperature trends, understanding
seasonal changes, and predicting future weather conditions.