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Computer

Computers are programmable electronic devices that perform mathematical and logical operations at high speed. They can process data faster and more accurately than humans. The data processing cycle involves collecting data, preparing it, entering it into the system, processing it, transmitting results, and storing input/output. The history of computers began with Charles Babbage's analytical engine in the 19th century and has progressed through generations using different technologies like vacuum tubes, transistors, and integrated circuits. Modern computers come in many forms for different uses like personal computers, laptops, servers, and supercomputers.

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20 views

Computer

Computers are programmable electronic devices that perform mathematical and logical operations at high speed. They can process data faster and more accurately than humans. The data processing cycle involves collecting data, preparing it, entering it into the system, processing it, transmitting results, and storing input/output. The history of computers began with Charles Babbage's analytical engine in the 19th century and has progressed through generations using different technologies like vacuum tubes, transistors, and integrated circuits. Modern computers come in many forms for different uses like personal computers, laptops, servers, and supercomputers.

Uploaded by

Brix Brutas
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Definition of Computers

 a programmable electronic device designed to accept data, perform


prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display
the results of these operations
 the word “Computer” comes from the word “compute” which means to
calculate
Characteristics of Computer
 speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility and storage capacity
Capabilities of Computer System
 Can process data faster than any other machine designed to perform a
similar task.
 Can tirelessly perform the same operations millions of times in the same
way without “getting bored.”
 Can make decisions based on alternative courses of action.
 Can store facts, instructions, and information.
 Can verify the accuracy of its own work by means of a parity check.
 Capable of executing the instructions on its own, without human
intervention.
 Provides new time dimension.
Limitations
 Cannot generate information on its own.
 Cannot correct wrong instructions.
 Cannot come out with an original decision.
Data Processing Cycle
The data processing cycle is the set of operations used to transform data into useful
information. The intent of this processing is to create actionable information that
can be used to enhance a business. This cycle involves the following steps:
1. Collection of data
2. Preparation of the data into a format suitable for data entry, as well as error
checking
3. Entry of the data into the system, which may involve manual data entry,
scanning, machine encoding, and so forth
4. Processing of the data with computer programs
5. Transmitting the resulting information to the user, typically via screen or
printed report, so that it can be acted upon
6. Storing the input data and output information for future use
History of Computer
 The computer as we know it today had its beginning with a 19th century
English mathematics professor name Charles Babbage. He designed the
Analytical Engine and it was this design that the basic framework of the
computers of today are based on.
 Computers can be classified into three generations. Each generation lasted
for a certain period, and each gave us either a new and improved computer
or an improvement to the existing computer.
 First generation: 1937 – 1946 - In 1937 the first electronic digital computer
was built by Dr. John V. Atanasoff and Clifford Berry. It was called the
Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC). In 1943 an electronic computer name the
Colossus was built for the military. Other developments continued until in
1946 the first general– purpose digital computer, the Electronic Numerical
Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was built. It is said that this computer
weighed 30 tons and had 18,000 vacuum tubes which was used for
processing. When this computer was turned on for the first-time lights dim
in sections of Philadelphia. Computers of this generation could only perform
single task, and they had no operating system.
 Second generation: 1947 – 1962 - This generation of computers used
transistors instead of vacuum tubes which were more reliable. In 1951 the
first computer for commercial use was introduced to the public; the
Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC 1). In 1953 the International
Business Machine (IBM) 650 and 700 series computers made their mark in
the computer world. During this generation of computers over 100 computer
programming languages were developed, computers had memory and
operating systems. Storage media such as tape and disk were in use also
were printers for output.
 Third generation: 1963 - present - The invention of integrated circuit brought
us the third generation of computers. With this invention computers became
smaller, more powerful more reliable and they can run many different
programs at the same time. In1980 Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-
Dos) was born and in 1981 IBM introduced the personal computer (PC) for
home and office use. Three years later Apple gave us the Macintosh
computer with its icon driven interface and the 90s gave us Windows
operating system.
Types of Computer
 The All-Powerful Personal Computer
 Desktop
 Laptop
 Netbooks and Tablets
 Handheld Computers
 Workstation
 Server
 Mainframe
 Supercomputer
 Wearable

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