Introduction to ICT

CHAPTER ONE
Overview of Computer
 CHAPTER ONE
1. Overview of Computers
At the end of this chapter the learner will be able to:
• Classification of computers.
• Features of computers, their advantages and limitations.
• Identify different types of computers
• State and explain each of the generations of computer.
• Identify the different technological advancements of computers.

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 1.2. Data and Information
• Data is representation of facts, concepts or instructions which should be
suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing by human or
electronic machine.
• Information is organized or classified data.
• Information is the processed data on which decisions and actions are based.
• It has the following characteristics:
• Timely: Information should be available when required.
• Accuracy: Information should be accurate.
• Completeness: Information should be complete.

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 1.2.1. Data Processing Cycle
• Data processing consists of basic steps input, processing and output.

• Sets of data + relational connection among data sets = Information

• Data + understanding of relationship = Information

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 1.3. Definition of Computer
• Computer is an electronic data processing device which accepts data input,
processes the data input, and generates the output in a required format.
• A computer allows users to store and process information quickly and
automatically.
• A computer is a programmable machine.
• A machine that manipulates data according to a list of instructions.
• Computer is a device that enables you to process information automatically
and in accordance with instructions that you give it.

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 1.4. Functionalities of a computer
Any digital computer carries out five functions in gross terms:
• Takes data as input.
• Stores the data/instructions in its memory and use them when required.
• Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
• Generates the output
• Controls all the above four steps.

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 1.5. Why we use computers?
• Store and process large amount of information with high speed and accuracy;
• Transmit information across continents via communication channels;
• Computer Simulate events;
• Perform complex mathematical computations and make comparisons;
• Monitor ongoing industrial operations;
• Perform repetitive processes with great ease, speed, and reliability;

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 1.6. Characteristics of Computer
• High Speed
1.7. Limitation of Computer
• Accuracy
• Storage Capability • No I.Q(intelligence quotient)
• Diligence • Dependency
• Versatility • No Feeling
• Reliability
• Automation
• Reduction in Paper Work
• Reduction in Cost

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 1.8. Computer Applications
• Business: Computers has high speed of calculation, diligence, accuracy,
reliability, or versatility which made it an integrated part in all business
organizations.
• Banking: Today banking is almost totally dependent on computer.
• Insurance: Insurance companies are keeping all records up-to-date with the
help of computers.
• Education: The computer provides a tool in the education system known as
CBE (Computer Based Education).
• Marketing: Advertising and at home shopping
• Health Care: Lab-diagnostic System, Diagnostic System, Patient Monitoring
System, Pharma Information System(Computer Checks Drug-Labels, Expiry
dates, harmful drug’s side effects)
• Surgery
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 1.8. Computer Applications(2)
• Engineering Design: Structural Engineering, Industrial Engineering and
Architectural Engineering
• Military:
• Government:

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 1.9. History and Generations of Computers
Abacus: The invention of Computers is dated back to 3000 B.C.
• When the first computing device Abacus was created by Chinese.
Blaise Pascal (French Mathematician):
• In 1642 invented the Pascaline calculator
Charles Babbage: Produced the first commercial calculator in 1822.
• “Difference engine”, steam powered, fully automatic.
ENIAC (1943-46) (Electronics Numerical Integrator and Calculator) was
developed by University of Pennsylvania.

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 1.9.2. Generations of Computers
• The major characteristics that distinguish these generations of computer are
the following:
• Dominant type of electronic circuit elements used.
• Major secondary storage media used.
• Computer language used.
• Types or characteristics of operating system used.
• Memory access time (a time to store or retrieve a word or data from
memory).

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 1.9.2. Generations of Computers (2)
First Generation Computer (1950s): Vacuum tube based.
• Used vacuum tubes as components for the electronic circuit.
• Punched cards were the main source of inputs,
• Magnetic grams were used for internal storage.
• They operate in a speed of milliseconds (thousands of a second).
• Most applications were scientific calculations.

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 1.9.2. Generations of Computers (3)
Second Generations Computer (early 1960s): Transistor based.
• Transistors were the main circuit components.
• The transistor was smaller, faster and more reliable than the vacuum tube.
• Magnetic cores, used for main storage, could be concerned in microseconds
(millionths of a second).
• High-level languages COBOL and FORTRAN were introduced during this period.
• Batch operating systems are used that permitted rapid processing of magnetic
tape files.

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 1.9.2. Generations of Computers (4)
• Third Generation Computer (late 1960s, early 1970s): Integrated Circuit
based.
• It was characterized by solid-state logic and integrated circuit (IC).
• Computer storage was integrated circuit boards that provide modularity
(expandable storage) and compatibility.
• Software become more important with sophisticated operating systems,
improved programming languages, and new input/output methods such as
optical scanning and plotters.

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 1.9.2. Generations of Computers (5)
Fourth Generation Computer (late 1970s, early 1989s,):
• VLSI microprocessor based.
• It has greatly expanded storage capabilities and improved circuitry.
• It has large-scale integrated circuits (LSI) which has several hundred thousand
transistors placed on one tiny silicon chip.
• Computer memory operates at speeds of Nano-seconds (billionths of a
second)
• Capable of adding 15 million numbers per second.

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 1.9.2. Generations of Computers (6)
• Fifth Generation Computer (1989s-Present and Beyond):
• ULSI microprocessor based.
• The period of fifth generation (Artificial Intelligence). AI includes:
• Games playing: programming computers to play games such as chess and
checkers.
• Expert Systems: programming computers to make decisions in real-life
situations. (for example, some expert systems help doctors diagnose diseases
based on symptoms)
• Natural Language: programming computers to understand natural human
languages.
• Neural Networks: Systems that simulate intelligence by attempting to
reproduce the types of physical connections that occur in animal brains
• Robotics: programming computers to see and hear and react to other sensory
stimuli.
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 1.10. Types of computer Based on Data processing
• Analog Computers: They are operate by measuring physical properties. They deal
with continuous variables; E.g. Thermometer, Voltmeter, Speedometer

• Digital Computers: Deals with discrete variables; they operate by counting Examples:
Desk and pocket calculators, general purpose computers.

• Hybrid computers: inherit the best features of both analog and digital computers.
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 1.10. Types of computer Based on Purpose
• Special Purpose Computers: These are developed with a specific purpose.
• Example, public telephone box, traffic controller, ticket machines (used in
grocery, super market etc.) Pocket-calculators etc. and counters
• General Purpose Computers: These computers are available in different sizes
and capabilities and are further classified (based on memory, speed, and
storage) as follows.
• Example: Microcomputers, Mini computers, Super computers etc.

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 Types of computer Based on Size, Capacity, Speed and Cost.

• PC (Personal Computers)

A PC can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an

individual user. 20
Types of computer Based on Size, Capacity, Speed and Cost.
• Minicomputer: is a midsize
multi-processing system
capable of supporting up to
250 users simultaneously.

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 Types of computer Based on Size, Capacity, Speed and Cost.
• Mainframe:
is very large in size
and is an expensive
computer capable of
supporting hundreds
or even thousands of
users simultaneously.

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Types of computer Based on Size, Capacity, Speed and Cost.

• Supercomputers are one of

the fastest computers
currently available.
• The most power computer.

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Thank You

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