UNIVERSITY OF WAH(UOW)

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Name: Class: BS (CS-1st B)

Subject: ICT Composed by:

Introduction to Computers

Computer:

The word computer comes from the word "compute," which means "to calculate." So, a
computer is an electronic device that can perform arithmetic operations at high speed. A
computer is also called a data processor because it can store, process, and retrieve data
whenever desired.

Data processing:

Data processing is a process of converting raw facts or data into meaningful information. Data is
raw material used as input, processed by a suitable or selected processing method, and the
processed data is delivered in the form of information.

Characteristics of Computers:

• Speed: Computers can process and execute instructions at incredibly high speeds,
much faster than human capabilities. This allows them to perform complex calculations
and run programs efficiently.
• Accuracy: Computers perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy, making errors only
when there is an issue with the programming or input data. Their precision makes them
ideal for complex calculations and data analysis.
• Efficiency: Computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of concentration. It can
continuously work for hours without creating any error.
• Versatility: Versatility means that a computer can do many different tasks with the
same accuracy and efficiency. It can help a user print a document while also allowing
them to browse the internet or play a game for fun.
• Reliability: A computer is reliable because it performs the same tasks repeatedly
without degradation, which makes it suitable for both personal and industrial
applications.
• Automation: Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e., it performs tasks
without manual intervention.
• Capacity: Computers can store vast amounts of data in various forms of memory (RAM,
hard drives, etc.). This data can be retrieved and used at any time.
Evolution of Computers:

• 1642: Blaise Pascal invented “Mechanical Adding Machine”

• 1671: Baron Gottfried invented “Calculator” for multiplication
• 1880: “Keyboard machines” designed in USA
• 1880: Herman Hollerith invented “punched cards” for input media & is used till late 70s

Charles Babbage is the father of modern digital computers. He designed the "Difference
Engine" in 1822 and a fully automatic analytical engine in 1842 for performing basic arithmetic
functions. He established several principles that are fundamental to the design of any digital
computer.

Computer Generations:

"Generation" in computer talk is a step in technology. It provides a framework for the growth
of the computer industry. Originally, it was used to distinguish between various hardware
technologies, but now it has been extended to include both hardware and software. Till
today, there are five computer generations.

First Generation (1940-1956)

In the first generation, vacuum tube technology is used. A vacuum tube is a glass device
that could control and amplify electronic signals. First generation computers are Mark-1,
ENIAC, EDSAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC-1, etc. The machine language was used in first generation
language.

Pros

• Fastest computers of their time, able to perform calculations in milliseconds

• They are programmed using machine language
• Due to vacuum tubes electronic digital computers were introduced

Cons

• It had slow performance

• It occupied large size due to the use of vacuum tubes.
• It had a poor storage capacity.
• It consumed a lot of electricity.
• Generated a lot of heat and air-conditioning was required.

Second Generation (1956-1963)

It uses transistor technology. Transistors are electronic components that make computers
smaller, faster, more energy efficient, and reliable than vacuum tubes. They were invented
in 1948 at Bell Labs, and computers advanced from binary to assembly languages. Second
generation computers are IBM 7074 series, IBM 1400 series, CDC 164, etc.

Pros

• Batch operating system

 • Faster and smaller in size
• Reliable and energy efficient than the previous generation
• Less costly than the previous generation

Cons

• Air conditioning still required

• Use only for special purposes
• Constant maintenance required

Third Generation (1964-1971)

Third generation computers used integrated circuit (IC) technology, large capacity disks,
and magnetic tapes. High level languages were commonly used. Third generation
computers are IBM System/360 and IBM 370, DEC, PDP-8, UNIVAC 1108, UNIVAC 9000,
etc.

Pros

• Supports time-sharing OS
• Faster, smaller, more reliable and cheaper than the previous generations
• Easy to access, more storage capacity, upgraded easily
• Lower heat generated
• Many input/output devices were introduced such as mouse and keyboard etc.

Cons

• Highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacturing of IC chips.

Fourth Generation (1971-Present)

Fourth generation computers use ICs with Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) technology.
Microprocessors are used as the CPU, and the microprocessor is a computer processing
circuitry on a single chip. Semiconductor memory is used because of the increase in
internal storage, and object-oriented high-level programs are supported. Examples include
Apple II, VAX 9000, and CRAY 1 (supercomputers).

Pros

• Multiprocessing & distributed OS

• Small & easy to use; hand-held computers have evolved
• No external cooling required & affordable
• This generation saw the development of networks and the internet

Cons

• Highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacturing of microprocessors.

Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond)

Fifth generation computers are based on artificial intelligence and nanotechnology. They
feature large capacity hard disks, and some applications such as voice recognition are
being used today. These computers have capabilities of parallel processing, and
superconductors are used. They include powerful servers, the Internet, and cluster
computing.

Pros

• Powerful, cheap, reliable and easy to use.

• Portable and faster due to use of parallel processors and Super Large Scale
Integrated Circuits.
• Rapid software development is possible.

Classification of Computer:

Based on functionality or the way in which computers perform the tasks are classified into
the following types:

• Analog Computers
• Digital Computers
• Hybrid Computers

Analog Computers:

The word "analog" refers to something that changes continuously. Analog computers take
input in continuous forms and produce output as graphs. This means they accept data in
the form of analog signals. The output is measured on a scale, with examples of analog data
including voltage, current, sound, speed, temperature, and pressure. These values can
increase or decrease continuously. Analog computers are used to measure these
continuous values. Common examples include thermometers, analog clocks,
speedometers, and tire pressure gauges.

Characteristics of Analog Computers:

• The analog computers are usually built for special purpose.

• They have very high-speed computing elements used to process physical quantities.
• These computers have low memory size and have fewer functions
• These are very fast in processing
• These computers are used in industrial units to control various processes.
• They are also used in different fields of engineering and medical.

Digital Computer:

The word "digital" means separate or distinct. It relates to the binary system, which uses
only two digits: 0 and 1. Digital data consists of binary data, represented by electrical pulses
that are either OFF (low) or ON (high). These pulses change in a jumpy way, not smoothly. In
digital computers, we count quantities instead of measuring them. Digital computers use
signals of 0 and 1 to represent and process data through arithmetic and logical operations.
 Examples of digital computers are IBM PC and Apple Macintosh computers. Other digital
devices include calculators, digital watches, and digital thermometers.

Characteristics of Digital Computer:

• These computers are easy to use.

• Gives accurate result.
• Having high speed of data processing.
• Can store large amount of data
• Easy to program and general purpose in use.
• Consume low energy.

Hybrid Computer:

Hybrid computers combine the best features of both analog and digital computers. They
have components that process both continuous (analog) and discrete (digital) data. Hybrid
computers are useful for scientific calculations and are often used in hospitals to monitor
patients in the ICU. They are also employed in defence systems, radar, and spacecraft.
Examples of these computers include ECG machines and devices used in petrol pumps.
Notebook and laptop computers are also considered special-purpose hybrid computers.

Characteristics of Hybrid Computers:

• These computers are reliable and provide accurate results.

• These computers are fast and speedy.
• They provide output both in numeric and in graphic form.

Classification of Computer:

Computers are being manufactured in different sizes, data processing speeds, and other
specifications. They are classified according to their data processing speed, the amount of
data they can hold, and price. Generally, a computer with high processing speed and large
internal storage is called a big computer. Depending upon their speed and memory size,
computers are classified into the following four main groups:

• Supercomputers
• mainframe computers
• minicomputers
• microcomputers.

Supercomputer:

A supercomputer is the fastest and most powerful type of computer, but it is also very
expensive. It was developed in the 1980s to process large amounts of data and solve
complex scientific problems. It can perform over one trillion calculations each second and
has many processors working together, allowing for parallel processing. A supercomputer
can connect thousands of users at the same time and manage each user's work separately.
Applications of Supercomputer:

• Super computers are mainly used for:

▪ Weather forecasting
▪ Nuclear energy research
▪ Aircraft design
▪ Automotive design
▪ Online banking
▪ To control industrial units.
• Supercomputers are used in large organizations, research laboratories, aerospace
centers, large industrial units etc.
• Nuclear scientists use super computers to create and analyze models of nuclear fission
and fusions, predicting the actions and reactions of millions of atoms they interact.

Examples of Supercomputer:

• CRAY-1
• CRAY-2
• Control data CYBER 205
• ETA-10

Mainframe Computer:

A mainframe computer is a large and powerful computer designed to handle a lot of data
quickly. It can accept data from different terminals and multiple users at the same time.
This system allows more than 100 users to work together, making it useful for large
organizations. For instance, big businesses, examination departments, industries, and
defence organizations use it to process complex data. It has several CPUs to assist with
data processing.

Application of Mainframe Computer:

• Credit card processing

• Bank Account Management
• Marketing
• Business data processing in large organization
• Air traffic control system
• Industrial design

Example of Mainframe Computer:

• IBM S/390
• IBM S/709
• ICL 39
• CDC 6600
Micro Computer:

The most popular general-purpose computers used for day-to-day work are
microcomputers. These are commonly known as Home PCs or Personal Computers (PCs)
because they are single-user computers primarily used for personal applications.

Types of microcomputers include:

• desktop computers
• laptops
• gaming consoles
• car sound and navigation systems
• personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• tablets, and smartphones.

They support many higher-level applications, are cost-effective, and easy to operate. Well-
known manufacturers of microcomputers include Dell, Apple, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, HP,
and Lenovo.

Characteristics of Micro Computer:

• Fast speed and accuracy

• Small in size
• Easy to operate
• Easy to move
• Cheaper
• We can use desktop computers as a single user and multi-user environment

Minicomputer:

Minicomputers are medium-sized computers with capabilities that fall between

mainframes and personal computers. They are popular as mid-range computers and are
costlier than microcomputers.

Application of Minicomputer:

• It is used in university and middle range business organizations to process complex

data.
• It is also used in scientific research
• Instrumentation system
• Engineering analysis
• Industrial process monitoring and control etc.

Examples of Minicomputer:

• PDP-11
• VAX
• HP 3000
• Prime 9755 etc.
• 7500 MAGNUM