History of Computers

The first counting device was used by the primitive people. They used sticks, stones and bones as
counting tools. As human mind and technology improved with time more computing devices were
developed. Some of the popular computing devices starting with the first to recent ones are described
below;

Abacus

The history of computer begins with the birth of abacus which is believed to be the first computer. It is
said that Chinese invented Abacus around 4,000 years ago.

It was a wooden rack which has metal rods with beads mounted on them. The beads were moved by the
abacus operator according to some rules to perform arithmetic calculations. Abacus is still used in some
countries like China, Russia and Japan. An image of this tool is shown below;

Napier's Bones

It was a manually-operated calculating device which was invented by John Napier (1550-1617) of
Merchiston. In this calculating tool, he used 9 different ivory strips or bones marked with numbers to
multiply and divide. So, the tool became known as "Napier's Bones. It was also the first machine to use
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Pascaline

Pascaline is also known as Arithmetic Machine or Adding Machine. It was invented between 1642 and
1644 by a French mathematician-philosopher Biaise Pascal. It is believed that it was the first mechanical
and automatic calculator.

Pascal invented this machine to help his father, a tax accountant. It could only perform addition and
subtraction. It was a wooden box with a series of gears and wheels. When a wheel is rotated one
revolution, it rotates the neighboring wheel. A series of windows is given on the top of the wheels to read
the totals. An image of this tool is shown below;

Difference Engine

In the early 1820s, it was designed by Charles Babbage who is known as "Father of Modern Computer".
It was a mechanical computer which could perform simple calculations. It was a steam driven calculating
machine designed to solve tables of numbers like logarithm tables.

Analytical Engine

This calculating machine was also developed by Charles Babbage in 1830. It was a mechanical computer
that used punch-cards as input. It was capable of solving any mathematical problem and storing
information as a permanent memory.
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 (1965-1971)

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)
o CRAY-X-MP(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
Q. What is Computer. Explain its Characteristics.?

Ans: A Computer is programmable electronic device that are used to store, retrieve and process different
data and information so that we can perform different mathematical and logical operations. It is made up
with hardware and software. Hardware consist input and output devices that are physically exit or
touchable. Software consist system software and application program.

Component of Computer
o Processor: It executes instructions from software and hardware.
o Memory: It is the primary memory for data transfer between the CPU and storage.
o Motherboard: It is the part that connects all other parts or components of a computer.
o Storage Device: It permanently stores the data, e.g., hard drive.
o Input Device: A device that are used to enter the data with in computer that is known as
input devices e.g., a keyboard, mouse.
o Output Device: A device that are used to access the data from computer that is known
as output devices e.g., monitor, printer.

Characteristics of Computer
Types of Computer
We can categorize computer in two ways: on the basis of data handling capabilities and size.

On the basis of data handling capabilities, the computer is of three types:

o Analogue Computer
o Digital Computer
o Hybrid Computer

1) Analogue Computer

Analogue computers are designed to process analogue data. Analogue data is continuously
changes data that cannot have discrete values. We can say that analogue computers are used
where we don't need exact values always such as speed, temperature, pressure and current.

Analogue computers directly accept the data from the measuring device without first converting
it into numbers and codes. They measure the continuous changes in physical quantity and
generally render output as a reading on a dial or scale. Speedometer and mercury
thermometer are examples of analogue computers.

2) Digital Computer

Digital computer is designed to perform calculations and logical operations at high speed. It
accepts the raw data as input in the form of digits or binary numbers (0 and 1) and processes it.
and produce the output using program stored in memory . All modern computers like laptops,
desktops including smart phones that we use at home or office are digital computers.

3) Hybrid Computer

Hybrid computer has both features of analogue and digital computer. It is fast like an
analogue computer and has memory and accuracy like digital computers. It can process both
continuous and discrete data. It accepts analogue signals and convert them into digital form
before processing. So, it is widely used in specialized applications where both analogue and
digital data is processed. For example, a processor is used in petrol pumps that converts the
measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price.
On the basis of size, the computer can be of five types:

1) Microcomputer or Personal Computer

Microcomputer is also known as a personal computer. It is a general-purpose computer that is

designed for individual use. It has a microprocessor as a central processing unit, memory, storage
area, input unit and output unit. Laptops and desktop computers are examples of
microcomputers. They are suitable for personal work that may be making an assignment,
watching a movie, or at office for office work.

2) Workstation

Workstation is a single user computer that is designed for technical or scientific applications. It
has a faster microprocessor, a large amount of RAM and high speed graphic adapters used. It
generally performs a specific job with great expertise; Workstation is a computer used for
engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software development, and other
such types of applications which require a moderate amount of computing power and relatively
high quality graphics capabilities.

3) Miniframe or Minicomputer

It is a midsize multiprocessing computer. It consists of two or more processors and can support 4
to 200 users at one time. Miniframe computers are used in institutes and departments for tasks
such as billing, accounting and inventory management. A minicomputer lies between the
mainframe and microcomputer as it is smaller than mainframe but larger than a microcomputer.

4) Mainframe computer

Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.

They can support multiple programs at the same time. It means they can execute different
processes simultaneously. These features of mainframe computers make them ideal for big
organizations like banking and telecom sectors, which need to manage and process high volume
of data.

5) Supercomputer

Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. They are designed to process huge
amount of data. A supercomputer can process trillions of instructions in a second. It has
thousands of interconnected processors.

Supercomputers are particularly used in scientific and engineering applications such as weather
forecasting, scientific simulations and nuclear energy research. The first supercomputer was
developed by Roger Cray in 1976.
Q. Explain Input and Output Devices.?

Input Devices

Input device that are used to send data, information, or control signals to a computer. The
Central Processing Unit (CPU) of a computer receives the input and processes it to produce the
output.

Some of the popular input devices are:

1. Keyboard
2. Mouse
3. Scanner
4. Microphone
5. Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
6. Digital Camera
7. Touch screen
8. Webcam
9. Biometric Devices

1) Keyboard

The keyboard is a basic input device that is used to enter data into a computer or any other
electronic device by pressing keys. It has different sets of keys for letters, numbers, characters,
and functions. Keyboards are connected to a computer through USB or a Bluetooth device for
wireless communication.

2) Mouse

The mouse is a hand-held input device which is used to move cursor or pointer across the screen.
It is designed to be used on a flat surface and generally has left and right button and a scroll
wheel between them.

Laptop computers come with a touchpad that works as a mouse. It lets you control the movement
of cursor or pointer by moving your finger over the touchpad.

The mouse was invented by Douglas C. Engelbart in 1963.

3) Scanner

The scanner uses the pictures and pages of text as input. It scans the picture or a document. The
scanned picture or document then converted into a digital format or file and is displayed on the
screen as an output.
4) Microphone

The microphone is a computer input device that is used to input the sound. It receives the sound
vibrations and converts them into audio signals or sends to a recording medium. The audio
signals are converted into digital data and stored in the computer. The microphone also enables
the user to telecommunicate with others.

5) Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

MICR computer input device is designed to read the text printed with magnetic ink. MICR is a
character recognition technology that makes use of special magnetized ink which is sensitive to
magnetic fields. It is widely used in banks to process the cheques. The details on the bottom of
the cheque (MICR No.) are written with magnetic ink.

The device reads the details and sends to a computer for processing. A document printed in
magnetic ink is required to pass through a machine which magnetizes the ink, and the magnetic
information is then translated into characters.

6) Digital camera:

It is a digital device as it captures images and records videos digitally and then stores them on a
memory card. It is provided with an image sensor chip to capture images, A camera that is
connected to your computer can also be called a digital camera.

7) Touch screen:

It is the display screen of a device such as a smartphone, tablet, etc., that allows users to interact
or provide inputs to the device by using their finger. Today, most of the electronic devices come
with touchscreen as an alternative to a mouse for navigating a graphical user interface.

8) Webcam:

Any camera which is connected to a computer is called a webcam. The in-built camera provided
on a computer can also be considered a webcam. It is an input device as it can take pictures, and
can be used to record videos if required. The pictures and videos are stored in the computer
memory and can be displayed on the screen if required.

9) Biometric Devices:

Biometrics refers to a process in which a person is identified through his or her biological
features such as fingerprints, eye cornea, face structure, etc. It is done by using biometric
devices, which can be of different types based on their scanning features and abilities, such as:

Output Devices
1) Monitor

The monitor is the display unit or screen of the computer. It is the main output device that
displays the processed data or information as text, images, audio or video.

2) Projector

A projector is an output device that enables the user to project the output onto a large surface
such as a big screen or wall. It can be connected to a computer and similar devices to project
their output onto a screen. It uses light and lenses to produce magnified texts, images.

3) Printer

A printer produces hard copies of the processed data. It enables the user, to print images, text or
any other information onto the paper. Users can pick from various printer types, such as inkjet,
laser, or dot matrix.

4) Speakers

Speakers are important output devices that transform electrical impulses into audible sounds.
They're essential to many modern devices, including computers, televisions, music players, and
mobile phones. The audio system improves the multimedia experience by providing high-quality
audio output, whether listening to the song, viewing films, playing video games, or participating
in virtual meetings.

5) Headphones/Earphones

Headphones and earphones are personal audio devices worn over the ears or inserted into the ear
canal, respectively. They deliver Music to the user directly, giving a private and immersive
listening experience. Earphones are tiny and fit within the ear, whereas headphones have two
speakers that cover both ears. They are regularly used with portable music players, phones,
laptop computers, and different gadgets

6) Plotter

A plotter is a specialized output device used to generate high-quality, accurate, and detailed
graphics. It's popular in fields like engineering, architecture, and graphic design. Unlike printers,
which use ink or toner to create pictures or text on paper, plotters utilize a pen or marker to draw
continuous lines on paper.