CAB – 08.09.

2023
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data/inputs from its user and processes it into useful
information as per the processing instructions to generate the output.

Charles Babbage is called the “Grand Father” of the computer. The First mechanical computer designed
by Charles Babbage was called Analytical Engine. It uses read-only memory in the form of punch cards.

The basic components of a computer are: Input Device, output device, Central Processor Unit
(CPU), mass storage device and memory. A Typical modern computer uses LSI Chips. Four
Functions about computer are:

Accepts data Input

Processes data Processing

Producesoutput
Output

Stores results Storage

Input (Data):
Input is the raw information entered into a computer from the input devices. It is the collection of letters,
numbers,images.

Process:
Process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally internal process of the
computer system.

Output:
Output is the processed data given by computer after data processing. Output is also called as
Result. We can save these results in the storage devices for the future use.
Fundamental of Computer: Basic
As per our basic knowledge, an electronic device that accepts input/data and processes it into
valuable information i.e output is named a Computer.

Functionalities of Computer

If we consider it in a very broad sense, any digital computer performs the following five operations:

Step 1 − Accepts data as input.

Step 2 − Saves the data/instructions in its memory and utilizes them as and when required.

Step 3 − Execute the data and convert it into useful information.

Step 4 − Provides the output.

Step 5 − Have control over all the above four steps

Generations of Computer
There exist 5 computer generations till date. In the following list, approximate dates against each generation have
been mentioned, which are normally accepted. These five generations of computers are based on their processing
hardware.

Generations Period Technology Used

First Generation 1946-1959 Vacuum tube-based

Second Generation 1959-1965 Transistor-based

Third Generation 1965-1971 Integrated Circuit based

Fourth Generation 1971-1980 VLSI microprocessor-based

Fifth Generation 1980-onwards ULSI microprocessor-based

Types of computers
PC/Personal Computer

These are single-user computer systems having small, relatively reasonable computers designed for an individual
user. This type of computer can easily be moved from one place to the other comprising a personal storage unit,
input & output unit, and a Central Processing Unit.

Workstation

Regularly a single user system is named a workstation. Workstations usually come with a high-resolution graphics
screen, inbuilt network support, a large amount of RAM, and a graphical user interface. They are often designed
for self-use by an individual and can be used for multiple purposes. This type of system is not convenient for
carrying from one place to another.

Mini Computer

These come under multiple user computer systems that are capable of holding hundreds of users simultaneously.

MainFrame

Mainframe computers are also multi-user computer systems, capable of supporting hundreds of users
simultaneously; designed to be used in large firms and organizations where a lot of people have to work on the
same database. Software technology is different from minicomputers.

Supercomputer

These are extremely fast computers, which can execute hundreds of millions of instructions per second.
Supercomputers are mostly used in scientific and engineering operations where processing is difficult. They are
costly and complex to work on.
Advantages of Computer
High Speed

o The computer is a very fast device.

o It can perform the calculation of a very huge amount of data.
o The computer has units of speed in a microsecond, nanosecond, and even the picosecond.
o It can process millions of computational calculations in a fraction of seconds, unlike the man
who may spend many months performing the same task.

Accuracy

o In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.

o The calculations are 100% error-free.
o Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is correct.

Storage Capability

o Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.

o A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
o It can store a large amount of data.
o It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio, etc.

Diligence

o Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of
concentration.
o It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
o It can perform repetitive tasks with the same speed and accuracy.

Versatility

o A computer is a very versatile machine.

o A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
o This machine can be used to solve problems related to various fields.
o At one moment, it may be processing and simplifying a complex scientific problem, and the
very next moment it may be running a card game.

Reliability

o A computer is a reliable machine.

o Modern electronic components have long lives.
o Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.

Automation

o A computer is an automatic machine.

o Automation is the capability due to which a machine can perform its task without the need
for human consideration. Once the program is fed to the computer i.e., the program is held in
the computer memory, then the program and instruction can be executed in absence of
human consideration.
Reduction in Paperwork and Cost

o With the help of computers for data processing in an organization, there is a reduction of
paperwork and results in speeding up the process, which in return saves trees.
o Because data saved as electronic files can be retrieved whenever required, the headache of
maintaining piles of paper files gets reduced.
o While the investment at the beginning for the installation of a computer is high, it
substantially reduces the cost of each of its transactions.

Know more about the Different Versions of Windows here.

Disadvantages of Computer
No I.Q.

o A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.

o Each instruction has to be given to the computer.
o A computer is not capable enough to make any decision on its own.

Dependency

o It works according to the user’s instruction, thus it is entirely dependent on humans.

o Environment
o The operating environment of the computer should be dust-free and suitable.

No Feelings

o Computers have no feelings or emotions.

o It is not smart enough to make a judgment based on experience, feeling, taste, and
knowledge just like humans.