Unit 1: Introduction to Computer 10 hrs

Definition and Characteristics of Computer, Evolution and Generation of Computers in brief,

Classification of Computers (Super, Mainframe, Mini and Microcomputer, Analog, Digital and
Hybrid Computer); Basic Computer Organization (input, output, and Memory/ Storage Unit,
Central Processing Unit); Computer software (definition of software, system software and
application software)

Computer:
A computer is an electronic device, which accept data and process it and gives us information
with set of instructions called program. A computer is a programmable machine, multiuse
machine. The word computer is derived from the latin word “computare”. The computer as a
system which is a combination of hardware and software joined together.so it has the ability to:
1. Accept data
2. input, store and execute instructions.
3. perform mathematical and logical operation on data.
4. output results.

characteristics of computers include:

1. Speed
Computers can process data at millions of instructions per second, making it possible to
complete calculations in seconds that would otherwise take hours or days.
2. Accuracy
Computers are known for their high level of accuracy, with mistakes usually only occurring when
the user inputs incorrect data.
3. Versatility
Computers can perform more than one task at the same time, or different types of work
completely.
4. Diligence
Computers can operate for hours without making mistakes, and they can perform the same task
repeatedly without growing weary.
5. Memory
Memory is where short-term data is stored and processed. RAM is an example of a computer's
primary storage, or memory.
 6. Storage
Storage is where data is stored long-term, such as on a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive
(SSD). Unlike RAM, storage keeps data intact even when the computer is turned off.
7. Multitasking
Multitasking allows more than one task to advance over a period of time, even if the computer
doesn't have enough CPUs to execute multiple tasks at the same time.

Evolution of computer:
The development of computer is described in three parts:
1. Early Mechanical Calculators:
Abacus (c. 3000 BC): One of the earliest known computing devices, used for basic arithmetic
calculations.
Blaise Pascal (1642): Invented the Pascaline, a mechanical calculator capable of adding and
subtracting.
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1673): Developed the Stepped Reckoner, which could perform
multiplication and division.
2. Theoretical Foundations and Mechanical Computers:
Charles Babbage (1830s): Known as the "Father of the Computer," Babbage designed the
Difference Engine and later conceptualized the Analytical Engine, which had elements like a
central processing unit (CPU) and memory. Though never built, it was the first design for a
general-purpose mechanical computer.
Ada Lovelace: Worked with Babbage and is credited with writing the first algorithm, making
her the first computer programmer.

3. Electromechanical and Early Electronic Computers:

Herman Hollerith (1890s): Created a punch card-based machine used in the U.S. Census. This
led to the formation of IBM.
Alan Turing (1936): Proposed the concept of a Turing machine, laying the groundwork for
modern computation theory. His work also contributed to breaking the Enigma code during
World War II.
Konrad Zuse (1938): Built the Z3, the world’s first programmable digital computer in
Germany.
 Colossus (1944): Used by British cryptographers to decode messages during World War II, it
was the first programmable digital computer, though not a general-purpose one.

Generation of Computers:
1. First Generation (1940s-1950s): Vacuum Tubes
 CPU Component: Vacuum tubes were used as the main processing units to perform
calculations.
 Example: ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) used thousands of
vacuum tubes, making the computers large, hot, and unreliable.
2. Second Generation (1950s-1960s): Transistors
 CPU Component: Transistors replaced vacuum tubes, making computers smaller, faster,
and more reliable.
 Example: IBM 7090 was a second-generation computer that used transistors for
processing, significantly improving performance.
3. Third Generation (1960s-1970s): Integrated Circuits (ICs)
 CPU Component: Integrated Circuits (ICs) replaced individual transistors by integrating
multiple transistors into a single silicon chip, improving efficiency and processing power.
 Example: IBM System/360 used ICs, marking the shift to smaller and more powerful
computers.
4. Fourth Generation (1970s-present): Microprocessors
 CPU Component: Microprocessors, which contain the entire CPU on a single chip,
revolutionized computers by making personal computing possible.
 Example: Intel 4004 was the first commercially available microprocessor, leading to the
rise of PCs like the Apple II and IBM PC.
5. Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond): Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing
 CPU Component: Modern multi-core processors, quantum processors, and processors
optimized for AI tasks (such as GPUs and TPUs) are used today.
 Example: Processors like Intel Core series, AMD Ryzen, and quantum processors being
developed by companies like IBM and Google.
Classification of Computers:
Types of computer:
Computers are classified according to their application, work, size, capacity, speed, brand
which are described as follows:

Classification of computers Based on work:

1. Digital computer
2. Analog Computer
3. Hybrid Computer
1. Digital Computer
A computer which uses binary digits 0s and 1s are called digital computer. They convert the data
into binary digits (0s and 1s) and all operations are carried out on these digits at extremely fast
rate. A digital computer basically knows how to count the digit and add the digits. Digital
computers are much faster than analog computers and far more accurate. Digital computers
have high storage or memory. They works upon discontinuous data. Digital computers are
multipurpose and programmable and hence used for general purpose( can be used in many
different application). Example: Digital Clock, personal computer (PC) etc.
2. Analog Computer
The computer which is used to measure physical magnitudes(such as-voltage , temperature,
current and pressure) is called analog computer. Analog computers works with the natural or
physical values. i.e. these computers works with continuous data. The accuracy of analog
computer is low and there is very low or do not have storage or memory. Analog computer
operates by measuring rather than counting. Analog computers are mostly used in scientific and
engineering applications .E.g:- speedometer, voltmeter etc.
3. Hybrid computers:
A hybrid computer is a combination of both analog and digital computers. i. e it can perform
the functions of both a digital and analog computer. or example in an intensive care unit of
hospital, analog devices measure the patients heart function, temperature, or other vital signs.
These measures are then converted into numbers or digits and supplied to a digital component
that monitors the patients vital signs. Hybrid computers are used in weather forecasting. E.g-
Hybrid watch.
Difference Between Analog and Digital Computer

Analog computer Digital computer

Analog computers works with the natural or Digital computer works with binary digits (0s
physical values. and 1s).

These computer works with discontinuous

These computer works with continuous data
data.

Accuracy of analog computer is low. Accuracy of digital computer is high.

There is very low or do not have storage or Digital computers have high storage or
memory in analog computer. memory.

Digital computer is multipurpose and

Cost of analog computer is low. programmable and hence used for general
purpose.

Analog computers can’t be re-programmed or if

needed to be re-programmed then whole These computers are totally flexible and can be
circuit system and hardware parts are to be re-programmed.
replaced with new ones.

The wave of Analog signals are shown below: The wave of Digital signals are shown below:
E.g: Thermometer, Barometer etc. E.g: PC, Digital camera, digital clock etc.

Classification of Digital Computer based on Size:

Now day’s computers are available in different sizes and with different capabilities. on the basis
of storage capacity of speed of processing information computers are classified into:
1. Micro computers(PC):
The smallest general-purpose computers are called micro computers. Which consists of a single
small CPU(central processing units),normally called a microprocessor. Now a days
microcomputers are being smaller and smaller but more powerful. Micro computers are known
as PC(personal computer) or home computers. These computers are used in Business,
engineering, schools, Bank, Entertainment etc. for example: IBM PC(International Business
machine),IBM XT(Extended Technology), laptop, notebooks, PDA(personal digital assistant) etc.
2. Minicomputer
Minicomputers are more powerful, high processing speed and having more storage capacity
than micro computer. The cost of minicomputer is high than micro computer. These are multi-
user( means more than one user can use the computer ) and multiprocessor( Having more than
one processor in a single system). They have high processing’s speed, capabilities, large storage
space than micro computers. E.g: VAX 50,IBM360.
3. Mainframe Computers:
Main frame computer large machines ,made of several units connected together. Mainframe
computers are more powerful, high processing speed and having more storage capacity than
minicomputer. Mainframe computers are generally used in big organizations and government
departments for large-scale data processing. For example: IBM 3090,VAX 8842 etc.
4. Super computers
The largest computer in the world is called super computer. Which is more powerful , more
expensive computers and they have extremely large storage capacities and processing speed is
at least 10 times faster than other computers. so they are big machines. Inside super
computers, there are several smaller computers ,each of which can work on different parts of a
work simultaneously. They can be handled and maintained by computer engineers only. super
computers are used in weather forecasting, medicine and for creating computer graphics. Some
of the super computers are CRAY,NEC super SXII,CYBER 205.

Basic Computer Organization:

The basic organization of a computer system includes the following components:

1. Central processing unit (CPU)

The core of the computer, which controls all of its functions. The CPU converts data into
information and only needs instructions written in binary bits to control the other components.
2. Memory unit
Consists of an arithmetic unit and a logic unit. The memory unit stores copies of all inputs and
outputs performed on the computer.
3. Input devices
Allow users to send messages to the computer, such as through a keyboard or mouse.
4. Output devices
Allow users to receive output from the computer, such as through a monitor
Computer software (definition of software, system software and application software):
The software is basically a set of instructions or commands that tell a computer what to do. In
other words, the software is a computer program that provides a set of instructions to execute a
user’s commands and tell the computer what to do. For example like MS-Word, MS-Excel,
PowerPoint, etc.
System Software
System software is software that directly operates the computer hardware and provides the
basic functionality to the users as well as to the other software to operate smoothly. Or in other
words, system software basically controls a computer’s internal functioning and also controls
hardware devices such as monitors, printers, and storage devices, etc. It is like an interface
between hardware and user applications, it helps them to communicate with each other
because hardware understands machine language(i.e. 1 or 0) whereas user applications are
work in human-readable languages like English, Hindi, German, etc. so system software converts
the human-readable language into machine language and vice versa.
Types of System Software
It has two subtypes which are:
1. Operating System: It is the main program of a computer system. When the computer
system ON it is the first software that loads into the computer’s memory. Basically, it
manages all the resources such as computer memory, CPU, printer, hard disk, etc., and
provides an interface to the user, which helps the user to interact with the computer
system. It also provides various services to other computer software. Examples of
operating systems are Linux, Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, etc.
2. Language Processor: As we know that system software converts the human-readable
language into a machine language and vice versa. So, the conversion is done by the
language processor. It converts programs written in high-level programming languages
like Java, C, C++, Python, etc(known as source code), into sets of instructions that are
easily readable by machines(known as object code or machine code).
3. Device Driver: A device driver is a program or software that controls a device and helps
that device to perform its functions. Every device like a printer, mouse, modem, etc.
needs a driver to connect with the computer system eternally. So, when you connect a
new device with your computer system, first you need to install the driver of that device
so that your operating system knows how to control or manage that device.
Application Software
Software that performs special functions or provides functions that are much more than the
basic operation of the computer is known as application software. Or in other words,
application software is designed to perform a specific task for end-users. It is a product or a
program that is designed only to fulfill end-users’ requirements. It includes word processors,
spreadsheets, database management, inventory, payroll programs, etc.
Types of Application Software
There are different types of application software and those are:
1. General Purpose Software: This type of application software is used for a variety of tasks
and it is not limited to performing a specific task only. For example, MS-Word, MS-Excel,
PowerPoint, etc.
2. Customized Software: This type of application software is used or designed to perform
specific tasks or functions or designed for specific organizations. For example, railway
reservation system, airline reservation system, invoice management system, etc.
3. Utility Software: This type of application software is used to support the computer
infrastructure. It is designed to analyze, configure, optimize and maintains the system,
and take care of its requirements as well. For example, antivirus, disk fragmenter,
memory tester, disk repair, disk cleaners, registry cleaners, disk space analyzer, etc.