Fundamentals of Computer
Chapter 1-Computer Basics
1.Explain Characteristics of Computer.
Speed – Computers work very fast and can do millions of calculations in just a second.
Accuracy – They give correct results if the input and program are correct.
Storage – Computers can store a huge amount of data and recall it whenever needed.
Diligence – They never get tired or bored, and can repeat tasks without mistakes.
Versatility – Computers can do many different tasks, like playing music, calculating,
drawing, etc.
Automation – Once given instructions, they can do tasks automatically without needing
more help.
Consistency – Computers can give the same output again and again without changing the
quality.
2.Explain Generation of computers.
First Generation (1940–1956)
• Used vacuum tubes for processing.
• Very big and used lots of electricity.
• Slow and produced a lot of heat.
• Example: ENIAC, UNIVAC.
Second Generation (1956–1963)
• Used transistors instead of vacuum tubes.
• Smaller in size, faster, and more reliable.
• Produced less heat.
• Example: IBM 1401, IBM 7094.
Third Generation (1964–1971)
• Used integrated circuits (ICs) – small chips with many transistors.
• Became even smaller, faster, and cheaper.
• Supported multi-programming.
• Example: IBM 360 series.
Fourth Generation (1971–present)
• Used microprocessors – entire CPU on a single chip.
• Computers became very small, portable, and affordable.
• Personal computers (PCs) became common.
• Example: Intel 4004, modern desktops and laptops.
Fifth Generation (Present & Beyond)
• Based on artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies.
• Uses parallel processing, robotics, natural language processing.
• Example: Voice assistants (like Siri, Alexa), AI-powered systems.
Q.3 Explain classification of computers.
Analog Computers
• Work with continuous data (data that changes smoothly, like temperature, speed,
voltage).
• Used mainly for scientific and engineering tasks where real-world data is measured.
• Example:
o Speedometer in a car (shows speed as a moving needle).
o Thermometer.
Digital Computers
• Work with discrete data (numbers, letters – data in binary: 0 and 1).
• Most common type of computers we use today.
• Used for calculations, text, games, browsing, etc.
• Example:
o Desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, calculators.
Hybrid Computers
• Combine features of both analog and digital computers.
• Use analog part to measure continuous data and digital part to process and display it.
• Useful in specialized fields like hospitals, scientific labs.
• Example:
o Machines in hospitals (ECG machines, CT scan machines).
o Petrol pump meters (measure fuel flow continuously but show digital
reading).
Q.4 Explain Algorithm in details.
An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions used to solve a problem or complete a
task.
It is like a recipe that tells the computer (or a person) exactly what to do, in what order, to
get the desired result.
Characteristics of an algorithm:
• Clear and precise: Each step should be easy to understand.
• Finiteness: Must end after a limited number of steps.
• Input: Should have clearly defined inputs.
• Output: Should produce at least one result.
• Effectiveness: Steps should be practical to perform.
Importance:
• Helps in solving problems systematically.
• Makes complex problems easier to understand.
• Helps in writing correct and efficient computer programs.
• Can be applied to daily life tasks too.
Example:
Algorithm to add two numbers:
1. Start
2. Take two numbers
3. Add them
4. Show the result
5. Stop
