Introduction to Computers

By Angel Roy Nitin Dangi MBA-1st SEM YMCA

What Is A Computer?
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions (software) stored in its own memory unit, that can accept data (input), manipulate data (process), and produce information (output) from the processing. Generally, the term is used to describe a collection of devices that function together as a system.

Devices that comprise a computer system

System unit (processor, memory)

Printer (output)

Storage devices (CD-RW, Floppy, Hard disk, zip,) Scanner (input) Mouse (input) Keyboard (input)

What Does A Computer Do?

Input Process Output Storage

Data and Information

All computer processing requires data, which is a collection of raw facts, figures and symbols, such as numbers, words, images, video and sound, given to the computer during the input phase. Computers manipulate data to create information. Information is data that is organized, meaningful, and useful. During the output Phase, the information that has been created is put into some form, such as a printed report. The information can also be put in computer storage for future use.
5

Why Is A Computer So Powerful?

The ability to perform the information processing cycle with amazing speed. Reliability (low failure rate). Accuracy. Ability to store huge amounts of data and information. Ability to communicate with other computers.

How Does a Computer Know what to do?

It must be given a detailed list of instructions, called a computer program or software, that tells it exactly what to do. Before processing a specific job, the computer program corresponding to that job must be stored in memory. Once the program is stored in memory the computer can start the operation by executing the program instructions one after the other.

What Are The Primary Components Of A Computer ?

Input devices. Central Processing Unit (containing the control unit and the arithmetic/logic unit). Memory. Output devices. Storage devices.

THE COMPUTER GENERATIONS

First Generation (1950s):

The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory, and were often enormous, taking up entire rooms. They were very expensive to operate and in addition to using a great deal of electricity, generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause of malfunctions. First generation computers relied on machine language, the lowest-level programming language understood by computers, to perform operations, and they could only solve one problem at a time. Input was based on punched cards and paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts. Example of Computers: UNIVAC, IBM 650 etc.

Second Generation (1960s)

Transistors were used in the circuits. The transistor was far superior to the vacuum tube, allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient and more reliable than their first-generation predecessors.For external storage magnetic tapes were used. The orientation was towards multiple users i.e. the machine was capable to process multiple tasks concurrently. The high level languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, BASIC etc. were used as the languages by the computer. Example of Computers: IBM 1400 and 7000 series, General Electric 635 etc.

Integrated circuits replaced transistors. Inspite of their smaller size they were capable to perform better than transistors. For data input and output operations monitors and keyboards replaced the punched cards. For external storage magnetic disks were used. Sophisticated operating systems, which were capable of handling several jobs concurrently were used. More advanced high level languages like PASCAL were used. Computers for the first time became accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller and cheaper than their predecessors. Example of computers: IBM System

Third Generation (1970s):

Fourth Generation (1980s):

The circuits used VLSI and microprocessors of virtually microscopic size, which led to drastic cut on the size of computer. The input output devices were the same monitors, keyboard, printer etc. The use of special software for maintaining large data bases became popular. The application software for micro computer essentially became popular in this generation. Example of computers: IBM Systems

Fifth Generation (late 1990s):

The computers of this generation use optic fibre technology to handle Artificial Intelligence. These computers have capacity to think and reason which can be used to solve problems where human intelligence is required. The goal of fifth-generation computing is to develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and self-organization. Expert Systems are examples of systems implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI).

TYPES OF COMPUTER

Types of computer
Type of computer

Digital computer

Analog computer

Hybrid Computer

Micro Computer

Main frame Computer

Super Computer

Mini Computer

Home

PC

Analog computer

An analog computer is a form of computer that uses the continuouslychangeable aspects of physical phenomena such as electrical,mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.Signals are continuous of (0 to 10 V)

High speed Output is continuous Time is wasted in transmission time

Analog computer

Digital Computers
A digital computer is an electronic computing machine that uses the binary digits (bits) 0 and 1 to represent all forms of information internally in digital form.
Signals are two level of (0 V=off or 5 V=on) They are very accurate. Information storage can be easier in digital computer systems than in analogue ones.

Micro Computer

Micro computer are the smallest computer system. There size range from calculator to desktop size. Its CPU is microprocessor. It also known as Grand child Computer. Application : - personal computer, Multi user system, offices.

Mini Computer

These are also small general purpose system. They are generally more powerful and most useful as compared to micro computer. Mini computer are also known as mid range computer or Child computer. Application :- Departmental systems, Network Servers, work group system.

Main Frame Computer

Mainframe computers are those computers that offer faster processing and grater storage area. The word main frame comes from the metal frames. It is also known as Father computer. Application Host computer, Central data base server.

Super Computer

Super computer are those computer which are designed for scientific job like wheather forecasting and artificial intelligence etc. They are fastest and expensive. A super computer contains a number of CPU which operate in parallel to make it faster. It also known as grand father computer. Application whether forecasting, weapons research and development.

Super computer

Hybrid Computer
The combination of features of analog and digital computer is called hybrid computer. The main example are central national defense and passenger flight radar system. They are also used to control robots.

Classification of Digital computer

Desktop Workstation Notebook Tablet PC Handheld computer Smart Phone

workstation

Tablet PC

Handheld PC(PDA)

Smart phone

Thank you.

31