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Computer

The document provides a history of computers from ancient abacuses to modern PCs. It discusses the evolution from first to fifth generation computers based on the underlying technologies like vacuum tubes, transistors, integrated circuits, and microprocessors. It then describes the basic components of a computer system including the central processing unit, memory, input/output devices, and storage. Finally, it explains key computer concepts like bytes, binary numbers, RAM, ROM, and auxiliary storage devices.

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Radhika Modi
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219 views16 pages

Computer

The document provides a history of computers from ancient abacuses to modern PCs. It discusses the evolution from first to fifth generation computers based on the underlying technologies like vacuum tubes, transistors, integrated circuits, and microprocessors. It then describes the basic components of a computer system including the central processing unit, memory, input/output devices, and storage. Finally, it explains key computer concepts like bytes, binary numbers, RAM, ROM, and auxiliary storage devices.

Uploaded by

Radhika Modi
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

INTRODUCTION TO

COMPUTER
History of computer
Abacus

• 3000 BC, early form of


beads on wires, used in
China

• Derived from abaq, it


means dust
• First Generation Computers – vacuum tubes,
used from 1950-1958.

• Second Generation Computers – Transistors,


used from 1958-1964.

• Third Generation Computers – Integrated


circuits, used from 1964-1971.
• Fourth Generation Computers –
Microprocessor chip, used from 1971-till date

• Fifth Generation Computers – robots


The PC today
Computer System
Memory

Input devices Central processing unit


(CPU) Output devices

Auxiliary Storage
Auxiliary Auxiliary
Storage Storage
• Central Processing Unit – It is the
brain of the computer. The CPU is
given the name MICROPROCESSOR.

• Input devices – Data is given to the


computer. Wide variety of these
devices are available
Example – Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner
etc.
• Output devices – The results
obtained by the computer are
displayed through these devices.
Example – Monitor, Printer, Plotter
etc.

• Storage Devices - To store data and


information, these devices are
used. Primary and secondary
storage devices.
Inside the PC
• All computers are based on the binary number
system.

• A bit or binary digit has one of two values, zero or


one.

• A byte is the smallest unit of memory (8 bits).

• ASCII provides for 256


(or 28) characters.
•01000001 – A
•01000010 – B

On Off
Byte
A byte is a unit of storage capable of
holding a single character. On almost
all modern computers, a byte is equal
to 8 bits. Large amounts of memory
are indicated in terms of kilobytes
(1,024 bytes), megabytes (1,048,576
bytes), and gigabytes (1,073,741,824
bytes).
Memory Characteristics
and Functions
 Random Access memory – RAM
 Temporary and volatile
 Can be read and written

 Read only Memory – ROM


 Permanent and non – volatile
 Can be read only
Random Access Memory

 Transient (erased when power turned off)

 Measured in bytes
1 Kilobyte = 210 characters (~1,000 bytes)
1 Megabyte = 220 characters (~1,000,000 bytes)
1 Gigabyte = 230 characters (~1,000,000,000 bytes)

 Need 256Mb or 512Mb of RAM


Keep multiple programs & data files in memory
Graphic-intensive programs demand a lot of memory
Auxiliary Storage
 Floppy Disk
No longer standard

 Hard (fixed) disk


30 Gb and higher

 Removable storage
CD-R/CD-RW
DVD/DVD-R/DVD-RW
Zip disks
Thumb/jump drives
Tape
The End

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