Introduction to

Computer Applications

Lecture # 2
Objective of Lecture
Classification of computers
Generation of computers
Classification of Computer
There are two types of classes
Classes by size
Classes by Functions
Classes by size
Microcomputers (Personal computers)
Minicomputers (Midrange computers)
Mainframe computers
Supercomputer
Classes by functions
Servers
Workstations
Information appliances
Embedded computers
Microcomputers
Microcomputers can designed for use by a single
person. They are among the smallest computer created
for people to use. Microcomputers are the most common
type of computers used by people today, whether in a
workplace, at school or on the desk at home. e.g.
Desktop computers
Notebook computers
Handheld PC
Tablet PC
Smart phones
Contd..
Desktop computers
The most common type of computer
Sits on the desk or floor
Performs a variety of tasks
Notebook computers
Small portable computers
Weighs between 3 and 8 pounds
About 8 by 11 inches
Typically as powerful as a desktop
Can include a docking station
Contd..
Tablet computers
Newest development in portable computers
Input is through a pen called stylus or digital pen
Run specialized versions of office products
Contd..
Handheld computers
Very small computers
Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)
Note taking or contact
management
Data can synchronize with a
desktop
Smart phones
Hybrid of cell phone and PDA
Web surfing, e-mail access
Minicomputers
Contemporary term for this class of system is midrange
computer.
Lies in the middle range of the computing variety in
between the smallest multi-user systems (mainframe
computers) and the largest single-user systems
(microcomputers or personal computers), Power
between mainframe and desktops.
Class of multi-user computers handled by hundred of
users.
Used in smaller organizations
Users access through a terminal
Mainframe
Used in large organizations.
A very large and expensive computer capable of
supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users
simultaneously.
Also called enterprise servers.
There are multiple processors in these
computers(2,4,12).
Banks and shopping marts are interconnected
through mainframe computers.
SuperComputers
All of the resources to tackle one problem
Used for very complex operations
Rocket launching
Weather prediction
Aeronautics

Testing of nuclear weapons

Carry160 millions instructions /second
160 trillion bytes storage
6 trillion bytes memory
Comparison between Minicomputer,
Mainframe & Supercomputer
In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than
supercomputers as they support more simultaneous
programs. But supercomputers can execute a single
program faster than a mainframe.

The distinction between small mainframes and

minicomputers is vague, depending really on how the
manufacturer wants to market its machines.
Servers
Server is a physical computer (a hardware system)
dedicated to running one or more such services (as a
host) to serve the needs of users of the other
computers on the network.
Network servers
Centralized computer
All other computers connect
Provides access to network resources
Multiple servers are called server farms
Often simply a powerful desktop
Types of Servers
Depending on the computing service that it
offers it could be
1. Database server
2. File server
3. Mail server
4. Print server
5. Web server
Database Server
Provides database services to other computers as
defined by the client-server model.
DBMS provide database server functionality,
In a master-slave model, database master servers
are central and primary locations of data while
database slave servers are synchronized backups
of the master acting as proxies.
e.g.
Oracle, DB2, SQL server
File Server
Computer attached to a network with primary purpose
of providing a location for shared disk access,
i.e. shared storage of computer files (such as
documents, sound files, photographs, movies,
images, databases, etc.) that can be accessed by
the workstations that are attached to the computer
network
Mail Server
Every email that is sent passes through a series
of mail servers
A complex series of transfers takes place.
Without this series of mail servers, email can be
sent to the email address of the same domain.
Workstations
In networking, workstation
refers to any computer
connected to a local-area
network. It could be a
workstation or a personal
computer.
Specialized computers

Optimized for science or

graphics
More powerful than a
desktop
Information appliance
In information appliance or information device is
any machine or device that is usable for the purposes
of computing, telecommunicating, reproducing, and
presenting encoded information in innumerable forms
and applications.
Embedded computers
Embedded computers can be compared to "computers
on a chip". All in one , so to speak. You will find them
in all kind of devices surrounding us where you need
to regulate something, control or check something
e.g.
Home automation devices e.g. Washing machines,
Sewing machines, Microwave
Ticket machines at the subway,
Cameras, clocks, Cell phone, Video games, Global
Positioning System
Automobiles, cars, motors
Mobile Devices
Handheld Computers
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
Smart Phones
GPS
 Generations of Computer
1. First Generation VACUUM TUBES: (1942-1955)
2. Second Generation TRANSISTORS: (1955-1964)
3. Third Generation INTEGRATED CIRCUITS: (1964-1975)
4. Fourth Generation Microprocessors: (1975- PRESENT)
5. Fifth Generation Artificial Intelligence: (Present and
Beyond)
First Generation Computers
1942-1955
The first generation of computers, characterized by
vacuum tubes used in the duration of 1942-1955.

Examples:
ENIVAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Calculator) First Electronic Computer

UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) First

Digital Computer used in business and industries.

VACUUM TUBES electronic tubes about the size of

light bulbs.
Advantages
Vacuum tubes were the only components available during
those days.
Vacuum tube technology made possible to make
electronic digital computers.
These Computers could calculate data in milliseconds.
.
Disadvantages
Very large in size.
Consumed large amount of energy.
Heated very soon due to thousand of vacuum tubes.
Not very reliable.
Air conditioning was required.
Non-portable.
Costly commercial production.
Very slow speed.
Used machine language only
Used punch cards for input
Not versatile and very faulty.
Second Generation Computers 1955-1964

Used Transistors.
Transistors are developed in Bell Laboratories in 1947.
The size of computer decreases by replacing vacuum
tubes by Transistors.
Examples:
IBM 7097 series, IBM 1400 Series
Transistors
A transistor is a
semiconductor device used
to amplify and switch
electronic signals and power.
Advantages
Smaller in size as compared to first generation
computers.
More reliable.
Used less energy and were not heated.
Better portability.
Better speed and could calculate data in microseconds.
Accuracy improved
Disadvantages
Air conditioning was required.
Constant maintenance required.
Only used for specific purpose.
Costly and not versatile.
Punch cards were used for input.
Third Generation Computers 1964-
1975
Used Integrated Circuits.
First IC was invented and used in 1961.
The size of an IC is about square inch.
A single IC contain thousands of transistors.
Examples:
IBM 370, IBM System/360
Advantages
Smaller in size as compare to previous.
More reliable.
Use less energy.
Produce less heat as compare to previous.
Better speed could calculate data in nanoseconds.
Versatile to an extent.
Used fan for heat discharge.
Low maintenance cost because hardware failure is rare.
Totally General purpose.
Good Storage, Less expansive, better accuracy.
Key board and mouse for input
Disadvantages
Air Conditioning was required.
High sophisticated technology required for the
manufacturing of IC chips.
Fourth Generation Computers 1975-
PRESENT
Starts with the invention of Microprocessors.
Microprocessor contains thousands of ICs.
Ted Hof creates first Microprocessor for Intel in 1971.
Examples:
Apple Macintosh & IBM PC
Advantages
More powerful and reliable then previous.
Very small in size
Less power consumption.
Less heat generation.
Used fan for heat discharge.
No air condition is required.
Totally General purpose.
Less need of repairing.
Cheapest among all the generations.
Best speed to read instructions (One million per second).
Fifth Generation Computers Present
and Beyond
Based on the technique of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Computers can understand spoken words.
Scientists are working to increase the speed of
computers.
The advancement in modern technologies will
revolutionize the computer in future.
Questions??