Polytechnic university of the

Philippines
Lopez branch

Introduction to computing

Submitted by: Vanessa olea

Submitted to: Ma’am Andrea zurbano

First Generation (1942-1955)

UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer). It was developed by two scientists Mauchly
and Echert at the Census Department of United States in 1947. The first generation
computers were used during 1942-1955. They were based on vacuum tubes. Examples
of first generation computers are ENIVAC and UNIVAC
Second Generation (1955-1964)
Transistors. The scientists at Bell laboratories developed transistor in 1947. These scientists
include John Barden, William Brattain and William Shockley. The size of the computers was
decreased by replacing vacuum tubes with transistors. The examples of second generation
computers are IBM 7094 series, IBM 1400 series and CDC 164.

Third Generation (1964-1975)

Integrated circuits (IC). Jack Kilby developed the concept of integrated circuit in 1958. It was an
important invention in the computer field. The first IC was invented and used in 1961. The size
of an IC is about ¼ square inch. A single IC chip may contain thousands of transistors. The
computer became smaller in size, faster, more reliable and less expensive. The examples of third
generation computers are IBM 370, IBM System/360, UNIVAC 1108 and UNIVAC AC 9000.
Fourth Generation (1971-1981)

The fourth generation computers started with the invention of Microprocessor. The
Microprocessor contains thousands of ICs. Ted Hoff produced the first microprocessor in 1971
for Intel. It was known as Intel 4004. The technology of integrated circuits improved rapidly. The
LSI (Large Scale Integration) circuit and VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) circuit was designed.
It greatly reduced the size of computer. The size of modern Microprocessors is usually one
square inch. It can contain millions of electronic circuits. The examples of fourth generation
computers are Apple Macintosh & IBM PC. The fourth generation of computers runs from 1971
to 1981. It was born with the development of the Microprocessor that opens the doors to
personal, commercial and domestic computers. A diversity of games and programs of all kinds
appeared. The emergence of software undoubtedly marks an icon in the computer revolution,
so this era is also known as the software generation. Steven Paul Jobs: (Steve Jobs) Born in San
Francisco, California, on February 24, 1955, son of two students from the University of
Wisconsin, who gave him up for adoption. Jobs was a very intelligent child, but not determined.
He joined Steve Wozniak to found Apple in 1976, of which he was president. During his life, he
experienced various paths, including abandoning his studies at the University. He was an
inventor, designer and entrepreneur. A figure of the computer revolution, he leaves us an
inheritance of impressive products of his Apple brand, such as the iPod, iPhone and iPad, icons
of modern technology. In 1985, he tried another way and launched Pixar Animation Studios,
and years later he returned to Apple. Jobs suffered from a cancer that led to his death in 2011.
William Henry Gates III: (Bill Gates) Born February 28, 1955. The son of a prominent lawyer and
a university professor, he grew up with his sister in Seattle. He was a student of a Public
Elementary School, and then studied at the outstanding private school called Lakeside, which by
1968 already had a computer. His contact with the machine allowed Gates to become
passionate about computers. In Lakeside, during 1975, he met Paul Allen and together they
formed Microsoft, an acronym for “micro-computer” and “software”. The company stumbled in
its early days, but by 1979 Microsoft was paying a significant amount of money. At just 23, Gates
was the head of his company, running it with great business sense and insight for software
development. Today, Microsoft Windows (in all its versions) is used on most of the world’s
personal computers.

Fifth Generation

Fifth generation. In serial processing each task is performed in serial manner. Where as in
parallel processing multiple tasks are performed simultaneously. Fifth generation computers are
based on artificial intelligence. The fifth generation computers are also called artificial
intelligence computers.
The period of fifth generation is 1980-till date. In the fifth generation, VLSI technology became
ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology, resulting in the production of microprocessor
chips having ten million electronic components.
This generation is based on parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software.
AI is an emerging branch in computer science, which interprets the means and method of
making computers think like human beings. All the high-level languages like C and C++, Java,
.Net etc., are used in this generation.
Inventors of the fifth generation of computers Von Neumann : During 1946, he builds the ideas
that give rise to a starting point, which is used until now, where he focuses on information and
data storage in the same device , which leads to memory, managing to move from ENIAC to a
programmable device where the user can store information and programs.

PURPOSE, TYPE OF DATA AND CAPACITY OF THE

COMPUTERSS
According to purpose, computers are either general purpose or specific purpose. General
purpose computers are designed to perform a range of tasks. They have the ability to store
numerous programs, but lack in speed and efficiency. Specific purpose computers are designed
to handle a specific problem or to perform a specific task. A set of instructions is built into the
machine.
According to data handling, computers are analog, digital or hybrid. Analog computers work on
the principle of measuring, in which the measurements obtained are translated into data.
Modern analog computers usually employ electrical parameters, such as voltages, resistances or
currents, to represent the quantities being manipulated. Such computers do not deal directly
with the numbers. They measure continuous physical magnitudes. Digital computers are those
that operate with information, numerical or otherwise, represented in a digital form. Such
computers process data into a digital value (in 0s and 1s). They give the results with more
accuracy and at a faster rate. Hybrid computers incorporate the measuring feature of an analog
computer and counting feature of a digital computer. For computational purposes, these
computers use analog components and for storage, digital memories are used.
According to functionality, Type of computers are classified as :
Analog Computer
An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer that uses
continuous physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model
the problem being solved.
Digital Computer
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as
digits, usually in the binary number system
Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)
A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and outputting in both digital and
analog signals. A hybrid computer system setup offers a cost effective method of performing
complex simulations.
On the basis of Size: Type of Computer
Super Computer
The fastest and most powerful type of computer Supercomputers are very expensive and are
employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical
calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of
supercomputers include animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research,
and petroleum exploration.
The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer
channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe
uses its power to execute many programs concurrently.
Mainframe Computer
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of
users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (in watches, for
example) at the bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below
supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because
they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program
faster than a mainframe.
Mini Computer
A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and
mainframes. In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small
mainframes has blurred, however, as has the distinction between small minicomputers and
workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting
from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously.
Micro Computer or Personal Computer
• Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
• Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete with an integrated screen and keyboard. It is
generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than a notebook computer.
• Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized computer. Palmtops have no
keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and output device.
Workstations
A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just a generic term
for a user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a "server" or "mainframe."
Uses of Computers:
Computers have become an essential part of modern human life. Since the invention of
computer they have evolved in terms of increased computing power and decreased size. Owing
to the widespread use of computers in every sphere, Life in today’s world would be
unimaginable without computers. They have made human lives better and happier. There are
many computer uses in different fields of work. Engineers, architects, jewelers, and filmmakers
all use computers to design things. Teachers, writers, and most office workers use computers for
research, word processing and emailing. Small businesses can use computers as a point of sale
and for general record keeping.
Computers Aid at Education :
Computers have its dominant use in the education field which can significantly enhance
performance in learning. Even distance learning is made productive and effective through
internet and video-based classes. Researchers have massive usage of these computers in their
work from the starting to till the end of their scholarly work.
Computers in our Health and Medicine :
Most of the medical information can now be digitized from the prescription to reports.
Computation in the field of medicine allows us tooffer varied miraculous therapies to the
patients. ECG’s, radiotherapy wasn’t possible without computers.
Aid of Computers at Financial Institutions :
We know well that computers are being used by the financial institutions like banks for different
purposes. The foremost important thing is to store information about different account holders
in a database to be available at any time. Keeping the records of the cash flow, giving the
information regarding your account,
Computers for our Pass time :
Computers are now the major entertainers and the primary pass time machines. We can use
computers for playing games, watching movies, listening to music, drawing pictures.
Computers are a part of our Transport System :
With internet on computers we can know the details of the buses or trains or the flight available
to our desired destination. The timings and even the updates on the delay can also be known
through these computers.We can book our tickets through online. Staff of the transport system
will keep a track of the passengers, trains or flight details, departure and arrival timings by using
computers.
Inevitable use of Computers in Business and Corporate Stages :
Every single information shared can be recorded by using computer. Official deals and the issues
were made even through online. We use email system to exchange the information. It has wide
uses in marketing, stock exchanges and bank. Even the departmental stores can’t run effectively
without computer.
Wonders of Computer in E-Commerce :
Electronic mail is the revolutionary service offered by the computes. Video Conferencing is also
another major advantage. Electronic shopping through online shopping added favor to
purchaser and merchants. Electronic banking is now at your hand where every bank has online
support for transaction of monetary issues. You can easily transfer your money anywhere even
from your home.
Computer at our Defense :
Computers are the main tools which help in developing missiles and other equipment in the
deference system. Designing and the maintenance are possible only through computers.
Computer builds the links between the soldiers and commanders through the satellite.
Construction of weapons and controlling their function is not possible without the aid of
computers. The list of the criminals and the records of the cops are maintained regularly in the
system.
Computer is today’s Designer :
As per the title,computers aid in designing buildings, magazines, prints, newspapers, books and
many others. The construction layouts are designed beautifully on system using different tools
and software’s.

Essay
1. What are the significant changes between the old generation of computers that we use
today?

Each invention in every generation of computer are evolving and upgrading by the help of
the modern technology. It becomes more reliable and faster than the old one. The computer
that we use today has more capacity to store data into given space in terms of storage. In
physical appearance it is more presentable because of the new designed structure invented.
Latest computer are smaller in size, faster in speed and cheaper to build. The first computer
invention is just for computing purposes while the computer that we use today is can apply in
many various fields like for example: Communication, Gamming, business transaction, editing
and others.

2. How do you see the future if computers will be in the next years?
I think it is easier to use and made in high quality structure, faster in terms of speed, high
performance in terms of processors, sensors, capability to access networks, storage of data,
control system. Future analyst will innovate and create more high tech voice recognition better
than before, high quality scanners, and any input devices.

3. What do you think will be the next generation of computers?

If I will give a chance to create new type if computer generation, I will build a high
technology, the fastest one, easy to control, updated structure, and the most reliable
computer. This computer will work through the use of voice recognition by the use of voice
sensor that attached in the computer, once the user says the command, automatically the
computer will be followed different language of people is not a problem because I will make
sure that all language is accessible and understandable by the voice recognition. The
essence of this invention is to easiest to use. For those people who don’t know how to
control it manually it will be a big help because it only needs a command and the computer
will it only need a command and the computer will function itself, this instruction called
sensorem agnoscis a Latin word for sensor recognition.