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Lecture 1

1) The document discusses the history and evolution of computers from the earliest mechanical devices through modern electronic computers. It describes the major developments that define the generations of computers including vacuum tubes, transistors, integrated circuits, and microprocessors. 2) The document outlines the basic components and functions of a computer including input, processing, output, storage, and communication. It explains that computers accept data as input, process the data, store the output, and can communicate with other devices. 3) The use of computers has become ubiquitous in modern society for tasks like email, internet, work, education, and entertainment. Computer literacy is now an essential skill for all people.

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Pratima Mukherjee
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22 views

Lecture 1

1) The document discusses the history and evolution of computers from the earliest mechanical devices through modern electronic computers. It describes the major developments that define the generations of computers including vacuum tubes, transistors, integrated circuits, and microprocessors. 2) The document outlines the basic components and functions of a computer including input, processing, output, storage, and communication. It explains that computers accept data as input, process the data, store the output, and can communicate with other devices. 3) The use of computers has become ubiquitous in modern society for tasks like email, internet, work, education, and entertainment. Computer literacy is now an essential skill for all people.

Uploaded by

Pratima Mukherjee
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer Fundamentals

Course Code: BCA3.1


BA Semester III
2020

Unit 1
❖Introduction to Computer
❖Generations of computers
❖System Unit: Processing and Memory
❖Storage
❖Input and Output
❖Number System
Learning Objectives
✓Explain why it is essential to learn about computers today.
✓Define a computer and describe its primary operations.
✓Identify the major parts of a personal computer, including input,
processing, output, storage, and communications hardware.
✓List some important milestones in computer evolution.
Introduction to Computer
Computers in Your Life
❑ Why learn about computers?
➢ Pervasive computing
• Also known as ubiquitous computing
• Computers have become an integral part of our lives
❑ Basic computer literacy
➢ Understanding what a computer is and how it works
Computers in Your Life
❑ Before 1980
➢ Computers were large and expensive
➢ Very few people had access to them
➢ Computers were mostly used for high-volume processing tasks
❑ Microcomputers in the early 1980s
➢ Inexpensive personal computers
➢ Computer use increased dramatically
Computers in Your Life
❑ Today
➢ Electronic devices are converging into single units with multiple
capabilities
• Check e-mail on living room television
• View Internet content on mobile devices
➢ Computer literacy is an essential skill for everyone
What Is a Computer?
❑ Computer
➢ A programmable, electronic device that accepts data, performs
operations on that data, and stores the data
➢ Follows instructions, called programs, which determine the tasks
the computer will perform
What Is a Computer?
❑ Basic Operations
➢ Input: Entering data into the computer
➢ Processing: Performing operations on the data
➢ Output: Presenting the results
➢ Storage: Saving data, programs, or output for future use
➢ Communications: Sending or receiving data
Block Diagram of a Computer

Figure 1: Simple Block Diagram of Computer


Block Diagram of a Computer
❑The Processor Unit (CPU)
➢Also called brain of the computer
➢ALU
• Arithmetic and logic operations
➢CU
• Controls the entire operation of the computer
• Controls all devices such as memory, I/O connected to the
computer
Block Diagram of a Computer
❑Input/Output Unit
➢Consists of devices used to transmit information between the
external world and computer memory
❑Memory Unit
➢Primary and secondary memory
Generations of Computers
Computers Then and Now
❑The computer as we know it is a fairly recent invention
❑The history of computers is often referred to in terms of generations
❑Each new generation is characterized by a major technological
development
❑Pre-computers and early computers (before approx. 1946)
➢Abacus, slide rule, mechanical calculator
➢Punch Card Tabulating Machine and Sorter
Computers Then and Now
❑First-generation computers (1946-1957)
➢Vacuum tubes as circuitry and magnetic drums for memory
➢Used a great deal of electricity and generated a lot of heat
➢Machine language
➢ENIAC and UNIVAC
Computers Then and Now

First Digital computer, ENIAC First Digital computer for business applications,
UNIVAC I
Computers Then and Now
❑Second-generation computers (1958-1963)
➢ Transistors as a replacement of vacuum tubes
➢ Computers were smaller, more powerful, cheaper, more energy-
efficient, and more reliable
➢ Punch cards and magnetic tape were used to input and store data
➢ Hard drive and programming languages such as COBOL and
FORTRAN developed
Computers Then and Now

IBM 1401 Mainframe


A second generation computer
Computers Then and Now
❑Third-generation computers (1964-1971)
➢ Replacement of transistors with Integrated circuit
➢ Many transistors on single tiny silicon chip
➢ Keyboard and monitor as input and output
➢ IBM system 360
Computers Then and Now

IBM system 360


A third generation computer
Computers Then and Now
❑Fourth-generation computers (1971 to present)
➢ Invention of microprocessor
➢ Contains core processor capabilities of entire computer on one
single chip
➢ Keyboard and mouse for input
➢ IBM PC and Apple Macintosh computer
Computers Then and Now
❑Fifth-generation computers (now and future)
➢ Based on AI allowing them to think, reason, and learn
➢ likely use voice and touch input
➢ May be based on optical computers and utilize nanotechnology
Computers Then and Now

Generations of computers
Assignment
➢ What are strengths and limitations of computer?
➢ Explain data, information, and knowledge.
➢ Explain vacuum tube, transistor, IC, VLSI, ULSI.
➢ Classify generations of computers based on software, hardware, and memory.

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