Unit 1: Introduction to Computers

Introduction

Computer science is a subject of wide spread interest. To provide a

general flavour of the subject, this unit presents the introductory
concepts of a computer system with its working principle and the basic
elements. It provides detail description of different types of computers,
based on purpose, types and capacity. Traces of historical development
and generations of computers are also explored in this unit. Throughout
the unit three different lessons provide a broad overview of computer
systems and introduce most of the concepts that are described in details
in the later units.

Lesson 1: Introduction and Basic Organization

1.1 Learning Objectives

On completion of this lesson you will be able to

• grasp the introductory concepts of a computer and its

working principle
• understand the basic elements of a computer system.

1.2 What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic machine that stores, retrieves, and

manipulates or processes data. It cannot think or reason; it can only carry
A computer is an electronic
out instructions given to it. A set of instructions that directs its actions is
machine that stores, retrieves
and manipulates, or processes called a program. Different programs are used to solve different
data. It cannot think or reason; problems. Ability to accept, store, and execute various sets of
it can only carry out instructions (or programs) makes the computer the invaluable, all-
instructions given to it. purpose business tool.

The first step of solving a problem by a computer is to develop a suitable

computer program and then store in its memory. The computer then
carries out the instructions in the program. The instructions of a program
generally direct the computer to perform three basic functions over and
over again; these functions are input, processing, and output.
Collectively, these functions constitute the data processing cycle.

Input: input devices are connected to feed the computer facts or data to
be processed.

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Data processing cycle Processing: the control and storing of data, numerical comparisons, and
arithmetic operations are performed on the input data to produce the
desired results.

Output: the computer feeds the processed data or information, to the

output devices.

The computer reads a program and stores it in the memory. The

computer executes program instructions to:

Input data from the disk, the keyboard, or other storage media,

process the data and

Output results to the display screen, disk or other media.
A computer system contains
hardware, soft-ware,
humanware and procedures. Figure: 1.1 Solving a problem with a microcomputer.

1.3 Components of a Computer System

A computer is used to process data and a data processing system must

consist of more than just machines. A computer system must contain:
hardware, software, humanware and operational procedures.

Hardware

Hardware generally refers to the machine or physical equipment that

Hardware generally refers to performs the basic functions of the data processing cycle. In addition to
the machines or physical the computer itself, other hardware devices are also required. These
equipment that performs the devices may be off-line that is detached from the computer and operating
basic functions of the data independently or they may be on-line that is directly connected to and
processing cycle.
controlled by the computer. A printer is an off-line device and a
keyboard is an on-line device.

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Software

A program is a sequence of instructions which directs a computer to

perform certain functions. A computer must have access to prewritten,
stored programs to input and store data, make decisions, arithmetically
Programs are referred to as manipulate and output data in the correct sequence. Programs are
software. referred to as software. Computer system must be supported by
extensive software systems. Software is generally categorized as either
system software or application software.

System software consists of programs that facilitate the use of computer

by a user. These programs are sometimes referred to as utility programs.
They perform such standard tasks as organizing and maintaining data
files, translating programs written in various languages to a language
acceptable to the computer, scheduling jobs through the computer, as
well as aiding in other areas of general operations. Of all the systems
software supplied by the manufacturer of a computer, the most important
one is known as the operating system.

Application software consists of programs to perform specific user

applications. A computer program giving instructions for the steps
involved in preparing results of a public examination is an example of
applications software. Application programs are either purchased or
written by the computer users for specific applications.

Humanware

Humanware refers to the persons who design, program, and operate a

Humanware refers to the computer installation. There are numerous categories of jobs, but the
persons who design, program,
and operate a computer
three principal positions required in a large computer installation are
installation. system analyst, programmer, and computer operator. People in each of
these areas generally perform special-purpose tasks under the
supervision of a director or manager.

The position of a systems analyst requires the broad background and

extensive understanding of the above three job categories. The main task
of the system analyst is to study information and processing
requirements. A systems analyst defines the applications problem,
determines systems specifications, recommends hardware and software
changes, and designs information processing procedures.
A system analyst defines the
applications problem, determines
systems specifications, recommends A programmer requires a comprehensive knowledge of one or more
hardware and software changes,
and designs information processing
programming languages and standard coding procedures. This position
procedures. does not require the broader understanding of the structure and inner
workings of an application. A programmer's principal job is to code or
prepare programs based on the specifications made by the systems
analyst.

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A computer operator requires the least extensive background of the three

categories. A computer operator generally performs a series of well
defined tasks that will keep the computer operating at maximum
efficiency. The operational efficiency of a computer installation is
dependent on the quality and abilities of the operational staff.

Procedures

Operations of a data processing center require an extensive and clearly

Operations of a data processing defined set of procedures for performing the essential functions of the
center require an extensive and installation. These functions generally include obtaining, preparing, and
clearly defined set of entering data into the computer, processing jobs, initiating new
procedures for performing the programs and changing or deleting old ones etc. Such procedures must
essential functions of the
installation. have provision for actions to be taken in the event of hardware or
software malfunctions.

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1.4 Exercise

1. Multiple choice questions

a. Which of following are three basic functions of a computer?

(i) Input, addition and output.

(ii) Input, multiplication and output.
(iii) Input, processing and output.
(iv) Type, read and print.

b. In general, the categories of software are :

(i) Package program and application software.

(ii) System software and application software.
(iii) Programming language and operating system.
(iv) Programming algorithm and operating system.

c. Which one of the following is the off-line device?

(i) Computer.
(ii) Key-board.
(iii) Printer.
(iv) Mouse.

2. Questions for short answers

a. What is a computer?
b. Name the elements of a computer system.
c. What is the difference between system software and application
software?

3. Analytical questions

a. Describe the elements of a computer system.

b. How does a computer work?

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Lesson 2 : Types of Computers

2.1 Learning Objectives

On completion of this lesson you will be able to

• classify computers based on purposes

• classify computers based on types
• classify computers based on capacity.

2.2 Outline

The computer systems are available in various sizes and with a variety of
peripheral or support devices to cover just about every processing need.
Because of the variety of computer power and functions available,
computers are classified on the basis of purpose, type, and capacity.

2.3 Purpose

There are either special-purpose or general-purpose computers. Special-

purpose computers are designed for a specific application or type of
application. They are also known as dedicated computers. Many such
computers have instructions permanently programmed into them that are
Special-purpose computers designed to perform only one major function. Special-purpose computers
are designed for a specific are used, to control traffic lights, to control the collection of tolls on
application or type of certain highways, and in automobiles, weapons, appliances and games
application. etc.

General-purpose computers are used to handle a variety of tasks. This is

possible by the stored-program concept. By this concept, a program
containing a series of instructions is prepared for each application and
input to and temporarily stored in the computer. Once stored in the
General-purpose computers computer's memory, this program can be executed, causing the computer
are used to handle a variety to perform the specific function. After the completion of the execution
of tasks.
of this program, another program can be input to the computer and the
cycle repeated. That is, the same combination of hardware can be used to
execute many different programs.

General-purpose computers have the advantage of versatility over

special-purpose computers. But typically general purpose computers are
less efficient and slower than special-purpose computers when applied to
the same task.

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2.4 Analog and Digital Computers

Two types of computers currently available. These are analog and digital
computers. Earlier discussion was only on digital computers. An analog
computer represents quantities by physical analogies. It represents
physical quantities, such as distance, velocity, acceleration, temperature,
An analog computer
pressure, or angular position, forces or voltages in mechanically or
represents quantities by
physical analogies. electrically equivalent circuits. That is, it functions by setting up
physical models corresponding to mathematical functions.

An automobile speedometer is an example of an analog computing

device. It converts the rotational rate of the drive shaft of an automobile
into the numerical value of the speed of the vehicle. Similarly, a
thermometer functions as an analog device by converting the movement
of a column of mercury into a temperature reading.

Data inputs to an analog computer results from a measuring processes.

These computers are ideal in situations where data can be accepted
directly from measuring instruments. The ability to collect data at high
speeds and to process data at equally high speeds, makes analog
computers uniquely suited to controlling processes of oil refineries, steel
mills, weapon systems and similar operations. An analog computer does
not require any storage capability as it measures and compares quantities
in a single operation. The output from an analog computer is generally in
the form of readings on a dial (as in the speedometer and odometer of a
car) or a graph on the screen of a cathode ray tube.

Analog computers were in use before the invention of the digital

computers. There are far more digital computers in use today than
analog computers. For the remainder of this book concentration will be
on digital computers.

2.5 Capacity

The capacity of a computer refers to the volume of data that a computer

system can process. Previously a computer's size was an indication of its
capacity - the larger the physical size of the computer, the larger its
The capacity of a computer
capacity. However, with the current state of micro-miniaturization,
refers to the volume of data
that a computer system can
measurement is based on the size of a computer by its throughput.
process. Throughput is the amount of processing that can be performed in a given
. amount of time. Based on throughput, computer systems can be divided
into three categories: microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframe
computers, with costs increasing proportional to size.

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Microcomputers

Microcomputers are microprocessor based small laptop or desktop

Microcomputers are micro- systems with varying capability depending on the input/output and
processor based small secondary storage devices supporting it. The brain of a microcomputer is
laptop or desktop systems. the microprocessor, a silicon chip containing the necessary circuits to
perform arithmetic/logic operations and to control input/output
operations. A microprocessor is an integrated circuit consisting of
A microprocessor is an thousands of transistors squeezed onto a tiny chip of silicon. The chip is
integrated circuit consisting of packaged as a single integrated circuit. A microcomputer system is
thousands of transistors formed by adding an input/output capability and a memory to the
squeezed onto a tiny chip of microprocessor.
silicon.

Early microcomputers had a limited processing potential and limited

choice of input/output devices. Present day microcomputers have wider
processing capabilities and support a wide range of input/output devices.
Today microcomputers are available with a selection of input/output
devices varying from a cassette recorder to a voice synthesizer. In
addition to general-purpose computations, microcomputers are used for
special purpose applications in automobiles, airplanes, toys, clocks,
appliances etc.

High-end supermicros are known as workstations. The workstation

represents the bridge between the microcomputers and minicomputers. It
The workstation represents is a microcomputer with many of the capabilities of larger
the bridge between the minicomputers but costing much less. Initially designed for use by
microcomputers and mini- engineers and designers, and today they are popular for general uses.
computers. These workstations can run more than one application for a user. This is
known as multitasking. A workstation is also a multi-user system that
can be shared by several users at the same time.

Minicomputers

A Minicomputer system performs the basic arithmetic and logic

functions and supports some of the programming languages used with
large computer systems. They are physically smaller, less expensive, and
A Minicomputer system
performs the basic arithmetic
have a small storage capacity than mainframes. Minicomputers are
and logic functions and support ideally suited for processing tasks that do not require access to huge
some of the programming volumes of stored data . As a result of their low cost, ease of operation,
languages used with large and versatility, minicomputers have gained rapid acceptance from their
computer systems.
introduction in the mid-sixties. Some of the larger and expensive
minicomputers are capable of supporting a number of terminals in a
time-shared mode.

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Mainframe Computers

Larger computers generally consist of modules mounted on a chassis or

mainframe and are known as mainframe computers. They vary in size,
from those slightly larger than a minicomputer to supercomputers (like
the Cray and Control Data Cyber computers). Mainframe computer
Larger computers generally systems offer substantial advantages over mini-computers or
consists of modules mounted microcomputers. Some of these are; greater processing speed, greater
on a chassis or mainframe
storage capacity, a larger variety of input/output devices, support for a
and are known as mainframe
computers. number of high-speed secondary storage devices, multiprogramming,
and time sharing.

Owing to tremendous expense in operating a mainframe computer, this

computer system must be operated efficiently. Operating a mainframe at
the required level of efficiency requires a very large and highly trained
staff. Mainframe Computer systems are generally used by large
businesses, universities, governmental agencies, and the military. These
systems are often coupled with other computer systems in a large
network to provide enormous computing power. This is what is referred
to as a distributed data processing system.

Supercomputers

The large and powerful mainframe computer is called a supercomputer.

The astronomical cost of the super-computers has limited their
development to only a few hundred worldwide. The Cray X-MP, Cray
The large and powerful XTS-HE is an example of a supercomputer. Such supercomputers are
mainframe computer is applied to the solution of very complex and sophisticated scientific
called a supercomputer. problems and for national security purposes of some advanced nations.

Smaller, less costly minisupercomputers have been developed by several

manufacturers. These computers provide approximately half the power
of the supercomputer but at a fraction of the cost. The relative low cost
has made the minisupercomputer an attractive to buy for mid-sized to
large applications. Many Wall Street brokerage firms in the United
States use computers to speed up the processing of large financial
models to keep track of securities that have tendencies to fluctuate
greatly.

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2.6 Exercise

1. Multiple choice questions

a. Based on capacity, types of computer systems are :

(i) Microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframe computers and

supercomputers.
(ii) Microcomputers, personal computers and IBM computers.
(iii) Minicomputers, supercomputers and digital computers.
(iv) Analog computers and digital computers.

b. Which one is the supercomputer?

(i) Large and powerful mainframe one.

(ii) Mini and low powerful mainframe one.
(iii) Physical smaller and less expensive.
(iv) Not requirement access to high volume of stored data.

2. Questions for short answers

a. Distinguish between analog computer and digital computer.

b. Classify the computer systems on the basis of capacity.

3. Analytical questions

a. Briefly describe the classification of computer systems.

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Lesson 3: History and Generations of Computers

3.1 Learning Objectives

On completion of this lesson you will be able to :

• trace the history of computers

• follow the computer generations.

3.2 The Beginning

Different devices and tools have been employed in calculation and

processing of data. An ancient calculating device is the abacus, a
mechanical calculating device first used around 2500 B.C. to add and
subtract. Scientists and mathematicians later sought other means to aid
their endeavors. John Napier, a Scottish mathematician, developed
(about 1610) a series of rods made of bones (commonly called Napier's
bones) that could be arranged to produce the products of selected
numbers. He used these rods to produce the first table of logarithms. In
1865 the French mathematician Blasé Pascal improved on this concept
Abacus and Napier's bones and produced a mechanical calculator called Pascaline. It was more
compact and easier to use than Napier's bones. The Pascaline was
capable of performing addition and subtraction. All attempts to produce
a calculator capable of performing all the four arithmetic operations and
producing mathematical tables quickly and accurately were not
successful until 1820. Thomas de Colmar of France produced the
arithmometer, the first four-function practical mechanical calculator.

A young English mathematician named Charles Babbage, of Cambridge

University contributed substantially towards the development of
computers. Babbage gave much thought to the design of a device to
produce mathematical and navigational tables and came upon a principle
that used the “differences” between previous values in a table to produce
new values. Babbage was able to construct a working model to illustrate
the principle of the difference engine. Babbage started work on a steam-
driven version of the difference engine capable of calculating and
printing results at a rate of two twenty-digit numbers per minute.

Babbage built part of the machine but abandoned it in favor of a more

powerful and versatile machine, the analytical engine. The analytical
engine was designed to use punched cards to provide a constant flow of
information through the machine's elaborate series of columns, gears,
wheels, and levers. The analytical engine included all the functional
units of modern computers: input of data, arithmetic unit for
computation, memory for data and instructions, and display for output.
This was an ambitious project during a time when electronics,

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transistors, and chips did not exist. The engine was a puzzle to all but a
few mathematicians. This machine, however, was never built. Nearly a
century later a new generation of scientists and engineers equipped with
new developments brought Babbage's vision back into focus for future
advancements in computer technology.

Insignificant progress took place over the next decades. In the United
States the 1890 census was approaching, and there was no foreseeable
way that it could be completed by 1900, as required by the constitution.
Herman Hollerith, an employee of the Census Office in Washington,
started to develop an automated device to complete this task in the
allotted ten years. The result was Hollerith's tabulator. A manual card
puncher, a card reader, and an electromechanical card sorter were the
main components of the census tabulator.

With this tabulator, Hollerith was able to complete the census count in
only two years. Hollerith's success paved the way for further research
and development. Analog computers, a new class of computing devices,
Hollerith's tabulator emerged. These devices used electrical voltages to represent physical
quantities. They functioned by establishing an analogy between a
physical quantity and a voltage level. They were very fast but not
sufficiently exact, or dependable.

The first electronic computers, the ABC (Atanasoff Berry Computer)

and the ENIAC (Electronic Numerator, Integrator, Analyzer, and
Computer) were built in the early 1940s. The ABC, built by Atanasoff
ABC, ENIAC and EDSAC and Berry, was the first, electronic computer using vacuum tubes. The
ENIAC, built by Eckert and Mauchly, was an extensively used special-
purpose computer. In 1949, at Cambridge, the first general-purpose
electronic computer operating under the control of a stored program, the
EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Computer), was
completed. A stored program is a set of instructions stored in memory
that guides the computer, step by step, through a process.

John Von Neumann, an originator of the stored-program concept,

developed the IAS (Institute for Advanced Study) computer at Princeton
University. This machine was the realization of John Von Neumann,
ideas on computer design. Most computers built after the IAS computers
have “Von Neumann” characteristics.

A group of MIT scientists headed by Ken Olsen developed the

Whirlwind computer, more than twenty times faster than the ENIAC.
Both the IAS and Whirlwind computers introduced computational
UNIVAC Universal Automatic innovations of astronomical proportions.
Computer
Computers were not available commercially until early 1951. In 1951,
the Sperry Rand Corporation built the UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic

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Computer). The UNIVAC I built for the Bureau of Census of the United
States was the first commercially available computer. The first computer
installation to handle business applications was set up in 1954 at
Louisville, Kentucky in the USA. The UNIVAC I is now on display in
the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.

Day by day computers were becoming smaller, faster, and more

powerful and they were being applied to more and varied tasks. In 1956,
MIT in the USA introduced its compact TX-0 transistorized computer
system. A few years later, in 1960, the first integrated circuit was
produced by Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments and the DEC PDP-1 was
being used with the first video game, “Space War”. In the Mid-1960s,
minicomputers began appearing as did a forerunner of today’s
supercomputers, the CDC 6600, designed by Seymour Cray.

3.3 Computer Generations

Developments over the years have resulted in machines with greatly

increased speeds, storage or memory, and computing power. These
developments were so far-reaching and numerous that they are generally
categorized by generations. Each generation is initiated by significant
advances in computer hardware or computer software that run the
machines.

First Generation (1942-1959)

First-generation computers utilized vacuum tubes in their circuitry and

for the storage of data and instructions. The vacuum tube was bulky,
First-generation computers caused tremendous heat problems, and was never a completely reliable
utilized vacuum tubes in device, it caused a great number of breakdowns and inefficient
their circuitry and for the operations. Magnetic cores began to replace the vacuum tube as the
storage of data and principal memory device in the early machines. Small doughnut-shaped
instructions. cores were strung on wires within the computer. Programs were written
in machine language employing combinations of binary digits 0 and 1.

Second Generation (1959-1965)

The second generation The second generation of computers saw the replacement of the vacuum
computers saw the replacement tubes with the transistors. A transistor can be thought of as a switch, but
of the vacuum tubes with the with no moving parts. Because of the high speed operation and its small
transistors.
size, computers were developed that were able to perform a single
operation in microseconds and were capable of storing tens of thousands
of characters. Manufacturers began producing business-oriented
computers with more efficient storage and faster input and output
capabilities. Second generation computers were reliable, compact in
size, and virtually free of heat problems. Programming was done in both

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machine and symbolic language. Symbolic language utilized symbolic

names of representations for computer commands and allowed the use of
symbolic names for items of data. This language is also known as
assembly language.

Third Generation (1965-1970)

These computers were characterized by integrated circuits with
components so small that in many cases they were hardly visible to the
naked eye. Third generation computers were characterized by increased
These computers were
input/output, storage, and processing capabilities. Input/output devices
characterized by integrated
circuits with components so
could communicate with computers over great distances via ordinary
small that in many cases telephone lines or special communication lines, could scan a page and
they were hardly visible to input the “observed” information directly into the computer, could
the naked eye. display pictures on a television-like screen, could make musical sounds,
and could even accept limited voice input.

Storage capabilities were increased and millions of characters could be

stored and randomly accessed in fractions of a second. Third-generation
computers could process instructions in nanoseconds. In addition,
computers were able to process several programs or sets of instructions
simultaneously. Programmers were able to make use of high-level
problem oriented and procedure oriented languages that closely resemble
the commonly used form of expressions.

Fourth Generation (1970 - )

The fourth generation computers pass still greater input, output storage,
and processing capabilities. In the fourth generation of computers
monolithic storage devices were introduced. In the early 1970s IBM
In the fourth generation introduced the concept of virtual storage into their 5000 and 370 series
computers monolithic storage of computers. Machines previously limited to a maximum internal
devices were introduced. storage capability of approximately 1 million characters now possessed a
virtual storage capability in billions and trillions of characters. With this
capability a machine could execute a program many times the size of the
machine’s actual memory capacity.

Now a days, the compact disk (CD) promises to become the data storage
medium of choice. A compact disk read-only memory (CD ROM) is
encoded with on and off bits. Bits are stored on the disk’s (3.5-inch dia)
Compact disk Read-only aluminum surface as tiny pits at varying depths. The average CD can
Memory (CD ROM). store about 4,800 million bits or 600 million characters of data. This is
approximately a quarter of a million pages of text.

The most impressive advancement has occurred with respect to software.

As a result of these changes, access to substantial computer power,
previously only affordable by very large business concerns, is now
economically feasible for the small business and personal applications.

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Fifth Generation
Fifth generation of computers is on the horizon. They will be unlike any
computer existing today. They will be capable of reasoning, learning,
making inferences and otherwise behaving in ways usually considered
exclusive of humans. These computers will be equipped with massive
Fifth generation of primary-storage capabilities and extremely fast processing speeds.
computers will be capable of Software will proliferate and get much bigger and much cheaper.
reasoning, learning and Hardware will continue to shrink in size but internal memory will
making inferences.
increase dramatically. “Talking machines” will be common place.
Voice-recognition, the ability for a machine to understand and obey
spoken words, will also advance. Industrial and personal robots will roll
and walk into our lives. Expert systems software will place the
knowledge of experts and consultants (such as doctors, lawyers,
teachers) at our disposal. Huge computers will be linked in parallel
offering computing power of an inconceivable magnitude.

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3.4 Exercise
1. Multiple choice questions

a. Who developed the concept of the difference engine?

(i) Blaise Pascal.

(ii) John Von Neumann.
(iii) Herman Hollerith.
(iv) Charles Babbage.

b. Which one is the characteristic of 3rd generation computers?

(i) Built with small scale integration integrated circuit.

(ii) Greater input output, storage and processing capacity.
(iii) Utilized vacuum tubes.
(iv) Expert system software will place the knowledge of experts..

2. Questions for short answers

a. Who is Charles Babbage ? Mention his contribution in the history

of computers?
b. What is meant by computer generations?

3. Analytical questions

a. Write an essay on the history of computers.

b. Briefly describe the computer generations.
c. Describe the characteristics of fifth generation computers.

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