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Definition of Computer & Its Characteristics Computer

The document defines a computer and describes its characteristics and evolution through generations. It states that a computer is an electronic device that processes raw data into meaningful information. The key characteristics of computers are speed, accuracy, storage capacity, versatility, diligence, and lack of human qualities like thoughts and emotions. The document then outlines the advances made in each generation of computers from vacuum tubes to transistors to integrated circuits to microprocessors.

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Sunil Sharma
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853 views4 pages

Definition of Computer & Its Characteristics Computer

The document defines a computer and describes its characteristics and evolution through generations. It states that a computer is an electronic device that processes raw data into meaningful information. The key characteristics of computers are speed, accuracy, storage capacity, versatility, diligence, and lack of human qualities like thoughts and emotions. The document then outlines the advances made in each generation of computers from vacuum tubes to transistors to integrated circuits to microprocessors.

Uploaded by

Sunil Sharma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DEFINITION OF COMPUTER & ITS CHARACTERISTICS

COMPUTER
 The word computer comes from the word “compute”, which means, “to calculate”
 Thereby, a computer is an electronic device that can perform arithmetic operations at
high speed.
 A computer is also called a data processor because it can store, process, and retrieve
data whenever desired.

DEFINITION: Computer is an electronic machine which processes raw data to give


meaningful information.

It accepts information (in the form of digitalized data) and manipulates it for some result
based on a program.

DATA PROCESSING

The activity of processing data using a computer is called data processing.

DATA → Capture Data → Manipulate Data → Output Results → INFORMATION

Data is raw material used as input and information is processed data obtained as output of
data processing.

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER:

1. SPEED: Computer is very fast calculating device. It can execute basic operations like
subtraction, addition, multiplication and division at a few microseconds. It can move and
copy data at a speed in the order of billion instruction per second.

2. ACCURACY: Computer always gives accurate results. The accuracy of Computer does
not go down when they are used continuously for hours together.

It always gives accurate results.

3. STORAGE CAPACITY: Computers have a very large storage capacity. A large volume
of information can be stored in the memory of computer and information can be retrieved
correctly when desired.

 4. VERSATILITY   : The working of computer with different types of data is known as
versatility. That means computer can perform different types of job efficiently. Computer can
works with different type of data and information such as visuals, text, graphics & video etc.
So, versatility is a most important characteristic of computer.

 5. DILLIGENCE   : A Computer can work for long hours with the same accuracy and speed
because it is free from problems of boredom or lack of concentration.
 6. NO THOUGHTS   : Computers have no thoughts because they are machine and they are
devoid of emotions. They have no feelings. Since, computers have no thoughts and feelings
so they can't make judgement based on thoughts and feelings.

GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS

First Generation of Computers (1942-1955)

The beginning of commercial computer age is from 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-1.

Advantages

 Vacuum tubes were the only electronic component available during those days.
 Vacuum tube technology made possible to make electronic digital computers.
 These computers could calculate data in millisecond.

Disadvantages

 The computers were very large in size.


 They consumed a large amount of energy.
 They heated very soon due to thousands of vacuum tubes.
 They were not very reliable.
 Air conditioning was required.
 Constant maintenance was required.
 Non-portable.
 Costly commercial production.
 Limited commercial use.
 Very slow speed.
 Limited programming capabilities.
 Used machine language only.
 Used magnetic drums which provide very less data storage.
 Used punch cards for input.
 Not versatile and very faulty.

Second Generation Computers (1955-1964)

The second generation computers used 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 etc.

Advantages

 Smaller in size as compared to the first generation computers.


 The 2nd generation Computers were more reliable
 Used less energy and were not heated.
 Wider commercial use
 Better portability as compared to the first generation computers.
 Better speed and could calculate data in microseconds
 Used faster peripherals like tape drives, magnetic disks, printer etc.
 Used Assembly language instead of Machine language.
 Accuracy improved.

Disadvantages

 Cooling system was required


 Constant maintenance was required
 Commercial production was difficult
 Only used for specific purposes
 Costly and not versatile
 Puch cards were used for input.

Third Generation Computers (1964-1975)

The Third generation computers used the 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 etc.

Advantages

 Smaller in size as compared to previous generations.


 More reliable.
 Used less energy
 Produced less heat as compared to the previous two generations of computers.
 Better speed and could calculate data in nanoseconds.
 Used fan for heat discharge to prevent damage.
 Maintenance cost was low because hardware failure is rear.
 Totally general purpose
 Could be used for high-level languages.
 Good storage
 Versatile to an extent
 Less expensive
 Better accuracy
 Commercial production increased.
 Used mouse and keyboard for input.

Disadvantages

 Air conditioning was required.


 Highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacturing of IC chips.

Fourth Generation Computers (1975-Present)

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.

Advantages

 More powerful and reliable than previous generations.


 Small in size
 Fast processing power with less power consumption
 Fan for heat discharging and thus to keep cold.
 No air conditioning required.
 Totally general purpose
 Commercial production
 Less need of repair.
 Cheapest among all generations
 All types of High level languages can be used in this type of computers

Disadvantages

 The latest technology is required for manufacturing of Microprocessors.

Fifth Generation Computers (Present & Beyond)

Scientists are working hard on the 5th generation computers with quite a few breakthroughs.
It is based on the technique of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Computers can understand spoken
words & imitate human reasoning. Can respond to its surroundings using different types of
sensors. Scientists are constantly working to increase the processing power of computers.
They are trying to create a computer with real IQ with the help of advanced programming and
technologies. IBM Watson computers one example that outsmarts Harvard University
Students. The advancement in modern technologies will revolutionize the computer in
future.

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