Unit-1 Introduction to Information Technology

[1.1. Introduction to computer, generations, Working of computer 1.2. Characteristics of

Computer 1.3.Impact of using computer on –health, public safety, labour force &
environment 1.4. Classification of computer by- Size, Purpose & Technology
1.5.Applications of computer]

Introduction to computer:-
What is computer?
Computer is an electronic device, which process the data with the help of programs.
Computer is an electronic device, which accepts the data and instructions (input) from the
user, process the data according to the instructions and gives the result(output).The name
computer is derived from the Latin word “Compute”, which means calculation. Hence,
computer is a machine used for the purpose of calculation. Computer is a calculating
device. “Abacus” the first computer used for calculation purpose. Chinese people found
the computer.
.
Data: - Data can be defined as a representation of facts, concepts, or instructions in a
formalized manner. Data is represented with the help of characters such as alphabets (A-
Z, a-z), digits (0-9) or special characters (+,-,/,*,<,>,= etc.)
Data processing: - It is the re-structuring or re-ordering of data by people or machine to
increase their usefulness and add values for a particular purpose.
Information: - It is organized or classified data, which has some meaningful values for
the receiver. Information is the processed data on which decisions and actions are based.

History of computer: -
The computer as we know it today had its beginning with a 19th century English
mathematics professor name Charles Babbage. He designed the Analytical Engine and
it was this design that the basic framework of the computers of today are based on.
Generally speaking, computers can be classified into three generations. Each
generation lasted for a certain period of time, and each gave us either a new and
improved computer or an improvement to the existing computer.

Generations of computer:-
First generation: - The period of this generation is 1942 – 1955.This generation
based on vacuum tubes. Because thousands of such bulbs were used, the computers
were very large and generate a large amount of heat, causing many problems in
temperature regulation. Magnetic drums were used for memory purpose and
instruction and data was given through punch cards. Computer were operated
manually and instruction given in machine language.
E.g. – UNIVAC (Universal automatic computer), ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator
And Calculator), Mark I etc.
Advantages: –
1. These computers were the fastest calculating devices of their time.
2. Computations were performed in milli second.
Disadvantages: –
1. The computers were very large in size.
2. They consumed a large amount of energy.
3. They heated very soon due to thousands of vacuum tubes.
4. They were not reliable.
5. Air conditioning was required.
6. Regular maintenance was required.
7. First generation computers were prone to hardware failure.
8. Non-portable. And used machine language only
Second Generation: - The period of this generation is 1955 - 1964. During this
period transistors were used and they were cheaper, consumed less power, more
compact in size and faster than vacuum tubes. The problem of heat maintenance was
solved and size of computer reduced, while speed and reliability were increased. In this
generation, magnetic cores were used as primary memory and magnetic tape and
magnetic disks as secondary storage devices. In this generation assembly language
and high level programming language like FORTRAN, COBOL was used
E.g. – IBM-1400 series, IBM-1600 series, UNIVAC III etc.
Advantages:–
1. Smaller in size as compared to the first generation computers.
2. The 2nd generation Computers were more reliable
3. 2nd generation computer consume less energy.
4. 2nd generation computers could be used for Commercial purpose
5. Generation computer were 10 times faster than 1st generation computers.
6. Generate less heat as compared to First generation computers.
7. Support high level language
8. Less expensive as compare to first generation computers
Disadvantages: -
1. Cooling system was required
2. Constant maintenance was required
3. Only used for specific purposes
4. Costly and not versatile
5. Punch cards were used for input electronic component for transistor.

Third generation: - The period of this generation is 1964 - 1975. In this generation
the integrated circuits (ICs) were used. Integrated circuits contain many electronic
components on a single chip like register, transistor and capacitor. Hence size of
computer became very small with better performance and reliability. Many popular high
level language were developed in third generations like PASCAL, C, etc.
E.g. – IBM 360 series, IBM 370 series, UNIVAC 1108 etc.
Main features: -
1. Major Innovation - Integrated circuit (ICs) as basic electronic component.
2. Main Memory - PROM and DRAM.
3. External Storage - Improve disk (Floppy Disk)
4. Input and Output Devices - Keyboard for input, monitor for output.
5. Languages - More high level languages.
6. Operating System - Complete operating systems we reintroduced.

Advantages:-
1. Smaller in size as compared to second generation.
2. More reliable. & Portable
3. Heat generation was rare.
4. General purpose computer.
5. Used mouse and keyboard for input.
6. Speed of computer increased to nano seconds.
7. Commercial production was easier and cheaper.
Disadvantages:-
1. Air conditioning was required.
2. Highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacturing of IC chips

Fourth generation: - The period of this generation is 1975 – Present. The

microprocessor were more developed in fourth generation. Computer used LSI
(large scale integration) and VLSI (very large scale integration) thousands of
transistors on a single microchip. That made them more powerful, compact, reliable,
and affordable. Portable computer were developed for individuals for personal use at
home. Hard disk and optical disk was developed in fourth generation.
E.g. – IBM-3033, Osborne I, Star 1000 etc.
Main Features:-
1. Major Innovation - LSI and VLSI (Micro Processor)
2. Main Memory - EPROM and SRAM.
3. External Storage - Floppy Disk and Hard Disk.
4. Input and Output Devices –keyboard and mouse for input Monitor for output.
5. Operating System - MS-DOS and PC-DOS
6. A great development in the fields of networks, concept of internet was developed.
Advantages: -
1. Smaller in size and much reliable.
2. No air conditioning system required in most cases.
3. Much faster computation.
4. Portable and cheap.
5. The heat generated was negligible.
6. Totally general purpose computer.
Disadvantages: -
1. Very advanced technology was required to fabricate to the ICs

Fifth generation: - The period of this generation is present & future. This generation
is based on Artificial Intelligence. ULSI (Ultra Large Scale integration)
technology and parallel processing method. ULSI is the millions of transistors on a
single microchip. Parallel processing method use two or more microprocessors to run
tasks simultaneously.
E.g. – IBM notebooks, Pentium PCs etc.
Features: -
1. Major Innovations - ULSIC (Ultra large scale integrated circuit)
2. External Storage - Modified magnetic and Optical disks.
3. Input/output Devices - Keyboard, Pointing Device and Scanner as input
and Monitor as main output.
4. Languages - AI (Artificial Intelligence) Expert systems.
5. Operating System - GUI based e.g. Windows 95, Windows NT
6. Size-Very small in size example: Laptop, Notebook, Digital Diary, Palmtop and
Pocket PC
Working of computer system: -
A computer processes the input to produce the desired output, but how does a machine
outperform the human brain?
Conventional computers don't try to mimic the human brain. Instead, they run
commands sequentially, with data constantly moving from input and memory to the
device's processor. Neuromorphic computers, on the other hand, process data at the
same time, making them faster, energy-efficient, and closer to the structure of the
human brain.
Overall, a computer works in four steps:
1 Input: Input is the data before processing. It comes from the mouse, keyboard,
microphone and other external sensors.
2 Storage: The storage is how the computer retains input data. The hard drive is used
for long-term and mass data storage while the data set for immediate processing is
stored temporarily in the Random Access Memory (RAM).
3 Processing: Processing is where input gets transformed into output. The computer's
Central Processing Unit (CPU) is its brain. It's responsible for executing instructions
and performing mathematical operations on the input data.
4 Output: Output is the final result of data processing. It can be anything from images,
video, or audio content, even the words you type using a keyboard. You can also
receive the output through a printer or a projector instead of directly through your
device.

Characteristics of Computer: -
Characteristics (Features) of Computer They are:-
❖ Speed
❖ Accuracy(Perfectness
❖ Diligence
❖ Versatility
❖ Power of Remembering
❖ No IQ
❖ No feelings
❖ Storage

❖ Speed: -
The computer is a fast device; it can perform a task in a few seconds that a human
being does in an entire year. Powerful computers can capable of performing about 3to4
billion simple arithmetic operations per second
❖ Accuracy: -
The accuracy is one of the most important features in computer. Accuracy means the
computer is always perfect in his work and he never makes mistakes.
❖ Diligence: -
Unlike human beings, the computer is free from monotony tiredness like lack of
concentration. Hence, the computer can work for many hours without creating any error
and without grumbling.
❖ Versatility: -
Versatility is one of the most wonderful things in computer. It can do multiple jobs at a
time. One moment it helps the user to take hard copy the same time it supports the
same user to browse the internet and the same user can play the game for
entertainment.
❖ Power of Remembering: -
In computer, we can store any type and any amount of information and we can retrieve
the same information after the several years because of its storage capability.
Therefore, the remembrance capacity of computer is so high.
❖ No I Q (Intelligence Quotient):-
The computer I Q is a big zero because it cannot think like human beings and i t cannot
take decision. It cannot find any error in a data and it cannot correct such errors.
❖ No Feelings: -
the computer is not having any feelings like human beings because it is a machine .It
will do the task, what the user commands to it.
❖ Storage: -
By default, the user data in a computer stores in secondary storage device (hard disk).
We can store any amount of data based on the storage device capacity.

Impact of using computer on –health, public safety, labour force &

environment:-
Health Risks: -
Prolonged or improper computer use can lead to injuries or disorders of the hands, wrists,
elbows, eyes, neck, and back. Computer users can protect themselves from these health
risks through proper workplace design, good posture while at the computer, and
appropriately spaced work breaks. Two behavioral health risks are computer addiction
and technology overload. Computer addiction occurs when someone becomes obsessed
with using a computer. Individuals suffering from technology overload feel distressed
when deprived of computers and mobile devices. Once recognized, both computer
addiction and technology overload are treatable disorders.
The computer is a vital tool in many different jobs and activities, for adults
and children. But long periods of using a computer can increase your chance of
developing an injury. Inappropriate computer use can cause muscle and joint pain,
overuse injuries of the shoulder, arm, wrist or hand, and eyestrain.
Children can experience particular physical and psychological problems if
they play computer games too much. You can reduce or avoid these risks with the correct
furniture, better posture and good habits, such as taking rest breaks and restricting time
spent playing computer games.
Back and neck pain, headaches, and shoulder and arm pain are common
computer-related injuries. Such muscle and joint problems can be caused or made worse
by poor workstation (desk) design, bad posture and sitting for long periods of time.
Although sitting requires less muscular effort than standing, it still causes
physical fatigue (tiredness) and you need to hold parts of your body steady for long
periods of time. This reduces circulation of blood to your muscles, bones, tendons and
ligaments, sometimes leading to stiffness and pain. If a workstation is not set up properly,
these steady positions can put even greater stress on your muscles and joints.
Playing computer games for too long or without correct furniture and posture
can lead to health problems such as Overuse injuries of the hand, Obesity, Muscle and
joint problems, Eyestrain, Behavioral problems including aggressive behavior,
Photosensitive epileptic seizures (caused by flashing or rapidly changing lights – this is
rare).
We can reduce the risk of developing computer-related health problems.
 • Sit at least one metre away from the screen
• Take frequent breaks.
• Pursue other activities.
• Encourage yourself to enjoy different hobbies and interests, particularly sports and
physical activities.
Public Safety: -
Adults, teens, and children around the world are using computers to share publicly their
photos, videos, journals, music, and other personal information. Some of these
unsuspecting, innocent computer users have fallen victim to crimes committed by
dangerous strangers. Protect yourself and your dependents from these criminals by
being cautious in e-mail messages and on Web sites. For example, do not share
information that would allow others to identify or locate you and do not disclose
identification numbers, passwords, or other personal security details.
Impact on Labor Force: -
Although computers have improved productivity in many ways and created an entire
industry with hundreds of thousands of new jobs, the skills of millions of employees
have been replaced by computers. Thus, it is crucial that workers keep their education
up-to-date. A separate impact on the labor force is that some companies are
outsourcing jobs to foreign countries instead of keeping their homeland labor force
employed.
Impact on Environment: -
Computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are depleting natural
resources and polluting the environment. When computers are discarded in landfills,
they can release toxic materials and potentially dangerous levels of lead, mercury, and
flame retardants.
Classification of computer by- Size, Purpose & Technology: -
Classification of Computer According to Size:-
The computer is classified into four parts According to size.
1. Microcomputer
2. Minicomputer Mainframe computer
3. Mainframe computer
4. Supercomputer

1. Microcomputer:-
A Micro Computer is generally purpose of processing system functionally etc. It is
the smaller to any other large system. Micro Computer is the self-contain units
and usually design for used by one person at a time. Since Micro Computer can
be usually include too large Computer. They Form a very important segment of
integrated information system.
Ex. Desktop Computer, Laptop, Smartphone, Notebook, and Tablet.
.
2. Minicomputer: - A Mini Computer is a medium size i.e. more costly and
power full then a Micro Computer. An Important distinction between a Micro
Computer and Mini Computer is usually design to serve to multiples users. A Mini
Computer system that support Multiples users. This process is also called Time
Sharing system. Mini Computer is less efficient and store less data then the Main
Frame Computer.
Ex. Tablet PC, Desktop minicomputers, Cell phones, Notebooks, High-end mP3
players.
3. Mainframe computer: - A computer with a large storage capacity and very fast
speed of processing compare to Micro or Mini Computer. They Support a large
numbers of terminals for used by a verity of users. They are several
organizations such as Bank, Insurance Company, Hospital and Railway etc. Main
Frame Computer is Very Large computer.
Ex. ENIAC (Electric Numerical Integrator and Calculator), UNIVAC,
ASCC (Automatic Sequence Control Computer)

4. Supercomputer: - Supercomputer has internally large storage capacity and

computing speed. Which are at least Ten Times faster than other computer. Why
the speed of trundle compering major millions of operation per second. The
Super Computer is rotated in terms of million instructions per second. An
operation is made up numerous instructions. Supercomputer is the largest,
Fastest and Expensive Computer System in the world. Many smalls computers
cheap works to perform millions of arithmetic operation per second.
Ex. CRAY-2, CRAY-3, ETA-10
These computers are performing ten to Hundred Millions calculations per
second.

Classification of Computer According to Purpose:-

The computer is classified into two parts According to Purpose. Every computer
is designed with different design and different purpose.
Every computer is designed for a particular place and for some specific purpose.
I describe classification of computer by purpose with examples.
Classification of computers by purpose is given below.
1. Special Purpose computer
2. General Purpose computer
Special Purpose computer:-
They Are Made To Successfully Meet The Requirement Of Particular Task Or
Application, It Incorporates The Instruction Needed Into The Design Of Internal
Storage.
So That It Can Perform The Given Task On A Simple Commands.
Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) is an example of Special Purpose computer.
There are many different types of Special Purpose computer is given
below.
• Washing machines
• Surveillance equipment
• Traffic-control computers
• Oil-exploration systems
• Weather-forecasting simulators
• Military planes controlling computers
General Purpose computer:-
This Instruction Needed To Perform A Particular Task Is Not Storage Permanent.
When One Job Is Completed Instruction For Another Job Can Be Loaded Into
The Internal Memory For Processing. Thus A General Purpose Machine Can Be
Used To Prepare Pay Bill, Inventory Counters, and Print Report etc.
All microcomputers are examples of general purpose computer system. A
Lady uses a microcomputer and does your work, this work is general-purpose
work.
Classification of Computer According to Technology:-
The computer is classified into three parts based on Technology basis of
Hardware Design and Data Handling.
You can also call it the classification of computers by functionality.
Classification of computer according to technology is given below.
1. Analog Computer
2. Digital Computer
3. Hybrid Computer

Analog Computer:-
Analog computer is used to measure the physical quantities, temperature,
pressure weight and height and gives the result in the form of digits is called
analog computer. Analog computers are used by civil engineers, mechanical
engineers and electrical engineers.
Analogue clock is an example of analog computer. An analogue clock is
quite frequently used gadget in our day to day life. Many of us are not aware
that an analogue clock is a form of analogue computer.

Digital Computer: -
Digital computers are used to calculate digits. Today digital computers are being
used in everywhere. The device in which you are reading this post is also a form
of a digital computer. Such computer devices that work on numbers 0 and 1,
those computers are called digital computers. In digital computers, information is
represented in bits. At present, the whole world is using digital computers tightly
to do any work. Digital computers are very powerful devices and are also the
most used electronic devices. A digital computer is a device that processes any
kind of data by converting it into machine language (0 and 1).
The present-day digital computers are multitasking i.e. on these digital
computers you can do many things simultaneously at the same time.
Smart Phone and Laptop are example of digital computer.
Hybrid Computer:-
Hybrid computer combine the both analog and digital computer which includes
both Analog and Digital properties. Hybrid computer is used in medical field.
There were some problems that both analog and digital computers were not able
to solve, due to which hybrid computers were created. Because of the work that
analog and digital computers cannot do today, hybrid computers can do.
Hybrid computers are more powerful than analog and digital computers.
Smart watch is an example of Hybrid Computer.
Applications of Computer: -
The main applications of computer are as follows:-
Home:-
Computers are used at homes for several purposes like online bill payment, watching
movies or shows at home, home tutoring, social media access, playing games, internet
access, etc. They provide communication through electronic mail. They help to avail
work from home facility for corporate employees. Computers help the student
community to avail online educational support.
Medical Field:-
Computers are used in hospitals to maintain a database of patients’ history, diagnosis,
X-rays, live monitoring of patients, etc. Surgeons nowadays use robotic surgical devices
to perform delicate operations, and conduct surgeries remotely. Virtual reality
technologies are also used for training purposes. It also helps to monitor the fetus inside
the mother’s womb.
Entertainment:-
Computers help to watch movies online, play games online; act as a virtual entertainer
in playing games, listening to music, etc. MIDI instruments greatly help people in the
entertainment industry in recording music with artificial instruments. Videos can be fed
from computers to full screen televisions. Photo editors are available with fabulous
features.
Industry:-
Computers are used to perform several tasks in industries like managing inventory,
designing purpose, creating virtual sample products, interior designing, video
conferencing, etc. Online marketing has seen a great revolution in its ability to sell
various products to inaccessible corners like interior or rural areas. Stock markets have
seen phenomenal participation from different levels of people through the use of
computers.
Education:-
Computers are used in education sector through online classes, online examinations,
referring e-books, online tutoring, etc. They help in increased use of audio-visual aids in
the education field.
Government:-
In government sectors, computers are used in data processing, maintaining a database
of citizens and supporting a paperless environment. The country’s defense
organizations have greatly benefitted from computers in their use for missile
development, satellites, rocket launches, etc.
Banking:-
In the banking sector, computers are used to store details of customers and conduct
transactions, such as withdrawal and deposit of money through ATMs. Banks have
reduced manual errors and expenses to a great extent through extensive use of
computers.
Business:-
Nowadays, computers are totally integrated into business. The main objective of
business is transaction processing, which involves transactions with suppliers,
employees or customers. Computers can make these transactions easy and accurate.
People can analyze investments, sales, expenses, markets and other aspects of
business using computers.
Science and Engineering:-
Computers with high performance are used to stimulate dynamic process in Science
and Engineering. Supercomputers have numerous applications in area of Research and
Development (R&D). Topographic images can be created through computers. Scientists
use computers to plot and analyze data to have a better understanding of earthquakes.