Computer

Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Ref Page Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 1/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Learning Objectives

In this chapter you will learn about:

§ Computer
§ Data processing
§ Characteristic features of computers
§ Computers’ evolution to their present form
§ Computer generations
§ Characteristic features of each computer generation

Ref Page 01 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 2/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

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

Ref Page 01 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 3/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

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

Ref Page 01 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 4/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Characteristics of Computers

1) Automatic: Given a job, computer can work on it

automatically without human interventions

2) Speed: Computer can perform data processing jobs

very fast, usually measured in microseconds (10-6),
nanoseconds (10-9), and picoseconds (10-12)

3) Accuracy: Accuracy of a computer is consistently high

and the degree of its accuracy depends upon its design.
Computer errors caused due to incorrect input data or
unreliable programs are often referred to as Garbage-
In-Garbage-Out (GIGO)

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 02 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 5/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Characteristics of Computers
(Continued from previous slide..)

4) Diligence: Computer is free from monotony, tiredness,

and lack of concentration. It can continuously work for
hours without creating any error and without grumbling

5) Versatility: Computer is capable of performing almost

any task, if the task can be reduced to a finite series of
logical steps

6) Power of Remembering: Computer can store and

recall any amount of information because of its
secondary storage capability. It forgets or looses certain
information only when it is asked to do so

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 02 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 6/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Characteristics of Computers
(Continued from previous slide..)

7) No I.Q.: A computer does only what it is programmed

to do. It cannot take its own decision in this regard

8) No Feelings: Computers are devoid of emotions. Their

judgement is based on the instructions given to them in
the form of programs that are written by us (human
beings)

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 03 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 7/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Evolution of Computers

§ Blaise Pascal invented the first mechanical adding

machine in 1642
§ Baron Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz invented the first
calculator for multiplication in 1671
§ Keyboard machines originated in the United States
around 1880
§ Around 1880, Herman Hollerith came up with the concept
of punched cards that were extensively used as input
media until late 1970s

Ref Page 03 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 8/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Evolution of Computers
(Continued from previous slide..)

§ Charles Babbage is considered to be the father of

modern digital computers

§ He designed “Difference Engine” in 1822

§ He designed a fully automatic analytical engine in

1842 for performing basic arithmetic functions

§ His efforts established a number of principles that

are fundamental to the design of any digital
computer

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 03 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 9/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Some Well Known Early Computers

§ The Mark I Computer (1937-44)

§ The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (1939-42)
§ The ENIAC (1943-46)
§ The EDVAC (1946-52)
§ The EDSAC (1947-49)
§ Manchester Mark I (1948)
§ The UNIVAC I (1951)

Ref Page 03 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 10/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations

§ “Generation” in computer talk is a step in technology. It

provides a framework for the growth of computer industry

§ Originally it was used to distinguish between various

hardware technologies, but now it has been extended to
include both hardware and software

§ Till today, there are five computer generations

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 05 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 11/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Key hardware Key software Key Some

Generation
representative
(Period) technologies technologies characteristics systems

First § Vacuum tubes § Machine and § Bulky in size § ENIAC

(1942-1955) § Electromagnetic assembly § Highly unreliable § EDVAC
relay memory languages § Limited commercial § EDSAC
§ Punched cards § Stored program use and costly § UNIVAC I
secondary storage concept § Difficult commercial § IBM 701
§ Mostly scientific production
applications § Difficult to use
Second § Transistors § Batch operating § Faster, smaller, more § Honeywell 400
(1955-1964) § Magnetic cores system reliable and easier to § IBM 7030
memory § High-level program than previous § CDC 1604
§ Magnetic tapes programming generation systems
§ UNIVAC LARC
§ Disks for secondary languages § Commercial production
storage § Scientific and was still difficult and
commercial costly
applications

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 13 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 12/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Generation Key hardware Key software Key Some rep.

(Period) technologies technologies characteristics systems

Third § ICs with SSI and § Timesharing § Faster, smaller, more § IBM 360/370
(1964-1975) MSI technologies operating reliable, easier and § PDP-8
§ Larger magnetic system cheaper to produce § PDP-11
cores memory § Standardization § Commercially, easier § CDC 6600
§ Larger capacity of high-level to use, and easier to
disks and programming upgrade than
magnetic tapes languages previous generation
secondary § Unbundling of systems
storage software from § Scientific, commercial
§ Minicomputers; hardware and interactive on-
upward line applications
compatible family
of computers

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 13 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 13/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Generation Key hardware Key software Key Some rep.

(Period) Technologies technologies characteristics systems

Fourth § ICs with VLSI § Operating systems for § Small, affordable, § IBM PC and
(1975-1989) technology PCs with GUI and reliable, and easy its clones
§ Microprocessors; multiple windows on a to use PCs § Apple II
semiconductor memory single terminal screen § More powerful § TRS-80
§ Larger capacity hard § Multiprocessing OS and reliable § VAX 9000
disks as in-built with concurrent mainframe
programming systems and § CRAY-1
secondary storage
languages supercomputers § CRAY-2
§ Magnetic tapes and
floppy disks as portable § UNIX operating system § Totally general § CRAY-X/MP
storage media with C programming purpose machines
§ Personal computers language § Easier to produce
§ Supercomputers based § Object-oriented design commercially
on parallel vector and programming § Easier to upgrade
processing and § PC, Network-based, § Rapid software
symmetric and supercomputing development
multiprocessing applications possible
technologies
§ Spread of high-speed
computer networks

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 13 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 14/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Generation Key hardware Key software Key Some rep.

(Period) technologies technologies characteristics systems

Fifth § ICs with ULSI § Micro-kernel based, § Portable computers § IBM notebooks
(1989- technology multithreading, § Powerful, cheaper, § Pentium PCs
Present) § Larger capacity distributed OS reliable, and easier § SUN
main memory, § Parallel to use desktop Workstations
hard disks with programming machines § IBM SP/2
RAID support libraries like MPI & § Powerful
PVM § SGI Origin 2000
§ Optical disks as supercomputers
portable read-only § JAVA § PARAM 10000
§ High uptime due to
storage media § World Wide Web hot-pluggable
§ Notebooks, § Multimedia, components
powerful desktop Internet § Totally general
PCs and applications purpose machines
workstations § More complex § Easier to produce
§ Powerful servers, supercomputing commercially,
supercomputers applications easier to upgrade
§ Internet § Rapid software
§ Cluster computing development
possible

Ref Page 13 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 15/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Electronic
Electronic Devices
Devices Used
Used in
in Computers
Computers of
of Different
Different Generations
Generations

(a) A Vacuum Tube (b) A Transistor (c) An IC Chip

Ref Page 07 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 16/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Key Words/Phrases

§ Computer § Integrated Circuit (IC)

§ Computer generations § Large Scale Integration (VLSI)
§ Computer Supported Cooperative § Medium Scale Integration (MSI)
Working (CSCW) § Microprocessor
§ Data § Personal Computer (PC)
§ Data processing § Second-generation computers
§ Data processor § Small Scale Integration (SSI)
§ First-generation computers § Stored program concept
§ Fourth-generation computers § Third-generation computers
§ Garbage-in-garbage-out (GIGO) § Transistor
§ Graphical User Interface (GUI) § Ultra Large Scale Integration
§ Groupware (ULSI)
§ Information § Vacuum tubes

Ref Page 12 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 17/17

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Ref Page Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 1/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Learning Objectives

In this chapter you will learn about:

§ Computer
§ Data processing
§ Characteristic features of computers
§ Computers’ evolution to their present form
§ Computer generations
§ Characteristic features of each computer generation

Ref Page 01 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 2/17

1
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

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

Ref Page 01 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 3/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

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

Ref Page 01 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 4/17

2
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Characteristics of Computers

1) Automatic: Given a job, computer can work on it

automatically without human interventions

2) Speed: Computer can perform data processing jobs

very fast, usually measured in microseconds (10-6),
nanoseconds (10-9), and picoseconds (10-12)

3) Accuracy: Accuracy of a computer is consistently high

and the degree of its accuracy depends upon its design.
Computer errors caused due to incorrect input data or
unreliable programs are often referred to as Garbage-
In-Garbage-Out (GIGO)

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 02 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 5/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Characteristics of Computers
(Continued from previous slide..)

4) Diligence: Computer is free from monotony, tiredness,

and lack of concentration. It can continuously work for
hours without creating any error and without grumbling

5) Versatility: Computer is capable of performing almost

any task, if the task can be reduced to a finite series of
logical steps

6) Power of Remembering: Computer can store and

recall any amount of information because of its
secondary storage capability. It forgets or looses certain
information only when it is asked to do so

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 02 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 6/17

3
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Characteristics of Computers
(Continued from previous slide..)

7) No I.Q.: A computer does only what it is programmed

to do. It cannot take its own decision in this regard

8) No Feelings: Computers are devoid of emotions. Their

judgement is based on the instructions given to them in
the form of programs that are written by us (human
beings)

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 03 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 7/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Evolution of Computers

§ Blaise Pascal invented the first mechanical adding

machine in 1642
§ Baron Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz invented the first
calculator for multiplication in 1671
§ Keyboard machines originated in the United States
around 1880
§ Around 1880, Herman Hollerith came up with the concept
of punched cards that were extensively used as input
media until late 1970s

Ref Page 03 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 8/17

4
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Evolution of Computers
(Continued from previous slide..)

§ Charles Babbage is considered to be the father of

modern digital computers

§ He designed “Difference Engine” in 1822

§ He designed a fully automatic analytical engine in

1842 for performing basic arithmetic functions

§ His efforts established a number of principles that

are fundamental to the design of any digital
computer

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 03 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 9/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Some Well Known Early Computers

§ The Mark I Computer (1937-44)

§ The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (1939-42)
§ The ENIAC (1943-46)
§ The EDVAC (1946-52)
§ The EDSAC (1947-49)
§ Manchester Mark I (1948)
§ The UNIVAC I (1951)

Ref Page 03 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 10/17

5
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations

§ “Generation” in computer talk is a step in technology. It

provides a framework for the growth of computer industry

§ Originally it was used to distinguish between various

hardware technologies, but now it has been extended to
include both hardware and software

§ Till today, there are five computer generations

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 05 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 11/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Key hardware Key software Key Some

Generation
representative
(Period) technologies technologies characteristics systems

First § Vacuum tubes § Machine and § Bulky in size § ENIAC

(1942-1955) § Electromagnetic assembly § Highly unreliable § EDVAC
relay memory languages § Limited commercial § EDSAC
§ Punched cards § Stored program use and costly § UNIVAC I
secondary storage concept § Difficult commercial § IBM 701
§ Mostly scientific production
applications § Difficult to use
Second § Transistors § Batch operating § Faster, smaller, more § Honeywell 400
(1955-1964) § Magnetic cores system reliable and easier to § IBM 7030
memory § High-level program than previous § CDC 1604
§ Magnetic tapes programming generation systems
§ UNIVAC LARC
§ Disks for secondary languages § Commercial production
storage § Scientific and was still difficult and
commercial costly
applications

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 13 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 12/17

6
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Generation Key hardware Key software Key Some rep.

(Period) technologies technologies characteristics systems

Third § ICs with SSI and § Timesharing § Faster, smaller, more § IBM 360/370
(1964-1975) MSI technologies operating reliable, easier and § PDP-8
§ Larger magnetic system cheaper to produce § PDP-11
cores memory § Standardization § Commercially, easier § CDC 6600
§ Larger capacity of high-level to use, and easier to
disks and programming upgrade than
magnetic tapes languages previous generation
secondary § Unbundling of systems
storage software from § Scientific, commercial
§ Minicomputers; hardware and interactive on-
upward line applications
compatible family
of computers

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 13 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 13/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Generation Key hardware Key software Key Some rep.

(Period) Technologies technologies characteristics systems

Fourth § ICs with VLSI § Operating systems for § Small, affordable, § IBM PC and
(1975-1989) technology PCs with GUI and reliable, and easy its clones
§ Microprocessors; multiple windows on a to use PCs § Apple II
semiconductor memory single terminal screen § More powerful § TRS-80
§ Larger capacity hard § Multiprocessing OS and reliable § VAX 9000
disks as in-built with concurrent mainframe
programming systems and § CRAY-1
secondary storage
languages supercomputers § CRAY-2
§ Magnetic tapes and
floppy disks as portable § UNIX operating system § Totally general § CRAY-X/MP
storage media with C programming purpose machines
§ Personal computers language § Easier to produce
§ Supercomputers based § Object-oriented design commercially
on parallel vector and programming § Easier to upgrade
processing and § PC, Network-based, § Rapid software
symmetric and supercomputing development
multiprocessing applications possible
technologies
§ Spread of high-speed
computer networks

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 13 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 14/17

7
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Generation Key hardware Key software Key Some rep.

(Period) technologies technologies characteristics systems

Fifth § ICs with ULSI § Micro-kernel based, § Portable computers § IBM notebooks
(1989- technology multithreading, § Powerful, cheaper, § Pentium PCs
Present) § Larger capacity distributed OS reliable, and easier § SUN
main memory, § Parallel to use desktop Workstations
hard disks with programming machines § IBM SP/2
RAID support libraries like MPI & § Powerful
PVM § SGI Origin 2000
§ Optical disks as supercomputers
portable read-only § JAVA § PARAM 10000
§ High uptime due to
storage media § World Wide Web hot-pluggable
§ Notebooks, § Multimedia, components
powerful desktop Internet § Totally general
PCs and applications purpose machines
workstations § More complex § Easier to produce
§ Powerful servers, supercomputing commercially,
supercomputers applications easier to upgrade
§ Internet § Rapid software
§ Cluster computing development
possible

Ref Page 13 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 15/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Electronic
Electronic Devices
Devices Used
Used in
in Computers
Computers of
of Different
Different Generations
Generations

(a) A Vacuum Tube (b) A Transistor (c) An IC Chip

Ref Page 07 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 16/17

8
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Key Words/Phrases

§ Computer § Integrated Circuit (IC)

§ Computer generations § Large Scale Integration (VLSI)
§ Computer Supported Cooperative § Medium Scale Integration (MSI)
Working (CSCW) § Microprocessor
§ Data § Personal Computer (PC)
§ Data processing § Second-generation computers
§ Data processor § Small Scale Integration (SSI)
§ First-generation computers § Stored program concept
§ Fourth-generation computers § Third-generation computers
§ Garbage-in-garbage-out (GIGO) § Transistor
§ Graphical User Interface (GUI) § Ultra Large Scale Integration
§ Groupware (ULSI)
§ Information § Vacuum tubes

Ref Page 12 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 17/17

9
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Ref Page Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 1/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Learning Objectives

In this chapter you will learn about:

§ Computer
§ Data processing
§ Characteristic features of computers
§ Computers’ evolution to their present form
§ Computer generations
§ Characteristic features of each computer generation

Ref Page 01 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 2/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

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

Ref Page 01 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 3/17

1
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

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

Ref Page 01 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 4/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Characteristics of Computers

1) Automatic: Given a job, computer can work on it

automatically without human interventions

2) Speed: Computer can perform data processing jobs

very fast, usually measured in microseconds (10-6),
nanoseconds (10-9), and picoseconds (10-12)

3) Accuracy: Accuracy of a computer is consistently high

and the degree of its accuracy depends upon its design.
Computer errors caused due to incorrect input data or
unreliable programs are often referred to as Garbage-
In-Garbage-Out (GIGO)

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 02 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 5/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Characteristics of Computers
(Continued from previous slide..)

4) Diligence: Computer is free from monotony, tiredness,

and lack of concentration. It can continuously work for
hours without creating any error and without grumbling

5) Versatility: Computer is capable of performing almost

any task, if the task can be reduced to a finite series of
logical steps

6) Power of Remembering: Computer can store and

recall any amount of information because of its
secondary storage capability. It forgets or looses certain
information only when it is asked to do so

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 02 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 6/17

2
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Characteristics of Computers
(Continued from previous slide..)

7) No I.Q.: A computer does only what it is programmed

to do. It cannot take its own decision in this regard

8) No Feelings: Computers are devoid of emotions. Their

judgement is based on the instructions given to them in
the form of programs that are written by us (human
beings)

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 03 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 7/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Evolution of Computers

§ Blaise Pascal invented the first mechanical adding

machine in 1642
§ Baron Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz invented the first
calculator for multiplication in 1671
§ Keyboard machines originated in the United States
around 1880
§ Around 1880, Herman Hollerith came up with the concept
of punched cards that were extensively used as input
media until late 1970s

Ref Page 03 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 8/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Evolution of Computers
(Continued from previous slide..)

§ Charles Babbage is considered to be the father of

modern digital computers

§ He designed “Difference Engine” in 1822

§ He designed a fully automatic analytical engine in

1842 for performing basic arithmetic functions

§ His efforts established a number of principles that

are fundamental to the design of any digital
computer

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 03 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 9/17

3
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Some Well Known Early Computers

§ The Mark I Computer (1937-44)

§ The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (1939-42)
§ The ENIAC (1943-46)
§ The EDVAC (1946-52)
§ The EDSAC (1947-49)
§ Manchester Mark I (1948)
§ The UNIVAC I (1951)

Ref Page 03 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 10/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations

§ “Generation” in computer talk is a step in technology. It

provides a framework for the growth of computer industry

§ Originally it was used to distinguish between various

hardware technologies, but now it has been extended to
include both hardware and software

§ Till today, there are five computer generations

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 05 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 11/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Key hardware Key software Key Some

Generation
representative
(Period) technologies technologies characteristics systems

First § Vacuum tubes § Machine and § Bulky in size § ENIAC

(1942-1955) § Electromagnetic assembly § Highly unreliable § EDVAC
relay memory languages § Limited commercial § EDSAC
§ Punched cards § Stored program use and costly § UNIVAC I
secondary storage concept § Difficult commercial § IBM 701
§ Mostly scientific production
applications § Difficult to use
Second § Transistors § Batch operating § Faster, smaller, more § Honeywell 400
(1955-1964) § Magnetic cores system reliable and easier to § IBM 7030
memory § High-level program than previous § CDC 1604
§ Magnetic tapes programming generation systems
§ UNIVAC LARC
§ Disks for secondary languages § Commercial production
storage § Scientific and was still difficult and
commercial costly
applications

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 13 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 12/17

4
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Generation Key hardware Key software Key Some rep.

(Period) technologies technologies characteristics systems

Third § ICs with SSI and § Timesharing § Faster, smaller, more § IBM 360/370
(1964-1975) MSI technologies operating reliable, easier and § PDP-8
§ Larger magnetic system cheaper to produce § PDP-11
cores memory § Standardization § Commercially, easier § CDC 6600
§ Larger capacity of high-level to use, and easier to
disks and programming upgrade than
magnetic tapes languages previous generation
secondary § Unbundling of systems
storage software from § Scientific, commercial
§ Minicomputers; hardware and interactive on-
upward line applications
compatible family
of computers

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 13 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 13/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Generation Key hardware Key software Key Some rep.

(Period) Technologies technologies characteristics systems

Fourth § ICs with VLSI § Operating systems for § Small, affordable, § IBM PC and
(1975-1989) technology PCs with GUI and reliable, and easy its clones
§ Microprocessors; multiple windows on a to use PCs § Apple II
semiconductor memory single terminal screen § More powerful § TRS-80
§ Larger capacity hard § Multiprocessing OS and reliable § VAX 9000
disks as in-built with concurrent mainframe
programming systems and § CRAY-1
secondary storage
languages supercomputers § CRAY-2
§ Magnetic tapes and
floppy disks as portable § UNIX operating system § Totally general § CRAY-X/MP
storage media with C programming purpose machines
§ Personal computers language § Easier to produce
§ Supercomputers based § Object-oriented design commercially
on parallel vector and programming § Easier to upgrade
processing and § PC, Network-based, § Rapid software
symmetric and supercomputing development
multiprocessing applications possible
technologies
§ Spread of high-speed
computer networks

(Continued on next slide)

Ref Page 13 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 14/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Generation Key hardware Key software Key Some rep.

(Period) technologies technologies characteristics systems

Fifth § ICs with ULSI § Micro-kernel based, § Portable computers § IBM notebooks
(1989- technology multithreading, § Powerful, cheaper, § Pentium PCs
Present) § Larger capacity distributed OS reliable, and easier § SUN
main memory, § Parallel to use desktop Workstations
hard disks with programming machines § IBM SP/2
RAID support libraries like MPI & § Powerful
PVM § SGI Origin 2000
§ Optical disks as supercomputers
portable read-only § JAVA § PARAM 10000
§ High uptime due to
storage media § World Wide Web hot-pluggable
§ Notebooks, § Multimedia, components
powerful desktop Internet § Totally general
PCs and applications purpose machines
workstations § More complex § Easier to produce
§ Powerful servers, supercomputing commercially,
supercomputers applications easier to upgrade
§ Internet § Rapid software
§ Cluster computing development
possible

Ref Page 13 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 15/17

5
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Electronic Devices Used in Computers of Different Generations

(a) A Vacuum Tube (b) A Transistor (c) An IC Chip

Ref Page 07 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 16/17

Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Key Words/Phrases

§ Computer § Integrated Circuit (IC)

§ Computer generations § Large Scale Integration (VLSI)
§ Computer Supported Cooperative § Medium Scale Integration (MSI)
Working (CSCW) § Microprocessor
§ Data § Personal Computer (PC)
§ Data processing § Second-generation computers
§ Data processor § Small Scale Integration (SSI)
§ First-generation computers § Stored program concept
§ Fourth-generation computers § Third-generation computers
§ Garbage-in-garbage-out (GIGO) § Transistor
§ Graphical User Interface (GUI) § Ultra Large Scale Integration
§ Groupware (ULSI)
§ Information § Vacuum tubes

Ref Page 12 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 17/17

6
 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Ref. Page Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 1/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Learning Objectives

In this chapter you will learn about:

§ Basic operations performed by all types of computer
systems
§ Basic organization of a computer system
§ Input unit and its functions
§ Output unit and its functions
§ Storage unit and its functions
§ Types of storage used in a computer system

(Continued on next slide)

Ref. Page 15 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 2/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Learning Objectives
(Continued from previous slide..)

§ Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

§ Control Unit (CU)

§ Central Processing Unit (CPU)

§ Computer as a system

Ref. Page 15 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 3/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

The Five Basic Operations of a Computer System

§ Inputting. The process of entering data and instructions

into the computer system

§ Storing. Saving data and instructions to make them

readily available for initial or additional processing
whenever required

§ Processing. Performing arithmetic operations (add,

subtract, multiply, divide, etc.) or logical operations
(comparisons like equal to, less than, greater than, etc.)
on data to convert them into useful information

(Continued on next slide)

Ref. Page 15 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 4/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

The Five Basic Operations of a Computer System

§ Outputting. The process of producing useful information

or results for the user such as a printed report or visual
display

§ Controlling. Directing the manner and sequence in which

all of the above operations are performed

Ref. Page 15 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 5/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Basic Organization of a Computer System

Storage Unit

Secondary
Storage

Program Input Output Information

and Unit Unit (Results)
Data Primary
Storage

Control
Unit
Indicates flow of
instructions and data
Arithmetic Indicates the control
Logic Unit exercised by the
control unit
Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Ref. Page 16 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 6/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Input Unit

An input unit of a computer system performs the

following functions:

1. It accepts (or reads) instructions and data from outside

world
2. It converts these instructions and data in computer
acceptable form
3. It supplies the converted instructions and data to the
computer system for further processing

Ref. Page 16 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 7/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Output Unit

An output unit of a computer system performs the

following functions:

1. It accepts the results produced by the computer, which

are in coded form and hence, cannot be easily
understood by us
2. It converts these coded results to human acceptable
(readable) form
3. It supplies the converted results to outside world

Ref. Page 16 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 8/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Storage Unit

The storage unit of a computer system holds (or stores)

the following :

1. Data and instructions required for processing (received

from input devices)
2. Intermediate results of processing
3. Final results of processing, before they are released to
an output device

Ref. Page 17 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 9/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Two Types of Storage

§ Primary storage

§ Used to hold running program instructions

§ Used to hold data, intermediate results, and
results of ongoing processing of job(s)
§ Fast in operation
§ Small Capacity
§ Expensive
§ Volatile (looses data on power dissipation)

(Continued on next slide)

Ref. Page 17 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 10/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Two Types of Storage

(Continued from previous slide..)

§ Secondary storage

§ Used to hold stored program instructions

§ Used to hold data and information of stored jobs
§ Slower than primary storage
§ Large Capacity
§ Lot cheaper that primary storage
§ Retains data even without power

Ref. Page 17 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 11/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Arithmetic Logic Unit of a computer system is the place

where the actual executions of instructions takes place during
processing operation

Ref. Page 18 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 12/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Control Unit (CU)

Control Unit of a computer system manages and coordinates

the operations of all other components of the computer
system

Ref. Page 18 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 13/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Arithmetic Central
Logic Unit Control Unit = Processing
+ (CU)
(ALU) Unit (CPU)

§ It is the brain of a computer system

§ It is responsible for controlling the operations of

all other units of a computer system

Ref. Page 18 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 14/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

The System Concept

A system has following three characteristics:

1. A system has more than one element

2. All elements of a system are logically related
3. All elements of a system are controlled in a manner to
achieve the system goal

A computer is a system as it comprises of integrated

components (input unit, output unit, storage unit, and CPU)
that work together to perform the steps called for in the
executing program

Ref. Page 18 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 15/16

 Computer
Computer Fundamentals:
Fundamentals: Pradeep
Pradeep K.
K. Sinha
Sinha &
& Priti
Priti Sinha
Sinha

Key Words/Phrases

§ Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) § Output interface

§ Auxiliary storage § Output unit
§ Central Processing Unit (CPU) § Outputting
§ Computer system § Primate storage
§ Control Unit (CU) § Processing
§ Controlling § Secondary storage
§ Input interface § Storage unit
§ Input unit § Storing
§ Inputting § System
§ Main memory

Ref. Page 19 Chapter 2: Basic Computer Organization Slide 16/16