Manual for computer application-I by :Er.

A Yadav

History of Computers
Mechanical calculator
1 Wilhelm Schickard invented first known mechanical calculator, capable of simple arithmetic.
o Similar mechanical adding machine made in 1640’s by Blaise Pascal, Still on display in Paris.
The "Pascaline," from the History of Computing Project

2 More advanced mechanical calculator by German mathematician Gottfried Leibniz Capable of

multiplication and division Purely mechanical with no source of power. The "Step Reckoner,"
from maxmon.com
3. Charles Babbage begins work on Difference
Engine
o He designed, but it was completed by a Swedish
inventor in 1854.
Charles Babbage begins Analytical Engine ,
Never completed.
o Important concept: a general-purpose machine
capable of performing difference functions based on
programming.

4. Ada Byron, Lady Lovelace impressed with the

concept of the Analytical Engine at a dinner party.
o Created plans for how the machine could calculate Bernoulli numbers. This is regarded as the
first “computer program," and she is the first "programmer."
5. punched cards used by Herman Hollerith to automate Census
o Concept of programming the machine to perform different tasks with punched cards was from
Babbage.
o Punch cards based on Josph Marie Jacquard’s device to automate weaving looms.
o Hollerith founded a company that became International Business Machines (IBM) to market the
technology.

6. Prototype of the first electronic computer

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o Assembled by John Atansoff and Cliford Barry.

o John Atansoff came up with the concept of using binary numbers.
o Completed in 1942 using 300 vacuum tubes.
o Could solve small systems of linear equations
Generations of computers
The history of computer development is often referred to in reference to the different generations
of computing devices. Each generation of computer is characterized by a major technological
development that fundamentally changed the way computers operate, resulting in increasingly
smaller, cheaper, and more powerful, and more efficient and reliable devices.
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. 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.
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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 reare. 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.
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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 computeris one example that outsmarts Harvard University Students. The advancement
in modern technologies will revolutionize the computer in future.
The goal of fifth-generation computing is to develop devices that respond to natural language
input and are capable of learning and self-organization.Some applications, such as voice
recognition, use of parallel processing and superconductors, the goal of fifth-generation
computing is to develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable of learning
and self-organization.
AI includes:
Robotics Neural networks Game Playing Development of expert systems to make
decisions in real life situations. Natural language understanding and generation.

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Types of computer
The computers that process analog signals are known as Analog Computers. The Analog signal is
a continuous signal. For example, sine wave is an analog signal. The analog quantities are based
on decimal number systems. Examples of Analog computers are the slide rule, ABACUS
Computers that process digital signals are known as Digital Computers. The Digital signal is a
discrete signal with two states 0 and 1. In practice, the digital computers are used and not analog.
1. Mainframe Computers 2. Mini Computers 3. Micro Computers 4. Super Computers
Now let’s have an overview of general characteristics of each category.
1. Mainframe Computers.
➢ They are big computer systems sensitive to temperature, humidity, dust etc.
➢ Qualified & trained operators are required to operate them.
➢ They have wide range of peripherals attached.
➢ They have large storage capacity.
➢ They can use wide variety of software.
➢ They are not user friendly.
➢ They can be used for more mathematical calculations.
➢ They are installed in large commercial places or government organizations.
22. Mini Computers.
➢ They have less memory & storage capacity than mainframe computers.
➢ They offer limited range of peripherals.
➢ Limited range of software can be used by them.
➢ The end users can directly operate it.
➢ They are not very sensitive to the external environment and hence are more generalized.
➢ They are used for data processing.
3. Micro Computers.
A PC can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user.
PCs are based on the microprocessor technology that enables manufacturers to put an entire
CPU on one chip. Businesses use personal computers for word processing, accounting, desktop
publishing, and for running spreadsheet and database management applications. At home, the
most popular use for personal computers is playing games and surfing Internet.
➢ They brought revolution in the history of computers.
➢ They are also known as Personal Computers.
➢ They are cheap and user friendly.
➢ The main components are Monitor, CPU, Keyboard, Mouse, speakers, Modem and
Printer.
➢ They are having limited peripherals attached to them.
➢ This type of computers can use wide range of software.
➢ They are used as desktops either in offices or even homes.
➢ Their operation can be easily learnt by anyone having logical aptitude.
➢ Children enjoy playing games & watching movies in these computers.
➢ Most popular micro computer’s processing chip manufacturing company is Intel.
4. Super Computers. Supercomputers are one of the fastest computers currently available.
Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require
immense amount of mathematical calculations (number crunching). For example, weather
forecasting, scientific simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear
energy research, electronic design, and analysis of geological data (e.g. in petrochemical
prospecting).
➢ They are huge computers installed in space centers, nuclear power stations etc.
➢ They are used for performing complex mathematical calculations.

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➢ Only scientists and mathematicians can operate them.

➢ They are having huge memories & tremendous processing speed.
➢ They are used for weather forecasting, animation graphics etc.
Hardware, represents the physical components of a computer like its electronics parts. For
example, CPU, Memory, Hard Disk, Monitor, Printer, Mouse, etc.
Software, represents the program(s) which perform different tasks on a computer system. It is a
programming code which is executed by CPU, which can takes instructions from input devices
like keyboard, mouse, and can show output on output devices like monitor, printer etc. Examples
are MS Word, Google Chrome, and Photoshop etc.
Following are the important difference between Hardware and Software.
Sr. Key Hardware Software
No.

Type Hardware is a set of physical parts of Sofware is a program or set of

1 computers which actually executes the instructions which are to be executed
instruction. by CPU to do the intended task.

Development A Hardware is manufactured in factories. A software is developed, engineered

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by software development companies.

Dependency A hardware cannot do any task with a A software cannot execute if

3
software instructing it. underlying hardware is not present.

Tangible A hardware can be touched being a Softwares being digital can be seen
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physical electronic device. but cannot be touched.

Categories Hardware categories: Input Devices, Software categories: Programming

5 Output Devices, Storage Devices, Internal Softwares, Application Softwares,
components of CPU and motherboard. Operating Systems.

Virus impact Hardware remain unaffected by viruses. Software is affected by virus being
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primary target.

Digital A hardware can be only physically Software can be transferred

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Transfer transferred. electronically.

Replacement If hardware gets damaged, it is replaced If Software get damaged, it is

8
with new one. reinstalled.

What is Software: Computer software, or only software, is a kind of program that enables a user
to perform some specific task or used to operate a computer. It directs all the peripheral devices
on the computer system - what to do and how to perform a task. PC Software plays the role of
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mediator between the user and computer hardware. Without software, a user can’t perform any
task on a digital computer.
System Software
A system software aids the user and the hardware to function and interact with each other.
Basically, it is a software to manage computer hardware behavior so as to provide basic
functionalities that are required by the user. In simple words, we can say that system
software is an intermediator or a middle layer between the user and the hardware. This
computer software provides a platform or environment for the other software to work in.
This is the reason why system software is very important in managing the entire computer
system. When you first turn on the computer, it is the system software that gets initialized
and gets loaded in the memory of the system. The system software runs in the background
and is not used by the end-users. This is the reason why system software is also known as
‘low-level software’.
• Operating System: It is the most prominent example of System Software. It is a
collection of software that handles resources and provides general services for the
other applications that run over them. Although each Operating System is different,
most of them provide a Graphical User Interface through which a user can manage
the files and folders and perform other tasks. Every device, whether a desktop,
laptop or mobile phone requires an operating system to provide the basic
functionality to it. As an OS essentially determines how a user interacts with the
system, therefore many users prefer to use one specific OS for their device. There
are various types of operating system such as real-time, embedded, distributed,
multiuser, single-user, internet, mobile, and many more. It is important to consider
the hardware specifications before choosing an operating system. Some examples of
Operating systems given below:
o Android Linux Mac OS MS Windows Unix
• Device Drivers: It is a type of software that controls particular hardware which is
attached to the system. Hardware devices that need a driver to connect to a system
include displays, sound cards, printers, mice and hard disks. Further, there are two
types of device drivers: Kernel Device Drivers and User Device Driver. Some
examples of device drivers are:
o BIOS Driver Display Drivers Motherboard Drivers Printer Drivers
o ROM Drivers Sound card Driver USB Drivers VGA Drivers
• Firmware: Firmware is the permanent software that is embedded into a read-only
memory. It is a set of instructions permanently stored on a hardware device. It
provides essential information regarding how the device interacts with other
hardware. Firmware can be considered as ‘semi-permanent’ as it remains permanent
unless it is updated using a firmware updater. Some examples of firmware are:
o BIOS
o Computer Peripherals
o Consumer Applications
o Embedded Systems
o UEFI
• Programming Language Translators: These are mediator programs on which
software programs rely to translate high-level language code to simpler machine-
level code. Besides simplifying the code, the translators also do the following :
o Examples of Programming Language Translators are Interpreter, Compi ler
and Assemblers.
• Utility: Utility software is designed to aid in analyzing, optimizing, configuring and
maintaining a computer system. It supports the computer infrastructure. This
software focuses on how an OS functions and then accordingly it decides its
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trajectory to smoothen the functioning of the system. Softwares like antiviruses,

disk cleanup & management tools, compression tools, defragmenters, etc are all
utility tools. Some examples of utility tools are:
o Avast Antivirus Directory Opus McAfee Antivirus Windows File
Explorer WinRAR WinZip
2. Application Software
Application Software, also known as end-user programs or productivity programs are
software that helps the user in completing tasks such as doing online research, jotting down
notes, setting an alarm, designing graphics, keeping an account log, doing calculations or
even playing games. They lie above the system software. Unlike system software, they are
used by the end-user and are specific in their functionality or tasks and do the job that they
are designed to do. For example, a browser is an application designed specifically for
browsing the internet or MS Powerpoint is an application used specifically for making
presentations. Application Software or simply apps can also be referred to as non -essential
software as their requirement is highly subjective and their absence does not affect the
functioning of the system. All the apps that we see on our mobile phones are a lso examples
of Application Software. There is certain software that is exclusively made for app
development like Meteor and Flutter. These are examples of Application software too .
There are various types of application software:
• Word Processors: These applications for documentation. Along with that it also
helps I storing, formatting and printing of these documents. Some examples of word
processors are:
• Database Software: This software is used to create and manage a database. It is also
known as the Database Management System or DBMS. They help with the
organization of data. Some examples of DBMS are:
• Multimedia Software: It is the software that is able to play, create or record images,
audio or video files. They are used for video editing, animation, graphics, and image
editing, Some examples of Multimedia Software are:
• Education and Reference Software: These types of software are specifically
designed to facilitate learning on a particular subject. There are various kinds of
tutorial software that fall under this category. They are also termed as academic
software. Some examples are:
• Graphics Software: As the name suggests, Graphics Software has been devised to
work with graphics as it helps the user to edit or make changes in visual data or
images. It comprises of picture editors and illustration software. Some examples are:
• Web Browsers: These applications are used to browse the internet. They help the
user in locating and retrieving data across the web. Some examples of web browsers
are: