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Computer Fundamentals

They are: 1) Arithmetic logical unit, 2) Control unit, and 3) Central processing unit. All these three units are known as functional units. The processing of the data and instructions are performed by Arithmetic Logical Unit.

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27 views3 pages

Computer Fundamentals

They are: 1) Arithmetic logical unit, 2) Control unit, and 3) Central processing unit. All these three units are known as functional units. The processing of the data and instructions are performed by Arithmetic Logical Unit.

Uploaded by

joh
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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Module 001 Introduction to Computers

Lesson 1: The evolution of computers

When we say computer, we mean someone who can do basic math with a computer. The
computer evolved in the 1930s. First mechanical adding machine invented in 1642.

- The first mechanical adding machine is an abacus. An Abacus or also known as


a calculating frame is a calculating machine capable of performing arithmetic
processes.
- The logarithm idea was invented by a man called John Napier while the
invention of slide rules was credited to a man called William Oughtred.
- Today, an abacus is constructed with a bead that can be slide in a bamboo stick
or wires. The person who uses an abacus is called Abacist.

First Generation (Vacuum Tubes) 1939 – 1954

- First-generation computers were bulky and expensive. Vacuum tubes used


machine language to solve problems. This phase's computers cannot multitask.
Below are first-generation computers.
 Vacuum Tubes
A vacuum tube, or also known as “electron tube”, “thermionic valve”, or “valve “to
amplify, switch, otherwise modify, or develop an electrical signal that controls the
movement of electrons in a low-pressure space.
 ABC
The ABC or also known as Atanasoff Berry Computer in November 1939 was
developed by John V. Atanasoff in 1937called as the first electronic computer.
 Z Machine
The Z machine was the first machine capable of accepting binary and floating
numbers and invention of Konrad Zuse in 1941.
 ENIAC
The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC) is the first general
purpose electronic computer. The ENIAC can store and save programs. This is an
invention of Vonn Neumann at the United States (U.S) Army’s Ballistic Research
Laboratory in 1946.

Second Generation (Punched card / transistor) 1954 – 1959

- With invention of transistors computers in the third generation became smaller


and cheaper.
 Punch Card
A “punch card” or “Hollerith card” or “IBM card”, is a piece of paper that may
contain digital information represented by a hole in a predefined position. Early
computing uses a punch card as a medium of inputs both for computer programs
and data.

 ERMA
ERMA or also known as Electronic Recording Machine Accounting is a project of
Stanford Research Institute. The primary function of ERMA is to automate the
bookkeeping process. In 1959 ERMA was delivered to the Bank of Bank of
America in California, a pioneering bank company that uses the ERMA.

Third Generation (Chip / Integrated Circuit (IC)) 1959 – 1971

- Third-generation semi-conductors increased computer speed and efficiency.


Monitors and keyboards became popular input/output devices. Scientists have
invented a way to speed up computer operations and make computers less bulky.
Therefore, ICs were created. Lesson ICs are used in almost all electronic
equipment today and have modernized electronics.
 PDP-8
DEC company launch the PDP-8 the first minicomputer in 1968. After launching
the PDP-8, the development of ARPANET began in in the following year 1969
where the financial backing of the department of defense has started.

Fourth Generation (Microprocessor) 1971-1991

- 1972, Intel introduced the 8080 microprocessors A microprocessor primary


function is to integrates all of a central processing unit (CPU) capability on a
single integrated circuit or IC

Fifth Generation (Under the development) 1991 – beyond

- Computer system under the fifth generation is going to be based on principles of


Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language recognition.

Lesson 1: What is a computer?

- A computer is the Central Processing Unit (also known as CPU) that execute
programs or tasks. The power of the computer depends on its specifications.
- A program is a list of instructions predetermined to be followed by a computer.
A computer is designed to carry out instruction written in a simple language
called machine language.
- Main memory is consists of a sequence of locations. The location in the main
memory are numbered, and this number is called the address. See figure below
for reference

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