1

Types of computers
and their parts
Objectives What is a computer?
At the end of this chapter, you will be
A computer is a programmable electronic device. It follows a set of
able to:
instructions to process data. The action of processing data produces
➜ define the term ‘computer’ information that can be output or stored for future use. Electronic devices
➜ define a computer system use tiny electric currents, flowing through circuits, to perform their
➜ distinguish between data and operations. Electrons form these currents, hence the term ‘electron-ic’.
information An example of a fairly simple computer is a calculator; it can process
➜ explain the differences data and output the information from the processing. For example, adding
between ICT, IT and computer
‘2 + 6’ (the processing) produces ‘8’ (the information). Other computers
science
➜ state some of the reasons for are much more sophisticated – as you will see later in the chapter.
using computers A computer system refers to the complete computer, which includes
➜ explain the difference between all the hardware and software required for the computer to work.
hardware and software A computer system allows users to input, process, output and store data.
➜ explain the stages involved in
computer processing What is the difference between data
➜ explain the functions of the and information?
central processing unit (CPU),
control unit, arithmetic logic Data is all the raw facts and figures that a computer processes by
unit (ALU), registers, program following a set of instructions called a program. Data by itself has no
counter and instruction meaning; it can be in the form of letters (a, b, c, d ... x, y, z, and so on),
register numbers (1, 2, 3, 15, 456, and so on), pictures, sounds or symbols.
➜ describe the different types It is only when we attach meaning to data that we get information.
of desktop and portable For example, if you collect the temperature of your classroom each day
computers (laptops, for a month, you have collected data. When you instruct a computer to
notebooks, subnotebooks, arrange (sort) this data, you could get information such as:
netbooks, mobile phones and
wearable computers) n the highest temperature over
➜ distinguish between the the period
different types of computer n the lowest temperature over
systems: personal computers, the period
minicomputers, mainframe n the mean (average) temperature
computers, supercomputers, over the period.
quantum computers and
embedded computers This information may then be
➜ classify computers by useful, for example, to determine
generations. whether a classroom is too hot or
too cold for comfortable working. If
the information were just raw data,
it would not be easy to interpret.
Hence, the computer has helped
you to look at a real-life situation or ▲ Figure 1.1 Data displayed on a laptop
problem and make some sense of it. and on a cell phone screen

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 1 Types of computers and their parts

What is the difference between ICT, IT and

computer science?
We often confuse the terms ‘information and communications
Note
technology’ (ICT), ‘information technology’ (IT) and ‘computer science’,
and use them interchangeably. However, these are all very different fields. Can you think of other types of
Information and communications technology (ICT) involves the use of data that you can collect in your
computer hardware, software and telecommunications devices to store, class, the computer can process to
manipulate, convert, protect, send and receive data. ICT has become give information?
an integral part of our daily lives and has a major impact on the way
we live, work and play. The banking and finance industry relies heavily
on ICT for things like customer service, fraud protection, investment,
and more. Using artificial intelligence (AI) in our homes and in products
such as smartphones, smart cars and video games makes our lives more
comfortable. For example, many of the smart home devices such as lights,
thermostats, and air-conditioning units use artificial intelligence to learn
our behaviour so that they can adjust the settings themselves to make the
experience match our behaviour. ▲ Figure 1.2 R
 obotic vacuum cleaners
Information technology (IT) deals with the study of data and data use AI technology to map
processing, and may also apply to the management of computer systems, their environment, by using
particularly in a business setting. When used in a business, IT facilitates navigational sensors.
the business by providing four sets of core services. These core services
provide information, tools to improve productivity, business process
automation and a means to connect with customers.
Computer science is the study of computer hardware and software
design. It includes both the study of theoretical algorithms and the practical
problems involved in implementing them through computer hardware and
software. The study of computer science has many branches, including AI,
software engineering, programming and computer graphics.
▲ Figure 1.3 S
 mart cars have a self-driving
Why do we use computers? mode that combines sensors
and software, to control,
The following features of modern computers assist us in our daily lives. navigate and drive vehicles.
n Data-processing speed: Computers are quick; they can perform tens
of millions of operations per second. With this speed comes the power
to undertake many different tasks, such as predicting weather forecasts,
modelling, data crunching and producing thousands of bills for utility
companies. Data crunching refers to the analysis of large amounts of
data so that it becomes useful in making decisions.
n Data-processing accuracy: Computers are very accurate. Errors occur
only if there is an error in the way the hardware and software have
been set up, or if there are errors in the data that has been input. When
errors occur, it is usually because of some human error. Computers can
only do what they are set up and programmed to do.
n Ability to store large amounts of information in a small space: There
are many types of computer storage media that can be used to store large
volumes of data and information. For example, a single CD-ROM disc or flash
drive can hold the equivalent of a shelf of library books in electronic form.
n Ability to work continuously: Computers can work continuously for
very long periods, only stopping for upgrading or maintenance checks.
In fact, most modern computers can be left switched on all the time if
desired, 24 hours per day and 7 days a week.

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 What is a computer?

Hardware and software

To process data to produce information, a computer
needs both hardware and software. Hardware is all the
physical parts of the computer system you can see and
touch. It is all the devices that make up the computer
system. These include the internal components and
the external components. The internal components
are necessary for the computer to function. These
include the motherboard, central processing unit
(CPU), Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only
Memory (ROM) chips, and others. The motherboard
is the main printed circuit board of a computer; it
allows all the parts of a computer to receive power and
communicate with one another. The central processing
unit (CPU) and the RAM and ROM chips are all on
the motherboard. Other components or devices that
run the computer or enhance its performance are
either part of the motherboard or plug into it via an
▲ Figure 1.4 Components on the motherboard of a personal computer
expansion slot or port.
The external components, which are called
peripherals, are those hardware devices that are not essential to a
computer’s function and are usually connected to the computer by a cable,
or wirelessly. These devices include keyboards, printers, speakers, mice
and hard drives. Software is a set of instructions (called a program) that a Did you know?
computer needs to carry out its tasks. For example, if you want to use the
computer to type a letter, or draw a picture, or do some accounting work, Did you know that an app you
you would need different types of software to accomplish these tasks. download to your smartphone is
software? What are some apps
Some typical examples of software are word processors, spreadsheets,
that you or a friend use or are
graphics packages and database packages. Both hardware and software familiar with?
are needed to process data.

▲ Figure 1.5 The parts of a personal computer

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 1 Types of computers and their parts

Stages of processing
To accomplish its tasks, a computer has to process data. Processing data
Input
to get information involves three stages: input, processing and output.
Input devices such as keyboards, joysticks, mice, touchscreens and
scanners are used to get the data and instructions into the computer
for processing. The processing takes place in that part of the computer
Processing
called the central processing unit (CPU). The CPU, also known as the
processor, is the ‘brain’ of the computer. It takes raw data and follows a
set of instructions (programs) to convert it into information. The CPU is
made up of three components, the control unit (CU), the arithmetic logic
Output
unit (ALU) and registers. A register is a temporary storage location that
holds a single instruction or data item. ▲ Figure 1.6 Stages of processing
Traditionally, a CPU was made up of a processor with a single core.
A core contains an ALU, CU and registers. Most modern processors
contain multiple cores; a processor with two cores is called a dual-core
processor and a quad-core processor has four cores. They are effectively
several CPUs on a single chip. The more cores a processor has, the more
sets of instructions the processor can receive and process at the same
time, which makes the computer faster.
The speed at which a CPU processes data to convert it to information
is measured in megahertz (MHz – millions of machine cycles per second)
or for newer machines, in gigahertz (GHz – billions of machine cycles per
second). A machine cycle is the sequence of instructions performed to
execute one program instruction. Computers that are used for gaming,
video editing, compiling code and running intensive virtual reality require
very fast processors. One of the fastest processors for personal computers
at present is the Intel Core i9-7980XE. This processor is very fast because
it is the first consumer desktop processor to contain 18 cores. ▲ Figure 1.7 A CPU

Control unit
The control unit (CU) is the main part of the CPU. It directs and
coordinates all the activities within the CPU. The CU determines the
sequence in which instructions are executed. It does not execute the
instructions itself; instead, it sends the data and instructions to the ALU
for processing. The CU is primarily responsible for the movement of data
and instructions from itself to the main memory and ALU and back.
The CU executes an instruction by performing the following steps:
1 The CU fetches the instruction from memory.
2 It decodes the instruction.
3 It fetches the data required by the instruction from memory. Did you know?
4 The CU sends the data and instruction to the ALU for processing.
5 It sends the data to the memory unit after processing. The scientific unit of measure
‘Hertz’ (Hz) is named in honour
The control unit also contains a number of registers. Registers are used to of the German physicist Heinrich
store data and instructions that are needed immediately and frequently. Rudolf Hertz (1857–1894).
Two examples of registers found in the control unit are the program Hertz did the groundwork for the
counter and the instruction register. The program counter holds the development of the vacuum tube.
address of the current instruction (the instruction being processed) and He also discovered electromagnetic
the instruction register holds the instruction itself. waves.

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 Stages of processing

Arithmetic logic unit

The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs all the arithmetic and logic
functions in a computer. For example, if an instruction involves an
arithmetic operation such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
or the comparison of data, the control unit sends the data to the ALU for
processing.
Some of the logic functions are comparisons, such as:
equal to = not equal to ≠
less than < greater than >
less than or equal to <= greater than or equal to >=
For example, using the ‘equal to’ logic function, the ALU compares two
values to determine if they are equal. Other logical operations performed
by the ALU are AND, OR and NOT.

Primary memory
Primary memory, also referred to as
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT
main memory or immediate access
memory, is directly accessible
to the CPU and holds data and
instructions that the computer is Arithmetic logic unit
processing at the time. Therefore,
the data collected in the example of Registers
the temperature of the classroom CONTROL UNIT
CONTROL UNIT
would be placed in main memory
Registers
while it is being processed. Output Registers
devices then translate information
processed by the computer into a
form that the user can understand.
After processing, the data and
information can be either stored Input devices Primary memory Output devices
in a secondary storage device,
such as a hard disk, or sent to an
output device such as a printer or a
computer screen. External
Primary memory consists of storage devices
two types of memory chips:
Random Access Memory (RAM)
and Read Only Memory (ROM). ▲ Figure 1.8 The components of a basic computer system
A computer uses RAM to hold data
and instructions (programs) temporarily while processing is taking place.
RAM also holds the data that results from processing data, which is waiting
to be output or stored in a secondary storage medium. RAM is therefore
also called working memory.
ROM chips hold the data and instructions necessary for starting up the
computer when it is switched on. These instructions are fixed at the time
of manufacture and are sometimes described as being ‘hard-wired’. This
ensures that the instructions stored in ROM are always there, whether the
power is on or not. RAM and ROM will be discussed further in Chapter 3.

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 1 Types of computers and their parts

Exercise 1
1 Computers are often used because they are able to hold lots of _______ in a very small space. They can
work _______ and are much better at completing many tasks because of their _______ and _______.
2 The action of _______ data produces information that can be _______ or stored for future use.
3 Two internal components that are necessary for the computer to function are _______ and _______.
4 The external components of a computer are known as _______.
5 Use the words in the list below to identify the devices that are components and those that
are peripherals.
CPU Keyboard RAM Mouse Printers Motherboard Speakers

6 A _______ contains an ALU, control unit and registers.

7 A processor with two cores is called a _______ processor and four cores is called a _______ processor.
8 The _______ unit determines the sequence in which instructions are executed.
9 The control unit is primarily responsible for movement of data and instructions from itself to the
_______ and _______ and back.
10 The _______ holds the address of the instruction being processed at the time and the instruction
register holds the instruction itself.

Types of computers
Computer systems are classified on the basis of system performance,
which in turn affects physical size and cost. Given the rapid pace at
which computer technology is changing, classifying computers on this
basis is often very difficult, since many of the newer, smaller systems can
outperform the larger models of a few years ago. Nevertheless, some
broad categories can be defined, as follows.

Desktop systems
A desktop computer system is designed to stay in a single location and
must remain connected to a wall outlet. Although desktop systems lack
portability, they offer similar or even better functionality to laptops,
smartphones and other devices. Two examples of desktop systems are
personal computers and gaming consoles.
Personal computers (PCs)
Personal computers (PCs), also called microcomputers, are the most
common type of computer. They come in many different shapes, sizes
and colours, depending on the manufacturer. PCs are used by one person
at a time and fit on an office desk, hence the name ‘desktop computers’.
A PC consists of a system unit, a keyboard, a mouse and a display
screen, and has all the functional elements found in any larger system.
It performs the input, control, arithmetic and logic, output and storage
functions mentioned earlier in the chapter. It can execute software program
instructions to perform a very wide variety of tasks. Individuals, businesses
and organisations use personal computers. The processing speed, internal
memory capacity and external storage vary with the different models
available. Usually, individuals or organisations will purchase a personal
computer based on the purpose for which the computer will be used. The
processor speed for a typical personal computer ranges from 2.4 GHz to
3.7 GHz. These computers usually have between 4 gigabyte (GB) and 32 GB ▲ Figure 1.9 A desktop system
of RAM and a storage capacity that varies from 40 GB to 1 terabyte (TB). (personal computer)

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 Types of computers

Gaming consoles
A video game console is a highly specialised desktop computer used to
play video games. Gaming consoles have many of the same hardware
components as computers, but are usually less advanced. This is why they
cost much less than a high-end gaming computer. The player interacts
with the game through a controller, which is a hand-held device with
buttons and joysticks or pads. Gaming consoles are usually connected to
a television, which outputs the video and sound. Examples of consoles
include the Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo GameCube, and
Nintendo Wii. The processor speed for a typical gaming console ranges
from 2.4 GHz to 4.1 GHz. These devices usually have between 4 GB and
32 GB of RAM and a storage capacity that varies from 512 GB to 1 TB.
▲ Figure 1.10 A gaming console with
Mobile devices game controllers

A mobile device is a general term used to refer to devices such as laptops,

tablets, smartphones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). These devices Did you know?
have similar characteristics such as: Present-day personal computers
can perform tasks thousands of
n the ability to access the internet
times faster than the personal
n a battery that powers the device and can last for several hours
computers of the 1980s.
n a physical or onscreen keyboard for entering information
n a small size and light weight, which allows it to be carried in one hand
and manipulated with the other hand
n a touchscreen interface in almost all cases
n wireless operation.

Laptops
A laptop computer is a portable version of a PC, equipped with a flat liquid
crystal display (LCD) screen and weighing about one to four kilograms.
The two main types of laptop computers are notebooks and subnotebooks.
Notebooks
A notebook computer is a portable computer that
weighs two to four kilograms and is roughly the size of
a large thick notebook, around 35 × 25 × 4 centimetres.
They have a fairly large LCD colour screen (about 30 cm
across) and a fairly large keyboard, usually with a small
touch-sensitive pad, which serves as a mouse. Notebook
PCs can easily be packed into a briefcase or backpack, or
simply held under your arm. They can use power from
an electrical outlet or rechargeable batteries. Notebooks
are usually just as powerful as a desktop PC, but cost
more than their equivalent desktop PC. The processing
speed and storage capacity can vary widely depending on
the needs of the user. The processor speed for a typical
notebook computer ranges from 2.2 GHz to 3.1 GHz.
These devices usually have between 4 GB and 32 GB of
RAM and a storage capacity that varies from 512 GB to
1 TB. A notebook computer is a very portable device given
its relatively light weight and a battery life that varies
between 9 hours and 17 hours depending on the brand.
▲ Figure 1.11 A notebook computer

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 1 Types of computers and their parts

Subnotebooks
A subnotebook computer is a very portable device. It usually weighs
between 1 kg and 1.5 kg, can fit in a large jacket pocket and has a battery
life of more than 10 hours. It has a small screen and a small keyboard
without the mouse function. It can perform many of the same functions
as notebooks, but not to the same degree of complexity (difficulty).
Similar to a notebook, its processing speed and storage capacity can
vary widely depending on the needs of the user. The processor speed for
a typical subnotebook computer ranges from 1.6 GHz to 1.8 GHz. These
devices usually have between 4GB and 32 GB of RAM and a storage
capacity that varies from 256 GB to 1 TB.
Netbooks
A netbook is a small, low-power notebook computer
that weighs less than 1.5 kg and has a battery, which
can provide between 6 to 12 hours of service before
needing to be recharged. It has a smaller screen size
(less than 30 cm), smaller keyboard size and less
processing power than a full-sized laptop. It is designed
to be simple and can be used to perform easy tasks
like word processing, email, internet browsing, light
entertainment and light productivity. They typically
have less RAM and hard disk capacity than laptops.
The processor speed for a typical netbook computer
ranges from 1.5 GHz to 1.7 GHz. These devices usually
have between 2 GB and 4 GB of RAM and a storage
capacity that varies from 64 GB to 256 GB. ▲ Figure 1.12 A netbook and wireless mouse

Tablet PCs
A tablet PC is a thin, lightweight mobile computer
that typically weighs less than 1 kg and has a battery
that can provide between 15 and 18 hours of battery
life. It is smaller than a laptop but larger than a
smartphone. All tablets use a touchscreen as their
primary input device. Users can interact with the
device by using their finger or a stylus. They also
have the option to connect external devices such as
a keyboard or mouse wirelessly.
A tablet can be used for gaming, retrieving
information, keeping connected with others, shopping,
entertainment or taking notes in meetings and lectures
where a laptop may not be practical. A typical tablet
has a processing speed of between 1.5 GHz and
2.5 GHz, 2 GB to 16 GB RAM and a storage capacity
of between 256 GB and 1 TB. ▲ Figure 1.13 A tablet PC

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 Types of computers

Smartphones
A smartphone is a mobile phone that performs
many of the functions of a computer. It usually has
a touchscreen interface, internet access, and an
operating system capable of running downloaded
apps. Smartphones can be used to make phone calls,
surf the web, send and receive email messages, use
a variety of apps (WhatsApp, Waze, Facebook and
Uber) and play online games. The processing speed and
storage capacity of smartphones varies with price. The
greater the RAM, ROM and processing speed, the more
expensive the smartphone. An average smartphone
may have a processing speed of 2.3 GHz, 2 GB to 16 GB
of RAM and a storage capacity of between 16 GB
and 64 GB.
Wearable computers
The latest trend in computing is wearable computers.
Essentially, common computer applications (email,
database, multimedia, calendar/scheduler, health
monitoring system) are integrated into watches, cell
phones, visors and even clothing. For example, the
Apple Watch® is a wristwatch that interfaces with the
Apple iPhone® and the user can also download apps
such as a calculator app, camera app, weather app and
many more to the watch.
▲ Figure 1.14 Wearable computers
Embedded computers
An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer used
inside a device and is usually dedicated to specific functions.
It is housed on a single printed circuit board that provides all of the
circuitry necessary for a microprocessor, RAM, ROM and any necessary
components. It is connected to sensors, which are devices that detect
changes in the environment such as light, temperature or pressure, and
actuators, which are hardware output devices that convert an electrical
control signal into physical action. They are commonly used in items such
as answering machines, smart televisions, washing machines, cameras,
cars, motors, sewing machines, clocks and microwaves. For example, in a
microwave oven, the embedded system is designed to take directions from
the keypad and turn them into commands. If you program a microwave
oven to operate on high for two minutes, the embedded system instructs
the high-voltage transformer to operate on full discharge for two minutes.
When the two minutes expire, the embedded system commands the
transformer to turn off.
The processing speeds, memory and storage capacities of embedded
computers are usually much lower than a typical PC computer due to the
limited range of commands they are required to perform.
For example, the amount of RAM required for a typical application may
vary between 64 KB and 1 MB.
▲ Figure 1.15 The button panel on
a microwave

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 1 Types of computers and their parts

Exercise 2
True or False?
1 A desktop computer system is designed to stay in a single location.
2 Personal computers (PCs) are also sometimes called microcomputers.
3 A video game console is a highly specialised desktop computer used to play video games.
4 Notebook PCs are too large to be tucked into a briefcase or backpack.
5 A netbook computer is another name for a subnotebook computer.
6 A tablet can be used for gaming, retrieving information, keeping connected with others, shopping
and entertainment.
7 The Apple Watch® is an example of a wearable computer.
8 The functions in a microwave oven are controlled by an embedded computer.
9 A modern smartphone has the same processing capacity as a modern desktop computer.
10 The processor speed for a typical netbook computer ranges from 3.5 GHz to 4.1 GHz.
Multiple-choice questions
1 Which of the following is an example of an embedded computer system?
a Notebook b Netbook
c Tablet d Smart television
2 The processing speeds of modern laptop computers can be measured in:
a gigahertz. b kilohertz.
c gigabytes. d kilobytes.
3 Information can best be described as:
a raw facts. b raw data.
c processed data. d none of the above.
4 Which of the following is best suited for taking notes in meetings and lectures?
a Desktop computer b Notebook computer
c Netbook computer d Tablet computer
5 Which of the following is not a feature of a mobile device?
a Ability to access the internet
b A battery that powers the device and can last for several hours
c A physical or onscreen keyboard for entering information
d Can only operate when plugged into a power outlet

Minicomputers
Minicomputers have become outdated and are rarely
used today. They were very popular in the 1960s. Their
cost and processing capabilities were somewhere
between those of a PC and a mainframe computer.
They were used mainly in small manufacturing plants,
research labs and businesses. Mini-systems were
usually designed to simultaneously (at the same time),
support up to about 200 users. They allowed many
users to share access to central hardware through
work stations called terminals. A typical terminal has
a keyboard, a display screen and a cable that connects
the terminal to the computer system. Lower-capacity
models have as low as 64 to 192 MB of memory,
whereas higher-capacity models have as high as 1,024
to 32,768 MB of memory. Direct access storage disks
are attached directly to the server or computer and
allow a typical minicomputer to manage anywhere
from 4 GB to over 18,000 GB of data. ▲ Figure 1.16 Minicomputer

10

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 Types of computers

Mainframes
Mainframes are very powerful computers that are very expensive.
They offer more processor capacity and greater storage capacity than
a typical minicomputer. A mainframe can handle thousands of users
simultaneously. They are found in large organisations such as banks,
government agencies, insurance companies and corporations, where they
perform tasks that require a lot of computational power: typically, bulk
data processing such as censuses, industry/consumer statistics and bank
transaction processing. The IBM zSeries z14 Model M05 is currently one
of the most powerful mainframe computers available. The IBM z14 class
mainframe computer can have up to 170 processors operating at 5.2
GHz, up to 32 TB of Redundant Array of Independent Memory (RAIM) and
significant amounts of storage as required.

▲ Figure 1.17 The IBM System z14 mainframe computer

Supercomputers (‘monsters’) Did you know?

Supercomputers such as the IBM-built Summit, and Sierra, are the world’s
fastest and most powerful computers in the year 2019. Supercomputers The processing power and storage
are designed to process complex scientific applications. They are typically capacity of the modern PC is far
greater than that of a mainframe
used for ‘number crunching’ in scientific simulations, scientific research
computer of the 1960s.
and developments in areas such as energy, space exploration, medicine
and industry. Number crunching is the ability to perform large amounts of
numerical computations quickly. Similarly, the United States Department
of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) new Summit
supercomputer is providing scientists with incredible computing power to
solve challenges in energy, artificial intelligence (AI), human health and
other research areas that were simply out of reach until now. The Summit
has 9216 processors operating at 4.0 GHz and more than 10 petabytes
(PB) of total memory available, and has already set new records in AI and
traditional application performance. These systems are very expensive,
often costing millions of US dollars. ▲ Figure 1.18 A supercomputer

11

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 1 Types of computers and their parts

Generations of computers
Computers can be broadly classified into five generations. These
generations are based mainly on the basic electronic component that was
used to build the computer.

First generation (1945–1956)

The vacuum tube or valve was the main electronic
component of first-generation computers. This made the
computers very large; they contained many kilometres
of electrical wire, used a lot of electrical power and
generated a lot of heat. As vacuum tubes were blown so
easily, processing was unreliable. Also, each computer
had a different binary-coded program called a ‘machine
language’ that told it how to operate, and had to be
programmed directly in this machine language. This
made the computer difficult to program and limited its
versatility and speed.
The Harvard Mark I (electromechanical) was the first
computer in this generation. The ENIAC (Electronic
Numerical Integrator and Calculator), produced in ▲ Figure 1.19 The ENIAC computer
1946, was the first computer to use electrical signals
for calculating and storing results with no mechanical
operations involved. Other first-generation computers
include UNIVAC, Burroughs 220 and the IBM 700 series. Did you know?
The transistor is considered to be
Second generation (1956–1963) one of the greatest inventions of
Transistors were invented in 1947 and these formed the basis for second- modern times. Without transistors,
generation computers. A transistor is a device used to open and close a modern computers would not have
circuit in computer processors and digital memory. Computers became been possible. The transistor was
smaller, faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient than their invented at Bell Laboratories in
predecessors. The machine languages of the first-generation computers December 1947 by John Bardeen,
were replaced by assembly language, allowing abbreviated programming Walter Brattain and William
Shockley. They were awarded the
codes to replace long, difficult binary codes. Some popular second-
1956 Nobel Prize in physics for their
generation computers include the IBM 1400 and 1600 series, UNIVAC III, outstanding achievement.
NCR 300 series and the Burroughs B500 series.

Third generation (1964–1970)

With the invention of the integrated circuit (IC), or
chip, computers became even smaller, faster, more
reliable, more energy-efficient and cheaper than their
predecessors. Another third-generation development
was the invention and use of ‘high-level’ languages,
which used English words and the base-10 number
system to program the computer. Some third
generation computers include the IBM System 3 and
System 7, UNIVAC 9000 series, NCR Century series
and the Burroughs 6700.

▲ Figure 1.20 A
 third-generation computer

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 Generations of computers

Fourth generation (1971–present)

Fouth-generation computers are still based on the chip, but with many
more components packed inside. First, there was large-scale integration
(LSI), where hundreds of components were placed on the chip. By the
1980s, very large-scale integration squeezed thousands of components
onto a chip. Ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI) increased that number to
millions of components. Computers became even smaller, cheaper and
much more reliable; their processing capabilities increased accordingly.
Some early examples of fourth-generation computers include
the IBM System 3090 and RISC 6000, the HP 9000 and the
Cray 2 XMP.
As the years have gone by, the size of a chip has decreased to the
14 nanometre (nm) size that is used in the IBM z14 today. Performance ▲ Figure 1.21 A
 robot is a fifth-generation
gains (improvements) now depend not only the speed of the chip, but computer.
also on the system innovation (new technological advances) adding to the
complexity on the chip. The requirements that drive the complexity have Did you know?
also changed along the way. An example is the requirement for security
Cyber Monday is name for the
in today’s digital world. The IBM z14 is capable of processing over Monday after the US Thanksgiving
12.5 billion fully-encrypted transactions in a day, the equivalent of holiday, where shops provide
400 Cyber Mondays on a single system. huge discounts to shoppers when
shopping online.
Fifth generation (present–future)
Fifth-generation computers will be
able to mimic many of the things Emerging technologies: Quantum computers
that so far have only been within the Quantum computers are designed to exploit certain properties of quantum
capacity of human beings to achieve, mechanics (a physical science dealing with the behaviour of matter and energy
namely that they will demonstrate on the scale of atoms and subatomic particles/waves) to solve problems that
a certain level of artificial would be impractical or impossible for a classical (digital) computer to solve.
intelligence (AI). For example, fifth- Quantum computers work by using qubits. These qubits are not limited to
generation computers, including values of either 1 or 0 like classical bits, but can represent both a 1 and a 0 at
standard PCs, are starting to accept the same time through superposition. Qubits, when in a superposition, can be
spoken word instructions (voice entangled; that is, a state of one qubit (either 1 or 0) can depend on the state of
recognition) and can now assist another. Through the use of these qubits, sophisticated switches can be made to
compute certain problems that are difficult for classical computers to do.
doctors in making very specific
diagnoses (expert systems).
Computers of this generation
make use of parallel processing: they
are capable of performing multiple,
simultaneous operations using more
than one microprocessing chip.
This makes them especially
powerful. The eventual goal of
fifth-generation computers is to
develop devices that respond to
natural language input and are
capable of ‘learning’. An AI program
would eliminate the need for users
to write programs, since they could
communicate their orders to the ▲ Figure 1.22 D
 -Wave 2000Q™ quantum computer
computer in ordinary English.

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 1 Types of computers and their parts

Chapter 1: Summary
n Storage refers to the media and devices used to keep n The primary memory holds data and instructions
data and instructions for immediate or later use. that the computer is processing at the time.
n A computer is an electronic device that processes n Primary memory consists of: Random Access
data following a set of instructions. Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM)
n A computer system is a complete computer, which chips.
includes both hardware and software. n The motherboard is the main printed circuit board
n Data is all the raw facts and figures that a computer of a computer that contains the CPU, and the RAM
processes by following a set of instructions (called a and ROM chips. It allows all the parts of a computer
program) to produce information. to receive power and communicate with one another.
n Information and communications technology (ICT) n Output devices translate information that is
is the use of computer hardware, software and processed by the computer into a form that the
telecommunications devices to store, manipulate, user can understand.
convert, protect, send and receive data. n We classify computer systems as personal
n Information technology (IT) deals with the computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers,
study of data and data processing, and may also supercomputers, quantum computers and
apply to the management of computer systems, embedded computers.
particularly in a business setting. n Personal computers (PCs), also called desktop
n Computer science is the study of computer or microcomputers, are the most common
technology (both computer hardware and software). computers. We design PCs to be used by one
n We use computers for their great speed, accuracy, person at a time. A PC can usually fit on an office
large storage capacity and ability to work desk and consists of a system unit, a keyboard,
continuously in solving a variety of problems. a mouse and a display screen.
n Hardware is all the parts of the computer system n Minicomputers have become outdated and are rarely
that you can see and touch. It consists of both the used today. They were very popular in the 1960s.
internal and external components of the computer. Their cost, storage and processing capabilities were
n Peripherals are external hardware devices that between those of a PC and a mainframe computer.
are not essential to a computer’s function and n Mainframes are very powerful computers and are
are usually connected to the computer by a cable very expensive. They offer faster processing speeds
or wirelessly. These devices include keyboards, and greater storage capacity than a typical mini.
printers, speakers, mice and hard drives. n Supercomputers are the largest, fastest and
n Software is a set of instructions (a program) that a most powerful computers at present. They are
computer needs to carry out its tasks. typically used for ‘number crunching’ in scientific
n Input, processing and output are the three stages simulations, scientific research and development.
of processing. n A mobile device refers to devices such as laptops,
n We use input devices to enter data and instructions tablets, smartphones and PDAs.
into the computer for processing. n Laptops, notebooks, subnotebooks and netbooks
n The central processing unit (CPU) is the ‘brain’ of are all portable computers with flat LCD screens.
the computer. It comprises the control unit (CU), n A tablet PC is a computer that looks like a
the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and registers. notebook computer except that data is entered
n The control unit is the main part of the CPU. with a digitising tablet or touchscreen.
It directs and coordinates all the CPU activities. n A smartphone is a cell phone that has many of the
n A register is a temporary storage location that capabilities of a computer.
holds a single instruction or data item. n A video game console is a highly specialised
n The program counter holds the address of desktop computer used to play video games.
the current instruction (the instruction being n A wearable computer is an electronic device, capable
processed) and the instruction register holds the of storing and processing data that is incorporated
instruction itself. into a person’s clothing or personal accessories.
n The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs all the n An embedded computer is used inside a device and
arithmetic and logic functions in a computer. is usually dedicated to specific functions.

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 Chapter 1: Questions
Fill in the blanks 8 The most popular computers today are mainframe
1 A set of instructions that a computer needs to carry computers.
out its tasks is known as a ______.
9 A register can hold data permanently.
2 ______ is a set of raw facts and figures. 
10 The program counter is found in the control unit.
3 ______ are used to get the data and instructions
Multiple-choice questions
into the computer for processing.
1 Which of the following devices is not found in the
4 Processing takes place in that part of the computer CPU of a computer?
known as the ______. a Arithmetic logic unit b Secondary storage
c Control unit d Register
5 ______ computers will be able to mimic many of the
things that so far can only be done by human beings. 2 Where in the computer would the instructions to
add two numbers be carried out?
6 The ______ directs and coordinates all the activities
a Screen b External storage
within the CPU.
c CPU d Keyboard
7 A(n) ______ computer is a special purpose
3 Which of these is a function of the control unit?
computer that is used inside a device and is usually
a Fetch and decode instructions from memory
dedicated to specific functions.
b Store data for processing
8 A ______ is a temporary storage location that holds c Perform logical operations
a single instruction or data item. d Perform arithmetic operations
9 The ______ holds the address of the current 4 Which of the following types of computers has the
instruction in the control unit. fastest processing speed?
a Laptops b Mainframes
10 The ______ performs all the arithmetic and logic
c Embedded computers d Supercomputers
functions in a computer.
5 Which of the following is not an example of a
11 The ______ holds data and instructions that the
peripheral device?
computer is processing at the time.
a Keyboard b Mouse
12 ______ translate information processed by c RAM d Speakers
the computer into a form that the user can
6 A program is a:
understand.
a hardware device. b memory device.
True or False? c set of instructions. d register.
1 Data and information are the same.
7 Which device is not found in the CPU?
2 The CPU is the main part of the computer. a ALU b Control unit
c Instruction register d Printer
3 All the data is processed in the memory unit.
8 The ALU processes data and stores it in:
4 The control unit sends data from the memory to
a the main memory. b the instruction register.
the ALU for processing.
c the control unit. d the program counter.
5 Output devices translate information processed
9 Which one of the following is not a function of the
by the computer into a form that the user can
control unit?
understand.
a Fetch instructions from memory
6 A modern mainframe has the same processing b Decode instructions
power as a very powerful PC. c Process instructions
d Fetch data for required instructions
7 An embedded computer is housed on a single
microprocessor board.

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 10 Complex scientific research is usually done using: 3 A friend would like to buy a computer to play
a personal computers. b supercomputers. computer games. She would like you to provide her
c minicomputers. d mainframe computers. with a list of suggestions of the specifications for
this computer, as well as three computers on the
Short-answer questions
market that she can buy, which would allow her to
1 Define the terms ‘hardware’ and ‘software’.
play most of the modern computer games.
2 Using examples, explain the difference between
4 Use the internet to research these tasks:
data and information.
a Create a timeline to show the evolution of
3 Draw a diagram showing the three stages of processors.
processing. b Explain how computers are used in predicting
weather forecasts, modelling, data crunching
4 a Draw a block diagram to illustrate the main
and automation.
components of a computer system.
b Describe the functions of the two main units Crossword
found in the central processing unit. 1 2

5 Explain the purpose of the following devices:

a input device. b output device.
c main memory.
3 4
6 State FOUR reasons why we use computers.
7 Describe the features of a personal computer (PC).
8 a Explain the difference between a mainframe
computer and a supercomputer. 5
b State TWO reasons why a bank may want to
purchase a mainframe computer.
c Differentiate between a notebook computer and
a subnotebook computer.
d What is an embedded computer? 6

9 Discuss with your classmates how a portable

computer could assist these professionals:
a a teacher. b a police officer.
c a newspaper reporter. d a sales representative. 7

Research questions
1 Your school principal wants to purchase a very Across
fast desktop computer for the school and a laptop 1 A device in the control unit that is used to store
computer for himself. He asks you to prepare a list data and instructions that are needed immediately
of the five fastest desktop computers and a list and frequently (8)
of the five fastest laptop computers. Present the
3 A set of instructions that the computer needs to
information in a table with the following headings:
carry out a task (7)
name of computer, processing speed, manufacturer
and approximate cost. 5 It represents billions of machine cycles per second (9)
2 Using the internet to conduct your research, make 6 Also known as the brain of the computer (9)
a list of the top five most powerful supercomputers 7 Performs the logic functions in the computer (3)
in the world. You are required to create a table
with the name of the computer, processing speed, Down
the purpose for which the computer is used, 2 A special-purpose computer used inside a device (8)
manufacturer and approximate cost. 4 A type of intelligence that will be used in fifth-
generation computers (10)

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