Computer is an electronic device, It is derived from the Latin word "computare" which

means to calculate. A machine that process data, manage various operations &
computations depending upon the instructions given by a hardware or software programs.

The computer is specially designed to execute certain applications that provide a wide
range of solutions to the problems by merging the components of software as well as
integrated hardware.

The computer is a device or a machine made up of several parts or components that allows
a user to operate. A computer has majorly two categories:

. Software
. Hardware

A computer device works with software applications that are exported to the hardware
structure for interpretation, reading & execution processes. A computer device is classified
as per computing power, mobility, size, capacity & other factors such as desktop computers,
laptops, Personal Computer, Handheld Computer & many more devices.
The basic parts without which a computer cannot work are as follows:

Processor: It executes instructions from software and hardware.

Memory: It is the primary memory for data transfer between the CPU and storage.

Motherboard: It is the part that connects all other parts or components of a computer.

Storage Device: It permanently stores the data, e.g., hard drive.

Input Device: It allows you to communicate with the computer or to input data, e.g., a
keyboard.

Output Device: It enables you to see the output, e.g., monitor.

There are Four Types of Computers

We have four different computer types classified according to their performance, power,
and size. A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it, stores, and then
produces an output.

1. Super Computers
2. Mainframe Computers
3. Mini Computers
4. Micro Computers

Supercomputers : Supercomputers are very expensive, very fast, and the most powerful
computers we have in the world.

Supercomputers are optimized to execute a few numbers of programs. This makes it

possible for them to execute these few programs at a very high speed. Due to their
inhibiting cost, they are used in high-end places like in scientific research centers. The
supercomputer consists of thousands of processors making it clock very high speeds
measured by petaflops.

These computer types are also very large in size due to the numerous parts and
components involved in their design.
Mainframe Computers : These are large and expensive computer types capable of
supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. Thus, they are mostly
used by governments and large organizations for bulk data processing, critical applications,
transaction processing, census, industry and consumer statistics among others. They are
ranked below supercomputers.
Mini Computers : Minicomputers are mid-sized computers. In terms of size and power,
minicomputers are ranked below mainframes. A minicomputer is a multiprocessing system
capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously.

The use of the term Minicomputer has diminished and they have merged with servers.
Micro Computers or Personal Computers : A personal computer is a computer designed
to be used by one user at a time. The term microcomputer relates to the microprocessor
which is used with a personal computer for the purpose of processing data and instruction
codes. These are the most common computer types since they are not very expensive.

Microcomputers Are Classified as Desktop and Portable (Mobile) Computers

The Desktop Computers

Desktop computers are not built to be mobile. They are moved, but only to a new desktop
location and with the power supply inactive. There are a number of major differences
between computers that are intended to be used in one place as a desktop and portables or
mobiles that can be easily moved from one location to another.

Desktop computers are large and heavy in comparison to portables. They can be carried in
specially manufactured cases, but only to assist a support engineer in moving, not as a
frequent procedure. The monitor, keyboard, and mouse are all separate items on a desktop.
Portable or Mobile Computers

Portable or mobile computers are manufactured with a very important feature; they are
portable (are designed for mobility). This means a computer user can be able to move with
it from one point to another comfortably. One can also work from any location irrespective
of if there is a power source.

1. Are small, compact and light in weight

2. Have their own power in the form of a battery but of course, it does not last forever, thus
they have to be plugged to a source of power once in a while.

These portable devices are produced in a variety of sizes and very high processing
capabilities. Good examples are Laptops, Palmtops, PDAs.
The basis of Data Handling capability computers are three types:

1. Analogue Computer
2. Digital Computer
3. Hybrid Computer
1. Analogue Computer
Analogue Computers are designed to process the analogue data. Analogue data is
continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values such as speed,
temperature, pressure and current.

The analogue computers measure the continuous changes in physical quantity and
generally render output as a reading on a dial or scale.

Analogue computers directly accept the data from the measuring device without first
converting it into numbers and codes.
Speedometer and mercury thermometer are examples of analogue computers.

2. Digital Computer
Digital Computer is designed to perform calculations and logical operations at high speed.
It accepts the raw data as digits or numbers and processes it with programs stored in its
memory to produce output. All modern computers like laptops and desktops that we use at
home or office are digital computers.

3. Hybrid Computer
Hybrid Computer has features of both analogue and digital computer. It is fast like
analogue computer and has memory and accuracy like digital computers. It can process
both continuous and discrete data. So it is widely used in specialized applications where
both analogue and digital data is processed. For example, a processor is used in petrol
pumps that converts the measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price.

The Generations of Computers are classified based on its operations and devices used in it.
Also, consider the architectures, language, technology, and modes of operation.

Generations of Computers and its Time Periods:

 First Generation of computers : Vacuum Tubes (1940-1956)

 Second Generation of computers : Transistors (1956-1963)
 Third Generation of computers : Integrated Circuits (1964-1971)
 Fourth Generation of computers : Microprocessors (1972-2010)
 Fifth Generation of computers : Artificial Intelligence (2010 - Present)

First Generation of computers : Vacuum Tubes (1940-1956)

The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes as a major piece of technology.
Vacuum tubes were widely used in computers from 1940 through 1956. Vacuum tubes were
larger components and resulted in first generation computers being quite large in size,
taking up a lot of space in a room. Some of the first generation computers took up an entire
room.
These first generation computers relied on ‘machine language’ (which is the most basic
programming language that can be understood by computers). These computers were
limited to solving one problem at a time. Input was based on punched cards and paper
tape. Output came out on print-outs. The two notable machines of this era were
the UNIVAC and ENIAC machines – the UNIVAC is the first every commercial computer
which was purchased in 1951 by a business – the US Census Bureau.

Second Generation of computers : Transistors (1956-1963)

The second generation of computers saw the use of transistors instead of vacuum tubes.
Transistors were widely used in computers from 1956 to 1963. Transistors were smaller
than vacuum tubes and allowed computers to be smaller in size, faster in speed, and
cheaper to build.

The first computer to use transistors was the TX-0 and was introduced in 1956. Other
computers that used transistors include the IBM 7070, Philco Transac S-1000, and RCA
501.

Third Generation of computers : Integrated Circuits (1964-1971)

The third generation of computers introduced the use of IC (Integrated Circuits) in
computers. Using IC's in computers helped reduce the size of computers even more
compared to second-generation computers, as well as make them faster.

Nearly all computers since the mid to late 1960s have utilized IC's. While the third
generation is considered by many people to have spanned from 1964 to 1971, IC's are still
used in computers today. Over 45 years later, today's computers have deep roots going
back to the third generation.
Fourth Generation of computers : Microprocessors (1972-2010)
The fourth generation of computers took advantage of the invention of
the microprocessor, more commonly known as a CPU. Microprocessors, along with
integrated circuits, helped make it possible for computers to fit easily on a desk and for the
introduction of the laptop.
Some of the earliest computers to use a microprocessor include the Altair 8800, IBM 5100,
and Micral. Today's computers still use a microprocessor, despite the fourth generation
being considered to have ended in 2010.

Fifth Generation of computers : Artificial Intelligence (2010 -

Present)
The fifth generation of computers is beginning to use AI (artificial intelligence), an
exciting technology that has many potential applications around the world. Leaps have been
made in AI technology and computers, but there is still room for much improvement.

One of the more well-known examples of AI in computers is IBM's Watson, which has been
featured on the TV show Jeopardy as a contestant. Other better-known examples
include Apple's Siri on the iPhone and Microsoft's Cortana on Windows 8 and
Windows 10 computers. The Google search engine also utilizes AI to process user
searches.