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INTRODUCTION
 The term computer is derived from the word ‘compute’, which
means ‘to calculate’.

 The impact of computers in our day to day life is tremendous and

visible in all fields.

 Similarly in modern libraries, various activities are performed with

the help of computers. In this lesson, you will learn about works,
and functions of a computer.

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OBJECTIVE
In this chapter you will learn about:

 Computer;

 Data processing;

 Characteristic features of computers;

 Computers’ evolution to their present form;

 Computer generations; and

 Characteristic features of each computer generation;

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WHAT IS COMPUTER?
 Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the
user and processes these data under the control of set of instructions (called
program) and gives the result (output) and saves output for the future use. It can
process both numerical and non-numerical (arithmetic and logical) calculations.

A computer has Five functions:

a) Accepts Data Input

b) Processes Data Processing
c) Produces Output Output
d) Stores Results Storage
e) Controlling Control

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WHAT IS COMPUTER?
 Input (Data): Input is the raw information entered into a computer from the input
devices. It is the collection of letters, numbers, images etc.

 Process: Process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally internal
process of the computer system.

 Output: Output is the processed data given by computer after data processing. Output is
also called as Result. We can save these results in the storage devices for the future use.

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DATA PROCESSING
The activity of processing data using a computer is called data processing.

Data is raw material used as input and information is processed data obtained
as output of data processing.
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CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER
 SPEED:
• Computer can perform data processing jobs very fast, usually measured in microseconds
(10-6), nanoseconds (10-9), and picoseconds (10-12).

• A powerful computer is capable of performing several billion (109) simple arithmetic

operations per second.

• It takes few minutes for the computer to process huge amount of data and give the result.

 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).

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CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER
 DILIGENCE:
• Computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of concentration. It can continuously
work for hours without creating any error and without grumbling.

 VERSATILITY:
• The computer is highly versatile. You can use it for a number of tasks simultaneously
such as, for inventory management, preparation of electrical bills, preparation of pay
cheques, etc. Similarly, in libraries computer can be used for various library house
keeping operations like acquisition, circulation, serial control, etc. and also by students
for searching library books on the computer terminal.
• Computer is capable of performing almost any task, if the task can be reduced to a finite
series of logical steps.
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CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER
 POWER OF REMEMBERING:
• Computer has the power of storing large amount of information or data. Any
information can be stored and recalled whenever required for any numbers of years.

• It depends entirely upon you how much data you want to store in a computer and when
to retrieve or delete stored data.

 AUTOMATIC:
• Given a job, computer can work on it automatically without human interventions.

• Once it started on a job they carry on until the job is finished.

• Computer cannot start themselves.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER
 DUMB MACHINE WITH NO IQ:
• A computer does only what it is programmed to do. It cannot take its own decision in
this regard.

• It is for you to decide what you want to do and in which sequence. So, a computer
cannot take decision of its own as human beings can take.

 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).

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 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF COMPUTER

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EVOLUTION OFF 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;

 Charles Babbage is considered to be the father of modern digital computers

• Characteristic features of each computer generation;

• 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
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digital
computer;
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);

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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;

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COMPUTER GENERATIONS

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COMPUTER GENERATIONS

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COMPUTER GENERATIONS

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COMPUTER GENERATIONS

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Electronic Devices Used in Computers of
Different Generation

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CLASSIFICATION OF THE COMPUTER
1. On the basis of working principle
a) Analog Computer;

An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is

a form of computer that uses continuous physical
phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic
quantities to model the problem being solved.

The data is continuously variable, the results obtained

are estimated and not exactly repeatable.

Voltage, temperature and pressure are measured using

analog devices like voltmeters, thermometers and
barometers

Examples: Thermometer, Speedometer, Multi-Meter.

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CLASSIFICATION OF THE COMPUTER
b) Digital Computer;

A computer that performs calculations and logical

operations with quantities represented as digits,
usually in the binary number system.

In Digital Computers data is represented as

discrete units of electrical pulses. The data is
measured in quantities represented as either the
‘on’ or ‘off’ state.

Therefore, the results obtained from a digital

computer are accurate.

Virtually all of today’s computers are based on

digital computers.
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CLASSIFICATION OF THE COMPUTER
b) Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital);

A combination of computers those are

capable of inputting and outputting in
both digital and analog signals. A
hybrid computer system setup offers a
cost effective method of performing
complex simulations.

It has a speed of analog computer &

accuracy of digital computer.

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CLASSIFICATION OF THE COMPUTER
2. On the basis of Size
a) Super Computer;

• The fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are
employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of
mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a
supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include animated graphics,
fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and petroleum
exploration.
• The chief difference between a supercomputer and a
mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all its
power into executing a few programs as fast as
possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to
execute many programs concurrently.

• Ex: PARAM , EKA, BLUE GENE/P

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CLASSIFICATION OF THE COMPUTER
b) Mainframe Computer;

• It is a very large and expensive computer and is

capable of supporting hundreds, or even
thousands of users simultaneously. In the
hierarchy that starts with a simple
microprocessor (in watches, for example) at the
bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top,
mainframes are just below supercomputers. In
some ways, mainframes are more powerful than
supercomputers because they support
simultaneous programs. But, supercomputers can
execute a single program faster than a
mainframe.

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CLASSIFICATION OF THE COMPUTER
c) Mini Computer;

• A midsized computer. In size and power,

minicomputers lie between workstations and
mainframes. In the past decade, the distinction
between large minicomputers and small
mainframes has blurred, however, as has the
distinction between small minicomputers and
workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a
multiprocessing system capable of supporting
from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously.

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CLASSIFICATION OF THE COMPUTER
d) Micro Computer;

• Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini

computer sufficient to fit on a desk.

• Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete

with an integrated screen and keyboard. It is
generally smaller in size than a desktop computer
and larger than a notebook computer.

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CLASSIFICATION OF THE COMPUTER
d) Micro Computer;

• Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized computer.

Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and
output device.

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APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTER

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 APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTER
Education
 Computers have its dominant use in the education field which can
significantly enhance performance in learning. Even distance learning is
made productive and effective through internet and video-based classes.
Researchers have massive usage of these computers in their work from
the starting to till the end of their scholarly work.

Entertainment
 Computers have had a major impact on the entertainment industry. The
user can download and view movies, play games, chat, book tickets for
cinema halls, use multimedia for making movies, incorporate visual and
sound effects using computers, etc. The users can also listen to music,
download and share music, create music using computers, etc.

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 APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTER
Sports
 A computer can be used to watch a game, view the scores, improve the
game, play games (like PUBG, chess, ludo etc.) and create games. They
are also used for the purposes of training players.

Advertising
 With computers, advertising professionals create art and graphics, write
and revise copy, and print and disseminate ads with the goal of selling
more products.
Home
 Computers have now become an integral part of home equipment. At
home, people use computers to play games, to maintain the home
accounts, for communicating with friends and relatives via Internet, for
paying bills, for education and learning, etc. Microprocessors are
embedded in house hold utilities like, washing machines, TVs, food
processors, home theatres, security devices, etc.
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 APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTER
Science and Engineering
 Scientists and engineers use computers for performing complex scientific
calculations, for designing and making drawings (CAD/CAM applications) and
also for simulating and testing the designs. Computers are used for storing the
complex data, performing complex calculations and for visualizing 3–
dimensional objects. Complex scientific applications like the launch of the
rockets, space exploration, etc., are not possible without the computers.

Medicine
 Most of the medical information can now be digitized from the prescription to
reports. Computation in the field of medicine allows us to offer varied
miraculous therapies to the patients. ECG’s, radiotherapy wasn’t possible
without computers.
Business
 A computer has high speed of calculation, diligence, accuracy, reliability, or
versatility which made it an integrated part in all business
organizations. Computer is used in business organizations for: Payroll
calculations, Sales analysis, Budgeting, Financial forecasting, Managing
employees database and Maintenance of stocks etc.

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 APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTER
Military
 Computers are the main tools which help in developing missiles and
other equipment in the deference system. Designing and the
maintenance are possible only through computers. Computer builds the
links between the soldiers and commanders through the satellite.
Construction of weapons and controlling their function is not possible
without the aid of computers. The list of the criminals and the records
of the cops are maintained regularly in the system.

Banking
 Today banking is almost totally dependent on computer. Banks provide
the facilities of:
Banks provide online accounting facility, which includes current
balances, deposits, overdrafts, interest charges, shares, and trustee
records. ATM machines are making it even easier for customers to deal
with banks.
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 CAPABILITIES OF COMPUTER

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 LIMITATION OF COMPUTER

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