INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
PROGRAMING
Chapter 1
Computer Generation, types and
parts of digital computers
OUTLINE INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
What is computer
Computer generation
Computer types
Main parts of digital computer
Hardware parts
Software parts
Characteristics of computers
WHAT IS COMPUTER INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
computer
is an electronic device that accepts data and instructions
from a user, manipulates the data according to the
instructions, displays the information in some way, and
stores the information for retrieval later
COMPUTER GENERATION INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
First Generation (1940-1956)
• Vacuum tube technology • Very costly
• Unreliable • Huge size
• Supported Machine • Need of A.C.
language only • Non portable
• Generate lot of heat • Consumed lot of
• Slow Input/Output electricity
device
COMPUTER GENERATION INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Second Generation (1956-1963)
• Use of transistors • Consumed less
• Reliable as compared to electricity as
First generation compared to First
computers
generation computers
• Smaller size as compared
to First generation • Still very costly
computers • A.C. needed
• Generate less heat as
compared to First
generation computers
• Support machine and
assembly languages
• Faster than first
generation computers
COMPUTER GENERATION INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Third Generation (1964-1971)
• IC(integrated • Faster
circuits ) used • Lesser maintenance
• More reliable • Still costly
• Smaller size • A.C needed
• Generate less heat • Consumed lesser
electricity
• Support high level
language
COMPUTER GENERATION INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Fourth Generation (1971-1990)
All the Higher level languages like C and C++, DBASE
etc. were used in this generation.
• VLSI technology used • Great developments in
• Very cheap the fields of networks
• Portable and reliable • Computers
available
became easily
• Use of PC's
• Very small size
• Pipeline processing
• No A.C. needed
• Concept of internet
was introduced
COMPUTER GENERATION INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond)
All the Higher level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net
etc. are used in this generation.
• ULSI technology • Advancement in
• Development of true Superconductor technology
artificial intelligence • More user friendly
interfaces with multimedia
• Development of Natural features
language processing
• Availability of very powerful
• Advancement in Parallel and compact computers at
Processing cheaper rates
COMPUTER TYPES INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Microcomputer
A personal computer;
designed to meet the
computer needs of an
individual.
Provides access to a
wide variety of
computing
applications, such as
word processing, photo
editing, e-mail, and
internet.
COMPUTER TYPES INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Desktop Microcomputer
A microcomputer that
fits on a desk and runs
on power from an
electrical wall outlet.
The CPU can be
housed in either a
vertical or a horizontal
case.
Has separate
components (keyboard,
mouse, etc.) that are
each plugged into the
computer.
COMPUTER TYPES INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Laptop Computer
A portable, compact
computer that can run on an
electrical wall outlet or a
battery unit.
All components (keyboard,
mouse, etc.) are in one
compact unit.
Usually more expensive than
a comparable desktop.
Sometimes called a
Notebook.
COMPUTER TYPES INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Supercomputer
A computer that was the fastest in the world at the
time it was constructed.
Can tackle tasks that would not be practical for
other computers.
Typical uses
Breaking codes
Modeling weather systems
COMPUTER TYPES INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Mainframe
Large expensive computer
capable of simultaneously
processing data for
hundreds or thousands of
users.
Used to store, manage, and
process large amounts of
data that need to be
reliable, secure, and
centralized.
Usually housed in a closet
sized cabinet.
COMPUTER TYPES INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Server
Purpose is to “serve.”
A computer that has
the purpose of
supplying its users
with data; usually
through the use of a
LAN (local area
network).
MAIN PARTS OF DIGITAL COMPUTER INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Includes computer hardware and software
Hardware refers to the physical components of a
computer
Software refers to the intangible components of a
computer system, particularly the programs, or
lists of instructions, the computer needs to
perform a specific task
The design and construction of the hardware
of a particular computer is referred to as its
architecture or configuration
PARTS OF COMPUTER
Hardware
3/11/2015
Software
Refers to the physical components Refers to a series of instructions
by Welday G.
that make up a computer system. that tells the computer what tasks
These include: to perform and how to perform
them.
Input devices eg. Mouse,
System software eg. Windows
keyboard, scanner 7, Ubuntu, windows 8
Output devise eg. Printer, Application software eg. VLC
player, games, paint, web browser
speaker, monitor
Storage devices eg. Primary 16
storage, secondary storage
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE EXAMPLES
3/11/2015
Hardware Software
by Welday G.
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