Problem solving using computer UCS 1001

Definition computer:
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates
information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and
process data. You may already know that you can use a
computer to type documents, send email, play games, and
browse the Web.
Computer is a machine that can process and store
information. Computers can perform a variety of tasks,
including:
Storing data: Computers can store data for a specified period
of time.
Processing information: Computers can process data by
using programs, software, or instructions.
Performing calculations: Computers can perform
calculations, such as algorithms, with speed and accuracy.
Displaying information: Computers can display information.
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Characteristics of computer :

Computers have several characteristics, including:

Speed: Computers can perform tasks much faster than

humans.
Accuracy: Computers can perform calculations and
operations with high accuracy, as long as the input is correct.
Diligence: Computers can work for long periods of time
without getting tired or distracted.
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Versatility: Computers can perform many different tasks by

changing the program or software.
Reliability: Computers are dependable and can work
consistently without breaking down.
Storage/Memory: Computers can store large amounts of
data and information, which can be retrieved when needed.
Automation: Computers can perform tasks automatically.

Different generations of Computer:

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First Generation computers

Main electronic component – vacuum tube
Vacuum Tubes-An electronic device that controls the flow of
electrons in a vacuum. It used as a switch, amplifier, or
display screen in many older model radios, televisions,
computers.

Main memory – magnetic drums and magnetic tapes

Programming language – machine language
Power – consume a lot of electricity and generate a lot of heat.
Speed and size – very slow and very large in size (often taking
up entire room).
Input/output devices – punched cards and paper tape.
Examples – ENIAC, UNIVAC1, IBM 650, IBM 701, etc.
Quantity – there were about 100 different vacuum tube
computers produced between 1942 and1963.

Second Generation Computers:

Main electronic component – transistor
Transistor-An electronic component that can be used as an
amplifier or as a switch. It is used to control the flow of
electricity in radios, televisions, computers, etc.

Memory – magnetic core and magnetic tape / disk

Programming language – assembly language
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Power and size – low power consumption, generated less

heat, and smaller in size (in comparison with the first
generation computers).
Speed – improvement of speed and reliability (in comparison
with the first generation computers).
Input/output devices – punched cards and magnetic tape.
Examples – IBM 1401, IBM 7090 and 7094, UNIVAC 1107, etc.

Third Generation Computers:

Main electronic component – integrated circuits (ICs)
Integrated Circuit-A small electronic circuit printed on a chip
(usually made of silicon) that contains many its own circuit
elements.
Memory – large magnetic core, magnetic tape / disk
Programming language – high level language (FORTRAN,
BASIC, Pascal, COBOL, C, etc.)
Size – smaller, cheaper, and more efficient than second
generation computers (they were called minicomputers).
Speed – improvement of speed and reliability (in comparison
with the second generation computers).
Input / output devices – magnetic tape, keyboard, monitor,
printer, etc.
Examples – IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11, UNIVAC 1108, etc.

Fourth Generation of Computers :

Problem solving using computer UCS 1001

Main electronic component – very large-scale integration

(VLSI) and microprocessor.
VLSI– thousands of transistors on a single microchip.
Memory – semiconductor memory (such as RAM, ROM, etc.)
RAM (random-access memory) – a type of data storage
(memory element) used in computers that temporary stores
of programs and data (volatile: its contents are lost when the
computer is turned off).
ROM (read-only memory) – a type of data storage used in
computers that permanently stores data and programs (non-
volatile: its contents are retained even when the computer is
turned off).
Programming language – high level language (Python, C#,
Java, JavaScript, Rust, etc.).
A mix of both third- and fourth-generation languages
Size – smaller, cheaper and more efficient than third
generation computers.
Speed – improvement of speed, accuracy, and reliability (in
comparison with the third generation computers).
Input / output devices – keyboard, pointing devices, optical
scanning, monitor, printer, etc.
Network – a group of two or more computer systems linked
together.
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Examples – IBM PC, STAR 1000, APPLE II, Apple Macintosh,

etc.

Fifth Generation of Computers

The main characteristics of fifth generation of computers (the

present and the future)
Main electronic component: based on artificial intelligence,
uses the Ultra Large-Scale Integration (ULSI) technology and
parallel processing method.
ULSI – millions of transistors on a single microchip
Parallel processing method – use two or more
microprocessors to run tasks simultaneously.
Language – understand natural language (human language).
Power – consume less power and generate less heat.
Speed – remarkable improvement of speed, accuracy and
reliability (in comparison with the fourth generation
computers).
Size – portable and small in size, and have a huge storage
capacity.
Input / output device – keyboard, monitor, mouse, trackpad
(or touchpad), touchscreen, pen, speech input (recognise
voice / speech), light scanner, printer, etc.
Example – desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.
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Types of Computer:
There are two bases on which we can define the types of
computers. We will discuss the type of computers on the
basis of size and data handling capabilities. We will discuss
each type of computer in detail. Let’s see first what are the
types of computers.

Super Computer
Mainframe computer
Mini Computer
Workstation Computer
Personal Computer (PC)
Server Computer
Analog Computer
Digital Computer
Hybrid Computer
Tablets and Smartphone
Now, we are going to discuss each of them in detail.

Supercomputer
When we talk about speed, then the first name that comes to
mind when thinking of computers is supercomputers. They
are the biggest and fastest computers (in terms of speed of
processing data). Supercomputers are designed such that
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they can process a huge amount of data, like processing

trillions of instructions or data just in a second. This is
because of the thousands of interconnected processors in
supercomputers. It is basically used in scientific and
engineering applications such as weather forecasting,
scientific simulations, and nuclear energy research. It was
first developed by Roger Cray in 1976.Characteristics of
Supercomputers
Supercomputers are the computers that are the fastest and
they are also very expensive.
It can calculate up to ten trillion individual calculations per
second, this is also the reason which makes it even faster.
It is used in the stock market or big organizations for
managing the online currency world such as Bitcoin etc.
It is used in scientific research areas for analysing data
obtained from exploring the solar system, satellites, etc.

Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that they
can support hundreds or thousands of users at the same
time. It also supports multiple programs simultaneously. So,
they can execute different processes simultaneously. All
these features make the mainframe computer ideal for big
organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which
process a high volume of data in general.
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Characteristics of Mainframe Computers

It is also an expensive or costly computer.
It has high storage capacity and great performance.
It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the
banking sector) very quickly.
It runs smoothly for a long time and has a long life.

Minicomputer
Minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer. In
this type of computer, there are two or more processors, and
it supports 4 to 200 users at one time. Minicomputer is similar
to Microcontroller. Minicomputers are used in places like
institutes or departments for different work like billing,
accounting, inventory management, etc. It is smaller than a
mainframe computer but larger in comparison to the
microcomputer.

Characteristics of Minicomputer
Its weight is low.
Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
Less expensive than a mainframe computer.
It is fast.
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Workstation Computer
A workstation computer is designed for technical or scientific
applications. It consists of a fast microprocessor, with a large
amount of RAM and a high-speed graphic adapter. It is a
single-user computer. It is generally used to perform a
specific task with great accuracy.

Characteristics of Workstation Computer

It is expensive or high in cost.
They are exclusively made for complex work purposes.
It provides large storage capacity, better graphics, and a more
powerful CPU when compared to a PC.
It is also used to handle animation, data analysis, CAD, audio
and video creation, and editing.

Personal Computer (PC)

Personal Computers is also known as a microcomputer. It is
basically a general-purpose computer designed for individual
use. It consists of a microprocessor as a central processing
unit(CPU), memory, input unit, and output unit. This kind of
computer is suitable for personal work such as making an
assignment, watching a movie, or at the office for office work,
etc. For example, Laptops and desktop computers.
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Characteristics of Personal Computer (PC)

In this limited number of software can be used.
It is the smallest in size.
It is designed for personal use.
It is easy to use.

Server Computer
Server Computers are computers that are combined data and
programs. Electronic data and applications are stored and
shared in the server computer. The working of a server
computer is that it does not solve a bigger problem like a
supercomputer but it solves many smaller similar ones.
Examples of server computer are like Wikipedia, as when
users put a request for any page, it finds what the user is
looking for and sends it to the user.

Analog Computer
Analog Computers are particularly designed to process
analog data. Continuous data that changes continuously and
cannot have discrete values are called analog data. So, an
analog computer is used where we don’t need exact values or
need approximate values such as speed, temperature,
pressure, etc. It can directly accept the data from the
measuring device without first converting it into numbers and
codes. It measures the continuous changes in physical
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quantity. It gives output as a reading on a dial or scale. For

example speedometer, mercury thermometer, etc.

Digital Computer
Digital computers are designed in such a way that they can
easily perform calculations and logical operations at high
speed. It takes raw data as input and processes it with
programs stored in its memory to produce the final output. It
only understands the binary input 0 and 1, so the raw input
data is converted to 0 and 1 by the computer and then it is
processed by the computer to produce the result or final
output. All modern computers, like laptops, desktops
including smartphones are digital computers.

Hybrid Computer
As the name suggests hybrid, which means made by
combining two different things. Similarly, the hybrid
computer is a combination of both analog and digital
computers. Hybrid computers are fast like analog computers
and have memory and accuracy like digital computers. So, it
has the ability to process both continuous and discrete data.
For working when it accepts analog signals as input then it
converts them into digital form before processing the input
data. So, it is widely used in specialized applications where
both analog and digital data are required to be processed. A
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processor which is used in petrol pumps that converts the

measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price is an
example of a hybrid computer.

Tablet and Smartphones

Tablets and Smartphones are the types of computers that are
pocket friendly and easy to carry is these are handy. This is
one of the best use of modern technology. These devices
have better hardware capabilities, extensive operating
systems, and better multimedia functionality. Smartphones
and tablets contain a number of sensors and are also able to
provide wireless communication protocols.

Uses of Computer:
Computers are playing a vital role in almost every field and
making our day-to-day tasks more manageable. Computers
were only used to perform complex numerical calculations in
a previous time, but they have reached too far and now
perform many different roles. They are now performing
diverse set functions from complicated calculations to
generating business reports, bill generation to education,
programming or development to entertainment, etc.

Because of their characteristics and powerful functionalities,

computers are used in various fields, such as homes,
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businesses, government offices, research organizations,

educational institutions, medical, entertainment, etc.
Computers have taken industries and businesses to a whole
new level. In this article, we have elaborated the most
common uses of computers in different fields:

Business
Currently, computers can be seen in almost every business.
Computers are almost part of a business setup because they
increase productivity and help race in a competitive
environment. In businesses, computers are primarily used to
store and manage accounts and personal data, maintain
projects, track inventory status, and make reports and
presentations. Besides, computers are best suited for
transaction processing because they are more accurate and
faster than humans. Computers also help people analyze
their investment, expenses, profits, sales and many other
aspects of the business.

Science
Scientists are amongst one of those people who use
computers as their primary work tool. In science, research
and engineering, computers are best suited for collecting,
analysing, categorizing, and storing the data. They also help
scientists to exchange data with each other both internally
Problem solving using computer UCS 1001

and internationally. Computers enable scientists from

different locations (such as different countries) to work
together on the same project with cloud support. Besides,
computers play a crucial role in launching, maintaining,
controlling spacecraft, and operating many other
technologies.

Government
In the government sector, computers are beneficial. They are
getting used to performing various functions in different
departments and improving their services’ quality, efficiency,
and productivity. Some examples of such services are city
planning, traffic control, law enforcement, infrastructure
developments, and tourism. In most cases, the primary
purposes of using computers are performing data processing
tasks, maintaining citizens’ database, and promoting a
paperless environment. Apart from this, computers are
playing a crucial role in the country’s defense system. They
are helping in missile development, rocket, satellite
launches, etc.

Health and Medical

Computers are radically changing the methods of diagnosis
in hospitals. They are used for maintaining patients’
information, records, live monitoring of patients, X-rays, and
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more. Everything is being digitized with the help of computers.

Computers help configure lab-tools, monitor heart rate, and
blood pressure, etc. Doctors get extra advantages in treating
patients with proper drugs and medicines. Additionally,
computers enable doctors to exchange patient’s data easily
with other medical specialists. Besides, advanced surgical
devices are based on robotics that helping surgeons to
conduct complex operations and surgeries remotely.

Education
Computers are broadly getting used in the education field.
They help people get different educational materials (such as
images, videos, e-books, etc.) in one place. All such
information can be accessed through the Internet.
Additionally, computers are best suited for online classes,
online tutoring, online examinations, and creating
assignments and projects. Apart from this, they can also be
used to maintain and monitor student performance and other
information.

Industry
Computers are used in industries to perform various tasks,
such as maintaining inventory, interior designing, designing
samples or virtual products, communicating over video
conferencing, and more. Online marketing has made it easier
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for people to buy products in rural areas. Online trading in

stock markets has also seen a significant revolution due to its
easy participation potential. Computers have enabled people
from different levels of different locations to participate easily
in stock marketing.

Banking
Banking has become so advanced in the past few years. Most
countries use online banking systems where customers can
access their data directly using computers and the Internet.
People can check their account balance, transfer money, and
pay online bills, including credit cards. Besides, Banks use
computers to perform transactions and store customer data,
transaction records, etc. Banks have reduced the number of
manual errors, number of employees, and costs to a great
extent by using computers. ATMs are the best example of
computers that are helping people to withdraw and deposit
the money themselves.

Entertainment
Computers nowadays are one of the best mediums for
entertainment. Computers can be used to watch movies,
play games, listen to music, etc. Computers combined with
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MIDI instruments can be used to record audio through

artificial instruments. Besides, people can also enjoy
recording their videos with webcam and apply several
entertaining AI effects. Several Photo editor programs are
also available with fabulous powerful features.

Training
Most companies use computers to provide training to their
employees. Computer-based training helps companies save
their time, money, and increase productivity. Also, computer-
based training can be used to train employees for large
distances in various locations. This will eliminate travel time
and costs, making the training process much more
comfortable and smoother.

Arts
Computers have become part of art, photography, dance, and
culture. Computers with advanced features allow users to
draw their projects directly on it. Besides, people can use
computers to digitize their photos. There are several photo
editor software that can help people edit and customize their
photos. Apart from this, the dance’s movements and steps
can be shown live with animations’ help.

Sports
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In today’s technologically developed world, computers are

being used in almost every sport. There are many sports
activities where computers are making things possible. In
sports, computers are mainly used to maintain scoreboards,
records, and other statistics. Furthermore, they are used to
analyze player movements and make various in-game
decisions. Computers help make complex in-game decisions
(especially in umpiring), which cannot be seen by human
eyes.

Robotics
Robotics is one of the emerging fields of technology that uses
computers for science and engineering as well as designing
machines. These machines can be virtual (such as software
bots) and physical ones that can reduce or eliminate human
workload. Additionally, some machines can perform heavy
tasks that humans cannot complete, or that may take a long
time to complete. Car manufacturing was one of the first
examples where robots helped to assemble car parts and
perform many other heavy tasks. However, nowadays, robots
are beneficial in many fields, such as exploring areas where
conditions are difficult for humans, helping the military,
helping law enforcement and helping health professionals,
etc.
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Safety and Security

Computers are capable of working together with different
equipment, tools, and technologies. When it comes to safety,
computers are widely being used with the security camera.
Almost every private and government organizations are
equipped with security cameras to monitor people and
goods. Also, these cameras are helping security intelligence
agencies to identify terrorists or criminals in public places.
Computers attached with a fingerprint scanner and face-
recognition technology have made it harder for fraudsters to
use fake identities and take government benefits using
someone else’s identity. Security systems have become so
powerful with the introduction of computer technology and
the Internet.

Publishing
Computers are one of the first choices when it comes to
publication. Computers are mainly used for designing
newsletters, novels, posters, magazines, or newspapers, etc.
They are suitable for almost every type of publication.
Computers can be seen in both types of publishing methods,
either its hard-copy or e-books. Apart from this, computers
play a vital role in blogging and writing articles on websites.

Weather Forecasting
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Weather forecasting is never easy for humans because it

depends on many factors that are continually changing. It is
almost impossible for humans to predict the weather without
using a computer. The weather forecasting process involves
complex computation and monitoring of data from satellites
and many other technological devices. The computer has
made it a little easier to predict weather conditions because
it can process information from different sources and make
complex calculations related to it, which are necessary for
forecasting. Computers process enormous amounts of
meteorological information during weather forecasting.

Communication
Computers have become one of the primary sources of
communication. Modern computers come with a built-in
webcam and microphone to make use of communication
easier. People can use software like Skype and Hangout to
connect with other people over the Internet. Because of the
videoconferencing feature, people can connect with audio
and video. Computers help families connect to their relatives,
businesses to organize meetings, and companies to take
interviews, between two different locations that are too far.
Apart from this, older communications methods such as
emails are also still used widely
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