Computer Generations

A generation refers to the state of improvement in the development and

advancements of computer technology.With each new generation the
circuitry become smaller and more advanced.

Key terms for Computer Generations

• Time Frame
• Circuit Components
• Elements per Component
• Internal Storage
• Memory Capacity
• Data Input
• Popular Computers and Companies
First Generations 1940- • Disadvantages
1956 • The computers were very
large in size.
 Circuit Components • They consumed a large
Vacuum Tubes amount of energy.
• They heated very soon.
 Internal Storage
• They were not very reliable.
Magnetic Drum • Air conditioning was required.
• Memory Capacity • Constant maintenance was
– 4,000 bits required.
• Data Input • Non-portable and Very slow
– Hard Wire Programs in speed and very faulty
computers Used machine language
only
• Popular Computers and
Companies
– IBM 650, Univac I
– ENIAC

Second Generation 1956-1963

• Circuit Components
– Transistors
• Internal Storage
– Magnetic Cores
• Memory Capacity
 – 32,000 bits

• Data Input
– Punch Cards
• Popular Computers and Companies
– CDC, GE, IBM

• Advantages • Disadvantages

• Smaller in size as compared to • Cooling system was required

the first-g- c. • Constant maintenance was
• more reliable and Wider required
commercial use • Commercial production was
• Used less energy and were not difficult
heated. • Only used for specific
• Better portability purposes
• Better speed and could • Costly and not versatile
calculate data in microseconds • Punch cards were used for
• Used faster peripherals like input.
tape drives, magnetic disks,
printer etc.
• Used Assembly language
instead of Machine language.
• For ex. MOV X,5

Third Generation 1964- Advantages

1971 1. Smaller in size as compared to
previous generations.
• Circuit Components 2. More reliable and Used less
– Silicon Chips (Integrated energy
3. Produced less heat
circuits)= IC
4. Better speed and could
• Internal Storage calculate data in nanoseconds.
– Cores, IC’s 5. Used fan for heat discharge to
• Memory Capacity prevent damage.
– 128,000 bits 6. Totally general purpose
• Data Input 7. Could be used for high-level
– Keyboard Entry languages.
8. Good storage, Less expensive.
• Popular Computers and Companies 9. Commercial production
– IBM, NCR, Honeywell increased.
10. Used mouse and
keyboard for input.
 Disadvantages
• Air conditioning was required.
• Highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacturing of IC
chips.
Fourth Generation 1971-1989
•Silicon Chips (Large scale integrated circuits)=LSI
•Internal Storage: IC’s, LSI’s, VLSI
•Memory Capacity
– 100 million bits
• Data Input
– Read programs off disks
• Popular Computers and Companies
– Apple, Xerox, Texas Instrument, Hewlett-Packard
Advantages

1. More powerful and reliable.

2. Totally general purpose and Small in size
3. Fast processing power with less power consumption
4. Fan for heat discharging so no air conditioning required.
5. Cheapest and Commercial production
6. All types of High level languages can be used in this type of computers.
Disadvantages
• The latest technology is required for manufacturing of Microprocessors

Fifth Generation present and beyond

 Circuit Components
o Silicon Chips ( Ultra Large Integrated Circuits) ULSI
 Fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are
still in development, though there are some applications, such as voice
recognition, that are being used today.
 Memory Capacity
o Unlimited
 Data Input
o Cd Rom, Optical Disk
 Popular Computers and Companies
o NEC, Packard Bell, Compaq, Other Clones
 TYPES OF COMPUTER
• Computers are classified according to:

– Purpose – Whether the computer is general purpose or special

purpose.

– Type of Data Handled – is using analog, digital data or a

combination of both.

– Capacity – the volume of work that the computer can handle is

large or small.

Classification according to purpose

• General Purpose • Special purpose
• Designed to handle variety • Designed to handle specific
of different problems and to problem or to perform special
meet different needs. task.
• Normally weak in speed & • Use for specific task like
efficiency as compared to Satellite tracking, industrial
Special purpose computer. process, house hold devices.
• Use for applications such as
payroll, accounts, inventory
control, budgeting and sales
analysis.

Classification according to data handled

Analog computer Digital Computers Hybrid Computer
• Analog computer were • Digital computer are • The combination of
commonly used for specialized in counting, the features of analog
scientific & engineering digital computer handles and digital computer
problems, particularly in values that are in a discrete is called Hybrid
chemical industry, (binary 1 or 0). computer. Having
electric power plants, • Digital computer counts both digital & analog
and petroleum and answer the questions features.
refineries. by the method of “HOW • Used in various
• These type of Many”. The input data is areas of engineering,
computers are rarely represented by a number. space vehicle
use in current world. These are used for the simulation and
• Example is an electric logical and arithmetic training of
current meter, Fuel operations. astronauts,
pump station meters • All commonly used passenger flight
etc. computers are DIGITAL radar system, also
used to control
robots.

Classification according to capacity

Types of computer
computer

Digital Analog Hybrid

computer computer Computer

Micro Main frame Super Mini

Computer Computer Computer Computer

Desktop Workstation Laptops Handheld

Micro Computer
• Micro computer are the smallest computer system. Their sizes range
from calculator to desktop. Its CPU is a microprocessor. It is also known
as Grand child Computer.
• There are two sub categories in it. One is PC which is less in price &
reliability, other is Workstation which is expensive in price & reliability
comparing with PC
• Application : - personal computer, Multi user system, offices.
Portable computers (Mobile computers)
Micro Computer
Features:
1. These computers can transported anywhere.
2. Lightweights less power uses
3. Subcategory:- Laptop, Palmtops, e.t.c.

Mini Computer
 • These are also small general purpose system. They are generally more
powerful and most useful as compared to micro computer. Mini
computer are also known as mid range computer or Child computer.

• Now the term is not in use, once it was between mainframe & personal
computer category, this category was defeated by PC or desktop
computers because of reduce price and better performance in speed.

• Mini Computers are now replaced with Servers.

• Application :- Departmental systems, Network Servers, work group

system.

Servers

1. Similar to desktop computers but more powerful and reliable. With

fault tolerant features.
2. Using Multiple Processors 2-8 etc., Memory in GB’s, storage in TB’s
3. USE IN:
4. Medium Size or Small organizations, Accounts Servers, email servers,
Web servers e.t.c.

Main Frame Computer

Mainframe computers are those computers that offer faster processing and
grater storage area. It is also known as Father computer.

• Designed for Multiple user interfaces. Different people can operate

these computers at the same time for complex intensive tasks.

• For Non Stop reliable operation,

• To upgrade these systems you don’t have to switch off.

• Using Multiple Processors 2-24 etc.,

• Memory in GB’s, storage in TB’s

• Applications

a) Host computer, Central data base server.

b) Use in Large Business, Airlines, Banks, E-Commerce Sites, Military,

Industrial organizations.
Super Computer
• Super computer are those computer which are designed for scientific
job like whether forecasting and artificial intelligence etc. They are
fastest and expensive. A super computer contains a number of CPU
which operate in parallel to make it faster. It also known as grand
father computer.

Application – whether forecasting, weapons research and development,

animated movies
Hardware Software
• Hardware are the physical  SOFTWARE are the logical
components of the Computer components of the computer
System. system. These are basically
• Examples : the programs and information
1) All the electronic parts. stored in the computer.
2) All cables.  Examples:
3) All accessories 1) Microsoft Office
2) Windows

ANATOMY OF THE COMPUTER

BASIC STRUCTURE
 The computer receives input, processes it and delivers output.
 To perform these tasks it has different units and each unit is
responsible for a specific task.
 The units are INPUT, MEMORY, CONTROL UNIT (CU), ARITHMETIC &
LOGIC UNIT (ALU) AND OUTPUT.
 The CU and ALU together are called CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU).


INPUT DEVICE

It is used for transferring data from the users’ end to the computer.

OUTPUT DEVICE

It is used to transfer processed information from the computer to the user

in a way required by the user.

MEMORY UNIT (RAM, ROM)

It stores instruction and data and provides them to the various other units as
and when required. It is basically the working memory of the computer
system. This memory unit is volatile, i.e. it is temporary memory and nothing
can be stored here permanently. The information is stored in the main
 memory as long the computer is switched on or as long as it is required by
the computer.

Aspect Ram Rom

Volatili Volatile(data is lost when Non-volatile (data is retained
ty powered off) after power off)
Temporary storage for active Permanent storage for boot-up
Functi data and instructions instructions and firmware
on Faster than rom Slower than ram
Typically larger (GB,TB) (KB,MB)smaller
Speed Dram,sram Prom,eprom,eeprom
Capaci
ty
types

CONTROL UNIT

Controls the various operations within a computer. It basically manages all

the other units and devices of the computer system. It does so by
transmitting timing and control signals to the various devices and units.

ARITHMETIC & LOGIC UNIT

It performs the various arithmetic and logical operations on the data stored
in memory, as dictated by the instruction.

There are various basic circuits to perform these operations.

SECONDARY STORAGE

It stores the various data, information and programs permanently for future
retrieval. The information is organised in such a way to retrieve it in
minimum time whenever required. The stored information remains as long
the user wants it.

BLOCK DIAGRAM

SECONDARY
DATA FLOW CONTROL FLOW
STORAGE
 INPUT MEMORY OUTPUT
DEVICE UNIT DEVICE

CONTROL

UNIT

Central Processing Unit

Aspect ARITHMETIC
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
(CPU)
& LOGIC UNIT CPU
The main unit that executes A component of the CPU that
Definition
instructions. performs calculations.

Manages all tasks and executes Performs arithmetic and logical

Function
instructions. operations.

Componen Includes ALU, Control Unit (CU),

A sub-unit of the CPU.
ts and Registers.

Role in The core unit that coordinates Performs specific operations

CPU all activities. within the CPU.

Operation Executes instructions, manages Handles operations like

s memory, and controls I/O. addition, subtraction, and logic.

Affects the speed of

Affects overall computer
Speed calculations and logic
performance.
operations.

Addition, subtraction, AND/OR

Examples Intel Core, AMD Ryzen
logic.
 CPU ( Central Processing Unit)
The central processing unit (CPU), also known as just a "processor”, is the
"brain" of your computer. It contains various electronic circuits that cause
the computer to follow instructions from memory.

There are CPUs with varying efficiency and the quality of the computer
depends mainly on the CPU present on the main board.
The CPU contains two main parts, housed in a single package (Chip):
 Control Unit (CU)
 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

A Look Inside

Power supply Floppy

CD
 Cd rom drive

Floppy drive

cards harddrive

A Look Inside…
motherboard
• Identify all the major components:
– Power Supply
– Motherboard
– Memory
– Card Slots
– Cards (sound, video, network)
– CPU, heatsink and fan
– Drives (floppy, hard and CD-ROM)

What these components do:

• Power Supply – (heart) supplies power to all the circuitry and devices.
• Motherboard – (body) acts as a manager for everything on the
computer – connects all the other components together.
• CPU – Central Processing Unit – (brain) this does all the work of
computing.
• RAM – Random Access Memory –
• (short-term memory) holds data and program instructions that
the computer is currently using.
• Hard Drive – (long-term memory)
• holds all of the information that needs to be stored between uses
of the computer.

• Floppy and CD-ROM drives –

• allow you to give data to the computer and take data away from
the computer.
• Card Slots –Allows other components to be added to the computer.
 • Video card –Does all of the processing necessary to get stuff looking
nice on screen, quickly.

• Sound card –Allows sounds from HD or CD-ROM to be played.

• Network Card –allows computer to talk to other computers over a wire.

ISA
Industry Standard
Architecture
• ISA was originally an 8-bit computer bus that was later expanded to
a 16-bit bus in 1984. When this bus was originally released it was
a proprietary bus, which allowed only IBM to create peripherals and the
actual interface. However, in the early 1980's other manufacturers
were creating the bus.

• In 1993, Intel and Microsoft introduced a PnP ISA bus that allowed the
computer to automatically detect and setup computer ISA peripherals,
such as a modem or sound card.

• All recent computers today no longer included the ISA slots and instead
are using more PCI, AGP, and other slots.

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)

Aspect Description
Definition ISA is the interface between
hardware and software, defining
the instructions a CPU can
execute.
Purpose Standardizes how processors
execute instructions and interact
with software.
Types CISC (Complex Instruction Set
Computer) and RISC (Reduced
Instruction Set Computer).
Examples Intel x86, ARM, MIPS, PowerPC.
Role Enables software compatibility
with specific hardware
architectures.
 PCI
Peripheral Component
Interconnect
• PCI was introduced by Intel in 1992, and is as an expansion to
the ISA bus. Unlike, ISA and earlier expansion cards, PCI follows the
PnP specification.

• Examples of PCI devices

– Modem
– Network card
– Sound card
– Video card

Peripheral Component Interconnect

(PCI)
Aspect Description
Definition PCI is a local computer bus for
attaching hardware devices to a
computer.
Introduced 1992 by Intel.
Purpose To connect components like
network cards, sound cards, and
storage controllers.
Speed PCI operates at 33 MHz
(standard) with a 32-bit data bus.
Versions PCI, PCI-X, and PCI Express (PCIe)
are its improved versions.
BUS

These are a set of connecting wires used for setting interconnection between
the various devices in the system. Each set of bus has a specific function to
perform like carrying data, carrying control signals and addresses.

DATA & INFORMATION

DATA is described as some FACTS, FIGURES and STATISTICS about a

particular instance.For example : MARKS in individual subjects.
INFORMATION is some FACTS, FIGURES and STATISTICS which help us in
decision making. Generally information is the result of data processing. For
example : PERCENTAGE & GRADE.

DATA REPRESENTATION WITHIN A COMPUTER

CHARACTER :

A character is the smallest amount of information that can be communicated

to the computer. All data, information and instruction are represented by a
combination of these characters.
A series of 0s and 1s from a pattern which represents a character.All
alphabets, digits and symbols are characters. Even a blank space is a
character.

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information

Interchange).
It is difficult for us to remember all the 256 bit patterns and their
corresponding characters. Hence we can convert the bit pattern to a decimal
number. This way each bit pattern will have a different number and this
number, fixed for a character is called the ASCII code of the character. All
computers follow the same ASCII code and bit pattern to represent
characters.

1=00000001

There are eight such positions to represent 0 or 1 and each such position is
called a BIT (binary digit). Hence the pattern generated to represent a
character is a BIT PATTERN.

10111001 bit

Two digits, 0 and 1 can generate 256 unique combinations if represented in

eight places. Hence we can represent 256 different characters in any
computer.

ASCII, which stands for American Standard Code for Information

Interchange, is a character encoding standard used for representing text in
computers, communication equipment, and other devices that use text. It
assigns a numeric value to each character, such as:
  A–Z (uppercase letters): 65–90

 a–z (lowercase letters): 97–122

 Digits (0–9): 48–57

 Special characters like @, #, &, etc., also have corresponding values.

Key Features:

1. 7-bit encoding: ASCII originally uses 7 bits to represent characters,

allowing for 128 unique codes (0–127).

2. Extended ASCII: An 8-bit version, which supports 256 characters,

includes symbols for other languages.

3. Usage: ASCII is widely used in programming, data processing, and

communication protocols.

For example:

 Character 'A' = ASCII value 65

 Character 'a' = ASCII value 97

How does the computer understand a character?

Computer being an electronic device, can represent only two states –
VOLTAGE and NO VOLTAGE.

Voltage is represented as 1
No voltage is represented as 0

BINARY:
The number system involving two digits, 0 & 1 is called BINARY.
By using this system a bit pattern (treated as a binary number) can be
converted to the decimal number system.

00111001
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
7 6 32
5 16
4 83 2 1 10
=57
  Starting from right to left, raise 2 to the power of 0 to 7.

 Add the values corresponding to the BIT positions having the value 1.

1 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

128 32 16 8 1 32 8 1

=185 =41

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
=0
= 255
BIT PATTERN ASCII CODE CHARACTER
01000001 65-90 A
01100001 97-122 a
00110001 48-57 0-9
00101011 43 +
00100000 32
00101101 45 -
00011100 28 (
00101100 44 ,
UNIT FOR MEASUREMENT OF INFORMATION
8 BIT = 1 CHARACTER = 1 BYTE
1024 BYTES = 1 KILO BYTE (KB)
1024 KB = 1 MEGA BYTE (MB)
1024 MB = 1 GIGA BYTE (GB)
1024 GB = 1 TERA BYTE (TB)
1nibble=4bits and 1byte=8bits

Symb Prefi SI meani Binary u Size

ol x ng se difference
103 = 210 =
k kilo 2.40%
10001 10241
meg 106 = 220 =
M 4.86%
a 10002 10242
109 = 230 =
G giga 7.37%
10003 10243
T tera 1012 = 240 = 9.95%
 10004 10244
1015 = 250 =
P peta 12.59%
10005 10245
1018 = 260 =
E exa 15.29%
10006 10246
1021 = 270 =
Z zetta 18.06%
10007 10247
1024 = 280 =
Y yotta 20.89%
10008 10248
ronn 1027 = 290 =
R 23.79%
a 10009 10249
quett 1030 = 2100 =
Q 26.77%
a 100010 102410
(pezyrq)