COMP101UNIT1
COMP101UNIT1
Learning Outcome:
Traced the history and evolution of computer
Classified the different kinds of computer
Defined the concepts and functions of a
computer
Demonstrated attentiveness and care for the
equipment
The Computer
1|Uni t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic hardware device. It operates and functions under the
control of instruction in its memory called programs.
REPORT
Levi Ackerman 1. Levi Ackerman
Natsu Dragneel 2. Natsu Dragneel
Ging Freecs 3. Ging Freecs
2|Uni t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Input- the procedure of feeding data into a computer is called input. A typical
way of feeding or entering data into a computer is by typing on a keyboard.
Process- this is the operation of manipulating and transforming data into
something useful. A program, which is a set of written instructions, is what tells
the computer how to manipulate and transform the data it was given into
information.
Output- this is the result of the processing function. Once the data has been
processed into information, the computer then must produce and present that
information in a form that you can understand. Two common computer output
types are information displayed on a monitor screen, and information printed
on paper.
Storage-computers can save data so that it can be used in another time.
ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS
High Speed
Accuracy
Storage Capability
Diligence
3|Uni t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack
of concentration.
It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
It can perform repeated tasks with the same speed and accuracy.
Versatility
Disadvantages of Computers
No I.Q.
4|Uni t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Dependency
It functions as per the user’s instruction; thus it is fully dependent on humans.
Environment
The operating environment of the computer should be dust free and suitable.
No Feeling
History of Computers
5|Uni t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Earliest Computer
•Originally calculations were computed by humans, whose job title was computers.
• The calculations of this period were specialized and expensive, requiring years of
training in mathematics.
• The first use of the word "computer" was recorded in 1613, referring to a person
who carried out calculations, or computations, and the word continued to be used in
that sense until the middle of the 20th century
Tally Sticks
A tally stick was an ancient memory aid device to record and document numbers,
quantities, or even messages.
Abacus
• The abacus in the form we are most familiar with was first used in China in around
500 B.C. • It used to perform basic arithmetic operations.
Napier’s Bones
6|Uni t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Slide Rule
Pascaline
7|Uni t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
• It is too expensive.
Stepped Reckoner
Jacquard Loom
Arithmometer
8|Uni t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
• It an automatic, mechanical
calculator designed to tabulate
polynomial functions.
Tabulating Machine
Havard Mark 1
9|Uni t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Z1
• To program the Z1 required that the user insert punch tape into
a punch tape reader and all output was also generated through
punch tape.
ENIAC
10 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
• Completed in 1946.
• In 1840, Augusta Ada Byron (Ada Lovelace) suggests to Babbage that he use the
binary system.
UNIVAC 1
EDVAC
11 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Computer Generations
12 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
• The first computers used vacuum tubes (left pic) for circuitry and magnetic drums
for memory, and were often enormous, taking up
entire rooms.
• Second-generation computers still relied on punched cards for input and printouts
for output.
• These were also the first computers that stored their instructions in their memory,
which moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core technology.
• The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation
of computers.
13 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
• Computers for the first time became accessible to a mass audience because they
were smaller and cheaper than their predecessors.
• Still in development.
• The goal is to develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable
of learning and self-organization.
• There are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today.
14 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Classification of Computer
From this point onwards, we will limit our discussion to electronic and digital computing
machines. The term electronic refers to a machine that uses such components as
vacuum tubes, transistors or silicon chips. All electronic devices, whether a vacuum-
tube powered stereo amplifier or transistor radio., require electricity. Digital computers
on the other hand make use of binary arithmetic system as the basis for its operation.
Computers were traditionally divided into three main groups namely mainframe
computer, minicomputers and microcomputers. The factor which best differentiates
one group from another is size. There was once a time that the computer’s size
indicated its speed and processing capabilities. For example, mainframe computers
were once considered as the most powerful computers. To a certain extent, this belief
still holds true at the present but technological advancements specially in
miniaturization enabled manufacturers to come up with smaller and equally powerful
computers.
Supercomputers
These are arguably the most powerful in terms of speed and accuracy. They are types
of computers used in solving complex mathematical computations. They are capable
of executing trillions of instructions per second, which is calculated in floating point
operations per second (FLOPS).
The typical personal computer used at home and the office is only capable of
calculating millions of instructions per second (MIPS). Supercomputers can go even
faster with the rate of petaFLOPS (or PFLOPS). This could bring up their processing
numbers up to the quadrillion.
Supercomputers were made popular in the 1960s by Seymore Cray. They soon became
the choice for complex projects. They have evolved from the grid to cluster systems
of massively parallel computing.
Cluster system computing means that machines use multiple processors in one system,
rather than arrays of separate computers in a grid.
15 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Name of Speed in
Year Manufacturer
Supercomputer PFLOPS
Uses of Supercomputers
Because of their superiority, supercomputers are not intended for your everyday tasks.
They handle exhaustive scientific applications that require complex and real-time
processing.
In the field of science, researchers use these machines to compute and model
properties of biological compounds like protein and human blood. They are also
used to interpret new diseases and strains, and predict illness behavior and
treatment.
16 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
The military use supercomputers to test new aircraft, tanks, and a host of
weaponry and camouflage. They also use them to understand the effects they
will have on soldiers and wars. These machines are also used to help encrypt and
decrypt sensitive data.
In entertainment, supercomputers are used to help make a flawless online
gaming experience. Games like World of Warcraft demand intense processing.
When thousands of gamers around the world are playing, supercomputers help
stabilize the game performance.
Meteorologists use them to simulate weather behavior. They can also be used to
predict earthquakes.
Scientists use them to simulate and test the effects of nuclear weapon detonation.
Scientists also use them to simulate the events of the Big Bang and other space
related projects.
Hollywood uses supercomputers to create realistic animations.
The famous supercomputers Deep Blue and Watson defeated chess Grandmaster
Gary Kasparov and quiz expert Ken Jennings respectively.
Mainframes
Mainframe computers are large sized computer types. They are equally powerful
but fall short in terms of the computation ability in supercomputers. They are
like big file servers, enabling multiple users from nearby and remote locations to
access resources at the same time. Also known as big iron, these systems can
handle massive amounts of
data going in and out
simultaneously. This makes
them popular with businesses.
They are also resilient as they
are capable of operating for
over 10 years without failing.
Users access the mainframe
using terminals or personal
computers. This can happen
within the same building or via
wide area network (WAN).
Most of these systems run the
z/OS (operating system) on
64bit architecture.
Uses of Mainframes
They are used in large organizations where thousands of clients have to access data
simultaneously.
For examples:
17 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Minicomputers
Minicomputers are general purpose devices without the monumental expenses
associated with a larger system. Their processing power is below that of mainframe
systems but above the capabilities of personal computers.
Also known as mid-range computers, these became popular in the late 1960s but have
become almost extinct because of the popularity of personal computers. The latter can
now perform most of the tasks reserved for minis.
Switchboard control.
Dedicated applications for graphics and
computer design.
Time-sharing, to allow multiple users to interact
concurrently on a single system.
Control and monitoring of manufacturing activities.
Monitoring and control of laboratory equipment.
Texas Instrument TI-990, K-202 and MicroVAX II are examples of minicomputers.
18 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Servers
These are types of computers used to
provide resources, services, and
functionality to client computers in a
server-client network model.
Resources provided are based on the
functions of a particular server, which
may fall under these categories:
File server
Database server
Print server
FTP servers
Application server
Web server
Their sizes will depend on purpose and tasks in the network. Of course bigger and
more multitasking installations will require multiple system and storage installation.
A common errand is that desktop systems can be used as servers. Far from it, true
server systems are specialized computers with abilities far beyond what personal
computers can deliver.
Servers are optimized to run 24 hours and are capable of hot swapping of storage and
other hardware without having to shut down the system.
Microcomputers/Personal Computers
Microcomputers are the smallest, least expensive and the most used types of
computers. They have a small memory, less processing power, are physically smaller,
and permit fewer peripherals compared to super and mainframe computers. They are
more commonly known as personal computers or simply PCs. The term was initially
used to refer to IBM compatible computers.
They became popular in the 70s and 80s, at the dawn of the microprocessor chips.
These chips meant that a machine used by one individual was now feasible.
The advent of PCs meant cheaper alternatives to more expensive and centralized
systems. They were more affordable for office use and created cheaper networking
environments. By the mid-1990s, they became the de facto computer of choice for
offices and homes. The last 20 years have seen the proliferation of even smaller
systems.
This signaled the start of the mobile age, which continued to go with the trend of
smaller devices as the new century progressed. This ultimately gave birth to wearable
computers and gadgets.
The operating system used in personal computers vary, but the common ones include,
Windows
Mac OS X
19 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Linux
IOS
Android
Desktop computers
Mobile computers
Wearable computers
1. Desktop Computers
Desktop computers are made up of separate components such as:
The system unit; a rectangular case that contains important parts like the
motherboard, microprocessor, memory modules, disk drive, and optical drive.
The monitor.
A mouse.
A keyboard.
2. Mobile Computers
Mobile devices have become the norm in recent years. Most users opt for laptops and
tablets due to ease of use on the go, and battery power.
20 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Laptop computers.
Tablets.
Smartphones.
Personal Digital Assistants (PDA).
Laptops
Laptops are lightweight mobile PCs with a thin screen. They were initially called
notebook computers because of their small size. They operate on batteries.
Unlike desktops, these systems combine the microprocessor, screen, and keyboard in
a single case. The screen folds down onto the keyboard when not in use.
Ultrabooks
Ultrabooks are special laptops specifically designed to be thin and lightweight. They
usually have longer lasting batteries (5 hours minimum) and have strong hardware
and processing power to run any software around.
Ultrabooks also ship with the faster SSD storage in place of the slower hard disk drives
that are commonly used.
Chromebooks
Chromebooks are low-end laptops that only runs the web-based Chrome operating
system. After the installation of Chrome OS, additional software can only be installed
via the Chrome Web Store.
The OS allows you to achieve traditional PC functionality online. You can type
documents, edit them, implement group discussions, have teleconferencing, and use
basic online tools like search engines and e-mail.
These devices are increasingly targeted for users that spend most of their time online
for social activities. Their hardware includes the Intel Atom microprocessor, Wi-Fi and
21 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
wired network connectivity, solid state disks (SSD), and an average of five hours of
battery life. They usually do not have optical drives.
Netbooks
Netbooks can be thought of as mini laptops. They are smaller in size, price, and
processing power. Just like Chromebooks, they are primarily designed for web
browsing, electronic communication, and cloud computing. They are catered to users
who require less powerful client computers.
Their specs are similar to Chromebooks. The biggest difference is that they can run
the lightweight Linux operating system.
Tablets
A tablet is a mobile computer equipped with a touch screen or hybrid screen, which
allows the user to operate it by use of a digital pen or fingertip.
Most tablets today are both multi-touch and multi-tasking, making it possible to
manipulate them using multiple fingers and accomplishing multiple tasks
simultaneously.
Tablets are handy, especially when normal notebooks and laptops are simply too bulky
for the mobile user.
22 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Smartphones
Back in 1996, a company called Palm Computing developed a gadget called Palm 1000.
It was revolutionary in conception but did not actually build consumer excitement.
While the idea of a miniaturized computer was not new, the fact that someone had
actually been able to make a device with an operating system that could work within
its limitations was a huge leap forward. It was one of the biggest innovations in the
tech industry.
The iPhone, released in 2007, was the first true smartphone. It became an instant hit
with consumers worldwide. It started the smartphone industry that still persists today.
Most smartphones today use an operating system such as IOS and Android. They often
have the ability to add applications. This is in contrast to regular cellular phones which
only support sandboxed applications like Java games. In terms of features,
smartphones support full email capabilities as well as multiple functions to serve as a
complete personal organizer.
Word file formats, media software for playing music, browsing photos, and viewing
video clips.
While weaker to larger systems, these are useful for scheduling appointments, storing
addresses and phone numbers, and playing games. Some have more advanced
capabilities, such as making telephone calls or accessing the Internet.
PDAs seem to have been overtaken by tablets and smartphones, almost rendering
them obsolete.
3. Wearable Gadgets
Like the term suggests, wearable computers, or simply wearables, are miniature
devices that are designed to be worn or attached onto your body.
Whereas general purpose wearables offer a fuller computing experience that includes
reading emails, the lesser systems will ship as embedded devices capable of minimal
functions.
Examples of these devices include smartwatches, smart glasses, smart clothes, smart
shoes.
Smartwatches
These became popular around 2013, when Samsung launched Gear, a wristwatch
fitted with sensors to communicate directly with a smartphone.
Dubbed the smartphone and phablet companion, a smartwatch gives features like
internet connectivity and text messaging among others.
The leading tech companies in the world are all scrambling for opportunities in
manufacturing smartwatches. Samsung launched Gear in 2013 and Apple has the
Apple Watch. Other competitors include Sony, LG, and Google.
This device is meant to be worn or attached to the head and uses a transparent glass
display that interfaces with the human eye. It does not interfere with the user’s sight.
24 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Earlier HUDs were used for military purposes. They went from using a cathode ray
tube to a liquid crystal display. The technology eventually embraced laser-based
projection for images and motion pictures.
The current leader in this tech is Google Glass, which permits a number of functions
like voice communication and reading tweets.
Smartware
Smart shoes and smart clothes are intended for health-related functions like measuring
heart rate and waveform measurement. These devices are intended to encourage the
wearer to have an active lifestyle.
Smart shoes and smart clothes can also be used for competitive purposes, such helping
athletes keep track of their running distance and speed.
One of the first initiatives into developing these devices was the partnership between
Apple and Nike. They created the Nike+iPod Sports Kit, a device for measuring
distance and pace by the user. It worked by having the iPod communicate to the Nike
show via voice prompts.
25 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Embedded Systems
They include a combination of the outer hardware, microprocessor chip, and software.
The core of such systems is the microprocessor or micro-controller which execute the
assigned task.
The embedded software, usually firmware, is but not always fixed onto volatile
memory which may not always require post-installation configurations. In any case,
the hardware does repetitive assignments.
The old cell phones used well before the smartphones became a phenomenon, could
easily fall under the category of embedded systems since their sole purpose was to
make and receive calls. Smartphones today, however, have evolved into general
purpose mobile computers.
Firmware on these systems is written in the read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory
chips. Despite the seemingly persistent firmware which is deemed unaltered, they can
be re-programmed to suit evolving demands.
Popular devices that may be categorized under embedded systems are listed below:
Set-top boxes
MP3 players
DVD players
Drones
Printers
Antilock braking systems
26 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
Computers Microcomputers
First Generation Computer
Minicomputers
Second Generation Computer
Mainframe computers
Third Generation Computer
Data
Fourth Generation Computer
Transistors Information
27 | U n i t 1
West Visayas State University 2020
UNIT 1 EXERCISES
NAME: ____________________________________
COURSE/YR.& SEC: __________________________
INSTRUCTOR: ______________________________
DATE: ____________________________________
28 | U n i t 1