Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEM

1.0 Objectives
1.1 Introduction –Computer?
1.2 Evolution of Computers
1.3 Classification of Computers
1.4 Applications of Computers
1.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Computers
1.6 Similarities Difference between computer and Human
1.7 A Computer System
1.8 Components of a Computer System
1.9 Summary
1.11 Questions for Self – Study
1.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
 Learn the concept of a system in general and the computer system in specific.
 Learn and understand how the computers have evolved dramatically within a very short
span, from very huge machines of the past, to very compact designs of the present with
tremendous advances in technology.
 Understand the general classifications of computers.
 Study computer applications.
 Understand the typical characteristics of computers which are speed, accuracy,
efficiency, storage capacity, versatility.
 Understand limitations of the computer.
 Discuss the similarities and differences between the human and the computer.
 Understand the Component of the computer.
1.1 INTRODUCTION- Computer
Today, almost all of us in the world make use of computers in one way or the other. It finds
applications in various fields of engineering, medicine, commercial, research and others. Not
only in these sophisticated areas, but also in our daily lives, computers have become
indispensable. They are present everywhere, in all the devices that we use daily like cars, games,
washing machines, microwaves etc. and in day-to-day computations like banking, reservations,
electronic mails, internet and many more. The word computer is derived from the word
compute. Compute means to calculate. The computer was originally defined as a super-fast
calculator. It had the capacity to solve complex arithmetic and scientific problems at very high
speed. But nowadays in addition to handling complex arithmetic computations, computers
perform many other tasks like accepting, sorting, selecting, moving, comparing various types of
information. They also perform arithmetic and logical operations on alphabetic, numeric and
other types of information. This information provided by the user to the computer is data. The
information in one form which is presented to the computer is the input information or input
data. Information in another form is presented by the computer after performing a process on
it. This information is the output information or output data. The set of instructions given to
the computer to perform various operations is called as the computer program. The process of
converting the input data into the required output form with the help of the computer program is
called as data processing. The computers are therefore also referred to as data processors.
Therefore a computer can now be defined as a fast and accurate data processing system that
accepts data, performs various operations on the data, has the capability to store the data
and produce the results on the basis of detailed step by step instructions given to it . The
terms hardware and software are almost always used in connection with the computer.
• The Hardware:
The hardware is the machinery itself. It is made up of the physical parts or devices of the
computer system like the electronic Integrated Circuits (ICs), magnetic storage media and other
mechanical devices like input devices, output devices etc. All these various hardware are linked
together to form an effective functional unit. The various types of hardware used in the
computers, has evolved from vacuum tubes of the first generation to Ultra Large-Scale Integrated
Circuits of the present generation.
• The Software:
The computer hardware itself is not capable of doing anything on its own. It has to be given
explicit instructions to perform the specific task. The computer program is the one which
controls the processing activities of the computer. The computer thus functions according to the
instructions written in the program. Software mainly consists of these computer programs,
procedures and other documentation used in the operation of a computer system. Software
is a collection of programs which utilize and enhance the capability of the hardware.
Check your Progress - 1.1
1. Fill in the blanks.
a. The set of instructions to perform various operations is called a …………………
b. Compute means to …………. of the computer.
c. Mechanical devices are a type of..................
2. Answer in brief.
a. Define a computer.
b. What is software?
 1.2 EVOLUTIONS OF COMPUTERS
The computers of today are vastly different in appearance and performance as compared to the
computers of earlier days. But where did this technology come from and where is it heading? To
fully understand the impact of computers on today’s world and the promises they hold for the
future, it is important to understand the evolution of computers.
1.2.1. The First Generation:
The first-generation computers made use of:
 Vacuum tube technology,

 Punched cards for data input,

 Punched cards and paper tape for output,

 Machine Language for writing programs,

 Magnetic tapes and drums for external storage.

The computers of the first generation were very bulky and emitted large amount of heat which
required air conditioning. They were large in size and cumbersome to handle. They had to be
manually assembled and had limited commercial use. The concept of operating systems was not
known at that time. Each computer had a different binary coded program called a machine
language that told it how to operate.

Punched cards Paper tape Vacuum tube

Fig. 1.1 The First-Generation Computer technology

The Abacus, which emerged about 5000 years ago in Asia Minor and is still in use today, allows
users to make computations using a system of sliding beads arranged on a rack. Early merchants
used Abacus to keep trading transactions.
 Abacus Pascaline
Fig. 1.2 the first-Generation Computers
Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician invented the first mechanical machine, a rectangular brass
box, called Pascaline which could perform addition and subtraction on whole numbers. This was
in the seventeenth century. Colmar, a Frenchman invented a machine that could perform the four
basic arithmetic functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Colmar’s
mechanical calculator, “Arithmometer”, presented a more practical approach to computing. With
its enhanced versatility, the “Arithmometer” was widely used until the First World War,
although later inventors refined Colmar’s calculator, together with fellow inventors, Pascal and
Leibniz, he helped define the age of mechanical computation. Charles Babbage a British
mathematician at Cambridge University invented the first analytical engine or difference engine.
This machine could be programmed by instructions coded on punch cards and had mechanical
memory to store the results. For his contributions in this field Charles Babbage is known as ‘the
father of modern digital computer.
Some of the early computers included:
Mark I – This was the first fully automatic calculating machine. It was designed by Howard
Aiken of Harvard University in collaboration with IBM. This machine was an electronic relay
computer. Electromagnetic signals were used for the movement of mechanical parts. Mark I
could perform the basic arithmetic and complex equations. Although this machine was extremely
reliable, it was very slow (it took about 3-5 seconds per calculation) and was complex in design
and large in size.
Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) –
This computer developed by John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry was the world’s first general
purpose electronic digital computer. It made use of vacuum tubes for internal logic and
capacitors for storage. ENIAC (Electronic Numeric Integrator and Calculator) – The first all
electronic computer was produced by a partnership between the US Government and the
University of Pennsylvania. It was built using 18,000 vacuum tubes, 70,000 resistors and 1,500
relays and consumed 160 kilowatts of electrical power. The ENIAC computed at speed about
thousand times faster than Mark I. However, it could store and manipulate only a limited amount
of data. Program modifications and detecting errors were also difficult.
 Fig. 1.3 ENIAC Fig 1.4 UNIVAC
EDVAC – In the mid 1940’s Dr. John von Neumann designed the Electronic Discrete Variable
Automatic Computer with a memory to store both program and data. This was the first
machine which used the stored program concept. It had five distinct units - arithmetic, central
control, memory, input and output. The key element was the central control. All the functions
of the computer were co-ordinate through this single source, the central control. The
programming of the computers was done in machine language UNIVAC • I –
Remington Rand designed this computer specifically for business data processing applications.
The Universal Automatic Computer was the first general purpose commercially available
computer.
1.2.2 The Second Generation:
In the second generation computers:
 Vacuum tube technology was replaced by transistorized technology,
 Size of the computers started reducing,
 Assembly language started being used in place of machine language,
 Concept of stored program emerged,
 High level languages were invented.
This was the generation of Transistorized Computers. Vacuum tubes were replaced by
transistors. As a result, the size of the machines started shrinking. These computers were smaller,
faster, more reliable and more energy efficient. The first transistorized computer was TX-0. The
first large scale machines that took advantage of the transistor technology were the early
supercomputers, Stretch by IBM and LARC by Sperry Rand. These machines were mainly
developed for atomic energy laboratories. Typical computers of the second generation were the
IBM 1400 and 7000 series, Honeywell 200 and General Electric.
 Fig 1.5 Transistors
IBM 1401 was universally accepted throughout the industry and most large businesses routinely
processed financial information using second generation computers. The machine language was
replaced by assembly language. Thus the long and difficult binary code was replaced with
abbreviated programming code which was relatively easy to understand. The stored program
concept and programming languages gave the computers flexibility to finally be cost effective
and productive for business use. The stored program concept implied that the instructions to run
a computer for a specific task were held inside the computer’s memory and could quickly be
modified or replaced by a different set of instructions for a different function. High level
languages like COBOL, FORTRAN and AL-GOL were developed. Computers started finding
vast and varied applications. The entire software industry began with the second-generation
computers.
1.2.3. The Third Generation:
The third-generation computers were characterized by:
 Use of Integrated circuits
 Phenomenal increase in computation speed
 Substantial reduction in size and power consumption of the machines
 Use of magnetic tapes and drums for external storage
 Design-of Operating systems and new higher-level languages
 Commercial production of computers.
This generation was characterized by the invention of Integrated Circuits (ICs). The 1C
combined electronic components onto a small chip which was made from quartz.

i) Integrated Circuit ii) Integrated Circuit

Fig 1.6
Later, even more components were fitted onto a single chip, called a semiconductor. This
reduced the size even further. The weight and power consumption of computers decreased and
the speed increased tremendously. Heavy emphasis was given to the development of software.
Operating systems were designed which allowed the machine to run many different programs at
once. A central program monitored and co-ordinate the computer’s memory. Multiprogramming
was made possible, whereby the machine could perform several jobs at the same time.
Computers achieved speeds of executing millions of instructions per second. Commercial
production became easier and cheaper. Higher level languages like Pascal and Report Program
Generator (RPG) were introduced and applications-oriented languages like FORTRAN,
COBOL, and PL/1 were developed.
1.2.4. The Fourth Generation:
The general features of the fourth-generation computers were:
 Use of Very Large-Scale Integration
 Invention of microcomputers
 Introduction of Personal Computers
 Networking
 Fourth Generation Languages.

Fig. 1.7 VLSI

The third-generation computers made use of ‘Integrated Circuits that had 10-20 components on
each chip, this was Small Scale Integration (SSI). The Fourth Generation realized Large Scale
Integration (LSI) which could fit hundreds of components on one chip and Very Large Scale
integration (VLSI) which squeezed thousands of components on one chip. The Intel 4004 chip,
located all the components of a computer (central processing unit, memory, input and output
controls) on a single chip and microcomputers were introduced. Higher capacity storage media
like magnetic disks were developed. Fourth generation languages emerged and applications
software’s started becoming popular. Computer production became inexpensive and the era of
Personal Computers (PCs) commenced. In 1981, IBM introduced its personal computer for use
in office, home and schools. In direct competition, the Macintosh was introduced by Apple in
1984. Shared interactive systems and user-friendly environments were the features of these
computers. As the computers started becoming more and more powerful, they could be linked
together or networked to share not only data but also memory space and software. The networks
could reach enormous proportions with local area networks. A global web of computer circuitry,
the Internet, links the computers worldwide into a single network of information.
1.2.5 The Fifth Generation:
Defining the fifth-generation computers is somewhat difficult because the field is still in its
infancy. The computers of tomorrow would be characterized by Artificial Intelligence (AI). An
example of AI is Expert Systems. Computers could be developed which could think and reason
in much the same way as humans. Computers would be able to accept spoken words as input
(voice recognition). Many advances in the science of computer design and technology are
coming together to enable the creation of fifth generation computers. Two such advances are
parallel processing where many CPUs work as one and advance in superconductor technology
which allows the flow of electricity with little or no resistance, greatly improving the speed of
information flow.
Check your Progress -1.2
1. Match the following.
Column A Column B
a) Very Large-scale Integration I) Second Generation
b) Vacuum Tube Technology II) Fifth Generation
c) Stored Program III) Fourth Generation
d) Superconductor Technology IV) First Generation
e) Semiconductor Technology v) Third Generation

2. Write True or False

A. Expert system is an example of artificial Intelligence.
B. The world’s first general purposes electronic digital computer was the Abacus.
C. The first-generation computers used machine language for programming.
D. Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine.
E. Personal Computer (PC) was developed in the first generations.
1. 3 CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTERS
Computers are broadly classified into two categories depending upon the logic used in their design
as:
1.3.1 Analog computers:
In analog computers, data is recognized as a continuous measurement of a physical property like
voltage, speed, pressure etc. Readings on a dial or graphs are obtained as the output, ex. Voltage,
temperature; pressure can be measured in this way.
1.3.2 Digital Computers:
These are high speed electronic devices. These devices are programmable. They process data by
way of mathematical calculations, comparison, sorting etc. They accept input and produce output
as discrete signals representing high (on) or low (off) voltage state of electricity. Numbers,
alphabets, symbols are all represented as a series of 1’s and O’s. Digital Computers are further
classified as General-Purpose Digital Computers and Special Purpose Digital Computers.
General Purpose computers can be used for any applications like accounts, payroll, data
processing etc. Special purpose computers are used for a specific job like those used in
automobiles, microwaves etc.
Another classification of digital computers is done on the basis of their capacity to access
memory and size like:
Small Computers:
I) Microcomputers: Microcomputers are generally referred to as Personal Computers
(PCs). They have smallest memory and less power. They are widely used in day to
day applications like office automation, and professional applications, ex. PC-AT,
Pentium etc.
II) Note Book and Laptop Computers: These are portable in nature and are battery
operated. Storage devices like CDs, floppies etc. and output devices like printers can
be connected to these computers. Notebook computers are smaller in physical size
than lap top computers. However, both have powerful processors, support graphics,
and can accept mouse driven input.

Microcomputer Notebook or Laptop Handheld Computer

Fig. 1.8 Small Computers

III) Hand Held Computers: These types of computers are mainly used in applications like
collection of field data. They are even smaller than the note book computers.
Hybrid Computers:
Hybrid Computers are a combination of Analog and Digital computers. They combine the
speed of analog computers and accuracy of digital computers. They are mostly used in
specialized applications where the input data is in an analog form i.e. measurement. This is
converted into digital form for further processing. The computers accept data from sensors
and produce output using conventional input/output devices.
Mini Computers: Mini computers are more powerful than the microcomputers. They have
higher memory capacity and more storage capacity with higher speeds. These computers are
mainly used in process control systems. They are mainly used in applications like payrolls,
financial accounting, Computer aided design etc. ex. VAX, PDP-11
Mainframe Computers: Main frame computers are very large computers which process
data at very high speeds of the order of several million instructions per second. They can be
linked into a network with smaller computers, microcomputers and with each other. They are
typically used in large organizations, government departments etc. ex. IBM4381, CDC
Super Computers: A super computer is the fastest, most powerful and most expensive
computer which is used for complex tasks that require a lot of computational power. Super
computers have multiple processors which process multiple instructions at the same time.
This is known as parallel processing. These computers are widely used in very advanced
applications like weather forecasting, processing geological data etc. ex. CRAY-2, NEC -
500, PARAM.
Check your Progress - 1.3
1. Fill in the blanks
a. Personal computers are also called as ………………….
b. Combination of Analog and Digital computers are called as ……………..
c. In a ………..computer number and characters are represented as a series of 0’s and 1’s.
2. Answer in brief
1. What is parallel processing?
2. What is analog computer?
3. Write 1-2 lines on mainframe computers
1.4 APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTERS
Today computers find widespread applications in all activities of the modern world. Some of
the major application areas include:
1.4.1 Scientific, Engineering and Research:
This is the major area where computers find vast applications. They are used in areas which
require lot of experiments, mathematical calculations, weather forecasting, and complex
mathematical and engineering applications. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer
Aided Manufacturing (CAM) help in designing robotics, automobile manufacturing,
automatic process control devices etc.
1.4.2 Business: Record keeping, budgets, reports, inventory, payroll, invoicing, accounts are
all the areas of business and industry where computers are used to a great extent. Database
management is one of the major area where computers are used on a large scale. The areas of
application here include banking, airline reservations, etc. where large amounts of data need
to be updated, edited, sorted, searched from large databases.
1.4.3 Medicine: Computerized systems are now in widespread use in monitoring patient data
like, pulse rate, blood pressure etc. resulting in faster and accurate diagnosis. Modern day
medical equipment are highly computerized today. Computers are also widely used in
medical research.
1.4.4 Information:
This is the age of information. Television, Satellite communication, Internet, networks are all
based on computers.
1.4.5 Education:
The use of computers in education is increasing day by day. The students develop the habit
of thinking more logically and are able to formulate problem solving techniques. CDs on a
variety of subjects are available to impart education. On line training programs for students
are also becoming popular day by day. All the major encyclopedias, dictionaries and books
are now available in the digital form and therefore are easily accessible to the student of
today. Creativity in drawing, painting, designing, decoration, music etc. can be well
developed with computers.
1.4.6 Games and Entertainment:
Computer games are popular with children and adults alike. Computers are nowadays also
used in entertainment areas like movies, sports, advertising etc.
1.5 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS

Advantages of Computers:
1.5.1 Speed: The speed of a computer is measured in terms of the number of instructions that
it can perform or execute in a second. The speeds of computers are measured in milliseconds
(10-3 sec), micro-seconds (10-6 sec), and nano-seconds (10-9sec). Computers are superfast
machines and can process millions of instructions per second. Smaller computers can execute
thousands of instructions per second, while the more complex machines can execute millions
of instructions per second.
1.5.2 Accuracy: Computers are very accurate. They are capable of executing hundreds of
instructions without any errors. They do not make mistakes in their computations. They
perform each and every calculation with the same accuracy.
1.5.3 Efficiency: The efficiency of computers does not decrease with age. The computers can
perform repeated tasks with the same efficiency any number of times without
exhausting themselves. Even if they are instructed to execute millions of instructions,
 they are capable of executing them all with the same speed and efficiency without
exhaustion.
1.5.4 Storage Capability Computers are capable of storing large amounts of data in their
storage devices. These devices occupy very less space and can store millions of
characters in condensed forms. These storage devices typically include floppy disks,
tapes, hard disks, CDs etc, the data stored on these devices can be retrieved and reused
whenever it is required in future
1.5.5 Versatility Computers are very versatile. They are capable not only of performing
complex mathematical tasks of science and engineering, but also other non-numerical
operations fielding air-line reservation, electricity bills, database management etc.
Limitations of Computers:
Although the computers of today are highly intelligent and sophisticated, they have their own
limitations. The computer cannot think on its own, since it does not have its own brain. It can
only do what is has been programmed to do. It can execute only those jobs that can be
expressed as a finite set of instructions to achieve a specific goal. Each of the steps has to be
clearly defined. The computers do not learn from previous experience nor can they arrive at a
conclusion without going through all the intermediate steps. However, the impact of
computers on today’s society in phenomenal and they are today an important part of the
society.
Check your Progress - 1.4 & 1.5
Select the appropriate option
a. The number of instructions a computer can process in a given time is called its
(i) Versatility (ii) Speed (iii) Efficiency (iv)Accuracy
Answer the following:
a) Give any one application of modern-day computers
b) State in brief one or two limitations of computers.
1.6 Similarities and Difference between Human and Computer
Computer is a very effective and efficient machine which performs several activities in few
minutes, which otherwise would have taken several days if performed naturally. Besides
there would have been a doubt about the accuracy, finish etc. The computer may be faster;
more accurate but it cannot compete with human brain. However, there are some similarities
between the human and the computer which would make the computer more understandable.
Human Computer
Like human beings has ears, Computers have input devices such as keyboard, scanner,
nose, eyes etc. touch screen, mouse etc to get information.
Like we remember things Computer also stores information.
 We recollect certain The computer also retrieves information when times
information as required.
We express ourselves by Computer expresses through screen, Printouts etc which We
speech, writing etc call as output.
When we watch, hear, learn with the help of software, computer also can analyze
certain things and analyze. Information and draw conclusions.
The place where we store, The computer brain is known as CPU conclude information
analyze is known as the brain (Central Processing Unit) where it
analyses information.

The computer has storage devices like floppies, hard disks, compact disks to store and
retrieve information. However, computer does not understand emotions, it does not
understand meaning beyond words, it cannot read between the lines like the human. We learn
many things unknowingly, certain things knowingly; we call it as upbringing. But computers
can learn everything only knowingly. We learn many things on our own, but computer has to
be taught to do everything.
Check your Progress - 1.6
Select the appropriate option
a. Keyboard is
(i) Input device (ii) CPU (iii) Output device (iv) Storage device
b. The part of computer similar to the human brain is
(i) Floppy disk (ii) Printer (iii) Central processing unit (iv) Mouse
1. 7 A COMPUTER SYSTEM
Any system is defined as a group of integrated parts which are designed to achieve a
common objective. Thus, a system is made up of more than one element or part, where each
element performs a specific function and where all the elements (parts) are logically related
and are controlled in such a way that the goal (purpose) of the system is achieved. A
computer is made up of a number of integrated elements like - The central processing unit, -
The input and output devices and - The storage devices. Each of these units performs a
specific task. However, none of them can function independently on their own. They are
logically related and controlled to achieve a specific goal. When they are thus integrated,
they form a fully-fledged computer system.
1.8 COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
The basic parts of computer system are:
Input Unit
The Central Processing Unit
Output Unit

Fig. 1.9 Central Processing Unit

The Input Unit:

Input devices are the dev ices which are used to feed programs and data to the computer. The
input system connects the external environment with the computer system. The input devices
are the means of communication between the user and the computer system. Typical input
devices include the keyboard, mouse, microphone, light pen, joy stick, magnetic tapes etc.
The way in which the data is fed into the computer through each of these devices is different.
However, a computer can accept data only in a specific form. Therefore, these input devices
transform the data fed to them, into a form which can be accepted by the computer. These
devices are a means of communication and inter station between the user and the computer
systems.
Thus, the functions of the input unit are:
accept information (data) and programs.
convert the data in a form which the computer can accept.
provide this converted data to the computer for further processing.
 The Central Processing Unit:

This is the brain of any computer system. The central processing unit or CPU is made of
three parts:
 The control unit.
 The arithmetic logic unit
 The primary storage unit
 The Control Unit:
The Control Unit controls the operations of the entire computer system. The control unit gets
the instructions from the programs stored in primary storage unit interprets this instruction
and subsequently directs the other units to execute the instructions. Thus, it manages and
coordinates the entire computer system.
The Arithmetic Logic Unit:
The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) actually executes the instructions and performs all the
calculations and decisions. The data is held in the primary storage unit and transferred to the
ALU whenever needed. Data can be moved from the primary storage to the arithmetic logic
unit a number of times before the entire processing is complete. After the completion, the
results are sent to the output storage section and the output devices.
The Primary Storage Unit:
This is also called as Main Memory. Before the actual processing starts the data and the
instructions fed to the computer through the input units are stored in this primary storage
unit. Similarly, the data which is to be output from the computer system is also temporarily
stored in the primary memory. It is also the area where intermediate results of calculations
are stored. The main memory has the storage section that holds the computer programs
during execution. Thus, the primary unit:
 Stores data and programs during actual processing
 Stores temporary results of intermediate processing
 Stores results of execution temporarily
1.8.3 Output Unit:
The output devices give the results of the process and computations to the outside world. The
output units accept the results produced by the computer, convert them into a human readable
form and supply them to the users. The more common output devices are printers, plotters,
display screens, magnetic tape drives etc.
Check your Progress - 1.7 & 1.8
1. Fill in the blanks.
a. The primary storage unit is also called as …………………
b. Arithmetic logic unit is a part of …………………………
c. The unit of the computer which gives the results of the process and computations is the
……………
2. Answer in brief
a. Define a system.
b. Write the functions of the input unit.
1.9 SUMMARY
A computer is a fast and accurate data processing system which accepts data, performs
various operations on the data, has the capacity to store data and process the data with the set
of instructions given to it. The data is the information provided by the user to the computer
and the set of instructions to perform the operation on data is the computer program.
The hardware of the computer is the physical parts of the machine like monitor, keyboard,
disks etc. whereas the software is the various programs, procedures and other documentation
which is used to operate the hardware efficiently.
Classification of computers done on the basis of the logic used in their design as analog and
digital computers. Analog computers recognize data as a continuous movement of a physical
property. Digital computers recognize data a series of discrete signals representing high or
low voltage state of electricity. Hybrid computers are a combination of analog and digital
computers. Digital computers are further classified according to their speed and capacity of
memory and size as micro computers, notebook or laptops, Mini computers, Main frames and
Super computers. The typical characteristics of the computer are its superfast speed, the
accuracy of each and every calculation, and its consistent efficiency. It has tremendous
storage capacity and can store large volumes of data. It is versatile in the sense that it can be
used in a vast range of applications from complex scientific problems to a child’s game. A
system is a group of integrated elements which are logically related to achieve the goal of the
system each element performs a specific task assigned to it.
A computer system is made up of:
Input Unit: which accepts input data
The Central Processing Unit: This is made up of the Control unit, the Arithmetic and Logic
Unit and the Primary Storage Unit. This unit controls the entire computer system.
Output Unit: This unit gives the results of the computation to the user.
The evolution or development of computers is characterized by generations of computers.
The first generation had very large and complex machines which made use of the vacuum
tube technology.
Invention of transistors in the second generation reduced the size of the computers and the
concept of stored program emerged, as well as higher level languages were introduced.
The third generation was characterized by Integrated Circuits and commercial production of
computers.
The fourth generation saw the invention of microcomputers with Very Large Scale
Integration, Networking and introduction of personal computers.
The fifth or the present generation has seen advances in parallel processing and
superconductor technologies. Computers today, find applications in vast and varying fields
like scientific, engineering and research, medicine and business, education and games,
entertainment. The computers however have a serious drawback that they can only do what
they are programmed to do since they have no brain. They cannot arrive at a conclusion
without going through all intermediate steps.
1.11 QUESTIONS FOR SELF - STUDY
1. Define the terms: data, program, hardware and software.
2. List and explain in brief the characteristics of computers.
3. Define a System. What constitutes a computer system?
4. Write short notes on Fourth Generation of Computers, Limitations of computers.
5. Explain the classification of computers on the basis of their capacity to access memory and
size.
6. List the applications of computers.