Introduction to Computer

1.1 What is a Computer?

A computer can be understood from three perspectives:

1. Functional Point of View:

A computer is an Information Processing System (IPS) that stores and manipulates:

Numbers

Words (symbols)

Pictures

2. Organizational Point of View:

A computer system is composed of:

Hardware (equipment): Physical components like the system unit, monitor, keyboard, etc.

Software (programs and sounds): Instructions that guide the hardware on what to do.

3. User’s Point of View:

A computer can serve various purposes such as:

A teaching machine

A source of reference (dictionaries, encyclopedias)

A companion for games and entertainment

A problem-solving tool

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Summary of the Three Points of View:

A computer is a collection of hardware and software designed for:

1. Data Processing (e.g., calculations)

2. Information Processing (e.g., managing databases)

3. Knowledge Processing (e.g., Artificial Intelligence)

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Components of a Computer System:

Hardware:

Physical parts of the system, including:

System Unit

Video Monitor

Printer

Keyboard

Mouse

Scanner

Other peripheral devices

Hardware is tangible (visible and touchable).

Software:

A set of programs that instruct the hardware on what actions to perform.

Software is the soul of the machine, enabling the hardware to function.

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Important Notes:

A computer without software is like:

A car without gasoline

A camera without film

A stereo without records

Key Point:

A computer is neither intelligent nor stupid. It strictly follows instructions provided by a human, known
as the programmer.

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 Stored Program Concept

Stored Program Concept

In the mid-1940s, H. Goldshine, A.W. Burks, and John Von Neumann introduced revolutionary ideas in
computing:

1. Binary Numbering Systems:

Computers can be built using binary numbering systems.

The binary system uses only two digits: 0 and 1.

This is effective because:

The numbering system is represented by only two states:

0 = Off

1 = On

Electronic components operate efficiently in these two states, simplifying equipment design.

2. Stored Program Concept:

Both computer instructions and data being manipulated can be stored internally in the machine.

This concept was a brilliant breakthrough because:

Programs could be entered into memory just like data.

It allowed for greater flexibility and efficiency in programming and computation.

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Key Points:

The binary concept made the design of computer hardware simpler and more efficient.

The stored program concept laid the foundation for modern computing, allowing machines to store and
execute instructions automatically.

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 Modern Age Computers and Classification

1.2.3 Modern Age Computers

First Generation Computers (1940s)

Components: Vacuum tubes

Fragile, overheated easily, and caused frequent breakdowns.

Used machine language for programming.

Example: ENIAC

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Second Generation Computers (1959)

Components: Transistors (replaced vacuum tubes)

Smaller, faster, more reliable, and produced less heat.

Based on semiconductors.

Examples: IBM 1401, LEO III, UNIVAC, ANLAS

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Third Generation Computers (Mid-1960s)

Components: Integrated Circuit (IC) Technology

Even smaller, faster, and more reliable than second-generation.

Introduced DRAM for primary storage.

Examples: ICL 1900 series, IBM 360 series

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Fourth Generation Computers (1974)

Components: Large Scale Integration (LSI) of circuits

Enabled the creation of the microprocessor.

Resulted in smaller, more powerful, reliable, and compact computers.

Examples: Silo Z80, Intel 8086, 8088, 80286

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Fifth Generation Computers (Present and Developing)

Based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

Applications: Voice recognition, pattern recognition, face recognition, fingerprint recognition.

Uses parallel processing and superconductors to enhance speed and efficiency.

Aim: Develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and self-
organization.

Technologies: NLP (Natural Language Processing), ChatGPT as an AI example.

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1.3 Classification of Computers

Computers are classified based on:

CPU size

Number of online terminals

Maximum disk storage capacity

I/O devices available

1. Microcomputers

2. Minicomputers

3. Mainframes

4. Supercomputers

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1.3.1 Microcomputers

Microcomputers are also called personal computers.

They contain a microprocessor and are designed for individual personal use.

Classifications within this category include:

Non-portable computers

Portable computers

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Types of Microcomputers:

1. Non-portable Computers

Desktop Computers:

Designed to fit on top of a desk.

Most popular type of microcomputer.

Laptop Computers:

The largest portable computers.

Notebook Computers:

Smaller than laptops.

Sub-notebook Computers:

Even smaller than notebooks.

Pen-based Computers:

Smallest type of portable computer.

Uses a pen-like device to enter data.

The pen can write directly on the screen or be used as a pointer to select from menus.

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Key Points from Red Underlines:

Microcomputers = Personal Computers designed for individual personal use.

They are classified into non-portable and portable categories.

Desktop computers are non-portable.

Portable computers include:

Laptop

Notebook

Sub-notebook

Pen-based computers.

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1.3.2 Minicomputers

Minicomputers are task-oriented computers that are more powerful than microcomputers. They are
used in multiple user environments.