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DPT Itc 1

A computer is an electronic device that processes data, consisting of hardware and software components. It has evolved through five generations, from early mechanical devices to modern computers utilizing artificial intelligence. Computers play a crucial role in various fields, enhancing productivity and facilitating communication.

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miraj gul
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16 views4 pages

DPT Itc 1

A computer is an electronic device that processes data, consisting of hardware and software components. It has evolved through five generations, from early mechanical devices to modern computers utilizing artificial intelligence. Computers play a crucial role in various fields, enhancing productivity and facilitating communication.

Uploaded by

miraj gul
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Week No 1

What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that processes data to perform tasks. It takes input,
processes it, and produces output. Computers are used in various fields, including education,
business, healthcare, and entertainment.

Basic Components of a Computer

1. Hardware – The physical parts of a computer, such as:


o Central Processing Unit (CPU) – The brain of the computer that processes
instructions.
o Memory (RAM & ROM) – Temporary and permanent storage for data and
instructions.
o Storage Devices – Hard drives, SSDs, USB drives for saving data.
o Input Devices – Keyboard, mouse, scanner for user interaction.
o Output Devices – Monitor, printer, speakers for displaying results.
2. Software – The programs and applications that run on a computer, categorized as:
o System Software – Operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux.
o Application Software – Programs for specific tasks like MS Word, web browsers.

Types of Computers

 Supercomputers – Extremely powerful, used for scientific research.


 Mainframe Computers – Used by large organizations for bulk data processing.
 Personal Computers (PCs) – Commonly used for personal and office work.
 Laptops & Tablets – Portable computing devices.
 Embedded Systems – Computers within devices like washing machines and ATMs.

Basic Functions of a Computer

1. Input – Receiving data from input devices.


2. Processing – Performing calculations and operations.
3. Storage – Saving and retrieving data.
4. Output – Displaying results to the user.
5. Communication – Connecting with other devices via networks and the internet.

Importance of Computers

Computers enhance productivity, improve communication, and facilitate learning. They are
essential in modern life for data management, online transactions, and automation.

Early History of Computer

Miraj Gul, IT HU 1 ITC-CS100


Since the evolution of humans, devices have been used for calculations for thousands of years.
One of the earliest and most well-known devices was an abacus. Then in 1822, the father of
computers, Charles Babbage began developing what would be the first mechanical computer.
And then in 1833 he actually designed an Analytical Engine which was a general-purpose
computer. It contained an ALU, some basic flow chart principles and the concept of integrated
memory.

Then more than a century later in the history of computers, we got our first electronic
computer for general purpose. It was the ENIAC, which stands for Electronic Numerical
Integrator and Computer. The inventors of this computer were John W. Mauchly and J.Presper
Eckert.

And with times the technology developed and the computers got smaller and the processing
got faster. We got our first laptop in 1981 and it was introduced by Adam Osborne and EPSON.

Generations of Computers

In the history of computers, we often refer to the advancements of modern computers as


the generation of computers. We are currently on the fifth generation of computers. So let us look
at the important features of these five generations of computers.

 1st Generation: This was from the period of 1940 to 1955. This was when machine language
was developed for the use of computers. They used vacuum tubes for the circuitry. For the
purpose of memory, they used magnetic drums. These machines were complicated, large,
and expensive. They were mostly reliant on batch operating systems and punch cards. As
output and input devices, magnetic tape and paper tape were implemented. For example,
ENIAC, UNIVAC-1, EDVAC, and so on.

 2nd Generation: The years 1957-1963 were referred to as the “second generation of
computers” at the time. In second-generation computers, COBOL and FORTRAN are
employed as assembly languages and programming languages. Here they advanced from
vacuum tubes to transistors. This made the computers smaller, faster and more energy-
efficient. And they advanced from binary to assembly languages. For instance, IBM 1620, IBM
7094, CDC 1604, CDC 3600, and so forth.

 3rd Generation: The hallmark of this period (1964-1971) was the development of the
integrated circuit. A single integrated circuit (IC) is made up of many transistors, which
increases the power of a computer while simultaneously lowering its cost. These computers
were quicker, smaller, more reliable, and less expensive than their predecessors. High-level
programming languages such as FORTRON-II to IV, COBOL, and PASCAL PL/1 were utilized.
For example, the IBM-360 series, the Honeywell-6000 series, and the IBM-370/168.

 4th Generation: The invention of the microprocessors brought along the fourth generation
of computers. Fourth generation computers dominated the years 1971-1980. C, C++ and Java

Miraj Gul, IT HU 2 ITC-CS100


were the programming languages utilized in this generation of computers. For instance, the
STAR 1000, PDP 11, CRAY-1, CRAY-X-MP, and Apple II. This was when we started producing
computers for home use.

 5th Generation: These computers have been utilized since 1980 and continue to be used
now. This is the present and the future of the computer world. The defining aspect of this
generation is artificial intelligence. The use of parallel processing and superconductors are
making this a reality and provide a lot of scope for the future. Fifth-generation computers use
ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology. These are the most recent and sophisticated
computers. C, C++, Java,.Net, and more programming languages are used. For instance, IBM,
Pentium, Desktop, Laptop, Notebook, Ultrabook, and so on.

Hardware Vs. Software

A computer system is divided into two categories: Hardware and Software. Hardware refers to
the physical and visible components of the system such as a monitor, CPU, keyboard and
mouse. Software, on the other hand, refers to a set of instructions, which enable the hardware
to perform a specific set of tasks. The software must be installed in the hardware to function
properly and similarly, the hardware must be present for the tasks to be performed. Both are
interdependent, yet they are also different from each other.

Miraj Gul, IT HU 3 ITC-CS100


Components and their interconnection of computers

Block Diagram of Computer System 1

Block Diagram of Computer System 2

Miraj Gul, IT HU 4 ITC-CS100

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