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The document provides an overview of computer history, defining computers and categorizing them into various types and components, including hardware and software. It outlines the five generations of computers, highlighting advancements from vacuum tubes to artificial intelligence. Additionally, it discusses the advantages and disadvantages of computers in modern life, emphasizing the importance of responsible usage.

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Haniya Ali
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2 views

Assignment 1

The document provides an overview of computer history, defining computers and categorizing them into various types and components, including hardware and software. It outlines the five generations of computers, highlighting advancements from vacuum tubes to artificial intelligence. Additionally, it discusses the advantages and disadvantages of computers in modern life, emphasizing the importance of responsible usage.

Uploaded by

Haniya Ali
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Assignment 1:

 Write a note on Computer History.

INTRODUCTION:
A computer is an electronic device under the instructions of its own memory that can
accept data, according to specified rules, procedures, information and store the
information for future use. Here we are going to discuss its salient features and detailed
history.
DEFINITION:
 What is a computer?
Computer is an electronic device that accept data (input), process that data, produce
output, and can store (storage)the results for future use. It also has the ability to retrieve
data and information. A computer system includes the hardware, software.
 Types of computers:
Types of computers can be classified into many ways:
Mainframe computer, Supercomputer, Minicomputer, Workstation computer,
Laptop, Microcomputer, Minicomputer, Hybrid computer.

COMPONENTS OF COMPUTERS:
Computers are used everywhere and perform amazing tasks. A computer is a collection of
following main components.
 HARDWARE: is the collection of physical parts of computer system, e.g.,
keyboard, mouse, system unit, computer screen, etc.
 SOFTWARE: is the collection of programs (set of instructions) that are installed
on a computer, for example, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Paint, etc.
Software can be divided into:
 APPLICATION SOFTWARE: Helps the user to perform a specific task.
For example, a word processing software is used to prepare documents and
gaming software is used for entertainment purpose.
 SYSTEM SOFTWARE: Controls and manages the computer hardware. It
enables the application software to run operating system, device drivers, etc.
HARDWARE COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER
HARDWARE COMPONENTS CAN BE CATEGORIZED AS:
INPUT DEVICES: Mouse, Keyboard, Microphone, digital camera, biometric device.
OUTPUT DEVICES: Display screen, printer, speaker, multimedia projector, RAM,
ROM, CPU, Motherboard.

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE HISTORY OF COMPUTERS


HISTORY OF COMPUTERS CAN BE DIVIDED INTO FIVE GENERATIONS.
FIRST GENERATION COMPUTERS: First generation of computers used vacuum
tubes. Their speed was slow and memory was small. They were huge in the size taking up
an entire room. They were costly, unreliable and consumed a lot of power.
SECOND GENERATION COMPUTERS: Second generation computers replaced
vacuum tubes with transistors. Transistors reduced the size of computers and increased
the speed and memory capacity. Computer became more reliable and cheaper.
THIRD GENERATION COMPUTERS: Integrated Circuits (ICs) were introduced
in third generation of computers. IC chips increased the computing power and decreased
the cost of computers. It improved the speed and decreased the cost of computers. It
improved the speed and memory capacity as well. Computers became smaller, cheaper
and more reliable than second generation computers.
FOURTH GENERATION COMPUTERS: Microprocessor was introduced in the
fourth generation of computers in 1970’s. It resulted in the development of
microcomputers. Microcomputers are very small in size, very fast, reliable, have huge
storage space, affordable and use advanced computer devices.
FIFTH GENERATION OF COMPUTERS: Fifth generation computers are based
on AI (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE). The goal of fifth generation
of computers is to develop devices that can understand natural language and have
decision power like humans. Robots belong to this generation of computers.

APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTER
ADVANTAGES:
 Sharing of information is much faster.
 People can make purchases from online stores anytime.
 People can study online.
DISADVANTAGES:
 People are becoming more addicted to phones and computers, not actively
involved in the society.
 Young children are wasting time playing games for hours.
 Propagation of false information has become very easy.

SUMMARY: Computers are essential in modern life, with each device offering
both benefits and drawbacks depending on how they are used. It’s our
responsibility to use technology for positive purposes. From early mechanical
systems to today’s advanced devices, the history and types of computers show
their growing influence on our world, emphasizing the need for mindful usage.

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