Learning Objectives:

At the end of this learning material you are expected to

 Define digital computer
 Identify computer’s remarkable features that made
them very popular
 Classify computer based on the following criteria:
capacity, data handled and purpose
 List basic operations of computer
 Give the significance of computer to mankind by
knowing its different applications to given areas
Introduction
Computer Definition
Characteristics of Computer
Computer Generations
Classification of Computers
Computers are primarily classified accordingly to the following
criteria:

1. PURPOSE, whether the system is general or special purpose

 General purpose computers are designed to handle a variety of

applications such as payroll, accounts receivables, inventory control,
marketing and financial problems. Although their versatility means a
sacrifice in speed and efficiency of performance, they have the advantage
of low-cost operation and long extensive testing during production to
eliminate “bugs”

 Special purpose computers are designed to solve specific types of

problems. Usually tailored to the needs of a single customer, they lack the
flexibility of the general purpose computers
Classification of Computers
Computers are primarily classified accordingly to the following
criteria:

2. The type of data, whether the system is analog, digital or hybrid

 Analog computers
A machine or electronic circuit designed to work on numerical data
represented by some physical quantity or electrical quantity
The name analog came from the word “analogous” meaning similar. They
convert data into voltages and computers by measuring the challenges in
voltages
Their primary advantage is their prompt response in the handling of data
generated by an ongoing physical process
The obvious drawback is the accuracy factor. An analog computer produces
systematic errors which occasionally cause slight deviation from the true
value
Classification of Computers
Computers are primarily classified accordingly to the following
criteria:

2. The type of data, whether the system is analog, digital or hybrid

 Digital computers
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities
represented as digits, usually in the binary number system
Digital computers handle numbers in discrete form. They are capable of
reading numbers in degrees of accuracy far greater than those reached by
the analog computer
The digital computer are also capable of storing data as long as needed,
performing logical operations, editing input data, and printing out the results of
processing at high speed
Classification of Computers
Computers are primarily classified accordingly to the following
criteria:

2. The type of data, whether the system is analog, digital or hybrid

 Hybrid computers
Computers that exhibit features of analog computers and digital computers.
The digital component normally serves as the controller and
provides logical and numerical operations, while the analog component often
serves as a solver of differential equations and other mathematically complex
equations.
Classification of Computers
3. Capacity, on the basis of memory size, cost and processing capabilities
Classification of Computers
a. Microcomputers – an electronic device with a microprocessor as its central
processing unit (CPU). Microcomputer was formerly a commonly used term
for personal computers, particularly any of a class of small digital
computers whose CPU is contained on a single integrated semiconductor chip.
Thus, a microcomputer uses a single microprocessor for its CPU, which
performs all logic and arithmetic operations.

 Desktop
Desktop computers are personal
computers (PCs) designed for use by an
individual at a fixed location. IBM was the
first computer to introduce and popularize
use of desktops. A desktop unit typically
has a CPU (Central Processing Unit),
monitor, keyboard and mouse. Introduction
of desktops popularized use of computers
among common people as it was compact
and affordable.
Classification of Computers
Laptop
Despite its huge popularity, desktops gave
way to a more compact and portable
personal computer called laptop in 2000s.
Laptops are also called notebook
computers or simply notebooks. Laptops
run using batteries and connect to networks
using Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) chips. They
also have chips for energy efficiency so
that they can conserve power whenever
possible and have a longer life.

Modern laptops have enough processing power and storage capacity to be

used for all office work, website designing, software development and even
audio/video editing.
Classification of Computers
Tablet
After laptops computers were further
miniaturized to develop machines that
have processing power of a desktop
but are small enough to be held in
one’s palm. Tablets have touched
sensitive screen of typically 5 to 10
inches where one finger is used to
touch icons and invoke applications.

Keyboard is also displayed virtually whenever required and used with

touch strokes. Applications that run on tablets are called apps. They use
operating systems by Microsoft (Windows 8 and later versions) or Google
(Android). Apple computers have developed their own tablet
called iPad which uses a proprietary OS called iOS.
Classification of Computers
Server
Servers are computers with high
processing speeds that provide one
or more services to other systems on
the network. They may or may not
have screens attached to them. A
group of computers or digital devices
connected together to share
resources is called a network.

Servers have high processing powers and can handle multiple requests
simultaneously. Most commonly found servers on networks include −
 File or storage server
 Game server
 Application server
 Database server
 Mail server
 Print server
Classification of Computers
c. Mainframe
Mainframes are computers used by organizations like banks, airlines and
railways to handle millions and trillions of online transactions per second.
Important features of mainframes are –
 Big in size
 Hundreds times faster than servers, typically hundred
megabytes per second
 Very expensive
 Use proprietary OS provided by the manufacturers
 In-built hardware, software and firmware security features
Classification of Computers
d. Supercomputer
Supercomputers are the fastest computers on Earth. They are used for carrying
out complex, fast and time intensive calculations for scientific and engineering
applications. Supercomputer speed or performance is measured in teraflops, i.e.
1012 floating point operations per second.

Chinese supercomputer Sunway

TaihuLight is the world’s fastest
supercomputer with a rating of 93
petaflops per second, i.e. 93
quadrillion floating point operations
per second.
Most common uses of
supercomputers include −
 Molecular mapping and research
 Weather forecasting
 Environmental research
 Oil and gas exploration
Applications of Computer
Computers play a role in every field of life. They are used in homes, business,
educational institutions, research organizations, medical field, government
offices, entertainment, etc.

Home
Computers are used at homes for several purposes like online bill payment,
watching movies or shows at home, home tutoring, social media access,
playing games, internet access, etc. They provide communication through
electronic mail. They help to avail work from home facility for corporate
employees. Computers help the student community to avail online educational
support.

Medical Field
Computers are used in hospitals to maintain a database of patients’ history,
diagnosis, X-rays, live monitoring of patients, etc. Surgeons nowadays use
robotic surgical devices to perform delicate operations, and conduct surgeries
remotely. Virtual reality technologies are also used for training purposes. It also
helps to monitor the fetus inside the mother’s womb.
Applications of Computer
Entertainment
Computers help to watch movies online, play games online; act as a
virtual entertainer in playing games, listening to music, etc. MIDI
instruments greatly help people in the entertainment industry in
recording music with artificial instruments. Videos can be fed from
computers to full screen televisions. Photo editors are available with
fabulous features.

Industry
Computers are used to perform several tasks in industries like
managing inventory, designing purpose, creating virtual sample
products, interior designing, video conferencing, etc. Online marketing
has seen a great revolution in its ability to sell various products to
inaccessible corners like interior or rural areas. Stock markets have
seen phenomenal participation from different levels of people through
the use of computers.
Applications of Computer
Education
Computers are used in education sector through online classes, online
examinations, referring e-books, online tutoring, etc. They help in
increased use of audio-visual aids in the education field.

Government
In government sectors, computers are used in data processing,
maintaining a database of citizens and supporting a paperless
environment. The country’s defense organizations have greatly
benefitted from computers in their use for missile development,
satellites, rocket launches, etc.

Banking
In the banking sector, computers are used to store details of
customers and conduct transactions, such as withdrawal and deposit
of money through ATMs. Banks have reduced manual errors and
expenses to a great extent through extensive use of computers.
Applications of Computer
Business
Nowadays, computers are totally integrated into business. The main
objective of business is transaction processing, which involves
transactions with suppliers, employees or customers. Computers can
make these transactions easy and accurate. People can analyze
investments, sales, expenses, markets and other aspects of business
using computers.

Training
Many organizations use computer-based training to train their
employees, to save money and improve performance. Video
conferencing through computers allows saving of time and travelling
costs by being able to connect people in various locations.
Applications of Computer
Arts
Computers are extensively used in dance, photography, arts and
culture. The fluid movement of dance can be shown live via animation.
Photos can be digitized using computers.

Science and Engineering

Computers with high performance are used to stimulate dynamic
process in Science and Engineering. Supercomputers have numerous
applications in area of Research and Development (R&D).
Topographic images can be created through computers. Scientists use
computers to plot and analyze data to have a better understanding of
earthquakes.