Introduction to Computer Science
Introduction to Computer Science
•Lectures:
Venue: DLI Block B Rm 1
– Mondays (12-2pm): Faculty of Management Sciences
– Tuesdays (8-10am): Department:
Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Geosciences,
Mathematics, Physics
Chapter Two:
Generations and Classification of Computers
▪Generations of Computers
✔First generation of computers
✔Second generation (1959-1971) (Transistors)
✔Third Generation Computer (1964-1971) (Integrated Circuit)
✔Fourth Generation (1974-1984) (Very Large Integrated Circuit)
✔Fifth\future Generation (Present and beyond) (Artificial Intelligence)
▪Classification of Computers
✔Classification according to purpose
▪ General-purpose Computers
▪ Specific-purpose Computers
✔Classification according to type of data-handling techniques
▪Analog Computers
▪Digital Computers
▪Hybrid Computers
✔Classification according to functionality
▪Microcomputers
▪Minicomputers
▪Mainframe computers
▪Supercomputers
Introduction
The history of computer development could be linked to different generations
of computing devices.
generations.
The growth of computer development has been divided into five distinct
generations.
Vacuum Tube
UNIVAC
First Generation of Computer (1946-1959)
The period of first generation was from 1946-1959.
switches
Transistor
IBM-1600
Second Generation of Computers (1959-1971)
(Transistors)
Second Generation Computers were available between 1959- 1971.
energy-efficient and reliable. Punched card was used for input and
printout.
Characteristics of Second Generation
Computers
The wires and thermionic values of the first generation were replaced
with diodes and transistors.
Higher-Capacity internal storage compared with first generation.
Processors operated in micro seconds (i.e. one millionth of a second)
Reduced size
Invention and use of high level language such as FORTRAN and COBOL.
Programs could be written in High Level languages and assembler e.g.
BASIC
Communication by using telephone line.
Improvement of speed and reliability.
Example: Honeywell 200, IBM 1620, IBM 1400 etc.
Main Features
❑Major Innovation: Transistors as main component.
UNIVAC-III, etc…
Advantages of Second Generation
1. Smaller in size as compares to 1st generation
2. Much more reliable
3. Less heat generated
4. Computation was performing in micro second
5. Less hardware and maintenance problem
6. Could be used for commercial use
Integrated Circuit
(ICs)
Computer
in 3rd Generation
Third Generation of Computers (1964-1971) –
(Integrated Circuit (IC))
The integrated circuit was invented by Jack Kilby and Robert
Noyce.
Integrated Circuit replaced transistor.
The technology is based on the use of semi-conductor device
called silicon, chips or micro processors.
The introduction of integrated circuit drastically increased the
speed and efficiency of computer.
The era of punched cards and printouts was phased out; it is now
possible for user to interact with the computer through keyboards
and monitors with the aid of operating system.
For the first time computer becomes accessible to a large
audience.
Characteristics of Third Generation
Computers
Higher capacity internal storage.
Processors operated in nano seconds (i.e. one billionth of a second).
Remote communication facilities.
Multi programming facilities.
Smaller in size.
Used Integrated circuit (IC) to replace Transistors.
Generated less heat.
Use of operating system: This generation saw the introduction of the
use of operating system. An operating system may be designed as a
set of control programs that supervise the work of a computer
system.
Characteristics of Third Generation
Computers cont.....
Use of Communication Cable: They were able to use communication
cable for Local Connections and Lines for Local Area Network
(LAN).
Reduction in the cost of storage: The cost of storage was
drastically reduced.
Introduction of mini Computers. Use of monitors and line printers
❑Input and Output Devices: Keyboard for input, monitor for output
❑Size: Mainframe and Mini Computer, for example: IBM SYSTEM /360,
Computer
In 4th Generation
Apple II -1977
VLSI
Very large scale integrated circuit
Fourth Generation of Computers (1974-1984)
(Very Large Integrated Circuit)
These materials appeared in the early 70s.
One of the most important results of large scale integration was the
computer
Fourth Generation of Computers (1974-1984)
Over time, larger units were introduced to generate an improved
performance.
These were LSI, VLSI, and ULSI. This modification further reduced
External storage devices such as CD-ROM drive optical disk, floppy disk
Computer
In 1995
Fifth Generation (Present - Beyond)
2005
2010 2012
Fifth\Future Generation (Present - Beyond)
(Artificial Intelligence) (AI)
From 1990s upward, the fifth generation computers entered into the
and power.
previous generation.
They are data driven and not control-driven and artificial intelligence
play a leading role in the full development of these new set of computers
experience.
Fifth\Future Generation (Present - Beyond)
Presently, we have computers which through the use of Artificial
Intelligence [AI] Software help physicians to diagnose disease, lawyers
to plan litigation etc.
In this case of medical diagnosis, the Artificial Intelligence Software
reproduces the knowledge of over 10,000 medical experts through its
data base of diseases, rules of diagnosis and treatment given.
The user holds a kind of dialogue with the system under the control of
the AI software by supplying all facts about the case on hand and
symptoms into the computer system.
He performs all suggested laboratory tests and reports all results back
to the system.
The system displays possible causes of the problem and one or two
methods for effective treatment; this is known as Expert system.
Characteristics of Fifth Generation of
Computer
Artificial Intelligence: The ability of the computer to exhibit behavior just
like an intelligent person e.g. Robot.
Expert System: A system feature that is capable of making judgment and
decision like an expert.
That is an interactive feature that asks user quest and the answers supplied
is used to determine what next actions are to be taken
Speech Synthesis: production of sounds that resemble human speech by
electronic methods.
The fifth generation of computer systems is characterized mainly by
acceptance of parallel processing backed up by hardware in the industry
This generation witnessed the introduction of machines with hundreds of
processors that could all be working on different parts of a single program
Main Features
Major Innovations: ULSIC (Ultra large scale integrated circuit)
Main Memory: EEPROM, SIMM and DIMM.
External Storage: Modified magnetic and Optical disks.
Input/output Devices: Keyboard, Pointing Device, Scanner as input and
Monitor as main output.
Languages: AI (Artificial Intelligence) Expert systems.
Operating System: GUI based e.g. Windows (95, 98, 2000, NT, XP,
Vista, Seven and Eight)
Size: Very small in size example: Laptop, Note book, Digital Diary,
Palmtop and Pocket PC.
Advantages of Fifth Generation
Very large storage capacity
Long bit processor builds
Artificial Intelligence Language developed
Computer Lab. In
1985
Generation of Computer at a glance:
▪purpose,
▪functionality
Classification of computers
Classification according to functionality
Based on physical size, performance and application areas, the
▪Microcomputers
▪Minicomputers
▪Mainframe computers
▪Supercomputers
Classification of computers
1. Microcomputers
2. Minicomputers
39
Super Computer (monster)
Super Computer (monster)
An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of
millions of instructions per second.
Classification of computer by size
Super Computer (monster)
▪The most powerful of the four categories
▪Used by very large organizations, particularly for very math-intensive types of
tasks
▪These are the largest, fastest, and most expensive computers.
▪They have more than 1 CPU which contains instructions so that it can interpret
instructions and execute arithmetic and logical operations.
▪The cost ranges from $100 million to $250 million for design and assembly,
apart from the maintenance cost.
▪The speed of super computer is generally measured in “FLOP” (Floating Point
Operation Per Second), instead of million instructions per second (MIPS)
▪Thousands of users can be connected
Super Computer (monster)
As per 19 April 2018, it has a total of 40PB of internal memory and
requires 15,371,00KW of power to operate.
Have storage capacities of millions of bits per chip.
▪Airline system (in this case, a mainframe is installed at the head office
where all the information about flight are recorded, small computers are
installed in their various booking office, these computers are attached to
central data bank so that up to date information are readily available
Uses
▪They are generally used as mid-range servers.
▪Also for scientific and engineering computations, business
transaction handling and data base management etc.
Example: TDC 316, P1W 11/70
Micro computer
▪ Microcomputer =>Personal Computer => PC: A small, single-user computer
based on a microprocessor.
▪ There are 3 types of the Microcomputers :
1.Laptop
2.Desktop
3.Workstation
Personal Computer: Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer. A
workstation is like a personal computer, but it has :
a more powerful microprocessor and, in general, a higher-quality
monitor.
Micro computer
It is defined as a computer that has microprocessor as its CPU. The first
This implies that 8-bit of data can be sent for process into CPU, later 16
These types of computer are the smallest, least expensive and the
commonest.