Scribd
Upload
2K views

Introduction To Computer Technology

This document provides an introduction to computer technology including definitions of key terms like computer, data, information, input, output, storage, user, hardware, and software. It then summarizes the evolution of computers from 1st generation vacuum tube computers in the 1930s-1950s to 2nd generation transistor computers of the 1950s, 3rd generation integrated circuit computers of the 1950s-1970s, 4th generation microprocessor computers of the 1970s to today, and expectations for 5th generation computers of the present and beyond. It also describes the four main types of computers as supercomputers, mainframe computers, minicomputers, and microcomputers like desktops, notebooks, tablet PCs, and handheld devices.

Uploaded by

Vikas Sandhu
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2K views

Introduction To Computer Technology

This document provides an introduction to computer technology including definitions of key terms like computer, data, information, input, output, storage, user, hardware, and software. It then summarizes the evolution of computers from 1st generation vacuum tube computers in the 1930s-1950s to 2nd generation transistor computers of the 1950s, 3rd generation integrated circuit computers of the 1950s-1970s, 4th generation microprocessor computers of the 1970s to today, and expectations for 5th generation computers of the present and beyond. It also describes the four main types of computers as supercomputers, mainframe computers, minicomputers, and microcomputers like desktops, notebooks, tablet PCs, and handheld devices.

Uploaded by

Vikas Sandhu
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 10

Introduction to Computer Technology

1. Computer Definition Computer is an electronic machine operating under the control of instructions stored in its memory unit that can: - accept data (inputs) - process data arithmetically and logically - produce results (outputs)

2. Data Data is a collection of unorganized facts, which include words, numbers, images, and sounds. Computers process data to create information. 3. Information Information is data that is organized, has meaning and is useful. Example: reports, newsletters, a receipt, a picture, an invoice or a check.

4. Terms of computer technology i) Input the data entered into a computer. ii) Output the processed results. iii) Storage a place whereas a computer hold data and information for future use. iv) User - a person that communicate with a computer or uses the information it generates. v) Hardware the electrical, electronic and mechanical equipment that makes up a computer vi) Software is the series of instruction that tells the hardware how to perform tasks.

Computer Evolution
Atanasoff-Berry Computer 1939, from IEEE

1. First Generation (1939-1954) - vacuum tube 1937 - John V. Atanasoff designed the first digital electronic computer 1939 - Atanasoff and Clifford Berry demonstrate in Nov. the ABC prototype 1941 - Konrad Zuse in Germany developed in secret the Z3 1943 - In Britain, the Colossus was designed in secret at Bletchley Park to decode German messages 1944 - Howard Aiken developed the Harvard Mark I mechanical computer for the Navy 1945 - John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert built ENIAC at U of PA for the U.S. Army Atanasoff-Berry Computer 1939, from IEEE

"First transistor (model), December 1947. Constructed by John Bardeen, Walter Brattain and William Shockley at Bell Laboratories," from Smithsonian NMAH

2.Second Generation Computers (1954 -1959) transistor


1950 - National Bureau of Standards (NBS) introduced its Standards Eastern Automatic Computer (SEAC) with 10,000 newly developed germanium diodes in its logic circuits, and the first magnetic disk drive designed by Jacob Rabinow 1953 - Tom Watson, Jr., led IBM to introduce the model 604 computer, its first with transistors, that became the basis of the model 608 of 1957, the first solid-state computer for the commercial market. Transistors were expensive at first, cost $8 vs. $.75 for a vacuum tube. But Watson was impressed with the new transistor radios and gave them to his engineers to study. IBM also developed the 650 Magnetic Drum Calculator, the first by IBM to use magnetic drum memory rather punched cards, and began shipment of the 701 scientific "Defense Calculator" that was the first of the Model 700 line that dominated main frame computers for the next decade

IC, from Smithsonian NMAH

3. Third Generation Computers (1959 -1971) IC


1959 - Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments patented the first integrated circuit in Feb. 1959; Kilby had made his first germanium IC in Oct. 1958; Robert Noyce at Fairchild used planar process to make connections of components within a silicon IC in early 1959; the first commercial product using IC was the hearing aid in Dec. 1963; General Instrument made LSI chip (100+ components) for Hammond organs 1968

Apple I of 1976 , from Smithsonian NMAH

4. Fourth Generation (1971-Present) microprocessor 1971 - Gilbert Hyatt at Micro Computer Co. patented the microprocessor; Ted Hoff at Intel in February introduced the 4-bit 4004, a VSLI of 2300 components, for the Japanese company Busicom to create a single chip for a calculator; IBM introduced the first 8-inch "memory disk", as it was called then, or the "floppy disk" later; Hoffmann-La Roche patented the passive LCD display for calculators and watches; in November Intel announced the first microcomputer, the MCS-4; Nolan Bushnell designed the first commercial arcade video game "Computer Space

5. Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond)


1991 - World-Wide Web (WWW) was developed by Tim Berners-Lee and released by CERN.

Types of Computers
There are four types of computers Supercomputers - the most powerful type of computer. These machines are special high capacity computers used by very large organizations. Eg. NASA uses supercomputers to track and control space explorations. Mainframe computers need specially wired, air conditioned rooms. Not powerfully as supercomputers. Mainframe computers capable of great processing speeds and data storage. Eg. Insurance companies use mainframe to process information about millions of policy holders.

Minicomputers are refrigerator-sized machines. Medium-sized companies or departments of large companies always use them for specific purposes.
Eg. Production departments use minicomputers to monitor certain manufacturing processes and assembly line operations.

Microcomputers - The least powerful, yet the most widely used and fastestgrowing, type of microcomputers: i) desktop ii) notebook iii) tablet PC iv) handheld computers (palm computers/PDA )

Assignment 1
There are four types of microcomputers: 1. Desktop 2. Notebook 3. Tablet PC 4. Handheld computers Question Explain briefly: the definition, specification, uses, advantages and disadvantages And give one example of the latest technology for Each of microcomputers. Note* Please enclosed your example within pictures/ graphic

You might also like