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Computer Fundamentals and Concepts

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Joanna Nebalasca
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9 views19 pages

Computer Fundamentals and Concepts

Uploaded by

Joanna Nebalasca
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Computer Fundamentals and

Concepts
What is a Computer?
• The word computer comes from the word “compute” , which means, “
to calculate”

• Thereby, a computer is an electronic device that can perform


arithmetic operations at high speed

• A computer is also called a data processor because it can store,


process, and retrieve data whenever desired
Data Processing
The activity of processing data using a computer is called data
processing.

Data is raw material used as input and information is processed


data obtained as output of data processing
History and Evolution of Computers
• Blaise Pascal invented the first mechanical adding machine in 1642.
• Baron Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz invented the first calculator for
multiplication in 1671.

• Keyboard machines
originated in the
United States around
1880.
• Around 1880, Herman Hollerith came up with the concept of punched cards that
were extensively used as input media until late 1970s
• Charles Babbage is considered to be the father of modern digital computers.
⮚He designed “Difference Engine” in 1822.
⮚He designed a fully automatic analytical engine in 1842 for performing
basic arithmetic functions.
⮚His efforts established a number of principles that are fundamental to the
design of any digital computer.
Computer Generations
• “Generation” in computer talk is a step in technology. It
provides a framework for the growth of computer industry.

• Originally it was used to distinguish between various hardware


technologies, but now it has been extended to include both
hardware and software.

• Till today, there are five computer generations.


Computer Generations
• “Generation” in computer talk is a step in technology. It
provides a framework for the growth of computer industry.

• Originally it was used to distinguish between various hardware


technologies, but now it has been extended to include both
hardware and software.

• Till today, there are five computer generations.


Electronic Devices Used in Computers of
Different Generations
Capabilities and Limitations of a
Computer
1) Automatic: Given a job, computer can work on it automatically
without human interventions
2) Speed: Computer can perform data processing jobs very fast ,
usually measured in microseconds (10-6), nanoseconds (10-9) , and
picoseconds (10-12).
3) Accuracy: Accuracy of a computer is consistently high and the
degree of its accuracy depends upon its design. Computer errors
caused due to incorrect input data or unreliable programs are often
referred to as Garbage-In-Garbage-Out (GIGO).
4) Diligence: Computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of
concentration. It can continuously work for hours without creating
any error and without grumbling.
5) Versatility: Computer is capable of performing almost any task, if
the task can be reduced to a finite series of logical steps
6) Power of Remembering: Computer can store and recall any amount
of information because of its secondary storage capability. It forgets
or looses certain information only when it is asked to do so
7) No I.Q.: A computer does only what it is programmed to do. It
cannot take its own decision in this regard
8) No Feelings: Computers are devoid of emotions. Their judgement is
based on the instructions given to them in the form of programs
that are written by us (human beings).

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