What is

computer?
What is
computer?
Definition of computers
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software. Computers can process data, perform calculations, store and retrieve
information, communicate with other devices, and much more. They are
incredibly versatile and have become an integral part of modern life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.
Definition of computers
Definition of iscomputers
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Definition of computers
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software. Computers can process data, perform calculations, store and retrieve
information, communicate with other devices, and much more. They are
incredibly versatile and have become an integral part of modern life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.
Ancient Computing Devices
Definition of computers
Ancient computing devices, in contrast to modern electronic
computers, refer to early tools, instruments, and machines that were used to
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Definition of computers
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software. Computers can process data, perform calculations, store and retrieve
information, communicate with other devices, and much more. They are
incredibly versatile and have become an integral part of modern life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.
Ancient Computing Devices
Definition of computers
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software. Computers can process data, perform calculations, store and retrieve
information, communicate with other devices, and much more. They are
incredibly versatile and have become an integral part of modern life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.

ABACUS PUNCHED CARD

Definition of computers
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software. Computers can process data, perform calculations, store and retrieve
information, communicate with other devices, and much more. They are
incredibly versatile and have become an integral part of modern life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.
Mechanical Calculators
Definition of computers
Mechanical calculators are early computing devices that perform
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
arithmetic calculations using mechanical components, such as gears, levers,
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software.
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mathematical calculations, making them particularly useful in fields like
engineering, accounting, and science.
Definition of computers
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software. Computers can process data, perform calculations, store and retrieve
information, communicate with other devices, and much more. They are
incredibly versatile and have become an integral part of modern life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.
Early Digital Computers
ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer):
Definition of computers
• Developed during World War II and completed in 1945,
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
ENIAC was one of the earliest general-purpose electronic
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software. Computers
digital can process data, perform calculations, store and retrieve
computers.
information, communicate with other devices, and much more. They are
• It was
incredibly massive,
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and have become anaintegral
large part
room and consisting
of modern of
life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.
over 17,000 vacuum tubes.
• ENIAC was primarily used for artillery trajectory
calculations.
Definition of computers
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software. Computers can process data, perform calculations, store and retrieve
information, communicate with other devices, and much more. They are
incredibly versatile and have become an integral part of modern life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.
Definition of computers
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software. Computers can process data, perform calculations, store and retrieve
information, communicate with other devices, and much more. They are
incredibly versatile and have become an integral part of modern life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.
Definition of computers
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software. Computers can process data, perform calculations, store and retrieve
information, communicate with other devices, and much more. They are
incredibly versatile and have become an integral part of modern life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.
UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer I):
• Designed by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly, UNIVAC I was
Definition of computers
the first commercially produced computer.
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
•software.
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1951 and data,
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an integral part of modern life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.
Definition of computers
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software. Computers can process data, perform calculations, store and retrieve
information, communicate with other devices, and much more. They are
incredibly versatile and have become an integral part of modern life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.
Definition of computers
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software. Computers can process data, perform calculations, store and retrieve
information, communicate with other devices, and much more. They are
incredibly versatile and have become an integral part of modern life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.
Definition of computers
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software. Computers can process data, perform calculations, store and retrieve
information, communicate with other devices, and much more. They are
incredibly versatile and have become an integral part of modern life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.
EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer):
• A follow-up project to ENIAC, EDVAC was designed to be a
Definition of computers
more general-purpose computer.
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing a wide range
• It introduced the concept of stored programs, which became a
of tasks by executing instructions given to it in the form of programs or
software. Computers
fundamental can of
aspect process data,computing.
modern perform calculations, store and retrieve
information, communicate with other devices, and much more. They are
incredibly versatile and have become an integral part of modern life, impacting
nearly every aspect of society and industry.
 Transistors and Integrated Circuits (1950s-
1960s)
The invention of the transistor in 1947 and the development of
integrated circuits in the 1950s revolutionized computing by making devices
smaller, faster, and more reliable. The invention of the transistor in 1947 and
the subsequent development of integrated circuits (ICs) in the 1950s and
1960s indeed marked a significant turning point in the history of electronics
and computing. These advancements revolutionized technology by making
electronic devices smaller, faster, and more reliable, and they laid the
foundation for the modern digital age.
Mainframe Computer
• Size and Form Factor: Mainframes are typically large and often housed in specialized
data centers. They can range in size from the dimensions of a refrigerator to much
larger configurations that take up entire rooms. Their size is necessary to accommodate
the hardware components and provide efficient cooling.

• Processing Power: Mainframes are designed to offer substantial processing power and
memory. They use multiple high-performance processors and are capable of executing
complex and resource-intensive tasks simultaneously.

• Reliability and Availability: Mainframes are engineered for maximum reliability. They
often incorporate redundant hardware components, such as processors, memory, and
power supplies, to minimize downtime due to hardware failures. This ensures high
availability for mission-critical applications.
Mainframe Computer
• Operating System: Mainframes typically run specialized operating systems
tailored to their unique requirements. Examples of mainframe operating systems
include IBM's z/OS and UNISYS's OS 2200. These operating systems are
optimized for scalability, security, and handling a large number of users and
transactions.

• Security: Security is a top priority for mainframes. They often include advanced
security features, including encryption, authentication, and access controls. This is
especially crucial for industries like finance and healthcare that handle sensitive
data.

• Scalability: Mainframes are highly scalable, allowing organizations to expand their

computing capacity as their needs grow. This is achieved through the addition of
processors, memory, and storage, making mainframes adaptable to changing
workloads.
 Mainframe Computer
• Virtualization: Mainframes are pioneers in virtualization technology,
allowing multiple virtual machines (partitions) to run on a single
physical system. This capability enhances resource utilization and
isolation between workloads.

• Batch Processing: Mainframes excel at batch processing, which

involves the automated execution of a series of tasks or jobs without
manual intervention. This is crucial for tasks like financial transaction
processing and large-scale data processing.

• Legacy Systems: Many organizations still rely on mainframes to run

critical legacy applications developed over the years. These
applications may be costly and complex to migrate to modern
platforms, making mainframes a continued necessity.
 Mainframe Computer

• High Throughput: Mainframes are optimized for high throughput and data
processing. They are used in scenarios where large volumes of data need to be
processed efficiently and in a short time frame.
 PERSONAL COMPUTERS
Personal computers, often referred to as PCs, are versatile and widely used computing
devices designed for individual use. They have become an integral part of modern life and
are used for a wide range of tasks, including work, entertainment, communication, and
personal organization. Here are some key aspects of personal computers:

• Hardware Components: Personal computers consist of several essential hardware

components, including a central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage
devices (e.g., hard drives or solid-state drives), a display monitor, a keyboard, a mouse,
and various ports for connecting peripherals like printers, speakers, and external storage
devices.
 PERSONAL COMPUTERS
• Operating System: PCs typically run an operating system (OS) such as Microsoft
Windows, macOS, or Linux. The OS manages hardware resources, provides a user
interface, and allows users to run software applications.

• Software: Personal computers support a wide range of software applications, including

productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office), web browsers (e.g., Google Chrome),
multimedia players, video games, and specialized software for tasks like graphic design,
programming, and more.

• Internet Connectivity: Most personal computers have built-in networking capabilities

and can connect to the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Internet access is a fundamental
feature of modern PCs.
 PERSONAL COMPUTERS
• Customization: One of the key advantages of personal computers is their ability to be
customized. Users can upgrade hardware components, such as adding more RAM or
replacing the graphics card, to improve performance. They can also customize the
software environment to suit their specific needs.

• Form Factors: PCs come in various form factors, including desktop computers, laptops,
all-in-one computers, and mini PCs. The choice of form factor depends on individual
preferences and requirements.

• Gaming PCs: Some users build or purchase specialized gaming PCs optimized for playing
video games. These systems often feature high-performance components, dedicated
graphics cards, and enhanced cooling systems
 PERSONAL COMPUTERS
• Productivity and Creativity: Personal computers are used extensively for productivity
tasks like word processing, spreadsheet management, and email. They are also powerful
tools for creative work, including graphic design, video editing, music production, and 3D
modeling.

• Security: PC users need to be mindful of cybersecurity concerns, as personal computers

can be vulnerable to malware, viruses, and cyberattacks. Regular software updates and
security measures are crucial to protect personal data.

• Accessories: Users can enhance their PC experience with various accessories like external
monitors, webcams, headsets, and ergonomic peripherals. These accessories can improve
productivity and comfort.
 PERSONAL COMPUTERS
• History: Personal computers have a rich history, with notable milestones including the
introduction of the first IBM PC in 1981 and the subsequent rise of the Microsoft
Windows operating system. The development of microprocessors and the internet have
played a significant role in shaping the evolution of personal computing.

• Mobile and Tablet Computing: While traditional personal computers remain popular, the
rise of smartphones and tablets has introduced new ways to access and interact with
digital content. However, personal computers continue to be essential tools for many tasks
that require more processing power and a larger display.