Lecture-

Introduction to Computer

Mahimul Islam Nadim

Lecturer, CSE
Daffodil International University
Content List:
Computer
Data processing
Characteristic features of computers
Computers’ evolution to their present form
Computer generations
Characteristic features of each computer generation
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
Characteristics of Computers
 Automatic: Given a job, computer can work on it
automatically without human interventions
 Speed: Computer can perform data processing jobs very
fast, usually measured in microseconds (10-6),
nanoseconds (10-9), and picoseconds (10-12)
 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)
 Diligence: Computer is free from monotony, tiredness,
and lack of concentration. It can continuously work for
hours without creating any error and without grumbling
Characteristics of Computers
• Versatility: Computer is capable of performing almost any
task, if the task can be reduced to a finite series of logical
steps
• 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
• No I.Q.: A computer does only what it is programmed to
do. It cannot take its own decision in this regard
• No Feelings: Computers are devoid of emotions. Their
judgment is based on the instructions given to them in the
form of programs that are written by us (human beings)
Evolution of Computers
 The abacus is a manually operated digital computer
used in ancient civilizations
 The use of the word abacus dates before 1387 AD
Evolution of Computers
• The first mechanical adding machine (calculator) was
invented by Blaise Pascal (French) in 1642
Evolution of Computers
 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
Evolution of Computers
 Charles Babbage is considered to be the father of
modern digital computers
 He is best remembered now for originating the concept
of a programmable computer
 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
Some Well Known Early Computers
 The Mark I Computer (1937-44)
 The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (1939-42)
 The ENIAC (1943-46)
 The EDVAC (1946-52)
 The EDSAC (1947-49)
 Manchester Mark I (1948)
 The UNIVAC I (1951)
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
 1st Generation Computer


Vacuum tube based Vacuum tube

1st Generation Computer
 2nd Generation Computer


Transistor

Transistor based.
2nd Generation Computer
3rd Generation Computer

IC
3rd Generation Computer
4th Generation Computer

IC
4th Generation Computer
5th Generation Computer
5th Generation Computer
The End !!

Thank You…