Intro To Architecture
Intro To Architecture
5. Embedded Systems & IoT – Essential for designing smart devices and low-power
processors.
6. Security & Reliability – Helps prevent cyber threats and ensures system stability.
• 7. Career Growth – Opens opportunities in tech fields like AI, cybersecurity, and
embedded systems.
Computer Evolution & History
• The evolution of computers spans multiple decades,
transitioning from mechanical devices to modern high-
speed digital machines. Understanding this history
helps us appreciate how technological advancements
have shaped the modern world
Cont.
• Early Computing Devices (Pre-20th Century)
• 1. Abacus (3000 BC)One of the first counting devices
used for arithmetic calculations.
• Real-life Example: Merchants in ancient China and
Mesopotamia used the abacus for trade and business
transactions.
Cont.
2. Pascaline (1642)
Considered the first mechanical computer, featuring an arithmetic logic unit and
memory.
Recognized as the first computer programmer for designing an algorithm for Babbage’s
machine.
Used vacuum tubes for processing and magnetic drums for storage.
Example:
ENIAC (1946) – The first general-purpose electronic computer used for military
calculations.
• UNIVAC (1951) – First commercial computer used by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Cont.
2nd Generation (1950s-1960s) – Transistor-Based Computers
Vacuum tubes were replaced by transistors, making computers smaller, faster, and more
reliable.
Magnetic core memory replaced drum memory for faster access.
Key Developments:
IBM 1401 (1959) – A widely used business computer for payroll and accounting.
COBOL (1959) and FORTRAN (1957) – Early programming languages that automated business
and scientific calculations.
Real-life Example:
• Airline reservation systems started using computers, just like modern online booking
platforms such as Expedia.
Cont.
3rd Generation (1960s-1970s) – Integrated Circuits (Ics) and Minicomputers
Integrated Circuits (Ics) allowed multiple transistors on a single chip, increasing processing power
and reducing size.
Operating systems introduced multitasking and time-sharing capabilities.
Key Developments:
Apollo Guidance Computer (1969) – Used in NASA’s Apollo 11 mission to land humans on the
moon.
IBM System/360 (1964) – First general-purpose computer system with interchangeable software
and hardware.
Real-life Example:
• Early bank ATMs used third-generation computer technology, similar to today’s automated
banking systems.
Cont.
• 4th Generation (1970s-Present) –
• Microprocessors and Personal Computing
• The invention of microprocessors (CPU on a single chip) revolutionized
computing.
• Led to personal computers (PCs) and widespread software
development.
• Key Inventions:
• Intel 4004 (1971) – First commercially available microprocessor.
• Apple II (1977) & IBM PC (1981) – Popularized personal computing for
homes and offices.
• Microsoft Windows (1985) – Made graphical user interfaces (GUI)
mainstream.
Cont.
5th Generation (Present & Future) – Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing
Key Developments:
IBM Watson (2011) – AI-powered supercomputer capable of understanding natural language.
Google Quantum Computer (2020s) – Can solve complex problems beyond the capability of
classical computers.
Real-life Example:
• Self-driving cars, AI chatbots, and real-time language translation use AI-driven computing