Chapter 1 Introduction To Computers
Chapter 1 Introduction To Computers
Fundamentals and
Programming in C
2nd Edition
Reema Thareja
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© Oxford University Press 2016. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
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© Oxford University Press 2016. All rights reserved.
• Memory: Computers have memory to store data and program.
Computer have primary as well as secondary memory.
• No I.Q.: Computers do not having any decision making capabilities of
their own. They need guidance to perform various tasks.
• Economical: Using computers reduces man power requirements and
leads to an elegant and efficient way of performing various tasks.
Computers save time, energy and money. Compared to other systems,
computers can do more work in less time.
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© Oxford University Press 2016. All rights reserved.
STORED PROGRAM CONCEPT
All digital computers are based on the principle of stored program
concept, which was introduced by Sir John von Neumann in the late
1940s. A stored program architecture is a fundamental computer
architecture wherein the computer executes the instructions that
are stored in its memory.
Key characteristic features :
•Before any data is processed, instructions are read into memory.
•Instructions are stored in the computer’s memory for execution.
•Instructions are stored in binary form (using binary numbers—only 0s and 1s).
•Processing starts with the first instruction in the program, which is copied into a
control unit circuit. The control unit executes the instructions.
•Instructions written by the users are performed sequentially until there is a
break in the current flow.
•Input / Output and processing operations are performed simultaneously. While
data is being read/written, the central processing unit (CPU) executes another
program in the memory that is ready for execution.
© Oxford University Press 2016. All rights reserved.
Types of Stored Program Computers:
•Harvard Architecture:
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© Oxford University Press 2016. All rights reserved.
GENERATION OF COMPUTERS
The word generation means the state of improvement in the product
development process. Similarly, computer generation refers to the different
advancements of new computer technology.
The first generation computers used very large number of vacuum tubes for
circuitry and magnetic drums for memory.
• The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third
generation of computers.
• These computers had few megabytes of main memory and magnetic disks which
could store few tens of megabytes of data per disk drive.
• High level programming languages like COBOL and FORTRAN were standardized
by ANSI
• Some more high level programming languages like PL/I PASCAL and BASIC were
introduced at this time.
• Third generation computers were the first to implement time sharing operating
systems.
• Input to these computers could now be provided using keyboards and mouse.
Classification of Computers
Dumb Intelligent
Terminal Terminal
CPU
CONTROL UNIT