Computer lecture
By Imdad Ullah
What is a Computer?
• Definition:
A computer is an electronic device
that helps us to do many tasks like writing, drawing, playing
games, and finding information.
or
• Computer is an electronic device that accepts data,
processes it, and produces output.
Early History of Computers
• Abacus (circa 3000 BC): The earliest known tool for
calculation, used by ancient civilizations for arithmetic
processes.
• Mechanical Calculators (17th Century): Devices like
the Pascaline by Blaise Pascal and the Stepped
Reckoner by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.
Abacus, The first computer
Mechanical Calculators
Early history of computer cont…
• Charles Babbage (19th Century):
• Difference Engine: A mechanical calculator designed
for complex calculations.
• Analytical Engine: Considered the first design of a
general-purpose computer.
Charles Babbage computer
First Generation (1940s-
1956)
• Vacuum Tubes: Used for circuitry and magnetic drums
for memory, making computers large and expensive.
• ENIAC (1945): The first general-purpose electronic
computer, used for military calculations.
• UNIVAC I (1951): The first commercial computer used in
business and government.
Second Generation (1956-
1963)
• Transistors: Replaced vacuum tubes, making computers
smaller, faster, and more reliable.
• Examples: IBM 1401, which was widely used in
businesses.
• Programming Languages: Introduction of languages
like COBOL and FORTRAN.
Third Generation (1964-1971)
• Integrated Circuits (ICs): Allowed for the placement of
multiple transistors on a single chip, enhancing speed and
efficiency.
• Key Model: IBM System/360 series.
• Operating Systems: Started using software to manage
hardware and resources.
Fourth Generation (1971-
Present)
• Microprocessors: Integrated thousands of ICs on a
single silicon chip; the Intel 4004 was the first
microprocessor.
• Personal Computers (PCs):
• Apple I (1976): Created by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs.
• IBM PC (1981): Popularized the use of personal computers in
homes and offices.
4th generation of computer
cont…
• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Introduced with
computers like the Apple Macintosh (1984).
• Windows OS: Microsoft launched Windows 1.0 in 1985,
leading to multiple versions up to Windows 11 today.
Fifth Generation (Present
and Future)
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Integrates AI technologies
for smarter computing.
• Supercomputers and Quantum Computing: Advanced
processing with AI capabilities.
• Cloud Computing and IoT: Enables data processing and
connectivity through the internet and smart devices.
Evolution of Computer Versions
and Models
• Mainframes and Minicomputers (1960s-1980s):
• Used by large organizations for complex tasks.
• Example: IBM 360 series and DEC PDP-11.
• Personal Computers (1980s-Present):
• Apple Computers:
• Apple I and II (1976, 1977): Early popular personal computers.
• Macintosh (1984): Introduced GUI to consumers.
• IBM PC and Clones (1981):
• Set the standard for personal computers, leading to compatible clones
from other manufacturers.
• Laptops: Portable computers became common in the late 1980s
with models like IBM ThinkPad.
• Modern Computers (2000s-Present):
• Desktops and Laptops: Equipped with multi-core processors
(e.g., Intel i7, AMD Ryzen).
• Tablets and Smartphones: Combining PC functionality with
portability (e.g., iPad, Android devices).
• Gaming PCs and High-Performance Systems: Advanced
graphics and high-speed processing.
• Future Computing:
• Quantum Computers: Capable of performing calculations much
faster than classical computers (e.g., IBM’s Q System One).
• AI-Powered Devices: Integration of AI for smart learning and
automation.
Super computer
• Definition: The most powerful type of computer, used for
complex computations and large-scale simulations.
• Uses: Weather forecasting, scientific research, nuclear
simulations, and space exploration.
• Examples: IBM Summit, Fugaku (developed by RIKEN
and Fujitsu).
Mainframe computer
• Definition: Large computers used by large organizations
for bulk data processing and critical applications.
• Uses: Banking transactions, airline reservation systems,
and government data processing.
• Examples: IBM Z series, Unisys ClearPath.
Minicomputers (Mid-Range
Computers)
• Definition: Smaller than mainframes but still powerful,
used by small to mid-sized businesses.
• Uses: Managing databases, supporting multiple users,
and specific enterprise applications.
• Examples: DEC PDP-11, VAX computers.
Workstations
• Definition: High-performance computers designed for
technical or scientific applications.
• Uses: Graphic design, 3D rendering, engineering
simulations, and complex calculations.
• Examples: Dell Precision, HP Z-series workstations.
Personal computers (PCs)
• Definition: General-purpose computers used by individuals for
everyday tasks.
• Types of PCs:
• Desktops: Stationary computers with separate monitors, keyboards, and CPUs.
• Laptops: Portable computers with built-in screens and keyboards.
• Netbooks: Smaller, lightweight laptops designed for basic computing tasks like
web browsing and email.
• Examples: Dell Inspiron (Desktop), MacBook Pro (Laptop), ASUS Eee
PC (Netbook).
Tablets
• Definition: Portable computers with touchscreens, often
with fewer capabilities than a laptop but more portability.
• Uses: Web browsing, reading, media consumption, and
light work.
• Examples: Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Smart phones
• Definition: Compact devices with powerful computing
capabilities, combining features of a computer with a
mobile phone.
• Uses: Calling, texting, web browsing, running apps, and
playing games.
• Examples: iPhone, Samsung Galaxy series.
Embedded computers
• Definition: Computers embedded within other devices to
control specific functions.
• Uses: Home appliances (like microwaves, washing
machines), vehicles (for engine control), and medical
devices.
• Examples: Microcontrollers in smart thermostats, the
computer system in modern cars.
Servers
• Definition: Computers that provide data, resources, or
services to other computers (clients) over a network.
• Uses: Hosting websites, managing data, running
applications, and handling email systems.
• Examples: Web servers, file servers, database servers.
Gaming computers
• Definition: High-performance computers built for playing
video games.
• Features: Advanced graphics cards, high-speed
processors, large RAM, and cooling systems.
• Examples: Alienware Aurora, custom-built PCs with
NVIDIA RTX series GPUs.
Quantum Computers (Emerging
Technology)
• Definition: Experimental computers using quantum bits
(qubits) to perform calculations exponentially faster than
traditional computers.
• Uses: Advanced scientific calculations, cryptography, and
solving complex mathematical problems.
• Examples: Google’s Sycamore, IBM Q System One.
Main Parts of a Computer
• Monitor: The screen that shows what you are doing.
• Keyboard: A board with keys that helps you type letters and
numbers.
• Mouse: A device that moves the pointer on the screen and
lets you click on things.
• CPU: The brain of the computer that processes information.
• Speakers: Used to listen to music or sound.
• Printer: A device that prints what you see on the screen onto
paper.
Keys group on keyboard
How Does a Computer Work?
• Input: Giving commands or Data to the
computer (e.g.,
typing on the keyboard or clicking with the mouse).
• Processing: The computer processes the Data using the
CPU.
• Output: The result shown on the monitor, printed
on paper, or played through
speakers.
Basic Uses of Computers
• Writing: Using word processors to type and create
documents.
• Drawing and Coloring: Using simple drawing programs
like Paint.
• Playing Educational Games: Fun games that also teach
math, reading, or
problem-solving.
• Learning: Watching videos or using learning software.
• Internet: Browsing for information, but only with adult
supervision.
Computer Safety Rules
• Ask for permission: Always ask an adult before using a
computer.
• No food or drinks: Keep food and drinks away from the
computer to avoid spills.
• Be gentle: Press the keys softly and handle the mouse
carefully.
• Screen Time Limit: Don’t spend too much time in front
of the screen.
Basic computer shortcuts
• Copy: Ctrl + C
• Use: Copies the selected text or image.
• Example: Highlight your name and press Ctrl + C to copy it.
• Paste: Ctrl + V
• Use: Pastes the copied content.
• Example: Click where you want to place your name and press Ctrl
+ V.
Cut: Ctrl + X
o Use: Cuts (removes) the selected text or image and allows you to paste it elsewhere.
o Example: Cut a word and move it to another place in your document.
Undo: Ctrl + Z
o Use: Undoes the last action.
o Example: If you delete something by mistake, press Ctrl + Z to bring it back.
Redo: Ctrl + Y
o Use: Redoes an action you just undid.
o Example: If you undo a step and want it back, press Ctrl + Y.
Select All: Ctrl + A
o Use: Selects all the text or items on a page.
o Example: Use this when you want to copy everything in a document.
Print: Ctrl + P
o Use: Opens the print menu.
o Example: Use this to print your homework or drawings.
Save: Ctrl + S
o Use: Saves your work.
o Example: Always save your work after making changes.
Open a New Tab (Browser): Ctrl + T
o Use: Opens a new tab when using a web browser.
o Example: Use this when you want to open a new website without
closing the current one.
Close Window/Tab: Ctrl + W
o Use: Closes the current window or tab.
o Example: Use this to close a browser tab after you are done.
