A computer is a programmable electronic device that accepts raw data as input and
processes it with a set of instructions (a program) to produce the result as output. It
renders output just after performing mathematical and logical operations and can save
the output for future use. It can process numerical as well as non-numerical
calculations. The term "computer" is derived from the Latin word "computare" which
means to calculate.
A computer is designed to execute applications and provides a variety of solutions
through integrated hardware and software components. It works with the help of
programs and represents the decimal numbers through a string of binary digits. It also
has a memory that stores the data, programs, and result of processing. The
components of a computer such as machinery that includes wires, transistors, circuits,
hard disk are called hardware. Whereas, the programs and data are called software.
It is believed that the Analytical Engine was the first computer which was invented by
Charles Babbage in 1837. It used punch cards as read-only memory. Charles Babbage
is also known as the father of the computer
The basic parts without which a computer cannot work are as follows:
- Processor: It executes instructions from software and hardware.
- Memory: It is the primary memory for data transfer between the CPU and storage
- Motherboard: It is the part that connects all other parts or components of a computer.
- Storage Device: It permanently stores the data, e.g., hard drive.
- Input Device: It allows you to communicate with the computer or to input data, e.g., a keyboard.
- Output Device: It enables you to see the output, e.g., monitor.
Computers are divided into different types based on different criteria. Based
on the size, a computer can be divided into five types:
1. Micro Computer
2. Mini Computer
3. Mainframe Computer
4. Super Computer
5. Workstations
1. Micro Computer:
It is a single-user computer which has less speed and storage capacity than the other
types. It uses a microprocessor as a CPU. The first microcomputer was built with 8-bit
microprocessor chips. The common examples of microcomputers include laptops,
desktop computers, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablets, and smartphones.
Microcomputers are generally designed and developed for general usage like browsing,
searching for information, internet, MS Office, social media, etc.
1. ATM:
2. Digital currency:
3. Trading:
5. VoIP:
on the size, a computer can be divided into five types:
1. Micro Computer
2. Mini Computer
3. Mainframe Computer
4. Super Computer
5. Workstations
1. Micro Computer:
It is a single-user computer which has less speed and storage capacity than the other
types. It uses a microprocessor as a CPU. The first microcomputer was built with 8-bit
microprocessor chips. The common examples of microcomputers include laptops,
desktop computers, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablets, and smartphones.
Microcomputers are generally designed and developed for general usage like browsing,
searching for information, internet, MS Office, social media, etc.
2. Mini Computer:
Mini-computers are also known as "Midrange Computers." They are not designed for a
single. They are multi-user computers designed to support multiple users
simultaneously. So, they are generally used by small businesses and firms. Individual
departments of a company use these computers for specific purposes. For example, the
admission department of a University can use a Mini-computer for monitoring the
admission process.
Mini-computers are also known as "Midrange Computers." They are not designed for a
single. They are multi-user computers designed to support multiple users
simultaneously. So, they are generally used by small businesses and firms. Individual
departments of a company use these computers for specific purposes. For example, the
admission department of a University can use a Mini-computer for monitoring the
admission process.
3. Mainframe Computer:
It is also a multi-user computer capable of supporting thousands of users
simultaneously. They are used by large firms and government organizations to run their
business operations as they can store and process large amounts of data. For example,
Banks, universities, and insurance companies use mainframe computers to store the
data of their customers, students, and policyholders, respectively.
It is also a multi-user computer capable of supporting thousands of users
simultaneously. They are used by large firms and government organizations to run their
business operations as they can store and process large amounts of data. For example,
Banks, universities, and insurance companies use mainframe computers to store the
data of their customers, students, and policyholders, respectively.
4. Super Computer:
Super-computers are the fastest and most expensive computers among all types of
computers. They have huge storage capacities and computing speeds and thus can
perform millions of instructions per second. The super-computers are task-specific and
thus used for specialized applications such as large-scale numerical problems in
scientific and engineering disciplines including applications in electronics, petroleum
engineering, weather forecasting, medicine, space research and more. For example,
NASA uses supercomputers for launching space satellites and monitoring and
controlling them for space exploration.
Super-computers are the fastest and most expensive computers among all types of
computers. They have huge storage capacities and computing speeds and thus can
perform millions of instructions per second. The super-computers are task-specific and
thus used for specialized applications such as large-scale numerical problems in
scientific and engineering disciplines including applications in electronics, petroleum
engineering, weather forecasting, medicine, space research and more. For example,
NASA uses supercomputers for launching space satellites and monitoring and
controlling them for space exploration.
5. Work stations:
It is a single-user computer. Although it is like a personal computer, it has a more
powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor than a microcomputer. In terms
of storage capacity and speed, it comes between a personal computer and
minicomputer. Work stations are generally used for specialized applications such as
desktop publishing, software development, and engineering designs.
Benefits of Using a Computer:
It is a single-user computer. Although it is like a personal computer, it has a more
powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor than a microcomputer. In terms
of storage capacity and speed, it comes between a personal computer and
minicomputer. Work stations are generally used for specialized applications such as
desktop publishing, software development, and engineering designs.
Benefits of Using a Computer:
- Increases your productivity: A computer increases your productivity. For example, after having a basic understanding of a word processor, you can create, edit, store, and print the documents easily and quickly.
- Connects to the Internet: It connects you to the internet that allows you to send emails, browse content, gain information, use social media platforms, and more. By connecting to the internet, you can also connect to your long-distance friends and family members.
- Storage: A computer allows you to store a large amount of information, e.g., you can store your projects, ebooks, documents, movies, pictures, songs, and more.
- Organized Data and Information: It not only allows you to store data but also enables you to organize your data. For example, you can create different folders to store different data and information and thus can search for information easily and quickly.
- Improves your abilities: It helps write good English if you are not good at spelling and grammar. Similarly, if you are not good at math, and don't have a great memory, you can use a computer to perform calculations and store the results.
- Assist the physically challenged: It can be used to help the physically challenged, e.g., Stephen Hawking, who was not able to speak used computer to speak. It also can be used to help blind people by installing special software to read what is on the screen.
- Keeps you entertained: You can use the computer to listen to songs, watch movies, play games and more. The computer has become a part of our life. There are plenty of things that we do in a day are dependent on a computer. Some of the common examples are as follows:
While withdrawing cash from an ATM, you are using a computer that enables the ATM to take instructions and dispense cash accordingly.
A computer keeps a record of your transactions and balance in your account and the money deposited in your account in a bank is stored as a digital record or digital currency.
Stock markets use computers for day to day trading. There are many advanced algorithms based on computers that handle trading without involving humans.
4. Smartphone:
The smartphone that we use throughout the day for calling, texting, browsing is itself a computer.
All voice over IP communication (VoIP) is handled and done by computers.
History of Computers
The first counting device was used by the primitive people. They used sticks, stones
and bones as counting tools. As human mind and technology improved with time more
computing devices were developed. Some of the popular computing devices starting
with the first to recent ones are described below;
The first counting device was used by the primitive people. They used sticks, stones
and bones as counting tools. As human mind and technology improved with time more
computing devices were developed. Some of the popular computing devices starting
with the first to recent ones are described below;
Abacus
The history of computer begins with the birth of abacus which is believed to be the first
computer. It is said that Chinese invented Abacus around 4,000 years ago.
It was a wooden rack which has metal rods with beads mounted on them. The beads
were moved by the abacus operator according to some rules to perform arithmetic
calculations. Abacus is still used in some countries like China, Russia and Japan. An
image of this tool is shown below;
The history of computer begins with the birth of abacus which is believed to be the first
computer. It is said that Chinese invented Abacus around 4,000 years ago.
It was a wooden rack which has metal rods with beads mounted on them. The beads
were moved by the abacus operator according to some rules to perform arithmetic
calculations. Abacus is still used in some countries like China, Russia and Japan. An
image of this tool is shown below;
Napier's Bones
It was a manually-operated calculating device which was invented by John Napier
(1550-1617) of Merchiston. In this calculating tool, he used 9 different ivory strips or
bones marked with numbers to multiply and divide. So, the tool became known as
"Napier's Bones. It was also the first machine to use the decimal point.
It was a manually-operated calculating device which was invented by John Napier
(1550-1617) of Merchiston. In this calculating tool, he used 9 different ivory strips or
bones marked with numbers to multiply and divide. So, the tool became known as
"Napier's Bones. It was also the first machine to use the decimal point.
Pascaline
Pascaline is also known as Arithmetic Machine or Adding Machine. It was invented
between 1642 and 1644 by a French mathematician-philosopher Biaise Pascal. It is
believed that it was the first mechanical and automatic calculator.
Pascal invented this machine to help his father, a tax accountant. It could only perform
addition and subtraction. It was a wooden box with a series of gears and wheels. When
a wheel is rotated one revolution, it rotates the neighboring wheel. A series of windows
is given on the top of the wheels to read the totals
Pascaline is also known as Arithmetic Machine or Adding Machine. It was invented
between 1642 and 1644 by a French mathematician-philosopher Biaise Pascal. It is
believed that it was the first mechanical and automatic calculator.
Pascal invented this machine to help his father, a tax accountant. It could only perform
addition and subtraction. It was a wooden box with a series of gears and wheels. When
a wheel is rotated one revolution, it rotates the neighboring wheel. A series of windows
is given on the top of the wheels to read the totals
Difference Engine
In the early 1820s, it was designed by Charles Babbage who is known as "Father of
Modern Computer". It was a mechanical computer which could perform simple
calculations. It was a steam driven calculating machine designed to solve tables of
numbers like logarithm tables.
In the early 1820s, it was designed by Charles Babbage who is known as "Father of
Modern Computer". It was a mechanical computer which could perform simple
calculations. It was a steam driven calculating machine designed to solve tables of
numbers like logarithm tables.
Analytical Engine
This calculating machine was also developed by Charles Babbage in 1830. It was a
mechanical computer that used punch-cards as input. It was capable of solving any
mathematical problem and storing information as a permanent memory.
This calculating machine was also developed by Charles Babbage in 1830. It was a
mechanical computer that used punch-cards as input. It was capable of solving any
mathematical problem and storing information as a permanent memory.
Tabulating Machine
It was invented in 1890, by Herman Hollerith, an American statistician. It was a
mechanical tabulator based on punch cards. It could tabulate statistics and record or
sort data or information. This machine was used in the 1890 U.S. Census. Hollerith also
started the Hollerith?s Tabulating Machine Company which later became International
Business Machine (IBM) in 1924.
It was invented in 1890, by Herman Hollerith, an American statistician. It was a
mechanical tabulator based on punch cards. It could tabulate statistics and record or
sort data or information. This machine was used in the 1890 U.S. Census. Hollerith also
started the Hollerith?s Tabulating Machine Company which later became International
Business Machine (IBM) in 1924.
Mark I
The next major changes in the history of computer began in 1937 when Howard Aiken
planned to develop a machine that could perform calculations involving large numbers.
In 1944, Mark I computer was built as a partnership between IBM and Harvard. It was
the first programmable digital computer.
The next major changes in the history of computer began in 1937 when Howard Aiken
planned to develop a machine that could perform calculations involving large numbers.
In 1944, Mark I computer was built as a partnership between IBM and Harvard. It was
the first programmable digital computer.
Generations of Computers
A generation of computers refers to the specific improvements in computer technology
with time. In 1946, electronic pathways called circuits were developed to perform the
counting. It replaced the gears and other mechanical parts used for counting in
previous computing machines.
In each new generation, the circuits became smaller and more advanced than the
previous generation circuits. The miniaturization helped increase the speed, memory
and power of computers. There are five generations of computers which are described
below;
A generation of computers refers to the specific improvements in computer technology
with time. In 1946, electronic pathways called circuits were developed to perform the
counting. It replaced the gears and other mechanical parts used for counting in
previous computing machines.
In each new generation, the circuits became smaller and more advanced than the
previous generation circuits. The miniaturization helped increase the speed, memory
and power of computers. There are five generations of computers which are described
below;
First Generation Computers
The first generation (1946-1959) computers were slow, huge and expensive. In these
computers, vacuum tubes were used as the basic components of CPU and memory.
These computers were mainly depended on batch operating system and punch cards.
Magnetic tape and paper tape were used as output and input devices in this generation;
Some of the popular first generation computers are;
o ENIAC ( Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)
o EDVAC ( Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer)
o UNIVACI( Universal Automatic Computer)
o IBM-701
o IBM-650
The first generation (1946-1959) computers were slow, huge and expensive. In these
computers, vacuum tubes were used as the basic components of CPU and memory.
These computers were mainly depended on batch operating system and punch cards.
Magnetic tape and paper tape were used as output and input devices in this generation;
Some of the popular first generation computers are;
o ENIAC ( Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)
o EDVAC ( Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer)
o UNIVACI( Universal Automatic Computer)
o IBM-701
o IBM-650
Second Generation Computers
The second generation (1959-1965) was the era of the transistor computers. These
computers used transistors which were cheap, compact and consuming less power; it
made transistor computers faster than the first generation computers.
In this generation, magnetic cores were used as the primary memory and magnetic disc
and tapes were used as the secondary storage. Assembly language and programming
languages like COBOL and FORTRAN, and Batch processing and multiprogramming
operating systems were used in these computers.
Some of the popular second generation computers are;
o IBM 1620
o IBM 7094
o CDC 1604
o CDC 3600
o UNIVAC 1108
The second generation (1959-1965) was the era of the transistor computers. These
computers used transistors which were cheap, compact and consuming less power; it
made transistor computers faster than the first generation computers.
In this generation, magnetic cores were used as the primary memory and magnetic disc
and tapes were used as the secondary storage. Assembly language and programming
languages like COBOL and FORTRAN, and Batch processing and multiprogramming
operating systems were used in these computers.
Some of the popular second generation computers are;
o IBM 1620
o IBM 7094
o CDC 1604
o CDC 3600
o UNIVAC 1108
Third Generation Computers
The third generation computers used integrated circuits (ICs) instead of transistors. A
single IC can pack huge number of transistors which increased the power of a computer
and reduced the cost. The computers also became more reliable, efficient and smaller
in size. These generation computers used remote processing, time-sharing, multi
programming as operating system. Also, the high-level programming languages like
FORTRON-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, ALGOL-68 were used in this generation.
Some of the popular third generation computers are;
o IBM-360 series
o Honeywell-6000 series
o PDP(Personal Data Processor)
o IBM-370/168
o TDC-316
The third generation computers used integrated circuits (ICs) instead of transistors. A
single IC can pack huge number of transistors which increased the power of a computer
and reduced the cost. The computers also became more reliable, efficient and smaller
in size. These generation computers used remote processing, time-sharing, multi
programming as operating system. Also, the high-level programming languages like
FORTRON-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, ALGOL-68 were used in this generation.
Some of the popular third generation computers are;
o IBM-360 series
o Honeywell-6000 series
o PDP(Personal Data Processor)
o IBM-370/168
o TDC-316
Fourth Generation Computers
The fourth generation (1971-1980) computers used very large scale integrated (VLSI)
circuits; a chip containing millions of transistors and other circuit elements. These chips
made this generation computers more compact, powerful, fast and affordable. These
generation computers used real time, time sharing and distributed operating system.
The programming languages like C, C++, DBASE were also used in this generation.
Some of the popular fourth generation computers are;
o DEC 10
o STAR 1000
o PDP 11
o CRAY-1(Super Computer)
o CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer)
The fourth generation (1971-1980) computers used very large scale integrated (VLSI)
circuits; a chip containing millions of transistors and other circuit elements. These chips
made this generation computers more compact, powerful, fast and affordable. These
generation computers used real time, time sharing and distributed operating system.
The programming languages like C, C++, DBASE were also used in this generation.
Some of the popular fourth generation computers are;
o DEC 10
o STAR 1000
o PDP 11
o CRAY-1(Super Computer)
o CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer)
Fifth Generation Computers
In fifth generation (1980-till date) computers, the VLSI technology was replaced with
ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). It made possible the production of microprocessor
chips with ten million electronic components. This generation computers used parallel
processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software. The programming
languages used in this generation were C, C++, Java, .Net, etc.
Some of the popular fifth generation computers are;
o Desktop
o Laptop
o NoteBook
o UltraBook
In fifth generation (1980-till date) computers, the VLSI technology was replaced with
ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). It made possible the production of microprocessor
chips with ten million electronic components. This generation computers used parallel
processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software. The programming
languages used in this generation were C, C++, Java, .Net, etc.
Some of the popular fifth generation computers are;
o Desktop
o Laptop
o NoteBook
o UltraBook
Post a Comment