Introduction To Use Of

Computer
Unit
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS &
01 COMPUTER ORGANIZATION

➢Introduction to Computer
➢Characteristics / Features of Computer
➢Limitations and Disadvantages of Computer
➢History Of Computers
➢Computer Generations
➢Classification of Computers
 IT (Information Technology)
• The term Information Technology refers to an entire field that uses
computers, networking, software, and other equipment to manage
information electronically in a digital form.

• Consider an IT department in an organization. They are equipped

with computers, database Management Systems, servers, and
security mechanisms for storing, processing, retrieving, and
protecting information available with the organization.
ICT (Information and Communication Technology)

• The term Information and Communication Technology can be

considered as an extended version of the term IT. Communication
refers to the media broadcasting technologies, audio/video
processing and transmission and telephony.
• Recently, the term ICT has been used to refer to the integrating
telephone and audio/ visual networks with computer networks.
• This integration has provided large savings of costs due to the
elimination of telephone networks.
• Simply, ICT can be seen as the integration of information
technology with communication technology.
 ICT (Information and Communication Technology)

• The term ICT is more inclined and widely used in the educational
sector. Some have simplified ICT as using audiovisual equipment for
learning at school and the use of networks that help to transmit
information across schools.
• IT was limited only to the textual mode of transmission of
information with ease and fast. But the information not only in
textual form but in audio, video or any other media is also to be
transmitted to the users.
• Thus, the ICT = IT + Other media.
• It has opened new avenues, like, Online learning, e-learning, Virtual
University, e-coaching, e-education, e-journal, etc.
ICT (Information and Communication Technology)

• Mobiles are also part of ICT. Mobile is being used in

imparting information fast and cost effective. It provides e-
mail facility also. One can access it anywhere. It will be cost
effective.
• The ICT brings more rich material in the classrooms and
libraries for the teachers and students.
• It has provided opportunity for the learner to use maximum
senses to get the information.
• It has broken the monotony and provided variety in the
teaching – learning situation.
CS (Computer Science)

• Computer Science is the mother of all computational disciplines

(Computer Engineering, Information Technology/Information Science,
Software Engineering, ICT, etc).
• In simple words, Computer Science is all about computers.
• In contrast with IT, CS is the science of computing with in depth
knowledge of working principles of computers whereas information
technology is the science designed to make best use of information
systems to make work easier in business environments.
 WHAT IS COMPUTER?

➢A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions

stored in its own memory that can accept data (input), process data, produce
information (output), and store the information for future use
A computer is the greatest invention of modern science and technology.
It’s a powerful machine which is involved in almost every part of our
life. It consists of hardware and software. It processes data according to
given set of instructions.

Who is User?
Someone who communicates with a computer
This includes expert programmers as well as learners
An end user is any individual who runs an application program
 Act as a quick guide for testing process

Data: Information:
“A collection of raw, facts and “The processed or organized form of
Determines time, cost & effort needed
figures is called data.” data is called information”

It can be in form of text, It’s meaningful form of data which

numbers, images, audio and helps us in decision
Provide schedule making.
for testing activities
video.
 DATA PROCESSING CYCLE

Input Data Processing Data Output Information

Information Processing Cycle
• Computers process data (input) into information (output).
• Computers carry out processes using instructions, which are the
steps that tell the computer how to perform a particular task.
• A collection of related instructions organized for a common
purpose is referred to as software/program.
• A computer often holds data, information, and instructions in
storage for future use.
• The series of input, process, output, and storage activities refer as
the information processing cycle
 2 + 2 = 4

Data Instruction Information

CHARACTERISTICS/ FEATURES
3. Reliability

4. Storage
COMPUTER
2. Accuracy
OF

CHARACTERISTICS/
FEATURES OF
COMPUTER
1. Speed 5. Versatility

6. Diligence
 Characteristics / Features of Computer

Speed:
➢ Computers operate at very high speed, and can perform many functions
within a very short time
(concept of Core and Microprocessor)
Accuracy:
➢ Unlike human beings, computers are very accurate, i.e., they never make
mistakes
➢ A computer can work for very long periods without going wrong
 Characteristics / Features of Computer

Reliability:
➢ Computer is a reliable machine. The reliability of results processed by
computer is very high
Storage:
➢ A computer is capable of storing large amount of data or instructions
in a very small space
➢ A computer can store data & instructions for later use, and it can
produce/ retrieve this data when required so that the user can make
use of it
➢ Data stored in a computer can be protected from unauthorized
individuals through the use of passwords
 Characteristics / Features of Computer

Versatile:
➢ Computer is a versatile machine which can do different tasks such as simple
calculation to a complex operation.
➢ It is used in various field for different purposes.
Diligence:
➢Unlike human beings, a computer can work continuously without getting
tired or bored. Even if it has to do a million calculations, it will do the last one
with the same speed and accuracy as the first one
A World Of Computers
Uses of Computer
At Home
In Education
In medical field
In Scientific work
Institutions
In business Organizations
Computer Literacy

• As technology continues to advance, computers have become a

part of everyday life. Thus, many people believe that computer
literacy is vital to success in today’s world.
• Computer literacy, also known as digital literacy, involves having
a current knowledge and understanding of computers and their
uses. Because the requirements that determine computer literacy
change as technology changes, you must keep up with these
changes to remain computer literate.
Limitations of computer
Can’t Think
Can’t Feel
Can’t Imagine
Depend on user’s input
Cannot detect error in logic
Cannot take its own decisions
Disadvantages of Computer
Health issues
Virus and Hacking Attacks
Online Cyber Crime
Data and Information Violation
History Of Computers

01 Mechanical Computers

02 Electronic Computers

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 Abacus Napier’s bones

Leibnz calculator Pascal’s calculator

Arithmometer

Tabulating Stepped reckoner

machine Jacquard loom
Havard mark 1

The Mechanical History of Computers

 Abacus

Abacus is made up of wooden frame in which rod were fitted

across with rounds beads sliding on the rod. It was divided into
two parts called ‘Heaven’ and ‘Earth’. Heaven was the upper part
and Earth was the lower one.
 Napier’s Bones

John Napier, inscribed

logarithmic measurements on a
set of 10 wooden rods and thus
was able to do multiplication
and division by matching up
numbers on the rods. This
device is known as Napier’s
Bones.
 Pascline Calculator
Paline
Pascal’s machine consisted of a series of gears with 10 teeth each,
representing the numbers 0 to 9. As each gear made one turn it would trip
the next gear up to make 1/10 of a revolution. This principle remained the
foundation of all mechanical adding machines for centuries after his death.
The Pascal programming language was named in his honor.
 Analytical Engine

In the year 1823, a scientist form

England named Charles Babbage
invented a machine which could keep
our data safely. This device was called
Analytical engine and it deemed the first
mechanical computer. It included such
feature which is used in today’s
computer language. For this great
invention of the computer, Sir Charles
Babbage is also known as the father of
the computer.
Computer Generations
Electronic Computer
 First Generation (1940-1956)

▪ Vacuum tube technology, Features

▪ Punched cards for data input, ▪ Huge size
▪ Punched cards and paper tape for ▪ Highly unreliable
output, ▪ Very costly
▪ Machine language for writing ▪ Difficult to use
programs,
▪ Magnetic tapes and drums for ▪ Not for commercial use
external storage. ▪ Consumed a lot of electricity
▪ ENIAC, EDSAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC ▪ Generates a lot of heat, so AC
etc. are the examples of FGC needed
Vaccum Tube is a device used to
control the flow of electric current using a
vaccum in a sealed container
 Second Generation (1956-1963)

▪ Vacuum tube technology was Features

replaced by transistorized ▪ Smaller size as compared to FGCs
technology, ▪ Fast and reliable
▪ Size of computer started reducing, ▪ Still very costly
▪ Assembly Language started being ▪ Difficult to use
used in place of Machine Language,
▪ Concept of storage program ▪ Not for commercial use
emerged. ▪ Consumed less of electricity as
▪ IBM 1620, IBM 7094, AND CDC compared to FGCs
3600 are the examples of SGC ▪ Still generates heat, so AC is
required
A Transistor is a semiconductor device
used to amplify or switch electronic signals
and electric power.
 Third Generation (1964-1971)

▪ Use of integrated circuits, Features

▪ Phenomenal increase in ▪ Smaller size as compared to
computation speed, SGCs
▪ Use of magnetic tapes and drums ▪ Faster and more reliable
for external storage,
▪ Still costly
▪ Design of operating system and
higher level language. ▪ Started for commercial use
▪ IBM 360 series, Honeywell 6000 ▪ Lesser maintenance
series, AND IBM 670/168 are ▪ Consumed lesser electricity
the examples of TGC ▪ Generate less heat, but AC
required
An Integrated circuit (IC)
something is called microchip, is a
semiconductor wafer on which thousands or
millions of tiny resistors, capacitors, and
transistors are fabricated.
 Fourth Generation (1971-1981)

▪ Use very large scale integration, Features

▪ Invention of microcomputers, ▪ Small size as and portable
▪ Introduction of personal ▪ Very faster and much more
computers, reliable
▪ Networking and fourth ▪ Very cheap
generation language. ▪ Very less maintenance
▪ DEC 10, STAR 1000 AND PDP ▪ Computers became easily
11 are the examples of FGC available
▪ No AC required

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Large-scale integration (LSI) is the process
of integrating or embedding thousands of
transistors on a single silicon semiconductor
microchip.
 Fifth Generation (1982-Till Present)
• Use IC chips with Ultra large scale integration
• Speed of micro-processor increased
• Large primary and secondary storage
• Optical disks were introduced
• Email service and www (world wide web) were introduced
• Very fast and highly reliable
• Availability of very powerful computers at very cheap rates
• User Friendly Interface
• Development of artificial intelligence
• Air conditioning is required for more powerful systems
• Smaller computers of fifth generation like desktops, notebooks, laptops and tablets
didn’t require air-conditioning
• Has more user friendly interface
• Has more applications both for personal and official use
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Classification/ Types Of Computers
 According to the
Analog Computers
Functionality
Digital computers
computers can be
divided into 3 types:

Hybrid Computers
Analog Computers
 Analog Computers

• Perform particular task no multi-task support

• Works on continuous data and gives continuous output.
• Works on real time and have no storage capacity.
 Analog Computers

• Analog Computers represent and process data by measuring

quantities such as voltage and current to solve a problem.
• They work on supply of continuous signals as input and display
output simultaneously.
• Mostly these devices are used in engineering and scientific
applications.
• Accuracy of analog computers is low as compared to digital
computers.
Digital Computers
 Features of Digital Computers
1
2
3
4
5
Features of Hybrid Computers
 Features of Hybrid Computers
• Hybrid computers are mainly
used for scientific
applications.
• These computers are used in
spaceships, missile systems,
scientific research, hospitals
and for controlling industrial
processes.
Classification of Computers on the base of
Size, Speed and Cost

▪Super Computers
▪Mainframe Computers
▪ Minicomputers
▪ Microcomputers
 Super Computers

▪Largest and most powerful computers.

▪Designed for Scientific and engineering purpose

▪Super-computer have huge memory.

▪These computers are high-capacity computers that run continuously and are
being used by big organizations mostly big corporations and government
institutions.
• Speed of super computers measures in TIPS (Trillion of instructions
per second).
• These computers are used for weather forecasting, nuclear research,
government institutions and NASA.
 Mainframe Computers
▪ Are less powerful than super computers but are capable of great processing
speed, multi tasking capability and high data storage.
▪It can support hundred and thousands of users at a time.
▪Used by large companies like banking, insurance online transaction, Air travel
and health care organizations.
 Mini Computers
▪A minicomputer is a type of computer that holds most of the features and
capabilities of a large computer but is smaller in size.
▪These computers can execute billion of instructions per second (BIPS).
▪Minicomputers are used by small businesses & firms. Minicomputers are also
called as “Midrange Computers”. Supports 250 users simultaneously.
▪These are small machines and can be accommodated on a disk with not as
processing and data storage capabilities as super-computers &Mainframes.
▪These computers are not designed for a single user. Individual departments of a
large company or organizations use Mini-computers for specific purposes..
▪Used in organizations that have hundred of users such as PIA, NADRA, hospitals
and police departments
 Micro Computers

▪ Micro computers are smallest computers

▪ Low cost and easy to use
▪Are the most common and widely used computer in homes and offices
▪Microcomputer can execute million of instructions per second (MIPS)
▪Well known manufacturers of Micro-computer are Dell, Apple,
Samsung, Sony and Toshiba.
▪ Examples: Personal computers, laptops and tablet etc.
 Micro Computers

Handheld Computers
▪ Are the smallest computers that are designed to fit into one hand or
palm
▪Handheld computer also called palmtop
▪These computers may combine pen input and communication
capabilities such as telephone and internet applications
 Micro Computers

Tablet Personal Computers

▪ Fancy notebook similar to laptop

▪Can accept handwriting using digital pen
▪It comes in various sizes, shapes and features
 Micro Computers
Notebook Or Laptop
A laptop is a small, portable computer -- small
enough that it can sit on your lap.
Nowadays, laptop computers are more
frequently called notebook computers, though
technically laptops are somewhat larger in size
than notebooks, in both thickness and weight
 Micro Computers
Personal Computers Or PC

A personal computer (PC) is a multi-

purpose computer whose size, capabilities,
and price make it feasible for individual
use. Personal computers are intended to
be operated directly by an end user, rather
than by a computer expert or technician.
 References

https://www.just.edu.jo/~mqais/CIS99/PDF/Ch.01_Introduction_%20to_computers.pdf

https://www.slideshare.net/kamboh786/history-of-computers-22302458

https://www.slideshare.net/ksrthebeautu94/history-of-computer-58822915

https://ftms.edu.my/v2/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/csca0101_ch01.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrUvFJWlYCY

http://www.cs.uah.edu/~rcoleman/Common/History/History.html

https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~fgandon/lecture/uk1999/computers_types/

https://artoftesting.com/types-of-computers