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An overview of computing, including its definition, characteristics, the evolution of computers through different generations, and various application areas. It covers topics such as data, information, technology, and types of computers.
Typology: Lecture notes
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Introduction to Computer Application
Outline :
Overview of Computing
Definition of Computer
Characteristics of computer
Measure of computer quality and performance
Advantages and disadvantages of computer
Limitation of computer
Application areas and use of computer
application of computer for Horticulture
Input : prepare data to process in convenient form
Processing : process of changing input data into meaningful result
Output : display processed data (information)
Information : is the data that is organized, meaningful and useful for making a decision.
is a knowledge obtained via reading, investigation, study or research.
Tools to transmit information are:- Telephone, TV and Radio.
We need information to make decisions and to predict the future.
Communication : is an act of transmitting messages.
Exchanged information like symbols, signs or verbal interactions by Internet, e-mail or
video conferencing.
Communication is important in order to gain knowledge.
Technology: is the use of scientific knowledge , experience and resources to create
processes products that fulfill human needs.
Technology is vital in communication.
Aiding/help Communication : Telephone and fax machines are the devices used in
extending communication.
Spreading Information: To broadcast information such as news or weather reports
effectively. Radio, television, satellites & World Wide Web (www).
Information technology (IT): is anything related to computing technology_._ Such as
networking, hardware, software, Internet, or people that work with these technologies.
IT is an industry in itself which employs the use of computers, elaborate networks,
computer software, and other digital or electronic devices for managing and
communicating information
is any system designed to gather, process or distribute information.
is a technology that facilitates transmission, collection, processing, interpretation and
dissemination of information.
It used to create, store, exchange information
1.2. Generation of Computers
The evolution of computers is mainly divided into five main generations.
First Generation computers (1940–1956)
Used transistors
Smaller in size as compared to the first-generation computers.
Generated lesser heat.
More reliable and faster than the first-generation computers.
Used core memories, magnetic tapes & disks.
They used lesser electricity.
They could be programmed by using Machine & Assembly language
1.They used vacuum tubes.
Fourth Generation computers
(1971–Present)
They contain high-speed microprocessors
They contain huge storage volumes in the
form of magnetic and optical storage.
They contain main memories up to GBs
(Gigabytes).
Companied by great developments in the
fields of networks.
Third Generation computers
They used integrated circuits.
They had a small size as compared to the
second-generation computers.
They consumed less electricity.
They were faster and reliable than the
second-generation computers.
They supported high level language.
Fifth Generation computers (Future)
focused on developing “ thinking computers ”.
will have the power to learn and apply knowledge to solve a problem.
They would be able to work like humans do.
With Artificial intelligence
Increases in speed, storage,
capacity and reliability
cost
size.
speed,
storage,
capacity &
reliability
Decreases in cost and size.
1.3. Types of Computers
1.3.1. Classes based on purpose ( Size, Cost, Performance )
A, Super:- are the costliest, largest & fastest computers.
used in fields like science and defense.
B, Mainframe:- have high processing speeds & store large amounts of data.
used in wide area networks and support hundreds of users.
consume more electricity.
C, Minicomputers/midrange servers:- small general-purpose computer.
perform more complex tasks & cost more than microcomputers.
larger in size and have small to medium storage capacity.
used for processing data and analyzing results of experiments. 03/26/
PCs are the popular form of computers. Individuals as well as organizations use these
computers. The classification of PCs is as:
(ii) Laptops: These are small-sized machines that have the same power of a desktop. The
drawback of a laptop is that it is too bulky. The weight of a laptop is around 7 to 12 kg.
Examples: Toshiba.
(ii) Notebooks: smaller than laptop & designed to overcome drawbacks of laptop.
(iii) Palmtops or Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs):
handheld computers which have the size of a pocket calculator.
Computer can perform highly complex tasks based on user instruction.
Main characteristics of computers: -
1. Speed:- Computers work at an amazing speed without any mistakes. 2. Accuracy:- It never commits mistakes in processing data. 3. Reliability:- they do not get bored of the repetitive tasks and never get tired. 4. Storage Capacity :- can store large amount of data. 5. Versatility:- can perform various types of jobs. 6. Reduction in Manpower:- advent of computer has reduced need of manpower. 7. Paper Work can be Reduced:- reduces the burden of paper work in any organization.
Can’t decide how to be programmed ;
It is electricity dependent.
No feeling : computer is devoid of emotion.
Can’t think: even if it is artificially intelligent, it does nothing more than it is programmed
to do. It does not create a brand new idea.
No IQ: Computer is not a magical device. It cannot do any work without instruction from
the user but it performs the instructions at tremendous speed and with accuracy.
Do not provide their own inputs unless people provide it with the inputs.
