Computer Fundamentals: An Overview of Computer Generations, Devices, and Key Concepts, Study notes of Computer Programming

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Learning Objectives Learning Objectives

In this chapter you will learn about:

§ Computer

§ Data processing

§ Characteristic features of computers

§ Computers’ evolution to their present form

§ Computer generations

§ Characteristic features of each computer generation

Data Processing Data Processing

The activity of processing data using a computer is called

data processing

Data

Capture Data

Manipulate Data

Output Results

Information

Data is raw material used as input and information is

processed data obtained as output of data processing

1) Automatic: Given a job, computer can work on it

automatically without human interventions

2) Speed: Computer can perform data processing jobs

very fast, usually measured in microseconds (10-6),

nanoseconds (10-9), and picoseconds (10-12)

3) Accuracy: Accuracy of a computer is consistently high

and the degree of its accuracy depends upon its design.

Computer errors caused due to incorrect input data or

unreliable programs are often referred to as Garbage-

In-Garbage-Out (GIGO)

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Characteristics of Computers Characteristics of Computers

7) No I.Q.: A computer does only what it is programmed

to do. It cannot take its own decision in this regard

8) No Feelings: Computers are devoid of emotions. Their

judgement is based on the instructions given to them in

the form of programs that are written by us (human

beings)

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Characteristics of Computers Characteristics of Computers

Evolution of Computers Evolution of Computers

§ Blaise Pascal invented the first mechanical adding

machine in 1642

§ Baron Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz invented the first

calculator for multiplication in 1671

§ Keyboard machines originated in the United States

around 1880

§ Around 1880, Herman Hollerith came up with the concept

of punched cards that were extensively used as input

media until late 1970s

Some Well Known Early Computers Some Well Known Early Computers

§ The Mark I Computer (1937-44)

§ The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (1939-42)

§ The ENIAC (1943-46)

§ The EDVAC (1946-52)

§ The EDSAC (1947-49)

§ Manchester Mark I (1948)

§ The UNIVAC I (1951)

§ “ Generation ” in computer talk is a step in technology. It

provides a framework for the growth of computer industry

§ Originally it was used to distinguish between various

hardware technologies, but now it has been extended to

include both hardware and software

§ Till today, there are five computer generations

Computer Generations Computer Generations

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§ IBM 360/

§ PDP-

§ PDP-

§ CDC 6600

§ Faster, smaller, more

reliable, easier and

cheaper to produce

§ Commercially, easier

to use, and easier to

upgrade than

previous generation

systems

§ Scientific, commercial

and interactive on-

line applications

§ Timesharing

operating

system

§ Standardization

of high-level

programming

languages

§ Unbundling of

software from

hardware

§ ICs with SSI and

MSI technologies

§ Larger magnetic

cores memory

§ Larger capacity

disks and

magnetic tapes

secondary

storage

§ Minicomputers;

upward

compatible family

of computers

Third

Some rep. systems

Key characteristics

Key software technologies

Key hardware technologies

Generation (Period)

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Computer Generations Computer Generations

§ IBM PC and its clones § Apple II § TRS- § VAX 9000 § CRAY- § CRAY- § CRAY-X/MP

§ Small, affordable, reliable, and easy to use PCs § More powerful and reliable mainframe systems and supercomputers § Totally general purpose machines § Easier to produce commercially § Easier to upgrade § Rapid software development possible

§ Operating systems for PCs with GUI and multiple windows on a single terminal screen § Multiprocessing OS with concurrent programming languages § UNIX operating system with C programming language § Object-oriented design and programming § PC, Network-based, and supercomputing applications

§ ICs with VLSI technology § Microprocessors; semiconductor memory § Larger capacity hard disks as in-built secondary storage § Magnetic tapes and floppy disks as portable storage media § Personal computers § Supercomputers based on parallel vector processing and symmetric multiprocessing technologies § Spread of high-speed computer networks

Fourth (1975-1989)

Some rep. systems

Key characteristics

Key software technologies

Key hardware Technologies

Generation (Period)

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Computer Generations Computer Generations

(a) A Vacuum Tube (b) A Transistor (c) An IC Chip

Electronic Devices Used in Computers of Different Generations Electronic Devices Used in Computers of Different Generations

Key Words/Phrases Key Words/Phrases

§ Computer § Computer generations § Computer Supported Cooperative Working (CSCW) § Data § Data processing § Data processor § First-generation computers § Fourth-generation computers § Garbage-in-garbage-out (GIGO) § Graphical User Interface (GUI) § Groupware § Information

§ Integrated Circuit (IC) § Large Scale Integration (VLSI) § Medium Scale Integration (MSI) § Microprocessor § Personal Computer (PC) § Second-generation computers § Small Scale Integration (SSI) § Stored program concept § Third-generation computers § Transistor § Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI) § Vacuum tubes