Computer Basics
For Non-CS Students
What is a Computer
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A computer is an electronic device wherein we
need to input raw data to be processed with a
set of programs to produce a desirable output.
Computers have the ability to store, process,
and manipulate data. The term “computer” is
derived from the Latin word “computare,” which
means “to calculate.” A computer is made to run
programs and apps by using both hardware and
software. It also has a memory to store data,
programs, and what they produce.
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Classification of Computers
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Computers come in various types, primarily
categorized by their data handling capacity and
physical size. Based on the size, computers are
5 types namely, Micro Computer, Mini
Computer, Mainframe Computer, and Super
Computer.
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Micro Computers
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Microcomputers are small, affordable
computers for personal use. Examples include
desktops and laptops. They handle everyday
tasks like browsing, word processing, and
entertainment.
Fig : A microcomputer
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Mini Computers
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Minicomputers are mid-sized computers, more
powerful than personal computers but smaller
than mainframes. They handle complex tasks
for businesses and institutions, offering
moderate processing capabilities.
Fig : An illustration of a mini computer
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Mainframe Computers
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Mainframe computers are powerful computers
used by large organizations for critical
applications and data processing.
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Large industries and government organizations
utilize these computers to facilitate their
business operations by storing substantial
volumes of data. Banks and insurance
companies use these computers to store the
data of their customers, their policies, etc.
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Supercomputer
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Supercomputers are high-performance
machines used for complex calculations,
simulations, and scientific research.
Fig : A minimalistic diagram of Supercomputers
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History of Computers
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Before computers were developed people used
sticks, stones, and bones as counting tools. As
technology advanced and the human mind
improved with time more computing devices
were developed like Abacus, Napier’s Bones,
etc. These devices were used as computers for
performing mathematical computations but not
very complex ones.
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History of Computers
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Abacus : Around 4000 years ago, the Chinese
invented the Abacus, and it is believed to be the
first computer. The history of computers begins
with the birth of the abacus.
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Abacus is basically a wooden rack that has metal
rods with beads mounted on them. In the abacus,
the beads were moved by the abacus operator
according to some rules to perform arithmetic
calculations. In some countries like China, Russia,
and Japan, the abacus is still used by their people.
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History of Computers
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Napier’s Bones : Napier’s Bones was a
manually operated calculating device and as
the name indicates, it was invented by John
Napier. In this device, he used 9 different ivory
strips (bones) marked with numbers to multiply
and divide for calculation. It was also the first
machine to use the decimal point system for
calculation.
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History of Computers
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Difference Engine : Charles Babbage who is
also known as the “Father of Modern
Computer” designed the Difference Engine in
the early 1820s. Difference Engine was a
mechanical computer which is capable of
performing simple calculations. It works with
help of steam as it was a steam-driven
calculating machine, and it was designed to
solve tables of numbers like logarithm tables.
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History of Computers
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Tabulating Machine : Herman Hollerith, an
American statistician invented this machine in the
year 1890. Tabulating Machine was a mechanical
tabulator that was based on punch cards. It was
capable of tabulating statistics and record or sort
data or information. This machine was used by
U.S. Census in the year 1890. Hollerith’s
Tabulating Machine Company was started by
Hollerith and this company later became
International Business Machine (IBM) in the year
1924.
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History of Computers
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Differential Analyzer : Differential Analyzer
was the first electronic computer introduced in
the year 1930 in the United States. It was
basically an analog device that was invented by
Vannevar Bush. This machine consists of
vacuum tubes to switch electrical signals to
perform calculations. It was capable of doing 25
calculations in a few minutes.
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History of Computers
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Mark I : In the year 1937, major changes began
in the history of computers when Howard Aiken
planned to develop a machine that could
perform large calculations or calculations
involving large numbers. In the year 1944, Mark
I computer was built as a partnership between
IBM and Harvard. It was also the first
programmable digital computer marking a new
era in the computer world.
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Generations of Computers
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1st Generation Computers : In the period of the
year 1940-1956, it was referred to as the period of
the first generation of computers. These machines
are slow, huge, and expensive. In this generation
of computers, vacuum tubes were used as the
basic components of CPU and memory. Also, they
were mainly dependent on the batch operating
systems and punch cards. Magnetic tape and
paper tape were used as output and input devices.
For example ENIAC, UNIVAC-1, EDVAC, etc.
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Generations of Computers
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2nd Generation Computers : In the period of the year, 1957-
1963 was referred to as the period of the second generation
of computers. It was the time of the transistor computers. In
the second generation of computers, transistors (which were
cheap in cost) are used. Transistors are also compact and
consume less power. Transistor computers are faster than
first-generation computers. For primary memory, magnetic
cores were used, and for secondary memory magnetic disc
and tapes for storage purposes. In second-generation
computers, COBOL and FORTRAN are used as Assembly
language and programming languages, and Batch
processing and multiprogramming operating systems were
used in these computers.
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Generations of Computers
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3rd Generation Computers : In the third generation
of computers, integrated circuits (ICs) were used
instead of transistors(in the second generation). A
single IC consists of many transistors which
increased the power of a computer and also reduced
the cost. The third generation computers are more
reliable, efficient, and smaller in size. It used remote
processing, time-sharing, and multiprogramming as
operating systems. FORTRON-II TO IV, COBOL, and
PASCAL PL/1 were used which are high-level
programming languages.
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Generations of Computers
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4th Generation Computers : e period of 1971-1980
was mainly the time of fourth generation computers.
It used VLSI(Very Large Scale Integrated) circuits.
VLSI is a chip containing millions of transistors and
other circuit elements and because of these chips,
the computers of this generation are more compact,
powerful, fast, and affordable(low in cost). Real-time,
time-sharing and distributed operating system are
used by these computers. C and C++ are used as
the programming languages in this generation of
computers.
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Generations of Computers
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5th Generation Computers : From 1980 – to till
date these computers are used. The ULSI (Ultra
Large Scale Integration) technology is used in
fifth-generation computers instead of the VLSI
technology of fourth-generation computers.
Microprocessor chips with ten million electronic
components are used in these computers.
Parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial
Intelligence) software are also used in fifth-
generation computers. The programming
languages like C, C++, Java, .Net, etc. are used.
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Information and Communications
Technology (ICT)
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ICT, or Information and Communication
Technology, refers to the diverse set of
technological tools and resources used to
transmit, store, create, share, or exchange
information. It encompasses various
technologies like computers, the internet, mobile
devices, and telecommunications systems. ICT
plays a crucial role in modern society, enabling
communication, education, business, and
countless other aspects of daily life
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Information and Communications
Technology (ICT)
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ICT is an umbrella term that includes (but not
limited to) things like :
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Hardware: Physical devices like computers,
servers, routers, and mobile devices.
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Software: Programs and applications that run on
hardware, including operating systems,
databases, and productivity tools.
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Networking: The infrastructure that connects
devices, including the internet, intranets, and
wireless networks.
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Information and Communications
Technology (ICT)
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Telecommunications: Technologies for
transmitting information over long distances,
such as phone systems and satellite
communication.
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Data: The information processed by ICT
systems, including text, images, audio, and
video.
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Security: Protecting information and systems
from unauthorized access, theft, and damage.
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Information and Communications
Technology (ICT)
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Artificial Intelligence: Developing intelligent
systems that can learn, reason, and make
decisions.
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Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting physical
devices to the internet for data exchange and
control..
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These core elements work together to enable
communication, information sharing, and
automation in various fields.
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Current Trends in ICT
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the science of
making intelligent machines, especially
intelligent computer programs. It enables
machines to simulate human intelligence, such
as learning, reasoning, problem-solving,
perception, and language comprehension. AI
has the potential to revolutionize various
industries, from healthcare to finance, by
automating tasks, improving decision-making,
and unlocking new possibilities.
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Current Trends in ICT
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5G is the Fifth Generation of cellular networks,
offering significantly faster speeds, lower
latency, and greater capacity than previous
generations. It enables a wide range of
innovative applications, including remote
surgery, autonomous vehicles, and immersive
virtual reality experiences. 5G is poised to
revolutionize industries and transform the way
we live and work.
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Current Trends in ICT
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The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network
of physical devices embedded with sensors,
software, and other technologies that connect and
exchange data with other devices and systems over
the internet. This interconnectedness enables
automation, remote monitoring, and data-driven
insights, transforming various industries like
healthcare, agriculture, and smart cities
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IoT is a widely used technology that has made it’s
prominence in the domestic space as well, mostly
because of the convenience of smart home devices.
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Current Trends in ICT
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Blockchain is a decentralized and secure
digital ledger that records transactions across
many computers. It offers transparency,
immutability, and security, making it suitable for
various applications like cryptocurrency, supply
chain management, and identity verification. By
eliminating the need for intermediaries,
blockchain can streamline processes and
reduce costs.
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Current Trends in ICT
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Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting
computer systems and networks from digital
attacks. It involves safeguarding sensitive
information, preventing unauthorized access,
and minimizing the impact of cyber threats.
Cybersecurity professionals work to identify
vulnerabilities, implement security measures,
and respond to cyberattacks, ensuring the
integrity and confidentiality of digital assets.
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Current Trends in ICT
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Quantum computing leverages the principles
of quantum mechanics to perform calculations
exponentially faster than classical computers. It
utilizes qubits, which can exist in multiple states
simultaneously, enabling complex problem-
solving in fields like drug discovery, materials
science, and cryptography. While still in its early
stages, quantum computing holds the potential
to revolutionize various industries and scientific
research.
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