Lecture 1

Introduction to Computer

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 Topics
• What is Computer
• Computer System
• Types of Computer
• Generations of Computer
• Uses of Computer
• Advantages of Computer
• Limitations of Computer
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 What is Computer

• A computer is an electronic device that processes data, converting it

• A computer is a general purpose device that can be programmed to

• Data: Raw data having no specific meaning

• Digital Computer: Digital Data - distinct values

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 Basic Operations
This whole process is done by 3 basic functions.
• Input
• Processing
• Output

Keyboard Monitor
CPU
(Input Unit) (Output Unit)

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 Functionalities of a Computer
Any digital computer carries out five functions in gross terms:
• Input: Takes data as input.
• Store: Stores the data/instructions in its memory and use them when
required.
• Process: Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
• Output: Generates the output
• Control: Controls all the above four steps.

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 Computer System
• Hardware - Physical parts of the computer

• Software – Sequence of instructions to the computer

• Data - Raw facts the computer can manipulate

• People – Can be system analyst, programmer, computer

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Computer System

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 Types of Computer
Computers can be generally classified by size and power as
follows, though there is considerable overlap:

• Personal Computer
• Workstation
• Minicomputer
• Mainframe
• Supercomputer

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 Types of Computer
• PC (Personal Computer) - It is a single user computer system having
moderately powerful microprocessor
• Workstation - It is also a single user computer system which is similar
to personal computer but have more powerful microprocessor.
• Minicomputer - It is a midsize multi-processing system capable of
supporting up to 250 users simultaneously.
• Mainframe Computer - Mainframe is very large in size and is an
expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds or even thousands
of users simultaneously.
• Supercomputer - It is an extremely fast computer which can execute
hundreds of millions of instructions per second.
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 PC
• A PC can be defined as a small, relatively
inexpensive computer designed for an
individual user. PCs are based on the
microprocessor technology that enables
manufacturers to put an entire CPU on
one chip.
• Designed to be used by single person
• Also known as microcomputers
• Businesses use personal computers for
word processing, accounting, and for
running spreadsheet and database
management applications. At home, the
most popular use for personal computers
is playing games and surfing Internet.
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 Workstation
• Workstation is a computer used for
engineering applications, software
development, and other such types of
applications which require a moderate
amount of computing power and
relatively high quality graphics
capabilities.
• Workstations generally come with a
large, high-resolution graphics screen,
large amount of RAM, inbuilt network
support, and a graphical user interface.

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 Minicomputer
• A minicomputer, is a class of
smaller computers that developed in the
mid-1960s. It uses in database
management, business transactions and
various file handling.
• Given this name because of their size
compared to other computers.
• Can handle much more I/O than PC
• Size and capability: between Micro
computer & Mainframe computer
• It is a midsize multi-processing system
capable of supporting up to 250 users
simultaneously.
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 Mainframe
• Mainframe is very large in
size and is an expensive
computer capable of
supporting hundreds or even
thousands of users
simultaneously.
• Processes bulk data. Such as
census data, Bank data.
• Mainframe executes many
programs concurrently and
supports many simultaneous
execution of programs. It is
used in telecommunication. 14
 Supercomputer
• Supercomputers are one of the fastest
computers currently available.
• Supercomputers are very expensive and
are employed for specialized
applications that require immense
amount of mathematical calculations.
• For example, weather forecasting,
scientific simulations, (animated)
graphics, nuclear energy research,
electronic design, mapping human
genome and analysis of geological data.

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 Generations of Computer
• First Generation
The period of first generation: 1946-1959. Vacuum tube based.
• Second Generation
The period of second generation: 1959-1965. Transistor based.
• Third Generation
The period of third generation: 1965-1971. Integrated Circuit
based.
• Fourth Generation
The period of fourth generation: 1971-1980. VLSI
microprocessor based.
• Fifth Generation
The period of fifth generation: 1980-onwards. ULSI
microprocessor based
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 First Generation
Time period: 1946-1959
• Vacuum tube technology: Used as
circuitry & for storage
• Very costly
• Unreliable cause of breakdown &
inefficient operation
• Supported machine language only
• Generated lot of heat
• Slow input and output devices
• Huge size
• Example:
ENIAC,EDVAC,UNIVAC,IBM-
701,IBM-650 17
 Second Generation
Time period: 1959-1965
• Use of transistors
• Reliable in comparison to first generation
computers
• Smaller size as compared to first
generation computers
• Generated less heat as compared to first
generation computers
• Consumed less electricity as compared to
first generation computers
• Faster than first generation computers
• Example: IBM 1620,IBM 7094,CDC
1604,CDC 3600,UNIVAC 1108
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 Third Generation
Time period: 1965-1971
• IC used
• More reliable in comparison
to previous two generations
• Smaller size
• Generated less heat
• Faster
• Lesser maintenance
• Example: IBM-360
series,Honeywell-6000 series

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 Fourth Generation
Time period: 1971-1980
• VLSI technology used
• Very cheap
• Portable and reliable
• Use of PC's
• Very small size
• Internet introduced
• Example: STAR 1000, PDP
11, CRAY-1(Super
Computer)

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 Fifth generation
Time period: 1980-till date.
• ULSI technology
• Development of true artificial
intelligence
• Development of Natural language
processing
• Advancement in Parallel Processing
• More user friendly interfaces
• Availability of very powerful and
compact computers at cheaper rates
• Example: Desktop, Laptop, Notebook,
Ultra Book, Chrome Book
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 Uses of Computer
• Bank
• Health & Medical
• Education
• Business
• Recreation and Entertainment
• Government
• Defense etc.

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 Advantages of Computer
• Volume of data: Can handle large amount of data
• Accuracy: Ensures high degree of accuracy
• Repetitiveness: Can automatically perform a task as many
time as required
• Complexity: Performs complex calculation
• Speed: Works so fast
• Common data: One item can be used for different procedures

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 Limitations of Computer
• A computer cannot take any decision on its own.
• It functions as per a user’s instruction, so it is fully dependent
on human being
• It can’t do any adjustment as being can do.
• Can not Think
• Can not do anything Without Instructions
• Can not make any Judgment

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Thank You

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