Module 1 COMP FUN PDF

UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE,INC
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

SANTIAGO CITY, PHILIPPINES
LEARNING MODULE
PBSGE 005 LAB– COMPUTER
FUNDAMENTALS AND PROGRAMMING
MODULE 1: THE EVOLUTION OF

COMPUTER
Topic 1: Definitions
Topic 2: What is a computer
ENGR. ERIKA G. LLABRES
THIS MODULE IS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE, INC. ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION,
UPLOADING, OR POSTING ONLINE IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY IS
STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Module 1: The Evolution of Computer

Introduction
Today, almost all of us in the world make use of computers in one way or the other. It finds
applications in various fields of engineering, medicine, commercial, research and others. Not only in these
sophisticated areas, but also in our daily lives, computers have become indispensable. They are present
everywhere, in all the dev ices that we use daily like cars, games, washing machines, microwaves etc. and
in day to day computations like banking, reservations, electronic mails, internet and many more.
This module reviews how computing has evolved since it began, and what this means for “us all”
who are building and using it.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, you are expected to
a. identify the different improvement in the generation of computer;
b. determine the different developers of computer system during the evolution
phase;
c. determine the capabilities and limitations of computer; and
Activities:
Instruction: Answer the following questions based on your personal and honest views as there are no
wrong answers.
1. What is computer system concept?
2. What are the five main components of a computer system?
Lecture
Topic 1: Definition
The term computer originally meant a person capable of performing basic numerical
calculation with the help of the mechanical computing device. The evolution of computer started way
back in 1930's. History of computer dates back to the invention of a mechanical adding machine in
1642.
The abacus, also called a counting frame, is a calculating

tool used primarily in parts of Asia for performing arithmetic
processes. Today, abacuses are often constructed as a bamboo
frame with beads sliding on wires, but originally, they were beans
or stones moved in grooves in sand or on tablets of wood, stone,
or metal.
The user of an abacus who slides the beads of the abacus
by hand is called an abacist.
Abacus is an early computing tool. Logarithm was invented by John Napier and the slide rules
by William Oughtred.
First Generation (Vacuum Tubes) 1939-1954
Computer in this generation was expensive and bulky. They used

machine language for computing and could solve problem at a time.
Computers during this phase could not support multitasking activities.
In electronics, a vacuum tube, electron tube (in North
America), thermionic valve, or valve (elsewhere, especially in Britain)
is a device used to amplify, switch, otherwise, or create an electrical
signal by controlling the movement of electrons in a
low-pressure space.
Some special functions of vacuum tubes are filled with low-
pressure gas: these are so-called soft tubes as distinct from the hard-
vacuum type which have the internal gas pressure reduced as far as
possible. Almost all tubes depend on the thermionic emission of
electrons.
It was in 1937 when John V. Atanasoff devised the first digital
electronic computer. Atanasoff and Berry came up with ABC
prototype in November 1939.
The United States (U.S) Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory

came up with the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator
(ENIAC) in 1946. It came to be known as the first general purpose
electronic computer. Computer during 1946 is capable of storing and saving programs of Vonn
Neuman.
ENIAC short for Electronic Numerical

Integrator And Computer, was the first
general- purpose electronic computer.
It was a Turing-complete, digital
computer capable of being reprogrammed to
solve a full range of computing problems.
ENIAC was designed to calculate

artillery firing tables for the U.S. Army's
Ballistic Research Laboratory, but its first use
was in calculations for the hydrogen bomb.
Second Generation (Punched card/transistor) 1954-1959
Transistor made computers smaller and cheaper. They made computers energy
efficient. But transistors were responsible for the emission of large amount of heat
from the computer.
A punch card or punched card (or

punch card or Hollerith card or IBM card), is
a piece of stiff paper that contains digital
information represented by the presence or
absence of holes in predefined positions.
Early digital computers used punched
cards as the primary medium for input of both
computer programs and data, with offline
data entry on key punch.
Stanford Research Institute brought about

ERMA, Electronic Recording Machine
Accounting project, which dealt with the automation of
the process of bookkeeping in
banking.
In 1959, the general electric corporation delivered
its ERMA computing system to the Bank of America in
California.
ERMA (Electronic Recording Machine-

Accounting), was a pioneering computer development
project run at SRI under contract to Bank of America in
order to automate banking bookkeeping.
They were so successful in operation that Bank of
America was propelled ahead of other banks in profitability, and became the world's largest bank by
1970.
Bank of America's checking accounts were growing at a rate of 23,000 per month and banks
were being forced to close their doors by 2:00PM to finish daily postings.
Third Generation (Chip/Integrated Circuit (IC)) 1959-1971
The semiconductors increased the speed and efficiency of the

computer. Operating systems were the human interface to computing
operations and keyboards and monitors became the input and output
devices.
In electronics, an integrated circuit (also known as IC,

microcircuit, microchip, silicon chip, or chip) is a miniaturized
electronic circuit (consisting mainly of semiconductor devices, as well
as passive components) that has been manufactured in the surface of a
thin substrate of semiconductor material.
Integrated circuits are used in almost all electronics equipment today and they have
revolutionized the world of electronics.
A hybrid integrated circuit is a miniaturized electronic circuit constructed of dividual

semiconductor devices, as well as passive components, bonded to a substrate circuit board.
In 1968, DEC launched the first minicomputer called the PDP-8.

In 1969, the development of Arpanet began with the financial backing of the department of
defense.
Fourth Generation (Microprocessor) 1971-1991
Intel produced large-scale integration circuits in 1971.
1972, Intel introduced the 8080 microprocessor.
A microprocessor incorporates most or all of the functions

of a central processing unit (CPU) on a single integrated circuit
(IC). The first microprocessors emerged in the early 1970s and
were used for electronic calculators, using binary-coded decimal
(BCD) arithmetic on 4-bit words. Other embedded uses of 4- and
8-bit microprocessors, such as terminals, printers, various kinds of
automation etc, followed rather quickly affordable 8-bit
microprocessors with 16-bit addressing also led to the first general
purpose microcomputers in the mid-1970s.
Computer processors were for a long period constructed out of small and medium-scale ICs
containing the equivalent of a few to a few hundred transistors. The integration of the whole CPU onto
a single chip therefore greatly reduced the cost of processing capacity.
Fifth Generation (Under the Development) 1991 – beyond
Computer system under fifth generation are going to be based on principles of Artificial
Intelligence and Natural Language recognition.
Topic 2: What is a Computer?
A computer is a complex system consisting of many different components. Computer is also

known as a single component that does the actual computing. This is the Central Processing Unit, or
CPU, the job of the CPU is to execute programs.
A computer is a data processor, and a processor is a device inside your computer that follows a
program instruction. That processor is called as the CPU - or the Central Processing Unit. A processor
can follow simple instruction only. The power of the computer comes from its speed and intricacies of
its program.
NOTE:
Computer can execute programs written in other language if they are first translated into
machine language.
A program is simply a
list of unambiguous
instructions meant to be
followed mechanically by a
computer. A computer is built
to carry out instructions that
are written in a very simple
type of language called
machine language. Each type
of computer has its own
machine language, and the
computer can directly execute
a program only if the program
is expressed in that language.
When the CPU
executes a program, that
program is stored in the
computer's main memory (also
called the RAM or random-
access memory). In addition to the program, memory can also hold data that is being used or processed
by the program. Main memory consists of a sequence of locations. These locations are numbered, and
the sequence number of a location is called its address. An address provides a way of picking out one
particular piece of information from among the millions stored in memory. When the CPU needs to
access the program instruction or data in a particular location, it sends the address of that information
as a signal to the memory; the memory responds by sending back the data contained in the specified
location. The CPU can also store information in memory by specifying the information to be stored and
the address of the location where it is to be stored.
A computer executes machine language programs mechanically - that is without understanding

them or thinking about them-simply because of the way it is physically put together. This is not an easy
concept. A computer is a machine built of millions of tiny switches called transistors, which have the
property where they can be wired together in such a way that an output from one switch can turn another
switch on or off. As a computer computes, these switches turn each other on or off in a pattern determined
both by the way they are wired together and by the program that the computer is executing.
Machine language instructions are expressed as binary numbers. A binary number is made up of
just two possible digits, zero and one. So, a machine language instruction is just a sequence of zeros and
ones. Each particular sequence encodes some particular instruction.
Note:
To understand more on the concept of computer: Main memory holds machine language
programs and data. These are encoded as binary numbers. The CPU fetches machine language
instructions from memory one after another and executes them. It does this mechanically, without
thinking about or understanding what it does — and therefore the program it executes must be perfect,
complete in all details, and unambiguous because the CPU can do nothing but execute it exactly as
written.
Memory
Holds the data for the computer to process, and it holds the result of the computers
intermediate calculation.
A complete computer system consists of four parts: hardware, software, users, and data.
Four Parts of Computer
Hardware
The physical parts that make up the computer are called hardware. Hardware is the tangible
parts of the computer that you can touch. A computer hardware consists of interconnected electronic
devices that you can use to control the computers operation, input and output.
Note:
The generic term devices refer to any piece of hardware (eg: mouse, CPU, speaker etc.).
Software
Software is the set of instruction that makes the computer perform tasks. In other word,
software tells the computer what to do. Some program exists primarily for the computer's use, helping
it perform tasks and managing its own resources. Other types of program exist for the user, enabling
her or him to perform tasks like creating documents or presentations.
Note:
The program refers to any software.
Users
People are the computer operator, also known as users. It can be argued that some computer
systems are complete without a person involvement; however, no computer is totally autonomous. Even
if computer can do its job without a person sitting in front of it, people still design, build, program and
repair computer system.
This lack of autonomy is especially true of personal computer systems which are designed
specifically for use by people.
Data
Data consist of individual facts or bits of information, which by themselves may not make
sense to a person. The computer reads and store data of all kinds whether words, numbers, images or
sounds in the form of numbers. Consequently, computerized data is digital, meaning that it has been
reduced to digits, or numbers. Following instructions from the software and the user, the computer
manipulates data by performing calculations, doing comparison, or arranging the bits of information o
they make sense to the users.
Within the computer, data is organized into files. A file is simply a set of data that has been
given a name. a file that the user can open and use is often called document. Although many people
think of documents simply as text, a computer document can include many kinds of data. For example,
a computer document can be a text file (such as letters), a group of numbers (such as budget), a video
clip (which includes images and sounds), or any combination of these items. Programs are organized
into files as well; these files contain the instructions and data that program needs in order to run and
perform tasks.
Capabilities and Limitations of Computer
Capabilities of Computer
1. The computer has the ability to perform arithmetic operation like: addition, subtraction,
multiplication division, etc.
The computer is basically developed to help solve complicated mathematical formulas using
large volumes of data. It can perform this task at high speed and with great precision.
2. The computer can perform logical operations.
Given the correct instruction, it can determine whether a value (number or an alphabetic or
combination of both) is greater than, equal to or less than another value. Based on the result of the
comparison it can be instructed to choose among alternative instructions to be undertaken, which in a
way is equivalent to making decision.
3. The computer has the ability to store and retrieve information because a computer has a
storage area called memory.
The computer has memory, a storage area. Data accepted by the computer is kept in this area
for processing. The computer is capable to store a large amount of data and, by series of instructions, to
retrieve these data many times when needed.
4. The computer has the ability to process information at a very high speed.
If pencil and paper have to be used to process a large volume of data, a lot time is needed to
finish the task. With computers, whether it is comparing, calculating, or arranging data, processing time
takes only a minute or even a second.
5. The computer can direct itself in a predetermine manner without human intervention.
When the computer is performing a task, it is actually following instructions laid out in a
program. A program contains a set of instructions used by the Computer to perform a specific job.
Limitations of Computer
1. Computers do not think for you.
A computer functions only when it is provided the input information it needs. Input data
provided to the computer has to be precise, objective and correct for it to produce the required result.
Instruction that the computer will have to follow must be specific, detailed and defined for processing
to be correct. If you input the wrong, data, or give a wrong set of instructions to the computer,
definitely the computer will produced the wrong result.
2. The computer cannot correct inaccurate data.
The computer cannot decide whether data is correct or not, unless alternatives are given in
advance in the form of instructions. Data must therefore be verified and corrected before being entered to
make sure that what is fed to computer is correct.
3. The computer is subject to breakdown.
The computer cannot completely avoid making errors which usually occur when there is
fluctuation in the electric current. When an electrical component or part is malfunctioning or when the
computer is over heated, it is the same as other machines which need constant care and maintenance.
Uses of Computer
The use of computer is classified into six categories:
1. Personal Computing
2. Science and Research
3. Information System/Data Processing
4. Education
6. Artificial Intelligence
Personal Computing
The small computer called microcomputer can be controlled by a single person, thus the term
“personal computing”. At home, these computers can be used for applications like: maintaining up-to-
date inventory of household budget, keeping an appointment and social calendar, writing letters,
education and entertainment such as computer games.
In small businesses, computers can be used for word processing, desktop publishing, electronic
spreadsheet, and maintaining databases.
Word processing is a software that allows users to enter, store, manipulate and
print text (letters, reports, etc).
Desktop publishing is a software that allow users to produce near type-set-quality copy of
newsletter, advertisements, and other publishing jobs.
Electronic spreadsheet is a software that permits users to work with numbers formatted in
lines and columns normally used for accounting jobs.
Database permits users to create and maintain several files and extract in an easy
convenient manner.
Science and Research
Engineers and scientist use computers as a tool in experimentation and design. Aerospace
engineers use computer to simulate the effects of wind tunnel to analyze the aerodynamics of an
airplane prototype. Chemist use computer graphics to create three (3) dimensional views of an
experiment molecule.
Information System/Data Processing
Computers are used to support the administrative aspects of an organization, for example:
applications including payroll system, airline reservation system, grading system and others. They
provide for fast data processing requirements and information needed to make better, more informed
decisions by managements.
Education
Computers can interact with students to enhance the learning process. With multidimensional
communications using sound, print, graphics and color, the computer has become a good educational
tool in the home, in the classroom and in business. Computers can help children learn to read and write.
Adults can also use computers to learn about just anything from auto mechanics to zoology.
Medicine
Tiny "computer on a chip" are being embedded in artificial hearts and other organs. Once the
organs are implanted in the body, the computer monitors critical inputs, such as blood pressure and
flow, then takes corrective action to ensure stability of operation in a continuous feedback.
Artificial Intelligence
Today computer can imitate many human movements such as reaching, gasping, calculating,
speaking, remembering, comparing numbers and drawings. Researcher are working to expand these
capabilities by developing computers and programs that can imitate human intelligence. This general
area of research is called artificial intelligence.
However, computer can never be capable of simulating the distinctly human qualities of
creativity, humor and emotions.
INSTRUCTIONS: Copy and answer the following problems. Incomplete solutions

will not be credited. Work independently, hand written. (USE THE ATTACHED
ANSWER SHEET)
Elaborate Activity
1. Create your own graphic organize, illustrate and characterize the parts and uses of computer.
2. Define a System. What constitutes a computer system?
3. Write short notes on First up to Forth Generation of Computers, Limitations of computers.
4. Explain the classification of computers on the basis of their capacity to access memory and size.
5. List the applications of computers.
Summary:
A computer is a fast and accurate data processing system which accepts data, performs various
operations on the data, has the capacity to store data and process the data with the set of instructions given
to it. The data is the information provided by the user to the computer and the set of instructions to
perform the operation on data is the computer program.
The hardware of the computer is the physical parts of the machine-like monitor, keyboard, disks
etc. whereas the software is the various programs, procedures and other documentation which is used to
operate the hardware efficiently.
Classification of computers done on the basis of the logic used in their design as analog and
digital computers. Analog computers recognize data as a continuous movement of a physical property.
Digital computers recognize data a series of discrete signals representing high or low voltage state of
electricity. Hybrid computers are a combination of analog and digital computers. Digital computers are
further classified according to their speed and capacity of memory and size as microcomputers, notebook
or laptops, Mini computers, Main frames and Super computers.
Reference:
Goel, A. (2010). Computer fundamentals. Pearson Education India.

Sinha, P. K., & Sinha, P. (2010). Computer fundamentals. BPB publications.

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UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE,INC

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

MODULE 1: THE EVOLUTION OF

ENGR. ERIKA G. LLABRES

Module 1: The Evolution of Computer

2. What are the five main components of a computer system?

The abacus, also called a counting frame, is a calculating

First Generation (Vacuum Tubes) 1939-1954

Computer in this generation was expensive and bulky. They used

The United States (U.S) Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory

ENIAC short for Electronic Numerical

ENIAC was designed to calculate

Second Generation (Punched card/transistor) 1954-1959

A punch card or punched card (or

Stanford Research Institute brought about

ERMA (Electronic Recording Machine-

Third Generation (Chip/Integrated Circuit (IC)) 1959-1971

The semiconductors increased the speed and efficiency of the

In electronics, an integrated circuit (also known as IC,

A hybrid integrated circuit is a miniaturized electronic circuit constructed of dividual

In 1968, DEC launched the first minicomputer called the PDP-8.

Fourth Generation (Microprocessor) 1971-1991

Intel produced large-scale integration circuits in 1971.

1972, Intel introduced the 8080 microprocessor.

A microprocessor incorporates most or all of the functions

Fifth Generation (Under the Development) 1991 – beyond

Topic 2: What is a Computer?

A computer is a complex system consisting of many different components. Computer is also

A computer executes machine language programs mechanically - that is without understanding

Four Parts of Computer

Capabilities and Limitations of Computer

2. The computer can perform logical operations.

1. Computers do not think for you.

2. The computer cannot correct inaccurate data.

3. The computer is subject to breakdown.

The use of computer is classified into six categories:

Science and Research

Information System/Data Processing

INSTRUCTIONS: Copy and answer the following problems. Incomplete solutions

Goel, A. (2010). Computer fundamentals. Pearson Education India.

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