Ref Page Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 1/17

What is IT ?

The application of computers and

telecommunications equipment to store,
retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data
is known as Information Technology
(IT).
Identify the applications of IT
In today’s modern era, our lives are always
surrounded by technology. Almost every task
that you perform in a day is done using
technology.

The Pervasiveness of IT

Using Mobile Phones: The use of mobile phones

has completely changed the way you
communicate with others.

Managing Information: Nowadays, IT

applications are used to help the businesses to
easily manage various kind of information, such
as the customer's account details in banks and
the patient's records in hospitals.
Identify the applications of IT

Securing Information: With the growth of the

IT industry, the threats for security breaches
have also grown.

Being at comfort: In summer season, whenever

you enter your room, you switch on the AC, and
then adjust its temperature using a remote.

Using Smart Clothing: Smart clothing has

electronic devices or sensors embedded into it.

Using human characteristics and traits: You

can use your eye, face, or fingers to check the
identity of an individual for security and
authentication purposes.
Identify the applications of IT

Using Wearable Devices:

In recent times, some new devices, such as

Google Glass, are introduced. They are popularly
known as wearable devices. Google Glass is a
device that helps you to perform some of your
day-to-day tasks without moving your hands. It
can be operated with voice commands.
What is the Impact of IT?
 What is the Impact of IT?
Manufacturing: In the manufacturing
industry, IT is being used extensively to control
the quality of the products.

Ex :Use Of HandyScan 3D, use of programmed

robots for assembling and building products for
consumers around the world

Service: In the service sector, IT has made a

huge impact by processing the information that
is used to provide services, such as trading,
banking and finance, real estate, transportation,
security, management, and technical consultancy,
to the consumers.

Ex: ATM,Use of use smart cards at Merto

Rail,Office
 What is the Impact of IT?
Retail: In the retail sector, IT has helped the
businesses to expand and grow at a very fast
rate. The retail sector includes the activities
such as selling of goods or providing services
directly to the consumers for their personal use.

Ex: Preparing Bills Using Bar Codes

Aviation: In the aviation industry, IT provides

services that enable the travelers to book flight
tickets online, check the flight schedule and the
flight status, and many other services.

Ex: flights are also controlled by automated

processes. to train new pilots on flight
simulators.
What is the Impact of IT?
Health care:In the health care industry, IT
has helped in improving the health care quality
and effectiveness. IT has helped to reduce the
chances of medical errors.

Ex: Use of Robotic arms , Maintaining. manage

the medical records of the patients, Uses of
Pulse Oximeters.

Education: In the education sector, IT has

helped in ensuring that quality education
services are delivered to a student. IT has
made the process of teaching a student more
interactive and interesting by using the
presentations.
 What is Computer
A computer is an advanced electronic
device that takes input from a user in
the form of data and instructions.

After receiving the input data, it

processes the data as per the given
instructions and transforms the data
into information.

Further, the information is provided to

the user in the form of output.
 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.
 Characteristics of Computers

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) Slide 12/17
 Characteristics of Computers
nued from previous slide..)

4) Diligence: Computer is free from monotony,

tiredness, and lack of concentration. It can
continuously work for hours without creating any
error and without grumbling

5) Versatility: Implies that a computer can be used to

perform different types of tasks with the same
ease. For example, if on one hand, a computer can be
used to create documents and presentations; on the
other hand, it can also be used to forecast weather
or train soldiers in a war-simulated environment.

6) Power of Remembering: Computer can store and

recall any amount of information because of its
secondary storage capability. It forgets or looses
certain information only when it is asked to do so.
 Characteristics of Computers
inued from previous slide..)

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)

9) Storage and reliability: Implies that a computer

can store a large amount of information and enables
you to process this information whenever required.

10) Communication: Implies that computers are

capable of exchanging information with other
computers. This helps you to send messages to your
friends and share documents and photographs with
them.
 Characteristics of Computers
(Continued from previous slide..)

11) Consistency: Implies that if the same

input and instructions are given to the
computer, it will produce the same result
consistently, until the input or instructions
provided are different.
Comparison between computer and
human brain Contd…..
Workings: Brain cells signal each other
electrochemically and enzymatically while
computer components transmit stronger
electrical signals through conductors.

Common sense: Computers have no common

sense or real intellect unlike the human brain

Evolution: The brain can evolve but it has

hardly changed for the past 100,000 years.
The computer is rapidly changing with
technology.
Comparison between computer and
human brain contd…..
Evolution: Although both can increase
their memory storage capacity, they use
different methods.

Capability: The brain can learn and

understand better, while the computer
can multitask and perform complex
actions.

Emotions vs Logic : It is impossible for

the brain to act without emotions while
computers act only on logic.
 Comparison between computer and
human brain contd…...

Maintenance: repairing a computer is relatively

simple compared to brain surgery.

Working hours: the computer can be turned off,

but not the brain (it works for 24 hours a day).

Imagination and Creativity: The computer can

hardly innovate and invent new ideas unlike the
brain.

Complexity: The brain has 100 billion neurons

which form billions of links is many many times
more complex than, the mere hundreds of millions
of transistors and circuit in today's computers.
 Evolution of Computers
 Early age computer, ABACUS may be termed as a
sort of ancient computer.
 Currently ABACUS is popular among kids in many part of
the world.
 It comes in different forms, size, colors and construction.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 19/17

 Evolution of Computers
 In 1642 French mathematician, Blaise
Pascal invented mechanical calculator
is called Pascaline.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 20/17

Evolution of Computers

Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 21/17

 Evolution of Computers
 Just a few years after Pascal, the German Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
(co-inventor with Newton of calculus) managed to build a four-
function (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) calculator
that he called the stepped reckoner.
 Evolution of Computers
 In 1801 the Frenchman Joseph Marie
Jacquard invented a power loom that could
base its weave (and hence the design on the
fabric) upon a pattern automatically read
from punched wooden cards, held together in
a long row by rope.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers Slide 23/17

 Evolution of Computers
 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

 By 1822 the English mathematician Charles Babbage

was proposing a steam driven calculating machine the
size of a room, which he called the Difference
Engine.
 Evolution of Computers
ontinued from previous slide..)

 Charles Babbage is considered to be the

father of modern digital computers

 He designed “Difference Engine” in 1822

 He designed a fully automatic analytical

engine in 1842 for performing basic
arithmetic functions
 This machine would be able to compute
tables of numbers, such as logarithm
(Continued on next slide)

tables.

 His efforts established a number of

principles that are fundamental to the
design of any digital computer
 UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer)

 was the first commercially general purpose

electronic computer. John Eckert and John
Mauchly at the Moore School of Engineering,
Pennsylvania developed it in 1951.

 It was used for the analysis of 1952

Presidential Election in the United States. It
was 8 feet high, 15 feet long and weighed 5
tons.

 It contained 5600 tubes, 18000 crystal

diodes, and 300 relays. A magnetic tape was
used for data input and output.
 Electronic Discrete Variable
Automatic Computer (EDVAC)

 The conceptual design for EDVAC electronic

computer to use the stored program concept
introduced by John Von Neumann.

 The University of Pennsylvania built the

EDVAC for the U.S. Army’s Ballistics
Research Laboratory

 EDVAC had almost 6000 vacuum tubes and

12000 diodes. It consumed 56kW of power.
It covered 490 feet square of floor and
weighed 7850kg.
 EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage
Automatic Calculator)
 was developed by a group of scientists, headed
by Professor Maurice Wilkes at Cambridge
University, England, in 1949.

 It was also based on the stored program

concept and one of the first to use binary
digits.

 The input and output were provided by a paper

tape.

 It could do about 700 additions per second and

200 multiplications per second. The machine
occupied a room, which measured 5/4 meters.
 Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Calculator (ENIAC)

 was designed by John Mauchly and John

Presper Eckert in 1946)

 It was the first electronic computer.

 ENIAC was initially built for the United

States military to calculate the paths of
artillery shells.

 It contained 18000 vacuum tubes, 7200

crystal diodes, 1500 relays, 70000 resistors,
10000 capacitors and around 5 million hand-
soldered joints.
 Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Calculator (ENIAC)

 It weighed nearly 30 tons and consumed 160

kW of power.

 input was possible from an IBM card reader

while an IBM punch card was used for output.
 Computer Generations
 “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
Electronic Devices Used in Computers of
Different Generations

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

First Generation Computers (1942s –
1955s)
During the period of 1942 to 1955 first
generation of computers were developed.

The first generation computers used vacuum

tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for
memory, and were often enormous, taking up
entire rooms.

The vacuum tube was developed by Lee

DeForest.

First generation computers were very

expensive to operate and in addition to using a
great deal of electricity, generated a lot of
heat, which was often the cause of
malfunctions.
 First Generation Computers
(CHARACTERISTICS)
1) First generation computers were based on
vacuum tubes.

2) The operating systems of the first

generation computers were very slow.

3) They were very large in size.

4) Production of the heat was in large amount in

first generation computers.

5) Machine language was used for programming.

6) First generation computers were unreliable.

7) They were difficult to program and use.

 Second Generation Computers (1955 –
1965)
 The second generation computers emerged with
development of Transistors.

 The transistor was invented in 1947 by three

scientists J. Bardeen, H.W. Brattain and W. Shockley.

 A transistor is a small device made up of

semiconductor material like germanium and silicon.

 The transistor made the second generation

computers faster, smaller, cheaper, more energy-
efficient and more reliable than their first-
generation computers.

 Second generation computers used the low level

language i.e. machine level language and assembly
language which made the programmers easier to
specify the instructions.
 Second Generation Computers
(CHARACTERISTICS)
1)Transistors were used in place of vacuum tubes.

2) Second generation computers were smaller in

comparison with the first generation computers.

3)They were faster in comparison with the first

generation computers.

4)They generated less heat and were less prone to

failure.

5)They took comparatively less computational time.

6)Assembly language was used for programming.

7)Second generation computers has faster

input/output devices.

IBM 7000, NCR 304, IBM 650, IBM 1401, ATLAS and
Mark III are the examples of second generation
computers.
 Third Generation Computers (1965 –
1971)
 During the period of 1965 to 1971 Third generation
computers were developed.

 The third generation computers emerged with the

development of IC (Integrated Circuits).

 The invention of the IC was the greatest achievement

done in the period of third generation of computers.

 IC was invented by Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby in

1958-59. IC is a single component containing a number
of transistors.

 Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon

chips, called semiconductors, which drastically increased
the speed and efficiency of computers.

 Keyboards and monitors developed during the period of

third generation of computers.
Third Generation Computers (1965 –
1975)
The third generation computers interfaced
with an operating system, which allowed the
device to run many different applications at
one time with a central program that
monitored the memory.

Keyboards and monitors developed during the

period of third generation of computers.

The third generation computers interfaced

with an operating system, which allowed the
device to run many different applications at
one time with a central program that
monitored the memory.
 Third Generation Computers
(CHARACTERISTICS)
1) IC was used instead of transistors in the third generation
computers.

2) Third generation computers were smaller in size and cheaper

as compare to the second generation computers.

3) They were fast and more reliable.

4) High level language was developed.

5) Magnetic core and solid states as main storage.

6) They were able to reduce computational time and had low

maintenance cost.

7) Input/Output devices became more sophisticated.

PDP-8, PDP-11, ICL 2900, IBM 360 and IBM 370 are the
examples of third generation computers.
Fourth Generation Computers (1975 –
1989)
 First microchips-based central processing units
consisted of multiple microchips for different CPU
components.

 The drive for ever greater integration led towards

single-chip CPUs, where all of the necessary CPU
components were put onto a single microchip, called
a microprocessor.

 The first single-chip CPU, or a microprocessor, was

Intel 4004.

 The fourth generation computers emerged with

development of the VLSI (Very Large Scale
Integration).With the help of VLSI technology
microprocessor came into existence.
Fourth Generation Computers (1975 –
1989)

The fourth generation computers became

more powerful, compact, reliable and
affordable. As a result, they give rise to
personal computer (PC).

The computers were designed by using

microprocessor, as thousands of integrated
circuits were built onto a single silicon chip.
Fifth Generation Computer (1989 -
Present )
Fifth generation computers which is based on
the artificial intelligence.

The goal of the fifth generation is to develop

the device which could respond to natural
language input and are capable of learning and
self-organization.

Quantum computation and molecular and

nanotechnology used in this technology.

So we can say that the fifth generation

computers will have the power of human
intelligence.
Fifth Generation Computers
(CHARACTERISTICS)
1. The fifth generation computers uses super
large scale integrated chips.

2. They have artificial intelligence.

3. They are able to recognize image and graphs.

4. Fifth generation computer aims to be able to

solve highly complex problem including
decision making, logical reasoning.

5. They are able to use more than one CPU for

faster processing speed.

6. Fifth generation computers are intended to

work with natural language
 Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Key hardware Key software Key Some

Generation
representative
(Period) technologies technologies characteristics
systems

First  Vacuum tubes  Machine and  Bulky in size  ENIAC

(1942-1955)  Electromagnetic assembly  Highly unreliable  EDVAC
relay memory languages
 Limited commercial  EDSAC
 Punched cards  Stored program use and costly  UNIVAC I
secondary storage concept
 Difficult commercial  IBM 701
 Mostly scientific production
applications  Difficult to use
Second  Transistors  Batch operating Faster, smaller, more  Honeywell 400
(1955-1964)  Magnetic cores system reliable and easier to  IBM 7030
memory  High-level program than previous  CDC 1604
programming generation systems
 Magnetic tapes  UNIVAC LARC
languages Commercial production
 Disks for secondary
 Scientific and was still difficult and
storage
commercial costly
applications

(Continued on next slide)

 Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Generation Key hardware Key software Key Some rep.

(Period) technologies technologies characteristics systems

Third  ICs with SSI and  Timesharing  Faster, smaller, more  IBM 360/370
(1964-1975) MSI technologies operating reliable, easier and  PDP-8
 Larger magnetic system cheaper to produce
 PDP-11
cores memory  Standardization  Commercially, easier  CDC 6600
 Larger capacity of high-level to use, and easier to
disks and programming upgrade than
magnetic tapes languages previous generation
secondary  Unbundling of systems
storage software from  Scientific, commercial
 Minicomputers; hardware and interactive on-
upward line applications
compatible family
of computers

(Continued on next slide)

 Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Generation Key hardware Key software Key Some rep.

(Period) Technologies technologies characteristics systems

Fourth  ICs with VLSI  Operating systems for  Small, affordable,  IBM PC and
(1975-1989) technology PCs with GUI and reliable, and easy its clones
 Microprocessors; multiple windows on a to use PCs  Apple II
semiconductor memory single terminal screen  More powerful  TRS-80
 Larger capacity hard  Multiprocessing OS and reliable  VAX 9000
disks as in-built with concurrent mainframe
programming systems and  CRAY-1
secondary storage
languages supercomputers  CRAY-2
 Magnetic tapes and
floppy disks as portable  UNIX operating system  Totally general  CRAY-X/MP
storage media with C programming purpose machines
 Personal computers language  Easier to produce
 Supercomputers based  Object-oriented design commercially
on parallel vector and programming  Easier to upgrade
processing and  PC, Network-based,  Rapid software
symmetric and supercomputing development
multiprocessing applications possible
technologies
 Spread of high-speed
computer networks

(Continued on next slide)

 Computer Generations
(Continued from previous slide..)

Generation Key hardware Key software Key Some rep.

(Period) technologies technologies characteristics systems

Fifth  ICs with ULSI  Micro-kernel based,  Portable computers  IBM notebooks
(1989- technology multithreading,  Powerful, cheaper,  Pentium PCs
Present)  Larger capacity distributed OS reliable, and easier  SUN
main memory,  Parallel to use desktop Workstations
hard disks with programming machines  IBM SP/2
RAID support libraries like MPI &  Powerful
PVM  SGI Origin 2000
 Optical disks as supercomputers
portable read-only  JAVA  PARAM 10000
 High uptime due to
storage media  World Wide Web hot-pluggable
 Notebooks,  Multimedia, components
powerful desktop Internet  Totally general
PCs and applications purpose machines
workstations  More complex  Easier to produce
 Powerful servers, supercomputing commercially,
supercomputers applications easier to upgrade
 Internet  Rapid software
 Cluster computing development
possible
 TYPES OF COMPUTER
 Computers can be classified based on their
principles of operation or on their configuration.

 By configuration, we mean the size, speed of

doing computation and storage capacity of a
computer.

 Types of Computers based on Principles of

Operation
Analog Computer
Analog Computer is a computing device that
works on continuous range of values.

The results given by the analog computers will

only be approximate since they deal with
quantities that vary continuously.

It generally deals with physical variables such

as voltage, pressure, temperature, speed, etc.
Analog computers were historically used in various
industries, including petrol pumps, for tasks that
involved real-time measurements, calculations, and
control of physical processes.

While modern petrol pumps have largely

transitioned to digital technology, analog
computers once played a role in managing fuel
dispensing and measurement. Here's how they
were used:

Analog Fuel Dispensing System (Historical

Context):

1. Flow Measurement: Analog sensors such as

flow meters would measure the volume of fuel
being dispensed. These flow meters generated
analog signals proportional to the rate of fuel flow.
2. Analog Processing: The analog computer's
circuits would process the analog signals from the
flow meters. These circuits could perform
calculations to convert analog signals into actual
volume measurements.

3. Totalizer and Display: The analog computer

would accumulate the volume of fuel dispensed
over time using a totalizer circuit. This totalizer
would then drive analog displays, showing the
amount of fuel dispensed to the customer.

4. Pump Control: Analog control circuits might

regulate the pump operation based on demand. For
instance, they could control the pump's speed to
achieve a steady fuel flow rate.
5. Safety Mechanisms: Analog computers could
incorporate safety mechanisms to prevent
overfilling or spillage. For example, they might
trigger an automatic shutoff when a preset volume
was reached.

6. User Interaction: Analog user interfaces,

often in the form of analog dials and meters, would
allow customers to monitor the fuel dispensing
process.

It's important to note that the use of analog

computers in petrol pumps has largely been
replaced by digital technology.
 Digital Computers
Digital computer operates on digital data such
as numbers. It uses binary number system in
which there are only two digits 0 and 1. Each one
is called a bit.

The digital computer is designed using digital

circuits in which there are two levels for an
input or output signal.

These two levels are known as logic 0 and logic 1.

Digital Computers can give more accurate and

faster results.

Digital computer is well suited for solving

complex problems in engineering and technology.
 Digital Computers
 Hence digital computers have an increasing use in the
field of design, research and data processing.

 Based on the purpose, Digital computers can be

further classified as,

 General Purpose Computers

 Special Purpose Computers
Hybrid Computers
A hybrid computer combines the desirable
features of analog and digital computers.

It is mostly used for automatic operations of

complicated physical processes and machines.

Now-a-days analog-to-digital and digital-to-

analog converters are used for transforming
the data into suitable form for either type of
computation.

For example, in hospital’s ICU, analog devices

might measure the patient’s temperature,
blood pressure and other vital signs.
In a hospital ICU (Intensive Care Unit), a hybrid
computer can be used to monitor and manage patient
conditions effectively. Let's explore how a hybrid
computer might work in this context:

1. Analog Component: The analog subsystem of the

hybrid computer could model and monitor
patients' physiological parameters, such as heart
rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and
temperature. Analog sensors would continuously
measure these variables and convert them into
analog signals.

1. Digital Component: The digital subsystem would

process the analog signals, perform calculations,
and manage patient data. It would process the
analog inputs to obtain accurate readings and
analyze trends over time.
3. Integration: The analog and digital components
would interact to provide a comprehensive patient
overview. Analog sensors might continuously feed
data to the digital subsystem, which would then
process the data for more accurate readings and
trends.

4. Alarms and Alerts: The hybrid computer could

be programmed to raise alarms or alerts if certain
physiological parameters fall outside safe ranges.
The digital component would detect these conditions
and trigger notifications to healthcare staff.

5. Data Analysis: The digital subsystem could

perform real-time data analysis to identify patterns,
trends, and potential critical events. It could help
detect deteriorating patient conditions and provide
predictive insights to assist medical professionals in
making informed decisions.
6. Treatment Adjustment: Based on the data and
analysis from both analog and digital components,
healthcare staff could make informed decisions
about adjusting treatment plans, medication
dosages, or interventions.

7. Control and Monitoring: The hybrid computer's

control unit manages the communication and
coordination between the analog and digital
components, ensuring accurate data processing and
timely responses.

By combining the strengths of analog and digital

computing, a hybrid computer in a hospital ICU
setting could provide a more comprehensive and
accurate picture of patient conditions. This can lead
to better monitoring, quicker responses to changes
in health status, and improved patient care overall.
Types of Computers based on
Configuration
There are four different types of computers
when we classify them based on their
performance and capacity. The four types are
mentioned below :-
 Super Computers
 These computers can process trillions of instructions
per second.

 They are the best in terms of processing capacity and

also the most expensive ones

 used for applications which require intensive numerical

computations such as stock analysis, weather
forecasting etc.

 Other uses of supercomputers are scientific

simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid dynamic
calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic
design, and analysis of geological data (e.g. in
petrochemical prospecting).

 Some of the "traditional" companies which produce

super computers are Cray, IBM and Hewlett-
Packard.
Characteristics of Supercomputers

Supercomputers are the computers that are

the fastest and they are also very expensive.

It can calculate up to ten trillion individual

calculations per second, this is also the reason
which makes it even faster.

It is used in the stock market or big

organizations for managing the online
currency world such as Bitcoin etc.

It is used in scientific research areas for

analyzing data obtained from exploring the
solar system, satellites, etc.
Mainframe Computers
Mainframe computers can also process data at
very high speeds.

Hundreds of million instructions per second

and they are also quite expensive.

Normally, they are used as a high end Server

in banking, airlines and railways for their
applications.
Characteristics of Mainframe Computers

It is also an expensive or costly computer.

It has high storage capacity and great

performance.

It can process a huge amount of data (like

data involved in the banking sector) very
quickly.

It runs smoothly for a long time and has a

long life.
Mini Computers
Mini computers are lower to mainframe
computers in terms of speed and storage
capacity.

They are also less expensive than mainframe

computers.

 Some of the features of mainframes will not

be available in mini computers.

Hence, their performance also will be less

than that of mainframes.
Characteristics of Minicomputer

Its weight is low.

Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry

anywhere.

less expensive than a mainframe computer.

It is fast.
 Micro Computers
 The invention of microprocessor (single chip CPU)
gave birth to the much cheaper micro computers.

They are further classified into

 Desktop Computers
 Laptop Computers
Handheld Computers(PDAs)
Characteristics of Personal Computer
(PC)
In this limited number of software can be
used.

It is the smallest in size.

It is designed for personal use.

It is easy to use.