The Evolution of Computers

The Evolution of Computers, 1st, 2nd, 3rd,

4th Generation, and More to Come

Computers in the form of personal desktop

computers, laptops and tablets have become
such an important part of everyday living that
it can be difficult to remember a time when
they did not exist. In reality, computers as they
are known and used today are still relatively
new. Although computers have technically
been in use since the abacus approximately
5000 years ago, it is modern computers that
have had the greatest and most profound
effect on society. The first full-sized digital
computer in history was developed in 1944.
Called the Mark I, this computer was used
only for calculations and weighed five tons.
Despite its size and limited ability it was the
first of many that would start off generations
of computer development and growth.
Generations of Computers
First Generation Computers
First generation computers bore little
resemblance to computers of today, either in
appearance or performance. The first
generation of computers took place from 1940
to 1956 and was extremely large in size. The
inner workings of the computers at that time
were unsophisticated. These early machines
required magnetic drums for memory and
vacuum tubes that worked as switches and
amplifiers. It was the vacuum tubes that were
mainly responsible for the large size of the
machines and the massive amounts of heat
that they released. These computers produced
so much heat that they regularly overheated
despite large cooling units. First generation
computers also used a very basic
programming language that is referred to as
machine language.

Second Generation Computers

The second generation (from 1956 to 1963) of
computers managed to do away with vacuum
tubes in lieu of transistors. This allowed them
to use less electricity and generate less heat.
Second generation computers were also
significantly faster than their predecessors.
Another significant change was in the size of
the computers, which were smaller. Transistor
computers also developed core memory which
they used alongside magnetic storage.

Third Generation Computers

From 1964 to 1971 computers went through a
significant change in terms of speed, courtesy
of integrated circuits. Integrated circuits, or
semiconductor chips, were large numbers of
miniature transistors packed on silicon chips.
This not only increased the speed of
computers but also made them smaller, more
powerful, and less expensive. In addition,
instead of the punch cards and the printouts of
previous systems, keyboards and monitors
were now allowing people to interact with
computing machines.

Fourth Generation Computers

The changes with the greatest impact occurred
in the years from 1971 to 2010. During this
time technology developed to a point where
manufacturers could place millions of
transistors on a single circuit chip. This was
called monolithic integrated circuit
technology. It also heralded the invention of
the Intel 4004 chip which was the first
microprocessor to become commercially
available in 1971. This invention led to the
dawn of the personal computer industry. By
the mid-70s, personal computers such as the
Altair 8800 became available to the public in
the form of kits and required assembly. By the
late 70s and early 80s assembled personal
computers for home use, such as the
Commodore Pet, Apple II and the first IBM
computer, were making their way onto the
market. Personal computers and their ability
to create networks eventually would lead to
the Internet in the early 1990s. The fourth
generation of computers also saw the creation
of even smaller computers including laptops
and hand-held devices. Graphical user
interface, or GUI, was also invented during
this time. Computer memory and storage also
went through major improvements, with an
increase in storage capacity and speed.
The Fifth Generation of Computers
In the future, computer users can expect even
faster and more advanced computer
technology. Computers continue to develop
into advanced forms of technology. Fifth
generation computing has yet to be truly
defined, as there are numerous paths that
technology is taking toward the future of
computer development. For instance, research
is ongoing in the fields of nanotechnology,
artificial intelligence, as well as quantum
computation.

Classification of Computers
There are the different types of computers
available these days. The function of each
type of computer is to process the data and
provide some output to the users. However,
the methods or techniques used by these
computers to process and handle the data may
be different. We can classify the computer
according to the following three criteria:
1. Based on operating principles
2. Based on applications
 3. Based on size and capability
1) Based on Operating Principles
On the basis of the operation performed and
methods used to store and process the data
information, computers can be classified into
the following categories:
1. Analog computers
The analog computers represent data in the
form of continuous electrical signals having a
specific magnitude. These computers are very
fast in their operations to be carried out at the
same time. They are a powerful tool to solve
differential equations.
2. Digital Computers
The digital computer is also known as the
digital information processing system, is a
type of computer that stores and processes
data in the digital form. Therefore each type
of data is usually stored in these computers in
terms of 0s and 1s. The output produced by
these computers is also in the digital form.
3. Hybrid Computers
The hybrid computer is a combination of
analog computer and digital computer because
 it encompasses the best features of both these
computers. Therefore the hardware
components of hybrid computers are usually
the mixture of analog and digital components.
The hybrid computer is also less expensive
than the digital computers.
2) Based on Application
Different computers are designed for a
different purpose so that they can perform
their tasks according to their capabilities. On
the basis of different applications or purpose,
computers can be classified into the following
categories:
1. General purpose computers
They are designed in such a manner that they
can work in all environments. The general
purpose computers are versatile and can store
a number of programs meant for performing
distinct tasks. The general purpose computers
are not efficient and consume a large amount
of time in generating the results.
2. Special purpose computers
They are designed in such a manner that they
can perform only a specified task. The special
 purpose computers are not versatile and their
speed and memory size depend on the task
that is to be performed. The special purpose
computers are efficient and consume less
amount of time in generating the results.
3) Based on size and Capabilities
Computers differ from each other in terms of
their size, shape, and weights. Each type of
computers perform some unique functions and
can be employed in the fields suited to them.
On the basis of size, shape the computers can
be classified into the following categories.
1. Microcomputers
A microcomputer is a small and cheap digital
computer that is designed to be used by
individuals. It is built around a
microprocessor, a storage unit, and an I/o
channel. The microcomputers are generally in
the form of PCs, workstations and notebook
computers.
2. Mini computers
A minicomputer was first introduced in the
year 1960 by Digital Equipment
Corporations(DEC). They were called
 minicomputers because of their smaller size
than the other computers of those time.
3. Mainframe computers
A mainframe computer is a very large
computer that is employed by the large
business organization for handling major
applications such as financial transaction
processing.
4. Super computers
A super computer is the fastest type of
computers that can perform complex
operations at a very high speed. The super
computer was first presented in the year 1960s
by Seymour Cray at Control Data
Corporation(CDC). They are more expansive
than the other categories of computers.
Micro Computer or Personal Computer
• Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-
mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
• Laptop Computer: a portable computer
complete with an integrated screen and
keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a
desktop computer and larger than a notebook
computer.
• Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary
/Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized computer.
Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen
serves both as an input and output device.

Computer System
A computer system allows users to input,
manipulate and store data. Computer systems
typically include a computer, monitor,
keyboard, mouse and other optional
components. All of these components also can
be integrated into all-in-one units, such as
laptop computers.
During the data processing stage, instruction
sets, known as programs, are provided to let
the system know what to do with the entered
system data. Without these programs, the
computer would not know how to process data
that enters the system, and the data might be
discarded. Known as a stored program
computer, this type of computer is the most
common in use today. It is very flexible, as it
can process any task by loading a program
from storage. Computer systems can work by
themselves or access other devices that are
external or connected with other computer
systems.

Components of a Computer System

Every computer system has the following three
basic components:
1. Input unit
2. Central processing unit
3. Output unit

Input Unit
These components help users enter data and
commands into a computer system. Data can
be in the form of numbers, words, actions,
commands, etc. The main function of input
devices is to direct commands and data into
computers. Computers then use their CPU to
process this data and produce output.
For example, a laptop’s keyboard is an input
unit that enters numbers and characters.
Similarly, even a mouse can be an input unit
for entering directions and commands. Other
examples include barcode readers, Magnetic
Ink Character Readers (MICR), Optical
Character Readers (OCR), etc.
Another example of input devices is touch-
screens. Users can simply touch these screens
without using any other device to enter
commands. From smartphones to ATM
machines, these input devices are becoming
very popular these days.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
After receiving data and commands from
users, a computer system now has to process it
according to the instructions provided. Here, it
has to rely on a component called the central
processing unit. The CPU further uses these
three elements:
a) Memory Unit
Once a user enters data using input devices, the
computer system stores this data in its memory
unit. This data will now remain here until other
components of CPU process it. The memory
unit uses a set of pre-programmed instructions
to further transmit this data to other parts of the
CPU.
b) Arithmetic and Logic Unit
This part of the CPU performs arithmetic
operations. It does basic mathematical
calculations like addition, subtraction, division,
multiplication, etc. Further, it can even perform
logical functions like the comparison of data.
c) Control Unit
This unit is the backbone of computers. It is
responsible for coordinating tasks between all
components of a computer system. The control
unit collects data from input units and sends it
to processing units depending on its
nature. Finally, it also further transmits
processed data to output units for users.
Output Unit
The third and final component of a computer
system is the output unit. After processing of
data, it is converted into a format which
humans can understand. After conversion, the
output units displays this data to users.
Examples of output devices include monitors,
screens, printers and speakers. Thus, output
units basically reproduce the data formatted by
the computer for users’ benefit.

Different Types of Communication Systems

A thought kept in the brain is of no use unless
and until it is shared with other individuals
and rest of the world. The idea, no matter
however brilliant it is, must come out for its
successful implementation for it to benefit one
and all. It is the prime responsibility of the
individual to share his thoughts and ideas with
others.
The communication system enables the
successful transmission of idea or any other
important information among individuals. The
person from whom the thought originates
carefully encodes his ideas into a sensible
content which is now ready to be shared with
everyone. He is commonly referred to as the
sender and the other party who receives the
information from him is called the receiver or
the recipient. The free flow of information
between the sender and the receiver takes
place because of the communication system.
The flow of information can be between two
individuals. The information can flow from
the individual to a machine, from the machine
to the individual and even between two
machines. Machines coupled together through
networks also provide signals for the
individuals to respond, thus a type of
communication system. In the above cases all
the machines must work on similar lines and
patterns, must be technically compatible and
has to provide the same information, so that
the individuals can decode the information
well.
Let us study the various types of
communication system for the smooth flow
of information between two parties.
1. Optical Communication System
 The word “Optical” stands for light. As the
name itself suggests, optical
communication system depends on light as
the medium for communication. In an
optical communication system the
transmitter converts the information into
an optical signal (signal in the form of
light) and finally the signal then reaches
the recipient. The recipient then decodes
the signal and responds accordingly. In
optical communication system, light helps
in the transmission of information. The
safe landing of helicopters and aeroplanes
work on the above principle. The pilots
receive light signals from the base and
decide their next movements. On the
roads, red light communicates the
individual to immediately stop while the
individual moves on seeing the green light.
In this mode of communication light
travels through the optical fibre.
2. Radio Communication System
In the radio communication system the
information flows with the help of a radio.
Radio communication system works with
 the aid of a transmitter and a receiver both
equipped with an antenna.
The transmitter with the help of an antenna
produces signals which are carried through
radio carrier wave. The receiver also with
the help of an antenna receives the signal.
Some information is unwanted and must
be discarded and hence the electronic
filters help in the separation of radio
signals from other unwanted signals which
are further amplified to an optimum level
Finally the signals are decoded in an
information which can be easily
understood by the individuals for them to
respond accordingly.
3. Duplex communications system
In Duplex communications system two
equipments can communicate with each
other in both the directions simultaneously
and hence the name Duplex. When you
interact with your friend over the
telephone, both of you can listen to each
other at the same time. The sender sends
the signals to the receiver who receives it
then and there and also give his valuable
 feedback to the speaker for him to
respond. Hence the communication
actually takes place between the speaker
and the receiver simultaneously.
In the Duplex communication system, two
devices can communicate with each other
at the same time.
A type of communication system involves
the sender and the receiver where the
sender is in charge of sending signals and
the recipients only listen to it and respond
accordingly. Such communication is also
called Simplex communication system.
4. Half Duplex Communication System
In half Duplex communication system,
both the two parties can’t communicate
simultaneously. The sender has to stop
sending the signals to the recipient and
then only the recipient can respond.
A walkie talkie works on the half duplex
communication system. The military
personnel while interacting has to say
“Over” for the other person to respond. He
needs to speak the security code correctly
for the other person to speak. The other
 party will never communicate unless and
until the code is correct and complete.
5. Tactical Communication System
Another mode of communication is the
tactical mode of communication. In this
mode of communication, communication
varies according to the changes in the
environmental conditions and other
situations.

Applications of computers.
Computer is a device through which you can
perform a variety of jobs. You can use your
computer system for different applications by
changing the software packages. Here are the
list of uses or applications of computer:
 Scientific research
 Business application
 Education
  Entertainment
 Banks
 Communication
 Engineering
 Medicine
 Book Publishing
 Games
 Personal
 Accounting
For Scientific Research
Scientific research was the first application of
computer as computer was first used to
perform this job that is scientific research. At
that time to now, the speed and accuracy of
computer enabled scientific analysis carried
out too fast.
Computer controlled robots must be used in
all those areas where there is danger to human
being such as in nuclear research and deep sea
investigation etc.
For Business Application
Computer can also be used for the purpose of
business.
Through computer, companies can grow their
business as fast as possible through quick
analysis of their previous project on the
computer screen (according to the data feeded
inside) and deciding what to do next without
any delay.
As from individual to multinational
companies, all are using computer for
business purpose like keeping account
information, stocks, prices, items etc.
For Education
You can also use your computer system to
educate yourself through audio, videos or
images etc.
Now-a-days, there are thousands of websites
available over Internet that are ready to
deliver education for free in almost every
subjects.
You can choose whether you want to learn
online or offline. In online learning, you can
open any website to read your desired topic
while in offline learning you can learn through
videos, PDFs photos etc., all these documents
can be downloaded through internet.
For Entertainment
Most of the persons are using computer for
entertainment purposes such as:
 watching movies
 watching videos
 listening songs
 photos
 animations etc.
Computer can be used to create these things in
an attractive manner so that user loves to
enjoy the things.
In Banks
Banks are the place where there is continuous
uses of computer or we can says that banks
are the major users of computers. For
example, ATM (Automated teller machine) is
used where we are free to either deposit or
withdraw our cash in/from our Bank.
In banks, all information such as account
holders detail, deposits, withdrawal, interest,
etc. are managed by computers.
Banks are also using computer network to
interconnect all of its branches so that their
users feel always free to deposit his or her
money in any branch of the same bank.
For Communication
Using your computer system for the purpose
of communication gives you a lot of benefits.
For example, if you will use email to send
message or anything to your friends or any of
your contacts, then you don't have to use pen
and paper to write and take that paper to post
office and then postman will deliver that later
after some or few days that will not good if
you want to send any urgent information to
the same person.
Therefore, using email, you can also saves
your time and cost to deliver any information
very fast. You only need a computer and
internet connectivity.
Now-a-days, peoples are using chat message,
email, voice-mail etc. for communication
purpose.
You can also use computer to communicate
through direct video conference with your
contacts/friends present at any place without
any cost except internet connectivity.
Now you have got enough idea about
communication through computer. It's time to
move on another application of computer
which is engineering.
For Engineering Purposes
Computer are also using for the purpose of
Engineering, that is, to design any machine
without actually making it through CAD
(Computer aided design) softwares and once
the design is accepted, and then using CAM
(Computer aided manufacturing) process
company can produce a large number of such
products at very fast speed.
Architects are also using computers to draw
and design individual houses to big buildings
like Apartments. There are a lot more uses of
computer for engineering purposes.
For Medicines Related
Computer plays an important role in medical
field also. For example in ICU (Intensive Care
Unit) chamber in hospital, computer keeps
track of each and everything going inside the
patient's body such as blood pressure and
Heartbeat etc.
Keeping record of patients and medicines are
also becomes easy through the use of
Computer. Computer also plays an important
role to perform CT (Computed tomography)
scan and X-Ray of patients to give the
scanned object of specified area of patient's
body in the form of graphics like images.
For Book Publishing
Book publishing becomes an easy task with
the use of computer.
Book publishers are now using DTP (Desktop
publishing) software like MS-Word to publish
their books.
For Games
Now-a-days, peoples are using computers
most of the time to play games.
For online games to play, you must have the
internet connectivity whereas for offline
games, you can start without any internet
connectivity.
There are a variety of games available in
computer world. Here are some of the
category available in the game field:
 action
 racing
 adventurous
 puzzle
 simulations
 combat etc.
Peoples are playing (mostly today's or new
generation childs) games on computer for few
to many hours.
Some popular games are listed here:
  Minecraft
 Counter Strike
 PubG
 WoW
 Grand Theft Auto
 Skyrim
 Angry Bird
 Call of Duty
 Halo
 Pokemon
 Super Mario Bros etc.
For Personal Use
Computer can also be used for personal
purposes.
One can use computer system to keep all the
day-to-day details that are essential to keep
anywhere.
You can use it for personal things such as
investments, incomes, expenditures, savings
etc.
For Accounting Purposes
Computers are highly used for accounting
purposes to handle company financial
accounts and inventory management using
some accounting software like Tally.
With the use of computer the task of
maintaining accounts become very easy. Later
you can also retrieve the data on the basis of
various pattern or requirement very easily.

End First unit

1.Explain Fourth Generation Computers ?
2.Short Note On Hybrid Computers ?
3.Write Short Note On-
Microcomputers ,Mini
computers,Mainframe computers,Super
computers
4. What Is CPU?