INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

KMBN-105
-Aniket Shukla
Mba I (A)
Table of Contents
1. High Speed............................................................................................................................................2
2. Accuracy................................................................................................................................................3
3. Storage Capability................................................................................................................................3
4. Diligence................................................................................................................................................3
5. Versatility..............................................................................................................................................3
Limitations Of Computers..........................................................................................................................3
No IQ.........................................................................................................................................................4
No feelings/ EQ.........................................................................................................................................4
Lack of Decision Making.........................................................................................................................4
Lack of Common Sense............................................................................................................................5
Cannot Implement....................................................................................................................................5
Human dependency..................................................................................................................................5
Analog Computer........................................................................................................................................6
Digital Computer........................................................................................................................................7
Hybrid Computers......................................................................................................................................8
Personal Computers (PC)............................................................................................................................8
Workstation................................................................................................................................................8
Minicomputer.............................................................................................................................................9
Mainframe................................................................................................................................................10
Supercomputer.........................................................................................................................................10
Microcomputer.........................................................................................................................................11
GENERATIONS OF COMPUTER.......................................................................................................................11
Computers of First Generation (1940 to 1956).............................................................................................11
Computers of Second Generation (1956 to 1963).........................................................................................12
Computers of Third Generation (1964 to 1971)...........................................................................................12
Computers of Fourth Generation (1971 – Present).......................................................................................12
Computers of Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond)..................................................................................12

∙ Input Unit.........................................................................................................................................13

∙ Output Unit.......................................................................................................................................13

∙ Memory Unit....................................................................................................................................13

∙ Control Unit......................................................................................................................................13

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 ∙ Arithmetic & Logical Unit..................................................................................................................14

WHAT IS COMPUTER?

A computer is a programmable electronic device that accepts raw data as input and processes it with
a set of instructions (a program) to produce the result as output. It renders output just after
performing mathematical and logical operations and can save the output for future use. It can process
numerical as well as non-numerical calculations. The term "computer" is derived from the Latin
word "computare" which means to calculate.

A computer is designed to execute applications and provides

a variety of solutions through integrated hardware and
software components. It works with the help of programs and
represents the decimal numbers through a string of binary
digits. It also has a memory that stores the data, programs,
and result of processing. The components of a computer such
as machinery that includes wires, transistors, circuits, hard
disk are called hardware. Whereas, the programs and data are
called software.
It is believed that the Analytical Engine was the first computer which was invented by Charles
Babbage in 1837. It used punch cards as read-only memory. Charles Babbage is also known as the
father of the computer.
The basic parts without which a computer cannot work are as follows:
o Processor: It executes instructions from software and hardware.
o Memory: It is the primary memory for data transfer between the CPU and storage.
o Motherboard: It is the part that connects all other parts or components of a computer.
o Storage Device: It permanently stores the data, e.g., hard drive.
o Input Device: It allows you to communicate with the computer or to input data, e.g., a
keyboard.
o Output Device: It enables you to see the output, e.g., monitor.

FEATURES OF COMPUTERS

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1. High Speed

● Computer is a very fast machine.

● Computers are capable of calculating huge amounts of data.
● Computer can do Millions of Calculations in a matter of time, for which a simple person
takes a lot of time to do the work, a computer can do that work very well in a very short time.

2. Accuracy

● Computers are very fast as well as very accurate.

● The calculation done by the computer is 100% correct and the error is negligible.
● The computer works with 100% accuracy if the user input is correct.

3. Storage Capability

● Computer can store a large amount of data, which is the biggest feature of a computer.
● Inside the computer, we can store many types of data such as images, videos, text, audio,
files, etc.
● Computer can store a lot more data than a human.

4. Diligence

● Computers never tired like humans.

● The computer can work continuously without stopping, without tiredness, and without any
error and boredom.
● Computers can perform one or more tasks continuously with great accuracy and same speed.

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 High
speed
Accura Reliabil
cy ity
FEATUR
ES
Storage Versatil
Capabil ity
ity
Diligen
ce

5. Versatility

● Computer is a very flexible machine, it is very easy to run.

● Computer is a machine whose are used in various areas to solve a wide range of problems.
● Somewhere it is used in calculation and Somewhere it is used for playing games.

Limitations Of Computers

No IQ
A computer cannot act on situations that are not fed or programmed into them. They have zero
IQ(Intelligent Quotient). These outputs are completely dependent on the user’s input. That is they
produce the wrong output if the wrong input is provided instead of correcting it.

This is why the computer is also called the dump machine. The more the computer is instructed to
perform tasks, the more it processes outputs.

No feelings/ EQ
While the computer can work tirelessly and relentlessly. However, a few tasks require suggestions
and ideas. This can only be done if a person feels positive, negative, or some feeling toward the task.

A computer proves unsuccessful in such scenarios as it does not have feelings/ EQ(Emotional
Quotient). A computer can be used to search for any information from the web. But it cannot
personally help a person in a task. This is the biggest limitation of the computer.

Lack of Decision Making

A computer cannot decide on its own. Each operation that the computer performs is fed with an
algorithm to perform different processes for each situation. However, if it faces a problem that is not
fed into the system, the computer is not ready for it. It either gets corrupt or does not respond.

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For making a decision humans have knowledge, wisdom, intelligence, the power to decide, etc.
Computers have none of these. They are programmed to work with logic and algorithms, not
judgment.

No IQ No EQ

Decision Common
Making Sense

Can't Human
Implement Dependency

Lack of Common Sense

A computer might be an automated machine, but it requires human assistance. It works only when it
is provided with some input. For example, you have to do calculations for your math homework.
You will have to feed each sum to get the output. The computer cannot read the whole homework
and provide results.

Another example is a spell in MS Word. Computer points to spelling and grammatical errors by
underlining them with red ink. But it cannot correct it by itself. It also shows errors in proper nouns
like names. This is because a computer can only identify words from a standard dictionary.

Cannot Implement
A computer has huge storage and can store a hundred times more than a human brain. However, due
to a lack of implementation, it proves to be useless. A computer can store a book of law but cannot
implement it.

It can store hundreds of guides to solve different problems. Yet, it can only solve problems of which
algorithms are fed into it. This is where humans outperform computers.

Human dependency

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A computer is a machine that is fully automated once switched on. But it cannot work to switch itself
on. The computer also does not when to start and when to stop unless it is fed with such a program.

Some human assistance is always required in most situations. It cannot work completely on its own
without human intervention.
Types Of Computers

These three types of computers are

● Analog
computers.
● Digital
computers.
● Hybrid
computers.

Analog Digital Hybrid

Computers can also be classified based on their computing power and speed, and the categories of
this type of classification are mentioned in the table below.

S. NO. TYPE OF COMPUTER DESCRIPTION

1 Personal Computer Type of single-user computer system that

has a moderately powerful
microprocessor.
2 Workstation Single-user system, but has a more
powerful microprocessor.

3 Mini Computer Multi-user system. Capable of supporting

hundreds of users at the same time.

4 Main Frame Multi-user system. Capable of supporting

hundreds of users at the same time.
Different from minicomputers in terms
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 of its software technology.
5 Super Computer Incredibly fast computers have the
capability of executing hundreds of
millions of instructions every second.

Analog Computer
Let us begin with analogue computers. These computers were specifically designed to process
analogue data. For readers who are not familiar with the term, analogue data is a type of continuous
data that continually changes and does not have discrete values.
It can also be said that analogue computers are used when the users are not familiar with the exact
values like temperature, speed, current, and pressure. An intriguing feature of analogue computers is
accepting the measuring device's data without converting it into relevant codes and numbers.
This feature allows analogue computers to measure continuous changes in physical quantity. In most
cases, the output of these computers is read on a dial or scale. Some examples of analogue computers
are the mercury thermometer and speedometer.
There are many advantages of using analog computers. Some of those advantages are as follows.

● These computers allow real-time computation and operations at the same time. Further, it
continuously represents all data within the range of the analog computer system.
● In some applications, analog computers help perform calculations without using transducers
to convert both the inputs and outputs to a digital electronic form and vice versa.
● Programmers can also scale the problem for the dynamic range of analog computers. This
provides excellent insight into the actual situation. It also helps in learning about any errors
and their effects.
There are different types of analog computers. The various types of analog computers are discussed
below.

● Slide Rules

The slide rule is one of the simplest types of mechanical analog computer systems. It was developed
initially to perform necessary mathematical calculations. These computer systems consist of two
rods. When the computer performs any calculation, the hashed rod slides to line up with the specific
markings placed on another rod.

● Differential Analysers

Differential analyzers are used to perform differential calculations. These computer systems perform
integration by using a wheel-and-disc mechanism. This helps in solving differential calculations.

● Castle Clock

According to various sources, the first castle clock was invented by Al-Jara. This computer system
was made to save all programming instructions. The original machine's height was around 11 feet,
and it came with the display of zodiac, time, and the lunar and solar orbits. These devices can also
allow users to set the length of the day according to the current season.

● Electronic Analog Computer

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An electronic analog computer is a type of analog computer in which electrical signals flow through
resistors and capacitors. This simulates different physical phenomena. In these devices, mechanical
interactions of computers do not take place. Also, the voltage of the electrical signal is used to
generate the correct displays in these devices.

Digital Computer
Digital computers were invented to perform different calculations and logical operations at a very
high speed. These computers accept the raw data as input, done in binary numbers (0 and 1) or
digitals.
After that, the device processes the information with programs that are already stored in the device's
memory. This process is followed to generate the output. Some examples of digital computers
include laptops, desktops, and other electronic devices like smartphones.
There are many advantages of digital computers. Some of those advantages are mentioned below.

● Digital computers allow users to store a large amount of information. The stored information
can be retrieved whenever it is required.
● New features can easily be added to the digital systems.

● Ability to change the program without making any changes in the hardware of the system.
● The cost of the hardware of digital computers is often less because of the advancement in the
Integrated Circuit (IC) technology.
● These systems process data digitally at a very high speed.

● Digital computers use error correction codes because of which these systems are very
reliable.
● The output is not affected by humidity, noise, temperature, or other natural properties,
leading to the results' high reproducibility.

Hybrid Computers
Hybrid computers are devices that have features of both digital and analog computers. These devices
are similar in speed to analog computers and are identical to digital computers in their memory and
accuracy.
Hybrid computers can process both discrete and continuous data. These devices work by accepting
analog signals and converting those signals into a digital form before processing. This is why these
devices are popularly used in specialized applications where both analog and digital data has to be
processed.

For example, the processors used in petrol pumps convert fuel flow into values for both quantity and
price. Similar devices are used in hospitals, airplanes, and many scientific applications.
There are many benefits of using hybrid computers. A few of those benefits are mentioned below.

● The computing speed of hybrid computers is very high. This is due to the all-parallel
configuration of the analog subsystem.
● These computers help in online data processing.

● Hybrid computers can manage and solve large equations in real-time.

● The results are produced quickly and in a more efficient manner. The final results are both
accurate and useful.
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Personal Computers (PC)
A Personal computer or PC can be described as a small and somewhat inexpensive computer that has
been specifically designed for individual use. These devices are based on microprocessor technology,
enabling manufacturers to put an entire CPU on a single chip.
These days many organizations use personal computers for completing tasks related to desktop
publishing, accounting, word processing, database management, and running spreadsheets. People
also use personal computers at home for surfing the internet and playing games.
It is important to note that even though personal computers were developed to work as a single-user
system, they are still linked together to form a network. If we talk about power, then Macintosh and
PC's high-end models offer about the same computing power and graphic capabilities as low-end
workstations by Hewlett-Packard, Dell, and Sun Microsystems.

Workstation
A workstation is a computer that is used explicitly for engineering applications like CAD/CAM.
Workstations can also be used for software development, desktop publishing, and developing other
types of applications. All of these tasks require a moderate amount of computing power and
relatively high-quality graphics capabilities.
In most cases, workstations come equipped with large amounts of RAM, inbuilt network support, a
graphic user interface, and a high-resolution graphics screen. Many workstations also have mass
storage devices like disk drives. However, it should be noted here that diskless workstations are a
type of workstation that comes without any disk drive.
Operating systems that are usually used in workstations are Windows NT and UNIX. Just like
personal computers, workstations are also designed for individual use. These systems are also linked
together to form a local-area network. These systems can be used for standalone purposes.
Workstations are equipped with faster microprocessors and more powerful CPUs than personal
computers. These devices can handle data analysis, CAD, animation, video editing, and video
creation.
Also, do you know that five integral features are standard for all workstations? Here’s a list of those
features.

● Multiple Processor Cores

Workstations have more processor cores than simple computers and laptops.

● ECC RAM

Workstations have an error-correcting code memory. This memory can fix any errors before they
even get a chance to affect the performance of the system.

● RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)

RAID or Redundant Array of IndepenMonday, 13 November 2023dent Disks refers to various

internal hard drives used to store and process data. There can also be different types of RAIDs. For
example, multiple drives could work together to process data, or mirrored drives could be present
where if one drive stops functioning, the other will start acting.

● SSD

SSDs are better than conventional hard-disk drives as they do not have any moving parts. This means
that there are fewer chances of physical failure.
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 ● Optimized and Higher End GPU

Optimized and higher-end GPU reduces the load that is exerted on CPUs. For example, a CPU would
have to do less work while processing the output on the screen.

Minicomputer
A minicomputer is a midsize, multi-processing system. Minicomputers are capable of supporting up
to 250 users at the same time. Usually, these devices have two or more processors.
It is common for minicomputers to be employed in institutes and departments related to accounting,
inventory management, and billing. Some experts also believe that minicomputers lie somewhere
between a microcomputer and a mainframe because minicomputers are smaller than a mainframe but
more extensive than a microcomputer.
Minicomputers are lighter in weight. These devices can easily fit anywhere and are portable. These
devices are less expensive and very fast compared to their size. Minicomputers tend to remain
charged for long intervals and can function in an environment without controlled operations.
You might also want to learn that minicomputers are primarily used to perform three functions.
These three functions are mentioned below.

● Processing Control
Minicomputers are mainly used to possess control in manufacturing. These devices performed the
functions of collecting data and feedback. In case of any abnormalities during the process, the
minicomputer detects the abnormality and makes the necessary adjustment to fix the situation.

● Managing Data
Small organizations use minicomputers to collect, store, and share data. For example, local hotels
and hospitals use minicomputers to record their customers and patients, respectively.

● Communications Portal
Minicomputers also can play the role of a communication device in larger organizations. A
minicomputer achieves this aim by serving as a portal between the central processor or computer and
the human operator.

Mainframe
A mainframe can be described as a costly and extensive computer system. A mainframe is usually
capable of supporting hundreds and thousands of users at the same time. These devices concurrently
execute various programs and support multiple simultaneous executions of programs.
Due to these above-mentioned features, mainframe computers are usually used in large organizations
that need to process and manage high volumes of data - For example, telecom and banking sector
industries.
Mainframe computers usually have a very long life. A mainframe device can run smoothly for up to
50 years after its installation. It can also provide excellent performance with large-scale memory
management.
Mainframe computers also can distribute or share their workload among other processors or input
and output terminals. When it comes to errors, then there are fewer chances of errors in these
devices.
However, if any error occurs, then it is quickly fixed by the system. These devices protect the stored
data and any ongoing exchange of data or information. From this extensive description, it must be
quite evident that mainframe computers have a lot of applications. We have created a list of some of
those applications, and that list is given below.
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 ● In the field of defense, mainframe computers allow defense departments to share a large
amount of sensitive information with other branches of defense.
● In the retail sector, large retail organizations often have a vast customer base. This is why
departments use mainframe computers to execute and handle information related to their
customer management, inventory management, and huge transactions within a short period.
● In health care, mainframe computers help hospitals by maintaining an extensive record of
millions of patients. This feature goes a long way in assisting hospitals in contacting their
patients for treatment or any other appointment related to medicine or disease updates.
● In the field of education, mainframe devices allow large educational institutes to store,
manage, and retrieve data related to admissions, courses, teachers, students, affiliated
schools, affiliated colleges, and employees.

Supercomputer
Supercomputers are one of the fastest computers in the world. These computers are costly and are
only employed for specialized applications that require a large number of mathematical calculations
or number crunching.
For example, supercomputers' tasks are animated graphics, scientific simulations, weather
forecasting, geological data analysis in industries like petrochemical prospecting, fluid dynamic
calculations, nuclear energy research, and electronic design.
It is exciting to note that supercomputers can process trillions of instructions in a single second! This
is mainly because these devices have thousands of interconnected processors. Also, the first
supercomputer was developed in 1976 by Roger Cray.
A Supercomputer is also employed in NOAA's system (National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration). That supercomputer can execute any logical or straightforward data.
Supercomputers are also used for extracting useful information from data storage centers or cloud
systems. An excellent example of this is the insurance companies. Supercomputers also play an
essential role in managing the online world of currencies like the stock market and Bitcoin.

Microcomputer
A microcomputer is also known as a personal computer. These devices can be described as general-
purpose computers that are ideal for individual use. Microcomputers have a microprocessor as a
central processing unit, an input unit, storage area, memory, and an output unit.
Some examples of microcomputers are desktop computers and laptops. These devices are usually
used to make assignments, watch movies, or tackle business tasks for office work.
Microcomputers are the smallest in size of all the other types of computers. Only one user can use a
microcomputer at a time. These computers are less expensive and easier to use.
Users do not require any special training or skills to use these computers. These devices are also
often equipped with a single semiconductor chip. These devices can scan, browse, print, watch
videos, and perform many other tasks.

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GENERATIONS OF COMPUTER

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Generation Generation Generation Generation Generation

Computers of First Generation (1940 to 1956)

The first-generation computer was a fragile device. It was made of glass and the central technology
was a vacuum tube. The computers of this generation were heavy and bulky. The main purpose was
storage, computing, and control. The machines were huge and occupied entire rooms. They also used
a lot of electricity.

Computers of the first generation conducted operations using machine language, a low-level
programming language. It sometimes took days or even weeks before the operator could pose a new
problem. The input was based on a punch card and paper strip, and output was displayed on a
printout. ENIAC, EDVAC, and UNIVAC were the main computers of this generation.

Computers of Second Generation (1956 to 1963)

Second-generation computers were developed using transistor technology instead of vacuum tubes.
The size of the computers was smaller, and the calculation time was also shorter compared with
computers of the first generation.

Bell Labs invented the transistor. The use of transistors helped the computers perform powerfully
and quickly. The second-generation computers introduced programming language, CPU, memory,
input, and output units. FORTRAN, ALGOL, and COBOL were the languages used for
programming in this era.

Computers of Third Generation (1964 to 1971)

Third-generation computers were developed using integrated circuit (IC) technology. The size of the
third-generation computer was smaller than that of the second-generation computer. Compared with
the second-generation computer, the calculation time was also much shorter. Third-generation
computers consumed less power and generated less heat. Maintenance costs were also low. In this
generation of computers, semiconductors were used. This increased efficiency and speed. For the
very first time, computers became accessible to a large audience because they were smaller and
cheaper.

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Computers of Fourth Generation (1971 – Present)

Microprocessor technology was used for the development of the fourth-generation computer. The
advantage of this technology is that a single microprocessor chip can hold all the required circuits to
perform logic, arithmetic, as well as control functions. The Fourth Generation computers are small
and portable. A very low amount of heat is generated. They are also more user-friendly and are
capable of multiprocessing, multiprogramming, etc. Computers of this generation have a
semiconductor memory. The fourth-generation brought the concept of private computers and
computer networks. Some examples of fourth-generation computers are STAR 1000, IBM PC,
APPLE II, Alter 8800, etc.

Computers of Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond)

The period from 2010 to the present is roughly considered the period of the fifth-generation
computers. These computers use AI-based technology, which is commonly used in speech
recognition, medical science, and the entertainment industry. Fifth-generation computers give high
performance and have a high storage capacity. The computers are fast and can perform multiple tasks
at one time. Popular fifth-generation advanced technologies include quantum computing,
nanotechnology, and parallel processing. Desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc, are examples
of fifth-generation computers.

COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS

● Input Unit
A computer will only respond when a command is given to the device. These commands can be
given using the input unit or the input devices.

For example: Using a keyboard we can type things in a Notepad and the computer processes the
entered data and then displays the output of the same on the screen.

The data entered can be in the form of numbers, alphabet, images, etc. We enter the information
using an input device, the processing units convert it into computer-understandable languages and
then the final output is received by a human-understandable language.

● Output Unit

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When we command a computer to perform a
task, it reverts for the action performed and
gives us a result. This result is called output.
There are various output devices connected to
the computer. The most basic of which is a
monitor. Whatever we write using a keyboard
or click using a mouse, is all displayed on the
monitor.

Thus, the output unit gives us the final result

once the entire processing is done within the
mechanism of a device.

● Memory Unit
When we enter the data into the computer
using an input device, the entered information
immediately gets saved in the memory unit of
the Central Processing Unit (CPU). Because
of the presence of some existing
programming, the Memory Unit transmits the
data further to the other parts of the CPU.

Similarly, when the output of our command is processed by the computer, it is saved in the memory
unit before giving the output to the user.

● Control Unit
This is the core unit which manages the entire functioning of the computer device. It is one of the
most essential components of the computer system.

The Control Unit collects the data entered using the input unit, leads it on for processing and once
that is done, receives the output and presents it to the user. It can be said to the centre of all
processing actions taking place inside a computer device.

Basically, the instructions taken, interpretation of entered data, issuing signals to execute the data
and then finally retrieving the data is all done in the Control Unit.

● Arithmetic & Logical Unit

As the name suggests, all the mathematical calculations or arithmetic operations are performed in the
Arithmetic and Logical
Unit of the CPU.

Central Processing
Unit (CPU)

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The Central Processing Unit is the core of any computer devices. It comprises three major
components of the computer which have been discussed above:

● Memory Unit

● Control Unit

18-11-2023 saturday

X
Aniket Shukla

THANK YOU.

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