Introduction to

Computer
 What is Computer?
• A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information or data. It has the ability
to store, retrieve, and process data.
 Computer Hardware

• The physical parts attached to a

computer that forms a whole
computer are called hardware or
hardware components. There can be
different types of hardware,
depending on the structure.
 Input devices
• Input devices are used to input
the data or instructions into the
computers.

• Input devices help to

communicate with computer
 Output devices
• The output device displays the result of
the processing of raw data that is entered
in the computer through an input device.

• There are a number of output devices

that display output in different ways such
as text, images, hard copies, and audio or
video.
 storage devices

• A storage device is any type of

computing hardware that is used
for storing, porting or extracting
data files and objects. Storage
devices can hold and store
information both temporarily
and permanently.
 Primary storage devices
• Generally smaller in size, primary
storage devices are designed to hold data
temporarily and are internal to the
computer.

• They have the fastest data access speed.

Example:
Ram, Rom, Cache Memory
 Secondary storage devices
• Secondary storage devices usually have a
larger storage capacity, and they store
data permanently.
• They can be either internal or external to
the computer.

Example:
Hard Disk, USB, SSD
 Computer software
• Software is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well-defined
function. A program is a sequence of instructions written to solve a particular
problem.

• Software is a generic term used to refer to applications, scripts and programs that
run on a device.

• The two main categories of software are Application software and System software.
 System software
The system software is a collection of
programs designed to operate, control, and
extend the processing capabilities of the
computer itself.

Example:
Operating System, Compilers, Interpreter,
Assemblers
 Application software
• Application software products are
designed to satisfy a particular
need of a particular environment.
• Example:
• MS Excel, Notepad, MS Word,
WhatsApp, Facebook, Email
 Operating System
• An Operating System (OS) is an interface between a computer user and computer
hardware.
• An operating system is software that performs all the basic tasks like
file management, memory management, process management, handling input and output,
and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.
Classification of Computer
According to physical size, computers are classified into the following types:

1. Supercomputer
2. Mainframe Computer
3. PC (Personal Computer)
4. Minicomputer
5. Workstation
Supercomputer
• Supercomputers are the fastest and the
most expensive type of computer.
• They are large and require more space
for installation.
• These types of computers are mainly
designed to perform massive data-
based and complex tasks
Main Frame Computer

• Mainframe computers are comparatively

smaller in size as compared to
supercomputers. These types of computers
are designed to perform hundreds or
thousands of jobs at a time simultaneously.
• These computers can handle heavy tasks,
including complex calculations and can store
vast amounts of data.
PC (Personal Computer)

• A PC can be defined as a small,

relatively inexpensive computer
designed for an individual user.

• PCs are based on the microprocessor

technology that enables manufacturers
to put an entire CPU on one chip.
Minicomputer
• Minicomputers are also referred to as
Miniframe computers. These are the
midsize multiprocessing computer
designed purposely for easy carry.

• These types of computers are light-

weight and can fit in a small space.
Workstation
• Workstation is a powerful, single-user
computer. A workstation is a personal
computer with a faster microprocessor, a
massive amount of RAM, higher-quality
monitors, high graphic memory, etc.

• This is best suited for performing any specific

type of task professionally.
 Generations of Computers
The initial computer faced many changes, obviously for the betterment. It continuously
improved itself in terms of speed, accuracy, size, and price to urge the form of the fashionable
day computer.
1. First Generation Computers (1940-1956)
2. Second Generation Computers (1956-1963)
3. Third Generation Computers (1964-1971)
4. Fourth Generation Computers (1971-Present)
5. Fifth Generation Computers (Present and Beyond)
First Generation Computers (1940-1956)

• First-generation computers were used for

calculation, storage, and control purpose.
The user needs too bulky and large that
they needed a full room and consume rot
of electricity.

Technology Vacuum Tubes

Second Generation Computers (1956-1963)

• Second-generation computers used the

technology of transistors rather than
bulky vacuum tubes.
• The use of transistors made it possible to
perform powerfully and with due speed.
• Technology Transistors
Third Generation Computers (1964-1971)
• The third-generation, technology envisaged a
shift from huge transistors to integrated
circuits, also referred to as IC.

• IC has many transistors, registers, and

capacitors built on one thin slice of silicon.
The value size was reduced and memory
space and dealing efficiency were increased
during this generation.
• Technology Integrated Circuits
Fourth Generation Computers (1971-Present)

• Fourth-generation computers were

created in the 1970s and had many
improvements, such as using tiny chips
to process information, easier ways to
write programs, and personal computers
that regular people could use.

• Technology Micro-processors
Fifth Generation Computers (Present and Beyond)
• Fifth-generation computers are the latest and most
advanced computers that were developed in the
1980s.

• They use artificial intelligence technologies, such as

natural language processing and expert systems, to
enable computers to understand and respond to
human language and solve complex problems.

• They are also designed to be much faster and more

efficient than previous generations of computers.
• Technology Artificial Intelligence
Thank you