UNIT 1 COMPUTER ORGANIZATION

Structure
1.1 Objective
1.2 Computer
1.3 Binary Number
1.4 Organization of computer
1.4.1 Input
1.4.2 Processing Unit
1.4.3 Storage Unit
1.4.4 Output Unit
1.5 Bus
1.6 Central Processing Unit
1.7 USB
1.8 Classification of computer
1.8.1 Mainframe computer
1.8.2 Miniframe computer
1.8.3 Micro computer
1.8.4 Workstation
1.8.5 Super computer
1.8.6 Personal computer
1.9 Generations of computers
1.10 Computer of future
1.11 Let us sum up
1.12 Model answers to check your progress

1.1 OBJECTIVE
In this unit, we introduce you to the organization structure of computer. After reading this unit,
you will be able:
 To draw organization of computer,
 To define structure of microprocessor,
 To define functions of different components of computer i.e. input, processing, memory
and output units, and
 To understand the classification of computer on the basis of its’work efficiency

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1.2 COMPUTER
Computer can be defined as electronic machine performing calculation at high speedand capable
of collecting, storing, analyzing and manipulating large volume of data.Thus, computer is an
instrument, which makes calculation convenient. Tables, scales and mechanical instruments such
as abacus, slide rule, log tables are in use for a long time for making measurement and
calculation easy, but these instrumentsare not described as computer.The computer may be
defined that, it isan electronic machine, which executes a prerecorded setsinstructions.
Theprerecorded sets of instructions are known as programmes.Analysis and calculation on
computersare done in the manner as directed by programmes.Thus, computer can be
characterized with two features automated calculation and programmability. The first
calculation machinewiththese characteristics was designedin 1887. Charles Babbage designed
the first fully programmable mechanical computer and named it as Analytical Engine. Alan
Turing is widely regarded as the father of the modern computer. He conceptualized the Turing
machine. The Time magazine listed Alan Turing as one of 100 most influential people of the 20th
century.

1.3 BINARY NUMBER

Every electronic system has two possible states either on or off. Similarly,computer, an
electronic device,also recognizesthese two states. Instructions and data to computer are mediated.
It is through only these two states (on and off). Computers work on the base of peculiar number
system with a base of two is known as binary number system. There are two possible values of
single digit in the binary number system i.e. 0 or 1. Computer understandsand storesinstructions
and data as a series of 0 and 1 in the binary form. Every instruction and data fed byhuman in the
natural languageisautomatically converted into binary format.Computer stores and process data
in the binary form.Outcome of processed data, which is also in binary form, is converted back
into natural languages understood by human.
The decimal system is the most widely used number system by us for computation. The base of
the decimal number system is 10 i.e. a single digit in the decimal number system can have any of
the ten possible values i.e. 0, 1, 2 …9. The base of a number system is also called its radix. The
radix of decimal number system is 10. Similarly, binary number has the radix value of 2, with 0
and 1 as possible values. Radix of a number system is used to understand value of numbers under
that number system. For example, the value of number 425.74 ofthe decimal number system can
be explained as
= 4 x 102 + 2 x 101 + 5 x 100 + 7 x 10-1 + 4 x 10-2= 400 + 20 + 5 + 0.7+ 0.04
The same procedure is used to know value of numbers indicated in the binary number system.
For example,value of binary number 11011101.00101 can be explained as
1 x 27 + 1 x 26 + 0x25 + 1X24+ 1x23+ 1x22+ 0x21+ 1x20 + 0x2-1+ 0x2-2 +1x2-3+ 0x2-4+ 1x2-5=
128+64+16+8+4+1+.125+.03125=221.15625

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221.15625 is decimal number equivalent of the binary number 11011101.00101. You have
understood the conversion of binary number into decimal number. Now, we will do the reverse
and understand the mechanism of conversion ofdecimal number into binary form. Suppose we
have to convert a number d of the decimal number system into the binary form. Divide the
numberd by 2 we obtain quotient q and remainder a. The reminder a is the least significant digit
of the binary number. Now divide the quotient q by 2 and obtained reminder will be digit for the
second position(second most significant digital) of the binary number and quotient is used to get
next significant number in the similar fashion as stated above. Repeat this process and keep on
getting the next significant digit of binary number until the quotient becomes 0. This procedure is
explained with the help of an example for conversion ofdecimal number 25 into binary form:
25 divide by 2 = quotient 12 reminder 1

12 divide by 2 = quotient 6 reminder 0

6 divide by 2 = quotient 3 reminder 0

3 divide by 2 = quotient 1 reminder 1

1 divide by 2 = quotient 0 reminder 1

1 1001
Thus,the binary equivalent of the decimal number 25 is 11001. The single digit of the binary
number system is known as bit and a combination of eight bits is knownas byte.Thus, a byte can
represent any of 28 =256 combinations of 0 and 1. Thus,possible values of a binary number can
be understood as power of 2 (2n, where 2 is radix of binary number, n is number of bits in the
number). Similarly, the decimal number system is explained as power of 10. (10 is the radix of
decimal number system). For example, a decimal number with two digits can have one of 100
possible values (0 to 99). This is the reason, why capacity of memory card installed in your
computer, car, or mobile phone is always reflectedas power of 2.For example, 1 MB memory
card is equivalent to 1,048,576 bytes (210) and 1 GB card is equivalent to 1,073,741,824 bytes
(220).

Check your progress Activity 1:

a. Convert decimal number 35 into equivalent Binary form.

b. Convert 10111011 into equivalent decimal number.
c.

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You may have understood the conversion of the decimal number into the binary number andvice-
versa. Now we will understand how computer handlesthe conversation of alphabets and special
characters such as +, -, @, / * etc. in to the binary form. There are standard code specifications to
represent alphabets and special characters in the binary form. The ASCII (American Standard
Code of Information Interchange) is universally accepted code specification to represent the
binary equivalent of alphabets, numbers and symbols. However, the IBM based PCs use the
EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Information Code) specifications in place of the
ASCII code to represent alphabets numbersand symbols in the binary form.The ASCII
specification was introduced in 1960s and EBCDIC code was specified in 1964.The ASCII code
specification is based on seven bit numbershowever, EBCDIC coding specification is based on
eight bits per character. One 0 is added at the extreme left end of each number in the ASCII Code
to make its length 8 bits.
For example, ‘A’ is represented as 01000001, ‘B’ letter is represented as 01000010 and number
5 is represented as 00110101 in the ASCII code specification. The left-most digit (eighth bit) is
always 0 in the ASCII code.The EBCDIC code specification for the same characters i.e. A, B
and 5 are 11000001, 11000010 and 11111001 respectively. Thus, computer converts every data
and instruction fed to it in natural language into binary form with the help of ASCII or EBCDIC
code specifications. Data is stored, processed and analyzed in this form. The processed data and
resultsin the binary form are convertedback in a form understood by other computer or human
beings with the help of these standard code specifications.

1.4 ORGANIZATION OF COMPUTER

We can understand the organization of computer by our skills of solving problems. When we
solve a problem, we need inputs and instructions, which support in solving the problems. The
supportive information may be imbedded in problems or obtained from surrounding or other
sources. We acton problems according to input data, context, basic rules that are applicableand
our experience in solving similar kind of problems in the past. Basic rules and experience helpful
in solving of problemsare memorized by our brain. The solution of problems is adopts reflected
through our actions, cues, physical movementsor writing.Computer also adopts the similar
approach in solving problems.A computer gets data and instructions,which are supportive in
solving problems, from human or other machines. Computer processes data and solvesproblems
as per predefined procedure and rules set in computer. The predefined procedures are sets of
instructions arranged in a sequence and are termed as programmes.Programmes are stored in the
memory of computer. Outcomes of data processing and solutions of problems are conveyed to
human or other computer.Thus, the problems solving skills of computer and human are alike.
The basic components of a computer system are input, processor, memory and output units.The
input component of the computer gets data and instructions from human, other computersor from
surrounding as sensed by electronic sensors. Data and instructions can be input to computer
automatically or manually. Computer has a processing unit to solve problems and in-built
memory to store data, basic instructions, rules and programmes needed to solve problems. It has
output unit to display or communicate results of data processed or problemssolved inthe forms
understandable by human or other computers or machines.

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1.4.1 INPUT
Computer can take instructions and data either from human or other computers or storage
devices. Input devices get data and instructions from human in natural languages and convert it
into language understood by computer i.e. binary language. You can input data and instructions
with the help of keyboard, mouse,microphone, camera, CD-ROM, storage taps, pen-driveor
scanner etc.
Input devices differ according to the nature of inputs supported by these devices for example
keyboard is used to feed alphanumeric information, scanner to capture images of
papers,microphone to feed audio signals and camera to capture image. Some of these devices
are more appropriate in particular contexts. For example, Keyboard, mouse, and scanner are the
popular input devices in the office environment. Similarly, audio/video synthesizers, camera,
microphone and web-cam are the popular input devices for preparation of multimedia. The
functioning of popular input devices in office environment will be discussed in detail in the next
unit.

1.4.2 PROCESSING UNIT

The processing unit manipulates data, solves problems and executes instructions fed by users ina
predefined manner. It functions like a human brain. The processing unit of computer is also
known as the Central Process Unit (CPU) or microprocessor.Small computers have only one
microprocessor. Powerful computers can have more than one microprocessor to run in parallelto
achieve high calculation and data processing efficiency. The Pentium IV microprocessor
manufactured by the Intel Corporation is the latest and most popular CPU for Personal
Computers (PC). The PC is most popular computer at homes, small organizations and schools.
Its characteristicwill be explained shortly.

1.4.3 STORAGE UNIT

Living things require memory to retain their knowledge and experience to perform day-to-day
tasks, similarly computer also needs memory to retain data, instructions and programmes. These
information are needed during the processing of data and solving of problems. No data
processing takes place in the memory unit. It just makes available data and instructions needed
by the CPU at the right time. Memories inside computer are in different size and data
retrieval/storage speed. Computer stores dataon specific memory dependingon importance of that
data in processing, frequency of uses of that data and volume of data being stored. The data
needed frequently by the CPU, is stored close to the CPU on a fast speed memory. This memory
is known as the primary memoryor main memory. This memory is situated inside computer andit
is in the form of Integrated Chip (IC). It is also called as chip memory. Random Access Memory
(RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM) are examples of the primary memory. The functioning
of RAM and ROM will be explained in the next unit.
Data, which is not needed frequently by theprocessing unit, is stored on low cost and slow
memory. This memory is known as secondary memory. Whenever processor needs certain
information from the secondary memory,computer first transfersthe desired data from secondary

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memory to primary memory on temporary basis. A copy of data will be always there on the
secondary memory. The processing unit takesthis data from the primary memory and processes it
inside the microprocessor. Computer transfers updated and useful information back to the
secondary memory through primary memory,after the completion of operations on the data. The
transfer of data between primary and secondary memories is automaticallydone by computer
without intervention of users. Primary memory is temporary in nature and data are vanished from
the primary memory (RAM) with switching off computer.You should successfully close all the
running applications before shutting down computer so that important data and informationcan
be transferred safely from primary memory to secondary memory. Differences between primary
memory and secondary memory areexplained below:

Primary memory Secondary memory

- Expensive and fast,
- In the form of chips,
- Closely connected to the processor,
- Storage and retrieval of data is in the real
time mode i.e. data is storedor retrieved
within certain time limit regardless of
location of data in the memory,
- Hold data and instructions, which are
under process,
- Examples are RAM and ROM, and
- Temporary in nature, data is vanished
from RAM once application is stopped or
computer is switched off.
- Do not directly communicate with
processing Unit. Data are first transfers
to main memory and then to processor,
- Permanent in nature,
- Economical and slow in speed,
- Used to store large volume of
information,
- Examples are hard-disk, CD-ROM, Pen
drive and Magnetic Tap

The BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. It is stored ina ROM memory, situated on the
motherboard. The motherboard is the main electronic circuit plate inside a computer and has
vital electronic components of the computer. The BIOS has essential information about the
configuration of computer. When you turn on computer, the BIOS chip wakes up the computer.
It performs basic operations, checks hardware components and have control over the computer,
before operating system takes over the control of computer. The BIOS have mechanism of
identifying frequently occurring errors in hardware components of computer and signal them in
the form of beeps.
The storage capacity of memory devices is represented in Kilobyte (KB), Mega-byte (MB) and
Giga-byte (GB).
1 KB (Kilobyte) is equivalent to about 1,000 bytes (10,24 or 210)
1 MB (Megabyte) is equivalent toabout 1,000,000 bytes (One million) 1,048,576 or 220)
1GB (Gigabyte) is equivalent toabout 10,00,000,000 bytes (One billion) 1,073,741,824 or 230)
Computer can run multiple programmes at a time and share primary memory with all the running
programmes. The data storage capacity of the primary memory is limited as these memories are

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very expensive. When you run multiple programmes, each programmes store certain information
in the primary memory. The requirement of the primary memory goes beyond the storage
capacity of primary memory. Computer can enhance the capacity of primary memory through
the virtual memory. Virtual memory is especially reserved space on the secondary memory (hard
disk), which is used as the primary memory.

1.4.4 OUTPUT UNIT

Output unit is used to convey outcomes of the data processed,problems solved or instructions
executed by the computer.Monitor, speaker and printer are the popular output devices in the
office environment. The information can be conveyed bydisplaying or
printingresults/information on monitor or papers respectively. Sometime output of one computer
can act as input for other computers or electronic devices.The input and output devices are
abbreviated as I/O devices.
Output in the form of text, pictures and graphs can be presented over monitor or paper.Output
displayed over monitor are known as soft-outputas displayon the monitor is temporary in nature;
new visuals overwrite the existing visuals. You have only the latest visual. Users can have
frequent look of intermediate results or document while typing over monitor without wastage of
paper. Monitor has added features to extend visual supports to disabled peoples. Monitor can use
bright and contrast colours to make display visible to visually impaired people.Output on the
paper are known as hard-output as it is permanent in nature. It also enjoysthe high mobility.
People can carry paper-based outputs with them, while they are out of office or home. Paper base
output is easy to read as people are habitual of reading books and papersinthe printed form.
Output of computer may also be in the form of sound and visual.Computer usesspeaker to play
audio stream.

1.5 BUS
Different components of computer organization exchange instructions and data with each other.
These components exchange information through buses.Buses are like highway, usedto transfer
data and instruction within computer.Theprocess of transfer of data among components of a
computer is a complicated task as components exchange and process data at different speeds.
Forexample,the CPU can transfer/receive data at GHz speed and I/O devices can transfer/receive
data atMhz. Thus,CPU sendsdata at GHz to I/O devicesbut I/O devices do not have competency
to receive data at that speed. This mismatch may lead to loss of data, blockage of precious time
of CPU in exchanging of data with slow devices. Thus, mismatch in the speed of transfer of data
in components of computer hampers the processingspeed of computer. Controllers over the bus
manage the transfer of data among devices with mismatch in speed of transfer of data. Controller
over the buses coordinate and control transfer of data between devices.

When a high-speed device sendsdata to slow device,it transfers data to bus controller and
startsthe execution ofpending tasks. It is now responsibility of the controller to manage transfer
of data from controller to slow speed receiver. Once the entire data get transferred to slow
device, controller informhigh-speedrenderabout successful transfer of data.Similarly, when high-
speed device demands data from slow device, the high-speed device instructscontroller to get a
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copy of data from the slow device and it engages is pending tests. Controller transfers the entire
data from slow speed device and inform high speed device to get the data from controller. The
high-speeddevice takes a break from task under process and gets data from the controller at high
speed and resumes the execution of pending instructions.

Buses are classified as address bus, data bus and control bus on the basis of the nature of the data
which are being carried by these buses. Data buses are bi-directional because data flows to or
fromCPU and main memory. It carries data in both the directions. These buses can carry data and
instructions. Address buses are unidirectional because address code is carried from CPU to
memory. Control bus carries the sets of timing signals, these timing signals are used to
synchronize activities of various components of computer.Control bus is bi-directional.Numbers
of lines in busesto communicate address, control,data or instruction depend up the
microprocessor embedded inside computer.

1.6 CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

Central Processing Unit (CPU) is a chip or set of chips, which enable computer to process data
and execute instructions given by users. The CPU is also known as microprocessor. It is the brain
of computer. Every CPU has inbuilt clock that emits. These pulses are called cycles of CPU.
Number of cycles in a unit time (second) is the speed of the CPU. People usually assume that
speed of CPU specifies number of instructions can be executed by that CPU in the unit time.
However, some instructions require multiple cycles for execution. For example, when you
instruct computer to sort ten numbers than computer makes multiple passes over the given data
to sort numbers. In first cycle, it selectsthe highest number and placesit at the first place.
Computer repeats this process with remaining of the numbers, selects the highest among the
remaining of the unsorted numbers and takes it out and places it at next position in the sorted
data. This process continues till there is unsorted data. Thus, computer takes nine cycles to sort
ten numbers.
Microprocessor needs additional instructions and data to execute instructions issued by users.
For example, when you instruct computer to calculate 43 (4 power 3). Computer goes to
instruction set and understands procedure to calculate power. The instruction set explains
computer to multiple 4, three times to get value of the 43. When computerperforms first
multiplication4 X 4, it needs memory to store results of 4 X 4 i.e. 16ontemporary basis. In next
cycle, computer multiplies 16 to 4 to get value of 43.Thus, CPU needs memory tostore
instructionsand data helpful inmaking calculations and decisions and to store intermediate results
of calculations on temporary basis.
The speed of execution of instructions depends on the complexity in instructions, number of
cycles need to execute instructions, speed of CPU, requirements of additional data
andinstructions from the memory and speed of the memory. However, high cycle speed of CPU
assures fast execution of the instructions.
For example, suppose a computer hasa CPU of 3 GHZ speed but data and steps needed for the
execution of instructionsare retrieved from the memory at a speed of 10MHZ speed. Thus, the
execution speed of the CPU drops from 3 GHZ to 10 MHZ. Most of the time,CPU stays ideal
waiting for data from memory. We have already discussed role of bus controller in dealing with

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mismatch in speed of transfer and process of data of devices and in improving efficacy of CPU.
Still slow devices hamper the speed of the CPU.
Every CPU consists of arithmetic unit, logical unit, control unit and memory components. In
summary, arithmetic unit is used to do arithmetic calculations, logical unit is used to make
logical decisions, and control unit is used to control and synchronize operations of various
components of the CPU and mange the exchange of information in various components of
CPU.The organization of computer is reflected in figure 1.1.

Central Processing Unit

Memory Unit

Input unit Control Unit Output Devices

Arithmetic/Logical
Unit

Control Path
Control path
Flow of Information
Figure 1.1
The control unit of the CPU monitors the function of memory unit, arithmetic unit and logical
unit of the CPU. Like a human brain control unit of CPU, assigns tasks to different components
of CPU and coordinatesfunctions among these units.The dotted line in the figure 1.1 reflects the
controlling mechanism of computer. The data communication across different components of
computer is reflected with solid line with arrows at the ends of each line. These arrows indicate
direction of flow of data. For example, there is a solid line connecting input unit and memory
with arrow heading away from input unit to memory. The arrow direction indicates that data
always move from input unit to memory unit. There is solid line connecting control unit and
memory with arrows heading to control unit.It indicates that the flow of data between memory
unit and control unit is unidirectional i.e. memory unit supplies data to control unit. The arrows
heading in opposite directions at the opposite ends of a line reflect that data moves in both the
direction(bidirectional). For example, the flow of data between memory to arithmetical and
logical units of the CPU is bidirectional.

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The main circuit board of computer,where CPU and other vital components of computer are
installed is called the motherboard of the computer. Apart from CPU, amotherboard has RAM,
ROM memories, buses and slots to connect other internal and external devices such as monitor,
hard disk, CD-ROM etc. All internal components of computer are directly connected to the
motherboard. All components of computer are inter-connected and exchange information with
the help of communication cables, buses and jumpers.

Check your progress activity 2

a) Describe the main components of organization of computer.
b) Draw the organization diagram of computer.

1.7 USB
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a specification used to exchange information between external
device and computer. It was developed by Ajay Bhatt in 1994, while working for the Intel
Corporation. Now, computer peripheral such as mouse, keyboard, printer, storage Media and pen
drive are connected to computer through USB Ports. The USB based external devices can be
plugged-in or removed, while computer is still running, without switching off the computer.
Operating system automatically detects UBS based devices within seconds after plug-in and
switch on the corresponding software utilities. USB compatible external devices have
thissymbol on connecting code as shown in figure. Pen drives are popular mass storage
devices based on USB port. These are also known as the flash drives. Flash drive is very
compact in size. It can transfer data at high speed. Now, all models of mobile phones have
provision of USB connectivity. Mobile phones can be easily connected with Computer and other
electronic devices,having provision of USB connectivity. The USB ports are also used to supply
electricity and charge batteries of electronic devices and mobile phones. The USB based charger
can charge devices even when computer is switched off. Computer experts stipulated that USB
portswould replace serial and parallel communication ports of computer. Serial and parallel
communication ports are used to connect external devices to computer and exchange information
with these devices. These ports are usually situated on the backside of the computer
cabinet.Now, Personal computers and laptopavailable in market have only USB ports to offer
connectivity with external devices. These computers are without serial and parallel ports.

Fig 3

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The USB 1.0 specification was introduced in 1996. The maximum data transfer rate of
thisspecification is 12 Megabits per second. The USB 2.0 specification was released in April
2000. This specification can achieve the maximum speed of 480 Megabits per second. The USB
3.0 specification is the latest specification released in 2008.
The maximum cable length in the USB 2.0 is 5 meter. Thus USB based devices cannot be placed
beyond this range. There are several types of USB connectors, when classified on the basis of
speed of data transfer and physical shape of connector. The USB connectors are classified as
type A, type B, mini A, mini B, micro AB and micro B. USB connectors of type A specification
are the oldest and USB connectors of micro specificationsare the latest development in this
direction. The latest specifications ensure fast, reliable and error free transmission of data. Before
connecting any peripherals to computer examine what kind of USB connectivity is desired by the
device and shape of connector. The peripheral can be connected only in USB slot of computer,
physical shape with USB connector of peripheral, also insure that the USB slot in computer also
support the specification of USB communication of the peripheral (USB 1.0, USB 2.0 or USB
3.0) otherwise mismatch in specification will slow down data exchange speed with peripherals.
People claim that USB based devices can be connected to computer or removed from itat any
time. However, USB based devices should be carefully plugged out from the computer otherwise
you may lose useful information or corrupt the devices. First successfully close all the
applications related to USB based device to be plugged out, then click on icon meant for Safely
remove Hardware ( ) note clear in the notification area of the Taskbar of the Window
operating system. You will get a dialogue windowas shown in figure 2.1,displaying a list ofallthe
USB based devices attached with computer.

List of USB
based

Figure 2

Select device, which you want to disconnect by clicking over its name from the listand then press
the Stop button in the dialogue window. Soon, you will get a message window to remove that
device. Now, you can safely remove that device.
devices

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1.8 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER
Computers are generally classified by its physical size and efficiency of doing calculation. The
work efficiency and size of computer are interdependent parameters.Computers,which perform
calculations at high speed, are naturally bulky in size.

1.8.1 MAINFRAME COMPUTER

Mainframe computer are powerful computer, capable of processing multiple tasks at a time.
Arrays of microprocessors and memory units are placed in almirah size cabinets in the
mainframe for executing multiple tasks efficiently. A mainframe computer occupies space
equivalent to a big size room. Mainframes are powerful computer used by large organizations.
These systems can be used by hundred to thousand users at a time. The first mainframe computer
was designed in the 1944 by IBM, named as the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator.
Users share mainframe computer on time-sharing base. Every user is allotted a fixed time slot on
rotation basis. These time slots are so frequent that each user feels that he/she is using the
computer solely.IBM Z Series, System Z9 and System Z10 are the latest notable mainframe
computers. More than 90% market of the mainframe computersis captured by the IBM.

1.8.2 MINI FRAME COMPUTER

Miniframe computer are mid-size and multi-users computer. Its work efficiency is lesser than
mainframe computers. A miniframe computer can support the computation needs of about three
hundred users. The computation power and cost of miniframe computer are in between
microcomputer and mainframe computer. SPARC, Power and Itanium are the popular miniframe
computer manufactured by SUN Micro System, IBM and Hewlet-Packard. The demarcation
between mainframe and mini frame computers is not very rigid, particularly when you compare a
low scale mainframe with high scale miniframe computer.
Miniframe and mainframe computers were developed, when electronic devices were very
expensive and resources were scarce. Users were forced to share resources with
others.Operations and management styles of organizations at that time were highly centralized.
Computation need of offices could be met with the help of centralized powerful computers such
as mainframe and mini frame computers. These computers offered most appropriate computation
solutions at that time.

1.8.3 MICROCOMPUTER

The term microcomputer is self-explanatory; these computers are based on single microprocessor
chip. These computers are lightweight,compact and have low computation power.
Microcomputer is used in single user mode i.e. only one person can work at a time over the
computer. Now, Microcomputer is most common computer used in offices, schools and homes.
Microcomputer may be in the form of laptop, notebook, desktop, palmtop and programmable

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calculator.Microcomputer with high storage capacity and execution power is known as
workstation.

1.8.4 WORKSTATION

Workstations are powerful machines used in single user mode. They have high processing speed
and large storage capacity. Workstations are usually used to facilitate and control
computernetwork.They are at the center of the computer network. A computer network can be
defined as an electronic communication network connecting computers, which are members of a
group, with a prime aimto facilitate exchange of information. Workstations are mainly used to
control computer network operationalizes in small areas, such networks are termed as Local Area
Network (LAN). Workstation ensures efficient and secure transfer of data among computers,
connected through the LAN. Computer network is explained in detail in the fourth block.
Workstations are also being used to perform complex computations, run simulationsand highly
graphic and multimedia-basedutilities. Workstations are frequently used to perform complicated
calculations in researches, scientific and engineering organizations.

1.8.5 SUPER COMPUTER

Super Computer is the most powerful computer of the current time. An array of microprocessors
and memory units works in parallel to execute multiple tasksin a supercomputer.Microprocessors
and memory units in arrays may be situated at one place very close to each other or they may be
scattered in large geographic areas.The operating system manages transition across
microprocessors and controls operations of individual microprocessor and memory
unit.Usernever came to know,which microprocessor has been executinghis/hertasks.These
computers adapt special techniques and procedures to perform calculations. Each task is
subdivided into sub-tasks, which are executed in parallel on different computers or micro
processors. In the final stage of the calculation, super-computer collects outcomes of all the sub-
tasks, merges and gets the final result. Thus, complicated computationscanbe performed at very
high speed over the super computer.
The first super computer was designed in 1960 by SegMour Cray at the Control Data
Corporation Cray Research. The Cray, IBM and Hewlett Packard companies are involved in the
manufacturing of super computers. The Cray XT5 Jaguar system at the National Centre for
Computational Sciences is the fastest supercomputer of today. It consists of 19000 computers
and 224000 processing elements. The Super computers are mainly used to forecast weather,
runsimulations, solve problems of science, engineering and research.

1.8.6 PERSONAL COMPUTER

Personal Computers are used frequently in mid and small scales offices, schools and homes. This
is a small and single user computer based on one microprocessor.Its short form i.e. PC is more
popular than its full name. PCs have relatively low computation power, and economical

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computers.PCs are classified into two categories i.e. IBM compatible and Macintosh compatible
PCs. This classification is named after prominent suppliers of PCs across the world. The first
personal computer IBM 5100 was launched by the IBM in 1975. It could not get commercial
success, as it was very expensive. The first PC cost was up to $20,000 (US$). The first PC was
based on Intel 8088 microprocessor. PCs have tremendous growth since then. PCs are also
popularly known as desktop computers as it can be placed on the desk of users. Later, PCs size
further reduced and took the shape of laptop and palmtop. Names of laptop and palmtop reflect
their size. The laptop computer can be placed on lap and palmtop at palm of users. People can
carry and uselaptop and palmtop during journey. They operate on lightweight lithium batteries.
The latest PCs available in the market are based on the Pentium IV microprocessor,
manufactured by the Intel Corporation. The maximum speed of this microprocessor is 3.8 GHz.
PCs available in current time, are more powerful than mini-computers available in 1970s.

1.9 GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS

The earliestelectronic computers were made of vacuum tubes. Computers designed with vacuum
tubeswere classified as the first generation computer (1944-59). TheComputers of the first
generation were bulky in size, consumed lot of power and generate excessive heat. It occupied
space equivalent to room. With advancement of technology, vacuum tubeswere replaced with
transistors. Computers became smaller, consumed lesser power, and generated lesserheat, when
designed with transistors. These computers were recognized as the second generation of
computer (1959-64). Later,transistors were replaced with silicon chips. The siliconchips are
popularly known as Integrated Circuits (ICs).Uses of ICs in the manufacturing of computers
ledto the third generation of computers (1964-75). Computers of the third generation became
smaller, more powerful and consumed lesser power. Later, density of IC was improved, more
electronic circuits could be placed in small area. This improvement in density of electronic
circuits of ICs brought a new generation of ICs named as Large Scale Integrated Circuits (LSIs).
Uses of LSIs brought the fourth generation of computer (1975-85). Computers became further
smaller, faster and powerful with the usage of LSIs. The uses of LSIs also improved the
reliability of computers. The production of PC was the main achievement of the fourth
generation. One of the milestones in the electronic industry is the development of Very Large
Scale Integrated chip (VLSIs). These chips are verydense. It also reduced cost of electronic
devices, their size and power consumption. The computers based on VLSIsare referred as the
fifth generation computer. This is the latest generation of computer. Computers of this generation
are intelligent products, have high computation speed and large storage space. The fifth
generation computersare capable of accepting inputs in natural languagefrom human.
Generationsof computersare relative terms; you may get slightvariation in the definitions and
characteristic of generations of computers in different books/sources.

1.10 COMPUTER OF FUTURE

Computers will be more compact, lightweight,powerful and intelligent in future. Desktop
computer will be replaced with laptops and palmtops. People can carry these computers during
traveling and remain connected with home, office and friends through electronic network. Means
of inputting and outputting signals and datato computer will be more versatile and fast Keyboard

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and mouse in public kiosks will be replaced with touch screen input devices.Input devices can
take information from user through cues and natural language. Users can input information under
virtual reality in natural and expressive ways. Input device sense the movement of hand, head,
eyes and feet. The ultimate goal of input devices is to get inputs from neurons, blood pressure,
heart rates and respiration rates or any other body’s transducers of users.The cost of computer
will go downfurther with improvement in the density of IC. Low cost of computer will
discourage the sharing of computer with others. Computers will be more personalized.Computers
will be connected with strong and reliable network so that employees and society are closely
networked and can participate in collaborative works in more fruitful way.

Check your progress activity 3

Write down categories of computers on the basis of its’ work efficiency.

1.11 LET US SUM UP

Computer is an electronic machine, which execute prerecorded sets of instructions. The prerecorded sets
of instruction are known as programmes. Alan Turing is widely recognized as the father of modern
computer. Computer functions on Binary number system. The radix of the binary number system is 2.
ASCII and EBCDIC code specifications are used to code alphabets, numbers and special symbols into the
binary form. The organization of computer consist of four main components i.e., input, output, processing
and memory units. Input unit is used forinputting data and instructions to computer processing unit
analyses and processes data and execute instructions directed by users. Output unit convey information
from computer to outside word. Microprocessor is the brain of computer. Pentium IV is the latest and
most popular microprocessor manufactured by the Intel Corporation. Memory is used to store
programmes, instruction and data. Memory is classified as primary and secondary memory. Computers
are classified as mainframe, miniframe, microcomputer, workstation and super computer based on work
efficiency.

1.12 MODEL ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Activity 1:
a) The binary number equivalent of 35 of decimal number system is 100011.
b) The decimal number equivalent of 10111011 of binary number is 187.

Activity 2:
a) The main components of computer consist of input, output, memory and processing units.
b) Please refer figure 1.1 for the organization diagram of computer.

Activity 3:
Computers are classified as mainframe, miniframe, microcomputer, workstation and super computer
based onits work efficiency.

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