Introduction to computer

Application

By Gemechu Tadele
(BSc)

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Overview
• Definition of Computer
• Uses of Computer
• Characteristics of Computer
• Classification of Computer
• Limitation of Computer
• Generation of Computer

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What is Computer?
• A computer is an electronic machine that can be programmed to
accept data (input), process it into useful information (output), and
store it away (in a secondary storage device) for safekeeping or later
reuse by a set of instruction called program.

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Computers Vs. Human beings

Human Computer
Can Think Cannot think by itself

Gets Mental Tiredness Never gets Tiredness

May do mistake Can’t do mistake by itself

Has limited speed Very High Speed

Has limited Memory More Amount of memory

Accuracy may be missing Never missing

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Importance of Computer
• Computer usage is growing and bounds in business, industry,
government, colleges, schools and other places.
• The offices where we work, the stores in which we shop, the schools
we attend, the banks that handle our money, even the device we use in
our homes are being radically altered by computers.
• Computers are now used in all aspects of education, both
administration and teaching.
• Whether it is for school or home, work or play, computer can save
your time and money, increase your productivity, and process
information with speed and accuracy.
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Application Area of Computers
Accounting:
• General Ledger preparation
• Payroll preparation
• Accounts payable, invoicing.
General Shops:
• Small calculations like Billing
• Stock maintenance
Airlines and Railways:
• Reservation of Tickets
• Time Keeping
Communication:
• E-Mail
• Telephone
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Hospital:
• To store patient information
• To store doctors’ information
• Medicine information
Colleges and Universities:
• Students Details Maintenance
• Staff Details Maintenance
Education:
• Learning through games
• Educational tutorials
Science:
• To develop theories
• To analysis and test the data
Entertainment:
• Film, Video, Sound and Image Editor
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Characteristics of computers
 Speed
Computers can process millions of instruction within a single second. The speed of the computer can
be measured either in Megabyte or Gigabyte.
 Accuracy
Once well programmed, computers accomplish tasks accurately. The set of instruction that drives the
system determines the accuracy of their activities. Faulty instructions for data processing may lead to
faulty result. This can be described by the term known as garbage in garbage out (GIGO).
 Reliability
Reliability is the measure of performance of computers against some predetermined standard for
operation without any failure. Now a day's computers are used in sensitive areas that need very high
reliability. For example hospitals are using computers in patient diagnosis, monitoring patient
operations.

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 Flexibility
Computers are quite versatile in nature. It can perform multiple tasks simultaneously with equal ease.
For example, you can listen music while you are writing some text.
Computers can perform many tasks as per the program (or set of instruction) which reside in the
system.
 Diligence/ Consistency
Computer, being a machine, does not suffer from the human traits of tiredness and lack of
concentration. If one million calculations have to be performed, then the computer will perform the
last one-millionth calculation with the same accuracy and speed as the first calculation.
 Resource sharing
Computers are able to connect to each other by establishing a network so as to share data,
information as well as resources like printers. By sharing data and information computer enables one
to create large knowledge base

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Classification of Computers
A. Classification based on purpose
According to the purpose or application it provides, a computer can be classified in to two:
• General purpose
These computers have the ability to perform a wide range of tasks.
The computers have the ability to store numerous programs.
These machines can be used for various applications, ranging from scientific as well as business applications.
E.g. Computers that you use home and school s are general purpose computers.
• Special purpose
This includes computers which are design to handle a specific problem or to perform a single task. They
lacked versatility.
However, being designed for specific tasks; they can be providing the result very quickly and effectively. E.g.
Computers used for airline reservation, satellite tracking, and air traffic control.

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B. Classification based on method of operation
Based on the way they process data, computers are classified in to three:
• Analog computers
They are devices which operate by measuring. They deal with continues variable.

They do not compete directly with numbers; rather, they operate by measuring physical magnitude such as pressure temperature,

voltage, current and etc. It is continuous fluctuation of voltage over time. E.g. Thermometer, voltmeter, speedometer
Generally, they are computers designed for specific purpose.
• Digital Computers
Unlike the analog computers, digital computers operate by counting rather than measuring. Deal with discrete variables. They operate
directly upon numbers (or digits) that represent numbers, letters, or other special symbols. Digital computer is a computing device in
which data is represented by discrete numerical quantities which represented by discrete voltage states (0s and 1s). They have very high
accuracy and speed than analog ones.
E.g. Personal Computers
• Hybrid Computers

The best features of analog and digital computers can be combined into a single device to form a hybrid computer. It processes the

information by collecting input data with analog method, converts it into digital quantities, processes the digital values and provides the

output in analog form.

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C. Classification based on functionality
Depending on the functionality (size, speed, cost and performance), computer can be divided in to four
categories as described below: 
• Microcomputers
Microcomputers (often called personal computers or PCs for short) are the smallest but most important and
most frequently used type of computer particularly for end users.
Basically they can be grouped into three:
 Desktop: Desktop computer is the most widely used type of personal computer (microcomputers). Desktop
computers have detachable parts. However, since its size is larger than the other types of personal computers,
it is not easily portable.
 Laptop: laptop computers are smaller versions of microcomputers about the size of a briefcase designed for
portability. People can easily carry these personal computers with them in their car, on airplane, or when
walking from one location to another. Unlike desktop PCs that have mostly detachable components, laptops
include all their components (except their printer) on a single unit.
 Palmtop: Palmtop computer is the smallest version of microcomputer which has the same size of a pocket
calculator. It is the most portable computer and is growing in popularity among the latest entries in the
microcomputer market. Palmtops are typically used for a limited number of functions, such as maintaining
personal calendar, name and address files, or electronic worksheets.

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Minicomputer
• Minicomputer is midrange computer which is able to process and store more data than most
microcomputers but is smaller and less powerful than mainframe computer system. It is designed
to meet the computing needs for several people simultaneously in a small to medium sized
business environment.
• Since it is about the size of a two drawer file cabinet, its size prevents it from being easily portable
as compared to microcomputers.
• Minicomputers cost less to buy and maintain than mainframe computers.
• Is a multi-user system (carries out a processing task for multiple user working on terminals).
• It is capable of supporting 4 to 400 simultaneous users
• Since it is multi-user system it is widely used in interactive application in industries, scientific
laboratories, research organizations, universities and colleges etc.
• It is also used for real time control and engineering design work.
• Some widely used minicomputer are PDP 11, IBM (8000 series), and VAX 7500.

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Mainframes
• A mainframe is an ultra-high performance computer made for high volume, processor-intensive computing
task. It consists of a high-end computer processor, with related peripheral devices, capable of supporting large
volume of data processing, high performance online transaction processing system, and extensive data
storage and retrieval.
• It is physically larger than micros and minis and usually has processors with faster instruction processing
speeds.
• A mainframe computer is generally placed in a special computer room where environmental factors, such as
temperature, humidity, dust and air conditions are closely monitored. And also because of the computer's cost
and the value of the information stored there, the rooms have security systems allowing only authorized
personnel to enter.
• It is capable of supporting around 1000 multiple users working at time. Therefore, it is designed to handle the
information processing need of organization with many employees and customers or with complex
computational problems.
• They are also used as the center of computer networking. These computers are used by organizations that
have enormous and complex data processing assignments.
• Widely used in business or government organization to provide a centralized control, storage, processing and
management. Some example of mainframe computers are IBM.s ES000, VAX 8000, and CDC 6600.

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Supercomputer
• The term supercomputer has been coined to describe a category of extremely powerful computer designed for
high-speed processing. A supercomputer is generally characterized as being the fastest, most powerful, which
can resolve a complex mathematical equation in a few hours, which would take a scientist a life time with
paper and pencil.
• It is the most expansive computer designed for an intensive tasking.
• As many as sixty miles of wiring are closely packed inside supercomputers, and tremendous amounts of heat
are generated. Because of this, supercomputers demand special cooling requirement and the room itself
should be air conditioned.
• In addition, highly trained data processing professionals are required to operate supercomputers.
• Typically, supper computer used to solve multi-variant mathematical problems of existent physical process,
such as aerodynamics, metrology, and plasma physics.
• These computers can take inputs from over 10,000 individual computers and users at the same time.
• Super computers are largely used by research organizations, military defense systems, national weather
forecasting agencies, large corporations, aircraft manufacturer, etc.
• CRAY-3, Cyber 205, PARAM are some well-known super computers.

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Limitations of Computers
Even if computer is powerful device which have the ability to perform tremendous activities, it also
has some drawbacks, this includes:-
• Computers can't decide how to be programmed. It is always persons or humans that are
responsible for programming the computers.
• Computer is not intelligent device therefore it can only perform what it is instructed to do.
• Computers do not provide their own inputs unless people provide it with the inputs.
• Computer can not foresee, i.e. it can make plans based on information but it can't predict for its
success.
• Interpretation of data and implementation of decisions is always left for humans.

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Generations of Computer
The computer has evolved from a large-sized simple calculating machine to a smaller but much more
powerful machine.
Each generation of computer is designed based on a new technological development, resulting in
better, cheaper and smaller computers that are more powerful, faster and efficient than their
predecessors.
Currently, there are five generations of computer. In the following subsections, we will discuss the
generations of computer in terms of—
• The technology used by them (hardware and software),
• Computing characteristics (speed, i.e., number of instructions executed per second),
• Physical appearance, and
• Their applications.

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First Generation (1940 to 1956): Using Vacuum Tubes

• Hardware Technology The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic
drums for memory. The input to the computer was through punched cards and paper tapes. The output
was displayed as printouts.
• Software Technology The instructions were written in machine language. Machine language uses 0s and
1s for coding of the instructions. The first generation computers could solve one problem at a time.
• Computing Characteristics The computation time was in milliseconds.
• Physical Appearance These computers were enormous in size and required a large room for installation.
• Application They were used for scientific applications as they were the fastest computing device of their
time.
• Examples Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC), Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator
(ENIAC), and Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer (EDVAC).
• The first generation computers used a large number of vacuum tubes and thus generated a lot of heat.
They consumed a great deal of electricity and were expensive to operate. The machines were prone to
frequent malfunctioning and required constant maintenance. Since first generation computers used
machine language, they were difficult to program.

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Second Generation (1956 to 1963): Using Transistors
• Hardware Technology Transistors replaced the vacuum tubes of the first generation of computers. Transistors
allowed computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, energy efficient and reliable. The second generation
computers used magnetic core technology for primary memory. They used magnetic tapes and magnetic disks
for secondary storage. The input was still through punched cards and the output using printouts. They used
the concept of a stored program, where instructions were stored in the memory of computer.
• Software Technology The instructions were written using the assembly language. Assembly language uses
mnemonics like ADD for addition and SUB for subtraction for coding of the instructions. It is easier to write
instructions in assembly language, as compared to writing instructions in machine language. High-level
programming languages, such as early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN were also developed during this
period.
• Computing Characteristics The computation time was in microseconds.
• Physical Appearance Transistors are smaller in size compared to vacuum tubes, thus, the size of the
computer was also reduced.
• Application The cost of commercial production of these computers was very high, though less than the first
generation computers. The transistors had to be assembled manually in second generation computers.
• Examples PDP-8, IBM 1401 and CDC 1604.
• Second generation computers generated a lot of heat but much less than the first generation computers. They
required less maintenance than the first generation computers.
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Third Generation (1964 to 1971): Using Integrated Circuits

• Hardware Technology The third generation computers used the Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. In an IC

chip, multiple transistors are placed on a silicon chip. Silicon is a type of semiconductor. The use of IC
chip increased the speed and the efficiency of computer, manifold. The keyboard and monitor were
used to interact with the third generation computer, instead of the punched card and printouts.
• Software Technology The keyboard and the monitor were interfaced through the operating system.
Operating system allowed different applications to run at the same time. High-level languages were
used extensively for programming, instead of machine language and assembly language.
• Computing Characteristics The computation time was in nanoseconds.
• Physical Appearance The size of these computers was quite small compared to the second generation
computers.
• Application Computers became accessible to mass audience. Computers were produced commercially,
and were smaller and cheaper than their predecessors.
• Examples IBM 370, PDP 11.
• The third generation computers used less power and generated less heat than the second generation
computers. The cost of the computer reduced significantly, as individual components of the computer
were not required to be assembled manually. The maintenance cost of the computers was also less
compared
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Fourth Generation (1971 to present): Using Microprocessors
• Hardware Technology They use the Large Scale Integration (LSI) and the Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) technology.
VLSI allows hundreds of thousands of components to be integrated in a small chip. This era is marked by the development
of microprocessor. Microprocessor is a chip containing millions of transistors and components, and, designed using LSI and
VLSI technology. This generation of computers gave rise to Personal Computer (PC). Secondary storage device like
magnetic disks became smaller in physical size and larger in capacity. The linking of computers is another key development
of this era.
• Software Technology Several new operating systems like the MS-DOS and MS-Windows developed during this time. This
generation of computers supported Graphical User Interface (GUI). GUI is a user-friendly interface that allows user to
interact with the computer via menus and icons. High-level programming languages are used for the writing of programs.
• Computing Characteristics The computation time is in picoseconds.
• Physical Appearance They are smaller than the computers of the previous generation. Some can even fit into the palm of
the hand.
• Application They became widely available for commercial purposes. Personal computers became available to the home
user.
• Examples The Intel 4004 chip was the first microprocessor. The components of the computer like Central Processing Unit
(CPU) and memory were located on a single chip. In 1981, IBM introduced the first computer for home use. In 1984, Apple
introduced the Macintosh.
• The microprocessor has resulted in the fourth generation computers being smaller and cheaper than their predecessors. The
fourth generation computers are also portable and more reliable. They generate much lesser heat and require less
maintenance compared to their predecessors. GUI and pointing devices facilitate easy use and learning on the computer.
Networking has resulted in resource sharing and communication among different computers.
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Fifth Generation (Present and Next): Using Artificial Intelligence

• The goal of fifth generation computing is to develop computers that are capable of learning and
self-organization. The fifth generation computers use Super Large Scale Integrated (SLSI) chips
that are able to store millions of components on a single chip. These computers have large memory
requirements.
• This generation of computers uses parallel processing that allows several instructions to be
executed in parallel, instead of serial execution. Parallel processing results in faster processing
speed. The Intel dual-core microprocessor uses parallel processing.
• The fifth generation computers are based on Artificial Intelligence (AI). They try to simulate the
human way of thinking and reasoning. Artificial Intelligence includes areas like Expert System
(ES), Natural Language Processing (NLP), speech recognition, voice recognition, robotics, etc.

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