What’s a Computer? What’s a Computer? Characteristics of a Computer Characteristics of a Computer Evolution of Computers Evolution of Computers.

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

FUDAMENTALS

What’s a Computer? Characteristics of a Computer Evolution of Computers Generations of Computers Classification of Computers Block Diagram Internal Communications Input Devices Output Devices

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What’s a Computer?

A computer is an electronic machine that takes input from the user, processes the given input and generates output in the form of useful information.

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Characteristics of a Computer

The unique capabilities and characteristics of a computer:

Speed Storage capacity Accuracy Reliability Versatility Diligence

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Evolution of Computers Manual Computing Devices: Sand table, Abacus, … Automated Computing Devices: difference engine,

analytical engine, Colossus, … Charles Babbage: A professor of mathematics a

the Cambridge University is considered to be the father of modern computer.

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Generations of Computers First Generation Computers•Employed during the period 1940-1956

•Used the vacuum tubes technology for calculation as well as for storage and control purpose.

Second Generation Computers• Employed during the period 1956-1963• Use transistors in place of vacuum tubes in building the basic

logic circuits.

Generations of Computers Third Generation Computers• Employed during the period 1964-1975• Use of Integrated Circuits Fourth Generation Computers• Employed during 1975-1989• Use of Large Scale Integration technology and

Very Large Scale Integration technology• The term Personal Computer (PC) became known

to the people during this era.

Generations of Computers Fifth Generation Computers• The different types of modern digital computers

come under this category. • Use Ultra Large Scale Integration technology that

allows almost ten million electronic components to be fabricated on one small chip.

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Classification of Computers

We can classify the computers according to the following three criteria:

(1) Based on operating principles(2) Based on applications(3) Based on size and capability

Classification of Computers1)Based on operating principles:-

Analog computers: Represent data in the form of continuous electrical signals having a specific magnitudeDigital computers: Store and process data in the digital form.Hybrid computers: A combination of analog computer and digital computer because it encompasses the best features of both.

Classification of Computers2) Based on applications:-

General purpose computers: can work in all environments.

Special purpose computers: can perform only a specified task.

Classification of Computers

3) Based on size and capability:-

Microcomputers: Designed to be used by individuals.Mini Computers: Can handle more data and more input and output than micro computers.Mainframe Computers: A very large computerSuper Computers: The fastest type of computer that can perform complex operations at a very high speed.

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Block Diagram

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Central Processing Unit

Registers Arithmetic Unit Logic Unit Control Unit

Arithmetic & Logical Unit Arithmetic Unit is a part of the CPU that

performs arithmetic operations on the data. The arithmetic operations can be addition, subtraction, multiplication or division.

Logic Unit is a part of the CPU that performs logical operations on the data

Control Unit & Main Memory Control Unit is an important component of CPU

that controls the flow of data and information. It maintains the sequence of operations being performed by the CPU.

The main memory is referred to as the internal memory of primary memory of the computer. It is also known as Random Access Memory (RAM).

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Internal Communications

The internal communication of a processor in the computer system can be divided into two major categories:

(1) Processor to memory communication(2) Processor to I/O devices communication

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Input Devices

Input devices are electromechanical devices that are used to provide data to a computer for storing and further processing, if necessary. For examples:

(1) Keyboard(2) Pointing devices(3) Scanning devices(4) Optical recognition devices

Pointing DevicesPointing devices are the input devices that are generally used for moving the cursor to a particular location to point an object on the screen. With the help of pointing devices, we can easily select the icons, menus, windows, etc on the Graphical User Interface. Some of the commonly used pointing devices are:(1) Mouse(2) Trackball(3) Light pen(4) Joystick(5) Touch screen

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Output Devices Output devices receive the processed data

(information) from the CPU and present it to the user in a desired form.

The main task of an output device is to convert the machine readable information into human-readable from which may be in the form of text, graphics, audio or video. Depending upon the form of output required, the output device may belong to one of the following categories:

• Display monitors• Printers• Plotters• Voice output systems• Projectors

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THANK YOU…

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