Computer Concepts -
An Overview of the Computer In today's
world, computers are used for every task. Our regular activities include: using
social media, looking for entertainment, paying bills, buying groceries,
working from home, chatting with friends, etc., and should be in every way
possible utilizing a PC. Therefore, not only is it essential to know how to use
a computer, but also to comprehend its components and functions.
From the beginning to the end, this topic covers every
computer-related concept in detail. In addition, the idea of computer literacy,
including its definition and functions, is discussed. You learn about the parts
of a computer, the idea of hardware and software, how data and information are
represented, how data processing works, and how IECT can be used.
How does a computer work?
An electronic device that receives data from a user
processes it, produces results, displays them to the user, and stores the
results for later use is known as a computer.
Unorganized facts and figures without any further context,
patterns, or other information are referred to as data.
Information is structured data—that is, data that has been
organized, interpreted, and processed. A computer is used to process data and
turn it into information.
Elements of PCs
A PC carries out the accompanying roles −
Getting Information
Information is taken care of on PC through different
information gadgets like a console, mouse, computerized pens, and so on.
Scanners, CD-ROMs, pen drives, and other devices can also provide input.
Processing the data
The data's operations are carried out by
the programs' instructions.
Following processing, the information is stored in either
the primary or secondary storage area.
Creating yield
The handled data and different subtleties are conveyed to
the rest of the world through yield gadgets like screens, printers, and so
forth.
Also read: Optics
Computer History
The computer has been around for a long
time. There are five main computer generations. Computers' capabilities have
been altered by numerous technological advancements throughout history. As a
result, systems become smaller, more powerful, and more cost-effective. The
following is a brief overview of the history of computers: First Generation
(1940–1966) The hardware used in the first generation of computers consisted of
the following features and components: Punch Cards and Vacuum Tubes
The characteristics of the first generation of computers are as follows:
• It supported machine language.
Due to the use of vacuum tubes, it was large and had a slow
performance.
• It had limited storage space.
• It produced a lot of heat and used a lot of electricity.
The memory contained 4,000 bits.
Data Input The computer only accepted data from punched
cards and paper tapes through hard-wired programs.
Examples include
• ENIAC
• UNIVACTBM 701 Second Generation (1956–1963) Several improvements made to first-generation computers led to the development of second-generation computers. Hardware The hardware that was used in the second generation of computers consisted of :
• Transistors
• Magnetic Tapes Features It had features like
• Batch operating system
• Faster and smaller than the previous generation
• Dependable and power-saving
• More
affordable than the prior generation Memory The memory could store 32,000
items.
Data Input Punched cards served as the method of input.
The following are examples of computers from the second
generation: Honeywell 400, CDC 1604, and IBM 7030. Third Generation
(1964–1971): Hardware: Integrated Circuits made from semi-conductor materials;
Large capacity disks and magnetic tapes; Features: Supports time-sharing
operating system; Faster, smaller, more reliable, and less expensive than
previous generations; Easy to access Memory: The memory's capacity was 128,000
bits.
Data Input Keyboards and monitors were used for input.
Examples of third-generation computers include: • IBM
360/370; • CDC 6600; • PDP 8/11; • Fourth Generation (1972–2010): • Hardware: •
ICs with Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) technology; • Semiconductor
memory; • Magnetic tapes and floppy disks; • Features: It supports features
such as: • Multiprocessing & distributed OS; • Object-oriented high level
programs are supported; • Small and easy to use; hand-held PCs have advanced
• No outside
cooling required and reasonable
• This age
saw the advancement of organizations and the web
• It saw
the advancement of recent fads in GUIs and mouse
Memory
The limit of the memory was 100 million pieces.
Data Input The improved hand-held devices, keyboard, and
mouse served as the means of input.
Examples include the Apple II; the VAX 9000; the CRAY 1
(supercomputers); the fifth generation (from 2010 to the present); these are
the most recent and cutting-edge computers. Fifth-generation computers are more
user-friendly and reliable than previous generations thanks to significant
changes in their components and operations.
Hardware In the fifth generation of computers, the hardware
includes: • Integrated Circuits with VLSI and Nanotechnology; • Large capacity
hard disk with RAID support; • Powerful servers, Internet, and Cluster
computing Features It supports features such as • Powerful, inexpensive,
dependable, and simple to use.
• Compact
and quicker because of the purpose of equal processors and Huge Scope
Coordinated Circuits.
• Software development can happen quickly.
Memory The memory's capacity is limitless.
Information Info
The info is given through CDROM, Optical Circle, and other
touch and voice delicate info gadgets.
Examples: IBM, Pentium, and PARAM are examples of
fifth-generation computers.