Chapter-one

Overviews of Introduction to computer application

Definition of computer:

A computer is a machine like any other machine. It was invented by man, built by man, and operated
by man. The word ‘computer’ comes from the word ‘compute’, which means ‘to calculate’. So a
computer is considered to be a calculating device that can perform arithmetic operations at enormous
speed. More accurately, a computer may be defined as a device that operates upon data.

a) Computes are large electronic machines that can manipulate data in the desired way by
executing a detailed set of instructions called programs.
b) A computer is an electronic device used to process information.
• Electronic- very fast, operate at electronic speed.
• Processing- calculating numbers, and comparing logics, creating texts, pictures,etc
• Information – systematically analyzed data uses to make a decision.
c) A computer is a machine which receives an input (data), processes it according to a predefined
program or instruction, stores it, and gives an output, i.e. provides the result in printed or visual
form.
Computer is an electronic machine capable of manipulating numbers and symbols, taking an input,
storing it, processing it and giving an output all under the control of a set of instructions (called
program). It is a programmable electronic device. Computer has the basic features.

- It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner.

- It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).
A computer is a machine with electronic and electromechanical parts. It is programmable and is
capable of performing the following basic computing functions: Accept data (input), Process data,
Generate output (information), Store data/information and retrieve/send data/information

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Artificial Intelligence (AI):

The computer’s normal way of solving problems is by carrying out instructions which is designed
based on an algorithm, but not all kinds of problems can be solved by algorithms, and many of those
that can be solved would take a very long period of time. Some of the research areas in AI are:

❖ To learn more about the way the human brain works by making a computer model of it;
❖ To teach the computer solve problems in the way human brain does;
❖ To teach the computer to understand natural languages;
❖ To develop the computer’s ability to receive & interpret sensor data and to generate some
appropriate physical response to that data.
What are Information Technology and ICT?

Information Technology

It is the use of modern technology to aid the capture, processing, storage and retrieval, and
communication of information, whether in the form of numerical data, text, sound, or image etc.
It refers to a wide variety of items and abilities used in the creation, storage, and dispersal of
information.
It is the study of information handling and its use in society by means of modern technology. This
includes the acquisition, processing, storage and communication of information in any form by
appropriate means.
Definition of IT is abroad terms and its covers many fields as data management, networking,
engineering, database, Computer hardware, and software design as well as the management and
administration of the entire systems.

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Information Technology (IT) describes any technology that helps to produce, manipulate, store,
communicate, and/or disseminate information.

Computer Technology: A computer is a programmable, multiuse machine that accepts data

raw facts and figures and processes, or manipulates, it into information we can use, such as
summaries, totals, or reports. Its purpose is to speed up problem solving and increase
productivity.

Communications Technology:

➢ It’s also called telecommunications technology, consists of electromagnetic devices and systems
for communicating over long distances.

➢ The principal examples are telephone, radio, broadcast television etc.

➢ In more recent times, there has been the addition of communication among computers, which is
what happens when people “go online” on the internet.

How is IT Being Used in Education?

➢ Information technology is essential on college campuses.

➢ IT is used in teaching, labs, and in course management.

➢ Many college classes are either taught online or have a class website.

➢ Distance learning is online education.

Information Technologies are systems of hardware and/or software that capture, process, exchange,
store and/or present information using electrical, magnetic and/or electromagnetic energy.

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 Examples on IT Careers:

– Information Security Jobs : Address information security

– IT Analyst: Translate business requirement into technical specification

– Network Administration: Configure and operate computer network

– Management Consulting: Provide consulting for government and organizations

– Database Administration: Managing corporate database

– Computer Forensics Expert: Extracts computer evidence for detecting/preventing

/prosecuting crimes

– IT Sales: people on frontline to sell products

– Software development: develop software solutions

IT in Society (people) IT in Society (business)

• Personal Communication • Internal Communication

– Conversations (phone, cell) – Computer network

– Messaging (E-mail, SMS),Video – Corporate website

Coms
– Video teleconferencing
• Entertainment
– Messaging (SMS, email)
– Downloading video and audio
• Electronic Commerce
files, Interactive gaming
– Call Centers, Electronic
• Day-to-Day living
transactions, Online sales
– Buying airline ticket
• Business operations
– Ordering books
– Factory operation systems
– Electronic banking/ stock market
– Databases

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Components of Information Technology

Information technology is divided into three primary components. These are

✓ Computers
✓ communications networks, and
✓ Know-how.
1. What is Computer?
A computer is any calculating device or machine, which is electronic, mechanical or electromechanical.
But that doesn’t mean that computer performs only calculation. The name computer comes from a Latin
word computer, meaning “to reckon” or “to compute” and can be applied to abacus or any adding
machine as to the modern computer.

However, the term “Computer has come to mean a special electronic device having certain definite
characteristics.

Characteristics of Computers

The characteristics of a computer shows the capability and the potential of the computer for processing
data. This saves time, space, money, labor etc.

There are basic characteristics of computer.

• Speed: They do calculations at a very fast speed.

The most important characteristic of a computer is its speed. Computer works only one step at a time. Its
speed is measured by the amount of time it took to perform or carry out a basic operation. Computer
speed measured in terms of Micro second (10-6 one millionths), Nano second (10-9 one billionths), and
Pico second (10-12 one trillionths).

• Storage: They have got good built-in and auxiliary storage memory system.
You can imagine how much space a paper of seconds or data of a census it needs. Not only the space,
also the time it took to get or retrieve a specific information from such vast amount of data is not
negligible.

But a computer can store such amount of information in a few numbers of disks. And the time it took to
retrieve or process a single information is not more than a micro or a Nano seconds. In general a

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computer has a capacity to store a very large amount of information in organized manner so that
accessing information is very fast.

• Accuracy: They have high accuracy capacity. Errors happen due to human rather than computers.
Now a day’s computer are being used for surgical purposes which needs almost hundred percent
accuracy. From this we can understand that computer is accurate and consistent. Unless there is
an error in the input data or unreliable program the computer processes with to display the output
is error or dangers for life, so the computer used to input the correct input to give very accurate.

• Automatic: Once necessary information and program is feed to the computer, it performs processing
without human intervention. More than calculator machines (need human operator) whereas
computers work automatically once the process begun it continues until the completion.
• Versatility: Computer have the potential to perform or solve varieties of tasks and problems, as long
as the problem or the task can be put or reduced in the form of logical steps.
Diligence: They are free from lack of concentration, tiredness and etc. They constantly perform similar
tasks over and over again.

2. Communications Network
An integral part of IT is the ability to communicate: to send and receive data and information over a
communication network.

A communications network is the connection of stations at different locations through a medium that
enables people to send and receive data and information.

Telephone wires and cables are common communication media.

3. Know-how: Although computers and data communication are very important parts of IT, an equally
critical part of IT is the ability to draw on the power of IT to solve problems and to take advantages of
the opportunities it creates. Therefore IT requires or implies know-how, knowing how to do something
well.

The functions of Know- how includes

✓ familiarity with the tools of IT

✓ the skills needed to use these tools
✓ understanding when to use IT to solve a problem

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 What is ICT?

ICT (Information Communication Technology) is the study of development and application of

computer based information system using telephones, TV, radios, mobiles, social networks
websites, computer and computer software to convert, store, process, protect and transmit
information. This includes internet, wireless networks, cell phone, and other communication
mediums.

ICT has frequently been thought to be the driving force behind today’s economy. It is generally felt
that there is a direct relationship between investment in ICT and productivity improvements, which
includes:

– better customer service

– greater product variety
– shorter response time
– enhanced product quality; and
– better customization of products and services.
Information & Communication Technology (ICT) is used to refer to infrastructure and product
development that facilitate the collecting, storing and analysis of information that may be transmitted
electronically
It includes equipment like telephones, communication lines used to enhance communication between
employers and employees, businesses and customers, and business and business across physical
boundaries.
Why are we using ICT?

• Extending the learning experience

• Extending learning

• Enriching the curriculum

• Expanding learning horizons
• Helping with assessment

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 Uses of Computers
✓ Computers apply in industry, government, education, medicine, scientific research, law, social
science and arts.
✓ It is essential for every educated person today to know about a computer.
APPLICATION AREAS OF COMPUTERS
Today computes can find a role in nearly every aspect of our lives. In our everyday activities they can
help us get things done better and faster, making humans’ life simple and easy. The main areas of
computer applications are categorized into:

IN OFFICES: - Type writers are being replaced by computers. Example office automation: Office
automation is the use of hardware, software and networks to enhance general office works such as
communication among employees, and documents typing and filing.

IN EDUCATION: - Computers are widely used in educational fields; for instruction and administration

CAL- Computer Aided Learning

CAI- Computer Assisted Instruction

Example Cyber schools

A cyber school is a school that uses the Internet as a delivery tool to offer courses. The hyperlinked
multimedia course materials and video lectures are made available on the Web. By utilizing video-
conference, tutors can talk to students in various locations and answer their questions in real time.

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 Students can also exchange ideas through interactive discussion groups

Fig 1.3 computer in education

IN MEDICINE: - Medical diagnostic technologies and computer-based medical imaging represents one
of the fastest-growing areas in the computer field. E.g. Telemedicine. Computers can be used
to hold details of patient’s history and to aid diagnosis and treatment procedures.

IN LBRARIES: - Computers has been a powerful tool for libraries, providing users access to
bibliographic information. It provide on-line catalog, information about available books & other
materials, and whether or not they are currently checked out or not.

IN COMMUNICATION:- Computers can be used in different ways for Communication purpose

between users. This can include: Fax-hard copy, Usenet, Electronic mail, Internet, Tele conferencing,
Video conferencing
IN MANUFACTURING: Computers can be used in production process, from the design stage to the
manufacturing stage. CAD-Computer-Aided Design, CAM-Computer-Aided Manufacturing.
IN BUSINESS:- Computers are used to record sales, maintain information about inventories, payroll
records, generate paychecks, and advertise goods or products.
IN RESEARCH: Computers use to analyze and process data.
Educational Applications: Computers support the teaching and learning process in secondary and
primary schools.

Higher Education: Assists in research activities.

Commercial or business applications: Covers the use of computers for office, administrative,
production and business use. Examples are: Text processing

❖ Accounting and Finance management

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 ❖ Inventory control
❖ Database management
❖ Statistical analysis
Scientific, Engineering and Research applications:

• Using computers for scientific research, complex mathematical calculations, design work, and
analysis and control of physical systems.
Examples are: Space technology

❖ Meteorological observatory systems

❖ Astronomical investigations
❖ Design of machines and
❖ Control of manufacturing process
❖ Nuclear control systems
▪ Computers apply in the field of physics, chemistry astronomy and genetics.
▪ They are widely used in:
o Universities
o Industrial laboratories
o Weather forecasting
o Space technology
➢ Air traffic control
➢ Pilots training
➢ Railways and roadways
➢ Medical field
- Hospital Administration
- Useful in maintaining inventory of drugs, surgical equipment
- Payroll hospital accounting (bed allocation)
- To control patient’s condition
Capacities of computers

▪ Accept/ input data using input devices

o Input: Entering data or information in to the processing cycle.
▪ Processing: Execution of a set of procedures to meet the objective of a system.

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 • Changing the data into useful information.
• Refers to the day-to-day work of the system.
▪ Giving/presenting output information using output devices
o Output is the result of all of the system’s activity.
Data and Information

What is data?

There is a difference between the terms data and information.

Data is an individual fact /multiple facts, or a value/a set of values, but is not significant to a business
in and of itself.

Data is anything which can be observed using our sense organs. In digital age data can be found in the
form of sound, animation, text, picture, photograph or the combination of these

For example, the following are values with structure but they aren't useful to anyone until given context:

June 10, 2023

D13193

$609,000

12%

38

Data values without business context

Giving data context, or meaning, turns it into information. Without this context the data is useless to the
business.

In other word, data is a collection of raw facts that represent features or details about something. Like
people, object, place, ideas or events.

For example, the above numbers are more useful with the added context:

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 Business context Data value

What is the date of the meeting about the fee increases? June 10, 2023

What was the license plate number of the car that hit you? D13193

What did Project 93-073 cost for 1992/93? $609,000

What is the budget reduction figure for next year? 12%

How many students are there in this class? 38

✓ Information is data at work - data provided in response to a need or question.

Data is collected for later use.

✓ Data is raw facts or figures.

✓ Data is the product of symbols or representations of an event (e.g. buying book) or facts about
the world (e.g. number of continents), like number, letter, pictures, lines, graphs, etc
✓ Data represents facts or figures obtained from experiments or surveys, used as basis for making
calculations or drawing conclusions
✓ In and of itself, data has no meaning. If I count the number of cars that stop at the stop sign on
my block per hour for a week, that's data. It may be useful or not, depending on the context. It
has no meaning until it is placed in a context. It is like an event out of context, without a
meaningful relation to other things. It doesn't have a meaning of itself and simply it exists and
has no significance beyond its existence.
Therefore: Data without a context has no meaning

✓ But this doesn't mean that data are useless. They are the elements that are inputted, stored and
manipulated by the computer.
✓ The validity of a data (how far they reflect the reality or represent the real world) is very
important. They are valid as far as they accurately represent the real world.
Information:

Information is defined as data that has been transformed into a meaningful and useful context for
specific end users. It is a refined or processed data.

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Information is defined as data that has been transformed into a meaningful and useful context for
specific end users.

When does data become information?

✓ When a whole lot of data, which is related to one subject, put together, it yields information.
o E.g. Take a telephone book, it is developed by bringing different data together (Name,
Address and Telephone number)
In other words:

Sets of data + relational connection among data sets = information

✓ Let's say I want to buy a car. I can collect a lot of data about makes of cars, performance ratings,
prices and so on. Once I do that, I have a lot of information about cars and the car market.
Unless we think of this collection of data and put it in context (car/car market), it has no
meaning.
✓ What we perceive or understand is the relationship between pieces of data, or between pieces of
data and other information.
✓ Therefore, Data + understanding of relationship = information
✓ Information is data that has been given a meaning by way of relational connection. This
relational connection converts data in to information. In computer system for instance, a
relational database makes information from the data stored within it.
✓ Information is data with context. Therefore, information is context dependent.
Types of information

Information can be classified in to two such as:-

A. Qualitative – describes something using non quantitative characteristics. (e.g.) the roses in the
vase are red. Qualitative characteristics can be used to describe job categories or positions, such
as marketing manager, graphic designer, and programmer.
B. Quantitative – tells how much or how many. (e.g.) there are 12 roses in the vase.
Information can be acquired from 2 basic sources: Internal and External.

Data Processing:

Data processing is the manipulation of data into a more useful form.

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Data processing includes not only numerical calculation but also operations such as the classification of
data and the transmissions of data from one place to another.

Data processing system is an essential component in the operation of any business organizations.

Getting the right information at the right time is used to make urgent decisions in research,
manufacturing, marketing, employee relation, etc. In the history of business operations is concerned,
those, which were best informed, are the ones that survived.

Methods of Data Processing:

Depends on the volume of task to be accomplished, there are two ways of data processing.

a. Manual data processing

Brain, pen and paper are the main tools.

Demerit:-

✓ It is exposed for human error and it is time consuming.

✓ Also suffers duplication of work
✓ Limited productivity of employees.
✓ Lack of control and dishonesty.
b. Electronic (Computer)

Electronic devices such as computers are used as the main processing tools. The basic advantage is
Accuracy and speed. There are two fundamental ways of computer data processing.

a. File processing: - data is stored and processed in separate files. Easy way of data processing and
requires more memory.

b. Database processing: - Related files are together processed using Database Management System.

Data Processing Criteria

To get valuable information data processing must meet the following criteria's

• Accuracy: - The input data must be accurate. The individual steps in the processing of data must
also be accurate.

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• Timeliness: - The right information delivered too late can be as useless as no information at all. (A
need of fast data processing system)
• Meaningfulness: - The information produced by the data processing must be meaningful to the
people using the information.
The value of information can be measured in terms of:

• The time it saves to make a decision.

• The increase in profits it brings to the organization.
History and Development of Computer

History of Computers

The history of computers can be summarized as follows

Abacus:

✓ Invented by Chinese some 5000 years back

✓ Assumed to be the first adding machine. It consisted of rows of beads in rectangular frame Beads
represent place holders and performs arithmetic operations
✓ It worked on the principle of place value notation
John Napier (1550-1617):

✓ Known for Napier bones used in multiplication and division

✓ It was an interpretation of the Abacus
✓ He also introduced the decimal points in computer usage
✓ He is also known for invention of logarithms
Charles Babbage

✓ It produced the first commercial calculator in 1822

✓ “Difference engine”, steam powered, fully automatic
✓ He got support from British government.
ENIAC (1943-46) (Electronics Numerical Integrator and Calculator) was developed by University of

Pennsylvania

✓ Designed by John Mauchly and Presper Eckert

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 ✓ a machine that filled a 30x 50 foot room and its weight was 30 tons.
✓ It had 18,000 vacuum tubes
✓ No internally stored program
✓ The first general purpose computer
EDVAC (1946-52) (Electronic Discrete Variable Computer) and EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage
Automatic Computer) were also invented by the University.

UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) (1951)

✓ Stored program concept was introduced

✓ First commercially available computer.
✓ UNIVAC was delivered to the bureau of the census in 1951 where it was used for tabulating
census data.
✓ Was the first computer used for business data processing
✓ Some UNIVAC had the size of a grand piano and much more compact than the ENIAC
✓ Used RAM of 1000 words.
In 1954 IBM installed the first commercial computer, IBM 650.

✓ IBM’s dominance in the computer world began in 1960 due to introduction of its 1401 computer.
✓ This was followed by 370 series of computers in late
Limitations of computers

✓ Computers haven’t yet met all our expectations as a productivity improvement tool i.e. they
facilitate our work by reducing time and cost, but sometimes we take much more time to
learn how to use application program that is supposed to increase productivity based on the
existing program
✓ They don’t think.
✓ Computers are merely tools, useless without humans.
✓ It cannot identify its problem
✓ Decide the output needed to solve the problem
✓ Software that generate automatically is also designed by humans.

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 Generation of Computers:

Although computer professionals do not agree on exact dates or specifics, computer developments are
often categorized by generations. Each of these generations is based on the type of technology used
during the period.

Actually there are five generations and major characteristics that distinguish these generations are the
following;

➢ Dominant type of electronic circuit elements used.

➢ Major secondary storage media used.
➢ Computer language used.
➢ Types or characteristic of operating system used.
➢ Memory access time (a time to store or retrieve a word or data from memory
Computer generations are usually categorized by dramatic improvement in the hardware, typically
tenfold or better increases in speed and reliability.

Over generations, computers have shown:

✓ Increasing speed
✓ Reduced size
✓ Increasing reliability
✓ Reducing cost
First Generation computers (1942-1955)
Early computers i.e., ENIAC, EDIAC, EDSAC & UNIVAC are examples of 1st generation computers.
These computers used vacuum tubes as the principal electronic components i. e. they are based on
vacuum tube technology. Memory access time was expressed in milliseconds, Punched cards were the
primary medium used as secondary storage devices to store data files and input data to the computer.
Computer languages were primitive consisting of machine language. Computer operating systems were
also primitive, and jobs were processed sequentially under manual control of the computer operator.
They work on the principle of stored program concept storing program instructions and data in memory
of the computer to be executed automatically without human intervention.

In general

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 • They are fastest calculating device of their time.
• Very large in size, slow in performance and expensive in price.
• Have limited storage capacity.
• Thousands of vacuum tubes are used, hence produce considerable heat. Need special
environment or should be properly air conditioned.
• Vacuum tubes consume much power.
• Prone to frequent hardware failure, due to limited life of vacuum tubes leads to constant
maintenance.
• Difficult to program and use, so limited commercial use.
• Mainly used for scientific computation.
They operate in a speed of milliseconds (thousands of a second) and could handle more than 10,000
additions each second. Most applications were scientific calculations.

Second Generation Computers (1955-1964)

Second generation computers replaced vacuum tubes with discrete solid-state devices, principally
transistors. With transistors, the computers are smaller, faster, more energy efficient, and more reliable
than first generation computers. With transistors, memory access times were expressed in microseconds.
Second generation computers replaced machine language with assembly language. Magnetic tape was
the dominant form of secondary storage. High level languages such as COBOL (Common Business
Oriented Language) and FORTRAN (Formula translator) and batch operating systems were introduced
during this generation. New types of carriers or occupation like programmer, analyst, and computer
systems expert, and the entire software industry began here.

• They were produced using transistors instead of vacuum tubes.

• Due to the transistors they are more powerful, more reliable, less expensive, smaller, and cooler
to operate than the first-generation computers.
• Magnetic tape was used as secondary storage medium.
• Emergence of high-level programming languages, like FORTRAN, COBOL, & ALGOL. (Easy
to write).
• Batch operating systems is used.
• Use for business and industry & for commercial data processing like payroll, inventory control,
and marketing.

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 • New occupation “computer programmers” come into being.
• They are more than 10 times faster than 1st generation computers.
• They are properly air conditioned.
• Consumes less power, more reliable, less prone to hardware failure, has faster and larger
primary and secondary storage capacity than their predecessors.
• Commercial production of these computers was difficult and costly.
Invented by Bell Labs. Magnetic cores, used for main storage, could be concerned in microseconds
(millionths of a second) with more than 200,000 additions possible each second. Business applications
become more commonplace, with large data files stored on magnetic tape and disk. The most widely
used second generations were:

IBM 1620 –small scientific computers

IBM 1401 –small to medium commercial computers

IBM 7094 –large scientific computer

Business applications become more commonplace, with large data files stored on magnetic tape
and disk.

Third generation (1964-1975)

In Third generation computers, discrete electronic components such as transistors were replaced with
integrated circuits (IC). With integrated circuits, thousands of transistors can be integrated on a silicon
chip whose size is very small and required a small amount of power.

With IC and LSI (Large Scale Integration) circuits, third generation computers are smaller, faster, and
more reliable than early computers. Access time in these computers was measured in nanoseconds
(billionths of a second). Magnetic disc storage became popular and provided direct access to very large
data files. Structured programming languages were introduced, and with magnetic disk files, interactive
operating system was introduced that allows individual users to access their data files.

• Transistors are replaced by integrated circuits (IC).

• Computers were more powerful, more reliable, less expensive, smaller, and cooler to operate
than the 2nd generation computers.

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 • Main memory (RAM) and larger capacity magnetic disks and magnetic tapes emerged.
• Standardization of high-level programming languages started.
• Time sharing operating systems are used.
• Unbundling of software from hardware.
• Creation of an independent software industry.
• Other high-level programming languages were introduced, i.e., PL/1, PASCAL and BASIC.
• They need proper air conditioning.
• They were totally general-purpose machines suitable for both scientific and commercial
applications.
• Minicomputers introduced and made computers affordable even by small companies.
Computer storage switched from magnetic cores to integrated circuit boards that provide modularity
(expandable storage) and compatibility (interchangeable equipment). Software become more important
with sophisticated operating systems, improved programming languages, and new input/output methods
such as optical scanning and plotters.

Example: IBM system /360 was the dominant, IBM 1130

The invention of integrated circuit(IC).

• Computer storage switched from magnetic cores to integrated circuit boards that provide
modularity (expandable storage) and compatibility (interchangeable equipment
• New input/output methods such as optical scanning and plotters.
• Software become more important with sophisticated operating systems, improved programming
languages
Fourth Generation Computers (1975-1989)
The main distinction of the Fourth generation computers is the introduction of very large scale
integration (VLSI). With this technology, hundreds of thousands of components can be squeezed onto a
chip. The ability to fit so much to a very small area helped diminish the size and price of computers. It
also increases their power, efficiency, and reliability.

Access time in fourth generation computers is measured in nanoseconds. A variety of mass storage
devices is being introduced. New user oriented languages are being introduced. Virtual operating

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systems are used that permits many users to share the use of the computer while simplifying the
programming task.

• ICs are replaced by Large Scale Integration (LSI) and also Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI)
• Creation of Microprocessor. (for PCs)
• The personal computer revolution (introduction of PC), one user at a time.
• Spread of high-speed computer networking. (LAN & WAN).
• Several new operating systems were developed, like MS-DOS, Ms- Windows, and UNIX.
• Graphical User Interface (GUI) provides icons and menus for users.
• Multiprocessing operating systems are used.
• C Programming language, object oriented software, and object oriented programming languages,
C++, etc. emerged.
• Smaller, cheaper, reliable, PCs.
• For mainframe & supercomputers air conditioning is needed.
• Totally general purpose machines.
• Use of GUI for users makes easy the operation of PCs.
• PC based applications, made PCs more powerful for office and home use.
It has greatly expanded storage capabilities and improved circuitry.

Computer memory operates at speeds of nano-seconds (billionths of a second) with large computers
capable of adding 15 million numbers per second.

The fifth generation computer 1989- Present)

It is in progress. An architecture, which makes use of the changes in technology and allows a simple and
natural methodology for solving problems, is being sought.

These computers will have:

➢ Intelligent processors, i.e., processors that can draw inferences.

➢ Users will also be able to interact with them in natural languages such as English, German etc.
Japans are working intensively on the project for developing the 5th generation.

It is now being developed and differ from the previous four generations, not only due to its technology
such as new memory organization and new programming languages, but also in its functionality. These

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computers are expected to be intelligent computers that will be able to understand speech and process
accordingly.
• VLSI technology becomes Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI).
• More compact, more powerful and cheaper computers introduced.
• Portable notebook computers, powerful desktop PCs, and workstations, powerful servers and
supercomputers.
• Larger main memory > = 256 Mb, and hard disk >= 80 GB are common.
• Optical disks emerged named as CD-ROMs.
• Super computers with Parallel Processing technology.
• Tremendous growth of computer networks.
• Emergence and popularity of Internet.
- Electronic mail (e-mail).
- World Wide Web (www).
- Electronic commerce.
- Virtual libraries.
- Distance education emerged.
• Tremendous processing power & massive storage capacity →Multimedia applications.
• Distributed operating system for computer network.
• JAVA programming language introduced & become popular.
Types of Computers

There are different types of computers. Their differences depend on different categories of
characteristics.

1. Classification by the method data of operation (processing)

Computers are classified by the type of data they are designed to process. They are classified into three:

1. Analog Computers: These types of computers side to measuring instruments and reading continuous
it operates by measuring. They deal with continues variables, they don’t compete directly with numbers,
rather, they operate by measuring physical magnitude such as pressure, temperature, voltage, current etc.

Examples: Thermometer

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 • Voltmeter
• Speedometer
• Gasoline pomp – Contains an analog Computer that converts the flow of pumped fuel into
two measurements the price of the delivered gas and the quantity of pumped fuel.
They are special purpose computers. However, analog computers have limited accuracy

2. Digital Computers: Receive and process discrete data in the form of digits (0 & 1).

Digital computers deal with discrete variables, they operate by counting rather than measuring. They
operate directly up on numbers (or digits) that represent numbers, letters, or other special symbols.
Examples: Abacus

• Desk & pocket computers

• Personal computers
• The general purpose computers
Digital computers have very high accuracy and speed than the analog ones.

3 Hybrid computers: The best features of analog and digital computers can be combined into a single
device to form a hybrid computer. A hybrid computer processes the information by collecting input data
with analog method, convert it into digital quantities, processes the digital values and convert the output
from digital to analog form.

Example: In hospital insensitive-care unit analog devices may measure a patient’s heart function,
temperature and other vital signs. These measurements may then be converted into numbers and
supplied to a digital component in the system. This component is used to monitor the patient’s vital
signs and to send an immediate signal to the nurse’s station if any abnormal readings are detected.

2. Classification by purpose of application

Computers can be applied or used for different purposes. Based upon their application, they are
classified as special purpose or general purpose computers.

1. Special purpose computers

They are designed to solve a single type of problem, that is their components and their functions are
uniquely adapted to a specific situation involving specific application.

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Example: The public telephone box

• Traffic control system

• Ticket machines (used in grocery, super market etc.)
• Pocket-calculators etc.
• Counters
Most analog computers are special purpose computers.

2. General purpose computers

They are designed to solve variety of problems through the use of “store program concept”. A program
or set of instructions designed to solve a problem is read and stored into the memory and then executed
by the computer one by one. The same computer can be applied to solve another set of problem using
different program. General computers are more flexible and versatile.

Examples: Micro-computers, Mini-computers, main frame, Super computers.

3. Classification by physical size, price, capacity and performance

Before classifying the criteria of computers, some points to be noted based on the computers:

~ Architecture ~ Processing speed (MIPS) ~ Cost

~ Amount of main memory ~ Capacity of external storage devices

~ Speed of output devices ~ Number of users and

1. Microcomputers: are the most widely used type of computers. They are single users, can fit on
desktops, are of varying capacity and easy to handle. Microcomputers are sometimes referred as
personal computers. They have video display unit for output purpose. Data is entered through the
keyboard and by the help of floppy disk.

Special purpose microcomputers called workstations are used primarily by engineers. These computers
have high quality graphics and fast processors. They are used in all types of industries for engineering
applications such as design and drawing. Sun and HP are the leading workstation manufactures. It is
built around a single chip processor called the microprocessor.

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Microcomputers come in a variety of sizes and shapes for a variety of purposes. Basically they can be
grouped into two Types of Microcomputer: portable (Laptop, Palmtop) and Desktop computers.

1.portable computer parts

✓ 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.
o Unlike desktop PCs that have mostly detachable components, laptops include all their
components (except their printer) in a single unit
✓ Palmtop computer is the smallest microcomputer that is about the same size as a pocket
calculator. It is the most portable computer and is growing in popularity among the latest entries
in the microcomputer market.
These types of computers are called transportable, required AC power and weighed around 30
pounds.
o Palmtops are typically used for a limited number of functions, such as maintaining
personal calendar, name and address files, or electronic worksheets.
✓ Laptop/Notebook: Portable type of single user, used by those users who work away from their
offices. Laptop/Notebook: Portable type of single user, used by those users who work away
from their offices
✓ Sub notebooks: Monochrome Monitors: displays two color, one for the background and one for
the foreground. The colors can be black and white, or green and black.
✓ Personal Digital Assistant (PDAs): Smarter than the sub notebooks computers.
They combine pen input writing recognition, personal organizational tools and communication
capacities in a very small package.
Users of these types of computers are businessmen, executives. E.g. Apple’s Newton
✓ Pen based computers: Pen-based computers use a pen like device to input data rather than a
keyboard or a mouse. It is ideal use for mobile workers to fill out forms such as law enforcement,
personnel, insurance, claim adjusters, delivery personnel and doctors.
All Microcomputers perform the same activities; the difference is only their size.

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Touch screen allow you to use finger instead of mouse or related input device. It lets you to enter data or
command (e.g. button click) by touching areas of the screen. It enables you perform activities you
perform with mouse using your finger. It is not used to enter large amounts of data.

Used:

✓ To issue a command to software to perform a particular task like menu selection, button click,
✓ To choose from a list of options
Advantage: They are easy to use

✓ They are easy to learn even by no technical people

They are used to provide information in hotels, airports, and other public areas

2. Desktop Computer is the most widely used type of personal computer (microcomputers).

o Unlike laptop and personal computers, desktop computers have detachable parts.
However, since its size is larger than the other types of personal computers, it is not
easily portable.
Desktop (Personal Computer): is single user type of computer.
Personal Computer(PC): These are the most widely used type of computers for personal, home and
office use, educational training in schools, and in small business enterprises. They are known by their
brand names such as Toshiba, Compaq, Dell, or Hewlett-Packard, IBM etcetera.

Desktop computers: The desktop computer’s primary parts rest separately on top of desk. These
primary parts are Keyboard, System unit and Monitor.

2. Minicomputers are midrange computers that are larger and more powerful than most
microcomputers but are smaller and less powerful than mainframe computer systems.

✓ The minicomputers' size prevents it from being easily portable although it can be
moved more easily than a mainframe computer.
✓ Multi-user type computers.
✓ It is designed to accept input and produce output to a large number of users supporting
from 10 to 100 terminals.
✓ Mini-computers were designed to provide selected user services rather than personal purpose
computer.

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 ✓ Minicomputers cost less to buy and maintain than mainframe computers. Most minicomputers
can function in ordinary operating environments, as they do not need special air conditioning or
electrical wiring.
✓ Minicomputers are being used for a large number of business and scientific applications.
✓ They are popularly used in scientific laboratories, research centers, universities and colleges,
engineering firms, industrial process monitoring and control, etc.
3. Mainframes: Mainframe computers are large, powerful computers that are physically larger than
micros and minis and usually have processors with faster instruction processing speeds.

For example, they may be able to process from 10 to 200 million instructions per second

✓ A mainframe computer is generally found in a special computer room where environmental

factors such as temperature, humidity, dust and air conditions are closely monitored.
✓ Because of the computer's cost and the value of the information stored there, the rooms in which
mainframes are located have security systems allowing only authorized personnel to enter.
✓ Mainframe computers are designed to handle the information processing needs of organizations
with many employees and customers or with complex computational problems.
✓ To give some examples, mainframes can handle the processing of thousands of customer
inquiries, employee paychecks, student registrations, sales transactions, and inventory changes.
✓ They are also used as the center of computer networking.
✓ These computers are used by organizations that have enormous and complex data processing
assignments.
✓ It is used for business and the government for the manipulation of large volume of data.
✓ Insurance companies, banks, and airline and railway reservation systems use them.
✓ Mainframe computers are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes and dust.

4. Supercomputer

✓ The term supercomputer has been coined to describe a category of extremely powerful computer
designed for high-speed processing.

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✓ A supercomputer is generally characterized as being the fastest, most powerful, and most
expensive computer.
✓ 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
requirements and the room itself should be air-conditioned.
✓ Some supercomputers require extra floor support to hold the extreme weight of the complete
system that includes storage units.
✓ In addition, highly trained data processing professionals are required to operate supercomputers.
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 manufacturers, etc.
✓ It is used for complex applications such as weather forecasting, genetic decoding, aero
dynamics and processing of geological data.
✓ They require environmentally controlled computers rooms and can cost millions of dollars.
- National defense or vast multinational corporations use them.
- An example can be computers in NASA & the Earth Simulator in Yokohama.

- Cray YMP supercomputers – It has produced a 3 dimensional schematic

Some application areas of supercomputers are:

o For weather forecasting in Meteorological centers.

o Oil exploration in the petroleum industry.
o Design new materials (Material scientists & Physicists)
o Weapons research (Military Industry)
o Large-scale simulation in Aerospace & Automobile industry etc.,

End chapter one!!!

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