Generation of Computer

Generations of Evolving Hardware

Computers Time-Period

First Generation 1940s - 1950s Vacuum Tube Based

Second Generation 1950s - 1960s Transistor Based

Third Generation 1960s - 1970s Integrated Circuit Based

Fourth Generation 1970s - Present Microprocessor Based

Artificial Intelligence
Fifth Generation Present - Future
Based

Generation Advantages Disadvantages

First Generation Laid the foundation for modern Large, costly, and
(1940-1956) computing unreliable

Enabled early calculations and High power consumption

data processing and maintenance

Second Generation Smaller and more reliable with - Expensive, mainly for
(1956-1963) transistors large organizations
 Generation Advantages Disadvantages

Faster and more efficient than - Still bulky, limited by

the first-reduce software

Third Generation Integrated circuits reduce size - Expensive for smaller

(1964-1971) and cost users, compatibility issues

Enhanced speed, reliability, - Software complexity

and user interaction grew rapidly

Microprocessors made - Increased software

Fourth Generation computers compact and dependence and security
(1971-Present) affordable concerns

- Rapid technology
Enabled personal computing
evolution, requiring
and internet access
constant updates

Fifth Generation
AI and quantum computing - High costs and energy
(Present and
offer transformative potential consumption
Beyond)

Automation and smart systems

- Ethical issues and job
improving efficiency across
displacement concerns
industries

Types of Computer
Computers are divided into different types based on different criteria. Based on the size, a
computer can be divided into below types:
● Micro Computer
● Mini Computer
● Mainframe Computer
● Super Computer
1. Micro Computer:
It is a single-user computer which has less speed and storage capacity than the other types. It
uses a microprocessor as a CPU. The first microcomputer was built with 8-bit microprocessor
chips. The common examples of microcomputers include laptops, desktop computers,
personaldigital assistant (PDA), tablets, and smartphones. Microcomputers are generally
designed and developed for general usage like browsing, searching for information, internet,
MS Office, social media, etc.

2. Mini Computer:
Mini-computers are also known as "Midrange Computers." They are not designed for a
single.They are multi-user computers designed to support multiple users simultaneously. So,
they are generally used by small businesses and firms. Individual departments of a company
use these computers for specific purposes. For example, the admission department of a
University can use a Mini-computer for monitoring the admission process.

3. Mainframe Computer:
It is also a multi-user computer capable of supporting thousands of users simultaneously.
They
are used by large firms and government organizations to run their business operations as they
can store and process large amounts of data. For example, Banks, universities, and insurance
companies use mainframe computers to store the data of their customers, students, and
policyholders, respectively.

4. Super Computer:
Super-computers are the fastest and most expensive computers among all types of computers.
They have huge storage capacities and computing speeds and thus can perform millions of
instructions per second. The super-computers are task-specific and thus used for specialized
applications such as large-scale numerical problems in scientific and engineering disciplines
including applications in electronics, petroleum engineering, weather forecasting, medicine,
space research and more. For example, NASA uses supercomputers for launching space
satellites and monitoring and controlling them for space exploration
Basic Components of Computer Architecture
Computer architecture is an elaborate system where each component has its place
and function. You’re probably familiar with some of the basic computer
architecture components, such as the CPU and memory. But do you know how
those components work together? If not, we’ve got you covered.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The central processing unit (CPU) is at the core of any computer architecture. This
hardware component only needs instructions written as binary bits to control all its
surrounding components.Think of the CPU as the conductor in an orchestra.
Without the conductor, the choir is still there, but they’re waiting for instructions.

Without a functioning CPU, the other components are still there, but there’s no
computing.That’s why the CPU’s components are so important.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Since the binary bits used as instructions by the CPU are numbers, the unit needs
an arithmetic component to manipulate them.That’s where the arithmetic logic
unit, or ALU, comes into play.The ALU is the one that receives the binary bits.
Then, it performs an operation on one or more of them. The most common
operations include addition, subtraction, AND, OR, and NOT.

Control Unit (CU)

As the name suggests, the control unit (CU) controls all the components of basic
computer architecture. It transfers data to and from the ALU, thus dictating how
each component behaves.

Registers

Registers are the storage units used by the CPU to hold the current data the ALU is
manipulating. Each CPU has a limited number of these registers. For this reason,
they can only store a limited amount of data temporarily.

Memory

Storing data is the main purpose of the memory of a computer system. The data in
question can be instructions issued by the CPU or larger amounts of permanent
data. Either way, a computer’s memory is never empty.Traditionally, this
component can be broken into primary and secondary storage.

Primary Memory

Primary memory occupies a central position in a computer system. It’s the only
memory unit that can communicate with the CPU directly. It stores only programs
and data currently in use.

There are two types of primary memory:

 RAM (Random Access Memory). In computer architecture, this is

equivalent to short-term memory. RAM helps start the computer and only
stores data as long as the machine is on and data is being used.
 ROM (Read Only Memory). ROM stores the data used to operate the
system. Due to the importance of this data, the ROM stores information
even when you turn off the computer.

Secondary Memory

With secondary memory, or auxiliary memory, there’s room for larger amounts of
data (which is also permanent). However, this also means that this memory is
significantly slower than its primary counterpart.

When it comes to secondary memory, there’s no shortage of choices. There are

magnetic discs (hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs)) that
provide fast access to stored data. And let’s not forget about optical discs (CD-
ROMs and DVDs) that offer portable data storage.
Cache Memory
 Cache memory is a small, fast storage space within a computer. It holds
duplicates of data from commonly accessed locations in the main
memory. The CPU contains several separate caches that store both
instructions and data. he key function of cache memory is to reduce
the average time needed to retrieve data from the main memory.
 Cache's effectiveness relies on the principle of locality of reference ,
where recently accessed items or nearby items are more likely to be
accessed again.
 Cache memory stores data close to the CPU, which helps speed up
processing. It's much faster than the main memory (RAM). When the
CPU needs data, it checks the cache first. If the data is there, it’s
quickly accessed. If not, the CPU gets it from the slower main memory.

Input/Output (I/O) Devices

The input/output devices allow humans to communicate with a computer. They do

so by delivering or receiving data as necessary.You’re more than likely familiar
with the most widely used input devices – the keyboard and the mouse. When it
comes to output devices, it’s pretty much the same. The monitor and printer are at
the forefront

List of Input Devices

Given below is the list of the most common input devices along with brief information about
each of them.
1. Keyboard

 A simple device comprising keys and each key denotes either an alphabet, number or
number commands which can be given to a computer for various actions to be
performed
 It has a modified version of typewriter keys
 The keyboard is an essential input device and computer and laptops both use
keyboards to give commands to the computer

2. Mouse

 It is also known as a pointing device

 Using mouse we can directly click on the various icons present on the system and
open up various files and programs
 A mouse comprises 3 buttons on the top and one trackball at the bottom which helps
in selecting and moving the mouse around, respectively
 In case of laptops, the touchpad is given as a replacement of the mouse which helps in
the movement of the mouse pointer

3. Joy Stick

 It is a device which comprises a stick which is attached at an angle to the base so that
it can be moved and controlled
 Mostly used to control the movement in video games
 Apart from a computer system, a joystick is also used in the cockpit of an aeroplane,
wheelchairs, cranes, trucks, etc. to operate them well

4. Light Pen

 It is a wand-like looking device which can directly be moved over the device’s screen
 It is light-sensitive
 Used in conjunction with computer’s cathode ray tube

5. Microphone

 Using a microphone, sound can be stored in a device in its digital form

 It converts sound into an electrical signal
 To record or reproduce a sound created using a microphone, it needs to be connected
with an amplifier

6. Scanner

 This device can scan images or text and convert it into a digital signal
 When we place any piece of a document on a scanner, it converts it into a digital
signal and displays it on the computer screen

7. Barcode Reader
  It is a kind of an optical scanner
 It can read bar codes
 A source of light is passed through a bar code, and its aspects and details are displayed on the
screen

List of Output Device

The commonly used output devices have been listed below with a brief summary of what
their function is and how they can be used.

1. Monitor

 The device which displays all the icons, text, images, etc. over a screen is called the
Monitor
 When we ask the computer to perform an action, the result of that action is displayed
on the monitor
 Various types of monitors have also been developed over the years

2. Printer

 A device which makes a copy of the pictorial or textual content, usually over a paper
is called a printer
 For example, an author types the entire book on his/her computer and later gets a print
out of it, which is in the form of paper and is later published
 Multiple types of printers are also available in the market, which can serve different
purposes

3. Speakers

 A device through which we can listen to a sound as an outcome of what we command

a computer to do is called a speaker
 Speakers are attached with a computer system and also are a hardware device which
can be attached separately
 With the advancement in technology, speakers are now available which are wireless
and can be connected using BlueTooth or other applications

4. Projector

 An optical device which presents an image or moving images onto a projection screen
is called a projector
 Most commonly these projectors are used in auditoriums and movie theatres for the
display of the videos or lighting
 If a projector is connected to a computer, then the image/video displayed on the
screen is the same as the one displayed on the computer screen

5. Headphones
 They perform the same function as a speaker, the only difference is the frequency of
sound
 Using speakers, the sound can be heard over a larger area and using headphones, the
sound is only audible to the person using them
 Also known as earphones or headset
 Hardware
Software

Hardware is further divided into four main Software is further divided into two main
categories: categories:

 Input Devices  Application Software

 Output Devices  System Software
 Secondary Storage Devices
  Internal Components

Developed using electronic and other Developed writing using instructions using a
materials programming language

When damaged, it can be replaced with a When damaged it can be installed once
new component more using a backup copy

Hardware is physical in nature and hence The software cannot be physically touched
one can touch and see hardware but still can be used and seen

Hardware cannot be infected by Viruses The software can be infected by Viruses

Hardware will physically wear out over time Software does not wear out but it can be
affected by bugs and glitches

An example of Hardware is hard drives, An example of software is Windows 10,

monitors, CPU, scanners, printers etc. Adobe Photoshop, Google Chrome etc.