Classification of Computers by Generation
Computers can be classified by generation based on the first generation
First generation: Computers in this generation are characterized by the following:
o Vacuum Tube
o Big size
o Lots of heat
Second generation: : Computers in this generation are characterized by the
following:
o Isolated Transistor
o Generates lots of heat but not as much as first generation
Third generation: : Computers in this generation are characterized by the
following:
o Integrated circuits
Fourth generation: Computers in this generation are characterized by the
following:
o Large Scale Integrated circuits
o Microprocessors
Fifth generation: Computers in this generation are characterized by the following:
o Very Large Scale Integrated circuits
o Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
Classification of computers by the type of Data Processed (mode of operation)
Digital Computers: They represent data in discrete pulses, codes or numbers usually
denoted by binary digits 0 and 1. Examples include desk calculators, some personal
computers and adding machines.
1
Analogue Computers: They are computers that represent data in continuous form using
physical quantities. Examples include petrol pumps, speedometers, voltammeters and
all such instruments.
Hybrid Computer: Hybrid computers are the combination of the features of analogue
and digital computers.
Classification of computers by Purpose
There are two major classes under this category. These include:
special purpose and
general purpose computers.
Special Purpose Computers: They are designed to carry out special or specific tasks and
functions e.g. ATM, washing machine etc.
General Purpose Computers: These are computers that are designed to perform general
functions.E.g Desktop computers
Classification of computers by physical size
Microcomputer:
o The smallest and cheapest.
o Slow in operation.
o Support for software and hardware Peripherals are relatively low
Minicomputer
o Bigger than microcomputer
o More expensive and faster than microcomputer
o Made up large and more powerful processors
o Greater internal storage capabilities
o Has greater support for hardware and software
2
Mainframe
o Big in size
o Possess great computing capabilities to support multi-users and multi-tasking
environments
o Great processing speed
o Massive storage capabilities
o Very expensive
o Massive support for hardware and software
Super Computer
o Biggest Computer
o Most expensive
o Possess greater computing capabilities to support multi-users and multi-tasking
environments than mainframe computers
o Greater processing speed
o Massive support for hardware and software
1.3 Elements of a Computer System
A computer system is a combination of three basic components which include the
following:
1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Humanware
1. Hardware
The hardware is referred to as the physical component of the computer, that is,
components that can be physically handled such as the electrical, electronics and the
3
mechanical units of the computer. Hence, the input units, output units, storage units
and CPU are called the computer hardware.
2. Software
These are sets of instructions which are used to operate the computer and execute
specific tasks. Software can be broadly classified into two types. They are:
System Software
Application software
System software
These are programs that control the basic activities of the computer. Examples
include the operating systems, utility software, device drivers and translators. The
functions of system software include the following:
Disk checking
Disk defragmentation
Booting
Management of the computer resources
Conversion of users input in human language to machine readable form
Operating Systems
These are sets of programs that manage the computer resources. The functions of the
operating system include:
Manages the computer resources
Responsible for booting and shutting down of the computer system
Serves as an interface between the computer and the application software
Serves as an interface between the computer and the users
Responsible for disk checking and disk defragmentation
4
Application software
These are programs that are designed to perform specific tasks based on the user’s
need ssuch as word processing, database management, presentation, spread sheeting
etc. Typical examples of application software include Microsoft office suite and
Statistical Package for Social Sciences.
3. Humanware
The people who work with the computer are collectively called the humanware or
peopleware e.g computer programmer, computer analyst, computer engineer etc.
1.4 Components of the Microcomputer
The components of the microcomputer include the following:
Input unit
Output unit
Storage unit
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Input unit: This unit accepts instructions and data. Typical examples of input
devices include keyboard, joystick, light pen, mouse, web camera, scanner,
Optical Mark Reader (OMR) and Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
Output unit: This unit communicates the results to the user. Typical examples
of output devices include printer, monitor, speakers, headphones, plotters etc.
Storage unit: This unit provides temporary or permanent storage for
information and programs for latter retrieval or security purposes. There are two
types of storage devices. These include primary and secondary or auxiliary
storage.
CPU: The CPU has three components which include the following:
o The Control Unit
5
o The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
o The Memory Unit.
o Control Unit: The Control Unit controls the overall operation of the computer
system. It is considered as the heart of the computer system. It controls all
the other units, directs them to operate in a proper way and co-ordinates
various operations performed.
o Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): This unit performs two kinds of operations
which include the arithmetic and logical processing. The arithmetic unit
performs all mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division while the logical unit performs the relational and
logical operations such as comparing larger or smaller values, true or false
statements.
o Memory Unit: This unit stores the intermediate results during calculations
and provides it when required.
ALU
Output
Input Devices
Devices
Control
Unit
Main
Memory
Auxiliary Storage Devices
The Main/Primary Memory
This consists of the Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM).
6
Random Access Memory (RAM): Data and program instructions are stored in
RAM while the computer is in operation. Data can be written and read from it at
random. It is called a read/write memory. RAM is a temporary memory hence the
data stored in it is lost when the power is turned off. RAM is volatile.
Read Only Memory (ROM): The instructions in ROM are set by the
manufacturer and cannot be changed by the user. ROM is not volatile; hence the
data stored in it is not lost when the power is turned off. There are two types of
ROM. These include the
Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM)
Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM)
Secondary Memory Unit: The storage capacity of the primary storage of a
computer is limited and thus cannot store large volume of data/information.
Thus, the use of the auxiliary memory, backing or secondary storage is required.
Examples include Hard Disk, floppy Disk, Compact Disc, Magnetic Tape and
Magnetic Disk and Flash Memory.
Extra Memory
There are two main types of extra memory. These include the following:
1. Direct Access Storage Device (DASD)
This is a type of storage device that enables the computer to retrieve information
directly without having to scan through a series of records. The DASD is the general
term for Magnetic Disk storage devices.
2. Sequentially Access Storage Device (SASD)
7
Sequential access storage device is a storage device that is read and written in a serial
fashion (one after the other). Magnetic Tape is a common sequential access storage
device.
