Week 1: Session 1:

HISTORY AND CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

Introduction of Computer
Father of Computer: Charles Babbage (1791-1871)
The Difference Engine, the first automatic computer, was designed and built by Charles Babbage
in 1822.
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input, and processes that data using
programs, to produce the desired output (referred to as Information).
Components of Computer
A computer system has three main components:
1.Software
2.Hardware
3.Input devices
4.Output devices
5.Storage devices
Software
A set of instructions given to the computer to solve any problem is called software. Software is also
known as Program.
There are two types of software.
System software:
It used to control the usage and allocation of different hardware components.

Example: Operating system like DOS and Windows etc.

Application software:
Application software are developed to perform some specific tasks. These are specially designed
to solve the problems of the users.
Example: MS Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop etc.
Categories of Application software: customized software and package software.
Hardware
The physical parts of computers that cause processing of data.
Examples:
Input devices: Keyboard, Mouse etc.
Output devices: Monitor, Printer, speakers etc.
Storage devices:
1.Secondary storage: Hard disk, floppy disk, CD’s.
2.Main memory: RAM and ROM.
Characteristics of Computer System
Characteristics of Computer System
Speed: A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy compared to humans. Computers can
process millions (1,000,000) of instructions per second.
Accuracy: Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due to data inconsistency
or inaccuracy.
Diligence: A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with the same consistency and accuracy.
It doesn’t feel any tiredness or lack of concentration.
Versatility: Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of works with same
accuracy and efficiency.
Reliability: A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar set of data.
Automation: Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it performs tasks without manual intervention.
Memory: A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data. Secondary storage
are removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which are also used to store data.
Personal Computers
1.Desktop computers
2.Laptop computers
3.Pocket PC/ hand-held computers
4.Main frame computer systems
Desktop computers
The most common type of Personal Computer
Commonly used in workplaces, schools and homes.
Owing to their large size they are difficult to carry around.
Is designed to make it sit on a table or desk that’s why it’s called a Desktop Computer
Desktop Computer performs task: communication, photo editing, playing games, watching
videos and much more.
The main component of a Desktop Computer is the System Unit.
Laptop computers
People normally place these devices on their laps, hence the name laptop computer.
Owing to their small size and portability, laptops belong to the category of mobile computers.
Laptop computers are easy to carry around because of their small size.
Some laptop systems are designed to be plugged into a docking station, including a full-size
keyboard and mouse or other devices.
Docking stations also provide additional ports that enable the laptop to be connected to different
devices or a network in the same manner as a desktop computer.
Pocket PC/ hand-held computers
Pocket Computers are small enough to fit in your hand or placed in your pocket.
Most common example is the personal Digital Assistant (PDA) which is nothing more in size
than a small appointment book.
PDAs are used for notes taking maintaining a list of telephone numbers and addresses and
keeping oneself informed of important dates and agenda items.
Some PDAs allow users to write on the screen using a pen.
Provide features such as access to the internet using a wireless connection, global positioning
systems, music players and digital cameras and can include a cell phone.
Some PDAs allow voice input
Main frame computer systems
A mainframe is defined as a large, powerful computer typically used for complex calculations
and data processing tasks.
It can connect to multiple end clients simultaneously so that several users can access different
applications and processes running on the mainframe concurrently without impacting
performance or security.
This article explains how mainframes work and discusses their importance, even in the age of
cloud computing.
Features of a Mainframe Computer
Benefits of Mainframes
Brief history of computer with
timeline
Abacus (3000 BC): Considered one of the earliest computing devices, the abacus was a manual counting
tool used for arithmetic calculations.
Mechanical Calculators (17th century): Inventors like Blaise Pascal and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
created mechanical calculators that could perform basic mathematical operations.
Analytical Engine (1837): Designed by Charles Babbage, the Analytical Engine was an early concept of a
general-purpose computer. Although it was never built, it laid the foundation for modern computing.
Tabulating Machines (late 19th century): Herman Hollerith developed machines that used punched
cards to process and tabulate data. These machines were widely used for census calculations.
Vacuum Tube Computers (1930s-1940s): Electronic computers using vacuum tubes as basic
components were developed, such as the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) and the Colossus, used for
code-breaking during World War II.
ENIAC (1946): ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was one of the earliest general-
purpose electronic computers. It used vacuum tubes and was capable of performing complex
calculations.
Continued …
Transistors (1947): The invention of transistors by John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William
Shockley revolutionized computer technology, making computers smaller, faster, and more reliable.
Integrated Circuits (1958): Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce independently developed integrated
circuits, which combined multiple electronic components on a single chip. This led to the
miniaturization and increased efficiency of computers.
Microprocessors (1971): Intel introduced the first microprocessor, the Intel 4004, which integrated
all the central processing unit (CPU) functions onto a single chip. This advancement paved the way
for personal computers.
Personal Computers (1970s-1980s): Companies like Apple, IBM, and Microsoft introduced
affordable personal computers that were user-friendly and widely adopted by individuals and
businesses.
Graphical User Interfaces (1980s): The introduction of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) made
computers more accessible to non-technical users. Interfaces like Apple's Macintosh and
Microsoft's Windows revolutionized computer interaction.
Continued …
Internet (1990s): The development of the World Wide Web and the widespread adoption of the
internet transformed computers into powerful communication and information-sharing tools.
Laptops, Tablets, and Smartphones (2000s): The advancement of technology led to the
development of portable computing devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones, making
computing more mobile and accessible.
Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence (2000s-2010s): The emergence of cloud
computing allowed users to store and access data remotely, while advancements in artificial
intelligence and machine learning enabled computers to perform complex tasks and learn from
data.
Quantum Computing (present): Ongoing research in quantum computing aims to develop
computers that harness the principles of quantum mechanics, potentially revolutionizing
computing power and solving complex problems.