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Lesson 1-1 Computer Fundamentals !! Intoduction to Computer!! Writing Theory !! TOTAL EMITRA NEWS !!

Introduction to Computers

A computer is a machine which is being used in almost all sphere of life of every human being, Due to advancements in development of computer machines; the computer has become pervasive and is being used in all areas of our lives. With regular research and de developments going on it is sure that we will continue to experience new things as time passes. Personal computers are being used by the students, engineers, creative writers for calculations, designing and publishing purposes. Computers have also enhanced the learning processes. A student can learn his/her lesson not only in the classroom but also while travelling, or by sitting
At home with a pc. The internet technology made it possible to bring all the information on the doorsteps of every individual. People are now using computers for enquiries, banking, shopping and many more purposes. We are now passing through an era of information superhighway where all types of information are available just by clicking a button of the computer.

Computer Generations

We may broadly divide the computer generations into five major periods. Each of these generations may be characterized by the technology it used and the nature of operation of computer system of the period. With the passage of time new technological innovations took Place and the efficiency of computer increased and the cost of processing decreased.

First Generation (1942-1956)

The first generation computers were using vacuum tubes as the main electronic component and used magnetic drums for storing data. Their size was quite big; even they occupied a full room. They were very expensive, heat producing, required a lot of cooling and their maintenance was also very tedious task. The first generation computer operated upon machine language and used it as programming language. Input was given to them by punched cards and paper tapes. They were able to solve one problem at a time.

Second Generation (1956-1965)

The second generation computers used transistors as the electronic component.The transistors made the computers much smaller consumed less power, faster, efficient and were cheaper and reliable than the first generation
computers.Although they were Heat producing but were more reliable. In this generation, magnetic cores were used as primary memory and magnetic tapes and magnetic disks were used as secondary storage devices. High level languages such as COBOL and FORTRAN were introd in this generation.

Third Generation (1965-1975)

The third generation computers have used Integrated Circuits (I.C.s) in place of transistors. A single IC scould hold a large number of transistors, resistors and capacitors which caused the size of the computer more compact. The computers of this generation used keyboards and monitors for input and output respectivels. The concept of operation system was also intorduced. In this generation, the concept of time sharing and multi programming operation system was introduced. Many new high level languages like FORTRAN, PASCAL, and BASIC etc. were introduced in this generation.

Fourth Generation (1975-1988)

In this generation, microprocessors were introduced as thousands of ICs were fabricated on a single chip made up of silicon. The computers of this generation used Very Large Scale Integrated Circuits (VLSI) technology. The Intedl 4004 chip, which was developed in 1971, located all the components of a computer on a single chip. The size of the computers reduced which gave rise to the new name desktop computer or personal computer. In this generation the concept of time sharing, real time processing, distributed operation system was used. New high level languages like C, C++, and Databases were used in this generation.

Fifth Generation (1988 Onward)

In the fifth generation, a new technology ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) was developed resulting in a microprocessor chip on which up to 10 million electronic components could be incorporated. The concepts like artifical intelligence, voice recognition, mobile communication, satellite communication, signal data processing were introduced. Even machines like human brains were developed and more and more work is still going on thses new innovation. Hign level languages like Java, VB and .net framework were introduced in this generation.

Development of Electronics Machine

The Abacus, which emerged about 5000 years ago, may be considered as first computer. This device allowed users to perform basic calculations by using a system of sliding beads arranged on a rack. But as the use of paper and pencil spread, the Abacus lost its importance. It took nearly 12 centuries for the next significant advancement in the making of a computing device. In the year 1642, Blaise Parcal, invented a numerical wheel calculator. The brass retcangular box used eight movable dials to add sum up to 8 gigures long. He gave it the name Pasacaline. In the year 1646, a German mathematician, Gotfried Willhem Von Leibniz imroved the Pascaline by creating a machine that could also multiply. Leibniz mechanical multiplier worked by a system of gears and dials. This machine was sued till 1820, and then the mechanical calculators were introduced by a frenchman Charled Xavier Thomas De Colmar which was capable of performing four basic arithmetic functions. It was named arithometer. With its enhanced versatility, the arithometer was widely used up until First World War. The real beginning of computers, which we know today can be associated with an English Mathematics Professor Charled Babbage. Babbage attempt brought a new machine which was able to perform differential equation and he name it a s Difference Engine. The machine was powered by steam, was quite big in size and was able to store programs and could able to perform calculatio and print the result simultaneously. After working on the difference engine for ten years, Babbage's assistant Augusta Ada King, was instrumental in the machine's design. In their honour, the US defense department named a programming language ADA in her honour in 1980's.

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