Brief History of Computer

The computer as we know it today had its beginning with a 19th century English mathematics
professor name Charles Babbage.
He designed the Analytical Engine and it was this design that the basic framework of the computers
of today are based on.

Generally speaking, computers can be classified into three generations. Each generation lasted for
a certain period of
time,and each gave us either a new and improved computer or an improvement to the existing
computer.

First generation: 1937 – 1946 - In 1937 the first electronic digital computer was built by Dr. John
V. Atanasoff and Clifford Berry. It was called the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC). In 1943 an
electronic computer name the Colossus was built for the military. Other developments continued
until in 1946 the first general– purpose digital computer, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Computer (ENIAC) was built. It is said that this computer weighed 30 tons, and had 18,000
vacuum tubes which was used for processing. When this computer was turned on for the first time
lights dim in sections of Philadelphia. Computers of this generation could only perform single task,
and they had no operating system.

Second generation: 1947 – 1962 - This generation of computers used transistors instead of vacuum
tubes which were more reliable. In 1951 the first computer for commercial use was introduced to
the public; the Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC 1). In 1953 the International Business
Machine (IBM) 650 and 700 series computers made their mark in the computer world. During this
generation of computers over 100 computer programming languages were developed, computers
had memory and operating systems. Storage media such as tape and disk were in use also were
printers for output.

Third generation: 1963 - present - The invention of integrated circuit brought us the third
generation of computers. With this invention computers became smaller, more powerful more
reliable and they are able to run many different programs at the same time. In1980 Microsoft Disk
Operating System (MS-Dos) was born and in 1981 IBM introduced the personal computer (PC)
for home and office use. Three years later Apple gave us the Macintosh computer with its icon
driven interface and the 90s gave us Windows operating system.

As a result of the various improvements to the development of the computer we have seen the
computer being used in all areas of life. It is a very useful tool that will continue to experience new
development as time passes.

Computer System
A computer system allows users to input, manipulate and store data. Computer systems typically
include a computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse and other optional components. All of these
components also can be integrated into all-in-one units, such as laptop computers.
During the data processing stage, instruction sets, known as programs, are provided to let the
system know what to do with the entered system data. Without these programs, the computer
would not know how to process data that enters the system, and the data might be discarded.
Known as a stored program computer, this type of computer is the most common in use today. It
is very flexible, as it can process any task by loading a program from storage. Computer systems
can work by themselves or access other devices that are external or connected with other computer
systems.

Components of the Computer System

The Motherboard

Embedded to the motherboard are slots, sockets and ports to which hardware devices connect.
Peripheral devices plug in to the input/output hub on the rear of the computer; critical hardware,
like the graphics card, central processing unit and random access memory, install to the connectors
on the surface of the board, found inside the case. Modern motherboards feature integrated
components, like video and sound controllers, which enable the PC to render graphics, output
audio and other functions. On the board are electrical circuits that provide power to each hardware
device connected to the motherboard.

CPU Processors

The CPU, also called the processor or microprocessor, carries out programming instructions. It
consists of two critical components, the control unit and the arithmetic logic unit (ALU). The
control unit extracts information from a storage device, like the RAM, and executes the code
contained within the data. The processor uses the ALU to perform mathematical calculations and
parse logical operations.
RAM Memory

RAM (random access memory), also called the system memory, contains data that the computer
is using. For example, when you open an application in Windows, the program is loaded into the
RAM so the CPU has fast access to the coding instructions. However, the data contained in the
memory is temporary; RAM is referred to as a "volatile" storage device, as the information it
holds is lost once the computer is powered off.
Hard Drive

The hard drive, unlike the RAM, is referred to as "non-volatile," because data written to the drive
remains even when the computer loses power. Hard drives contain disks, or platters, to which
data is written via magnetic recording. Solid-state drives are high-end storage devices that serve
the same purpose as hard drives, but instead use flash memory. SSDs are faster and more
efficient, but as of the date of publication, they are are also far more expensive. RAM obtains
data from the hard drive; the CPU then retrieves the data from the RAM.
Power Supply Unit

The power supply unit, or power supply, as the name indicates, provides power to the computer
and its devices. It connects to the motherboard, and the electrical charge is spread out to onboard
devices via circuits, or traces. The power supply unit also connects directly to other hardware
components, like the hard drive and high-end graphics cards, as the electrical charge the
motherboard provides often is not enough to power these components.
Peripheral Equipment

Whether they're attached to the computer (as in a laptop) or freestanding, there are additional
input and output units in a computer. A monitor and keyboard are needed so you can enter
commands and view their results -- as well as a mouse, a small device used to point to and select
items on your screen. Most computers have additional system parts, such as an optical drive that
will allow you to play and record music and video.

Classification of Computer

Analog Computers
Analog computers are used to process continuous data. Analog computers represent
variables by physical quantities. Thus any computer which solve problem by translating
physical conditions such as flow, temperature, pressure, angular position or voltage into
related mechanical or electrical related circuits as an analog for the physical
phenomenon being investigated in general it is a computer which uses an analog
quantity and produces analog values as output. Thus an analog computer measures
continuously. Analog computers are very much speedy. They produce their results very
fast. But their results are approximately correct. All the analog computers are special
purpose computers.

2. Digital Computers
Digital computer represents physical quantities with the help of digits or numbers. These
numbers are used to perform Arithmetic calculations and also make logical decision to
reach a conclusion, depending on, the data they receive from the user.

3. Hybrid Computers
Various specifically designed computers are with both digital and analog characteristics
combining the advantages of analog and digital computers when working as a system.
Hybrid computers are being used extensively in process control system where it is
necessary to have a close representation with the physical world. The hybrid system
provides the good precision that can be attained with analog computers and the greater
control that is possible with digital computers, plus the ability to accept the input data in
either form.

Classification of Computers According to Size

1. Super Computers
Large scientific and research laboratories as well as the government organizations have
extra ordinary demand for processing data which required tremendous processing
speed, memory and other services which may not be provided with any other category
to meet their needs. Therefore very large computers used are called Super Computers.
These computers are extremely expensive and the speed is measured in billions of
instructions per seconds.

2. Main Frame Computers

The most expensive, largest and the most quickest or speedy computer are called
mainframe computers. These computers are used in large companies, factories,
organizations etc. the mainframe computers are the most expensive computers, they
cost more than 20 million rupees. In this computers 150 users are able to work on one
C.P.U. The mainframes are able to process 1 to 8 bits at a time. They have several
hundreds of megabytes of primary storage and operate at a speed measured in nano
second.

3. Mini Computers
Mini computers are smaller than mainframes, both in size and other facilities such as
speed, storage capacity and other services. They are versatile that they can be fitted
where ever they are needed. Their speeds are rated between one and fifty million
instructions per second (MIPS). They have primary storage in hundred to three hundred
megabytes range with direct access storage device.

4. Micro Computers
These are the smallest range of computers. They were introduced in the early 70’s
having less storing space and processing speed. Micro computers of todays are
equivalent to the mini computers of yesterday in terms of performing and processing.
They are also called “computer of a chip” because its entire circuitry is contained in one
tiny chip. The micro computers have a wide range of applications including uses as
portable computer that can be plugged into any wall.

5. Laptop Computers
The smallest computer in size has been developed. This type of small computers look
like an office brief case and called “LAPTOP” computer. The laptops are also termed as
“PORTABLE COMPUTERS.” Due to the small size and light weight, they become
popular among the computer users. The businessmen found laptop very useful, during
traveling and when they are far away frm their desktop computers. A typical laptop
computer has all the facilities available in microcomputer. The smallest laptops are
called “PALMTOP”.

Physical Size

Computers range in size and capability. At one end of the scale are supercomputers,
very large computers with thousands of linked microprocessors that perform extremely
complex calculations. At the other end are tiny computers embedded in cars, TVs,
stereo systems, calculators, and appliances. These computers are built to perform a
limited number of tasks.
The personal computer, or PC, is designed to be used by one person at a time. This
section describes the various kinds of personal computers: desktops, laptops, handheld
computers, and Tablet PCs.

Desktop computers
Desktop computers are designed for use at a desk or table. They are typically larger
and more powerful than other types of personal computers. Desktop computers are
made up of separate components. The main component, called the system unit, is
usually a rectangular case that sits on or underneath a desk. Other components, such
as the monitor, mouse, and keyboard, connect to the system unit.

Laptop computers
Laptop computers are lightweight mobile PCs with a thin screen. They are often called
notebook computers because of their small size. Laptops can operate on batteries, so
you can take them anywhere. Unlike desktops, laptops combine the CPU, screen, and
keyboard in a single case. The screen folds down onto the keyboard when not in use.

Handheld computers
Handheld computers, also called personal digital assistants (PDAs), are battery-
powered computers small enough to carry almost anywhere. Although not as powerful
as desktops or laptops, handhelds are useful for scheduling appointments, storing
addresses and phone numbers, and playing games. Some have more advanced
capabilities, such as making telephone calls or accessing the Internet. Instead of
keyboards, handhelds have touch screens that you use with your finger or a stylus (a
pen-shaped pointing tool).

Tablet PCs
Tablet PCs are mobile PCs that combine features of laptops and handhelds. Like
laptops, they’re powerful and have a built-in screen. Like handhelds, they allow you to
write notes or draw pictures on the screen, usually with a tablet pen instead of a stylus.
They can also convert your handwriting into typed text. Some Tablet PCs are
“convertibles” with a screen that swivels and unfolds to reveal a keyboard underneath
Components of EDP system

The electronic data processing cycle consists of four stages, or components.

Input

Input refers to all the activities associated with recording data and making it available for
processing. The input component represents the process of transforming data into a form that a
computer understands. Input equipment includes devices that convert data into acceptable form,
transform punched card and paper tape code to binary numbers and put data into the computer's
main storage area. Some examples of these machines are key punch machines, flexowriters and
magnetic tape units.

Processing

After data is recorded and converted into an appropriate form, it must be processed. Processing
includes different arithmetic and logical operations, so to process data means to do the
classifying, sorting, summarizing, comparing and other manipulation techniques that convert
data into information.

Output

Data processing converts data into information that must be transmitted to persons who need it.
The communication function that enables this is called output. If the information is not in a form
that is readable by humans, then output will also include a decoding process. This process will
convert the information into the right form. Computers generate three types of output: soft copy,
hard copy and sound. Output devices show the final result of the whole process.
Storage

The storage area is the area that contains the processed data and the instructions that must be
followed during the data processing. It also includes information for future use. A storage device
is a hardware component of a computer, and it permanently stores data on storage media. A
storage media is nonvolatile.