Basics of Computer

What is a Computer?

An electronic device that stores, retrieves, and processes

data, and can be programmed with instructions. A
computer is composed of hardware and software, and can
exist in a variety of sizes and configurations.
Generations of Computers
 First Generation Computers

• The period of first generation was from 1946-1959. The computers of first generation
used vacuum tubes as the basic components for memory and circuitry for CPU (Central
Processing Unit)

Advantages:
•Performed calculations much faster than humans
•First step toward modern digital computing
•Could perform complex scientific calculations
•Laid the foundation for future generations

Disadvantages:
•Very large in size (occupied entire rooms)
•Extremely costly (only governments & big organizations
could afford)
•Generated a lot of heat and required cooling (AC)
•Frequently failed (unreliable due to vacuum tubes)
•Consumed a huge amount of electricity
•Very slow input/output (punch cards, paper tape)
•Supported only machine language
 Second Generation Computers

The period of second generation was from 1959-1965. In this generation,

transistors were used that were cheaper, consumed less power, more compact
in size, more reliable and faster than the first-generation machines made of
vacuum tubes
Advantages:
•Smaller in size compared to first generation
•Faster and more reliable
•Generated less heat
•Consumed less electricity
•Supported assembly language and high-level
languages like FORTRAN, COBOL
•Cheaper compared to first generation

Disadvantages:
•Still quite expensive
•Required air-conditioning (AC) for cooling
•Not portable
•Limited in speed and power compared to later
generations
Third Generation Computers

The period of third generation was from 1965-1971. The computers of third generation used
Integrated Circuits (ICs) in place of transistors. A single IC has many transistors, resistors,
and capacitors along with the associated circuitry. This development made computers smaller
in size, reliable, and efficient. In this generation remote processing, time-sharing, multi-
programming operating system were used.

Advantages:
•Smaller and more compact than previous generations
•Much faster and more reliable
•Generated less heat
•Consumed less electricity
•Required less maintenance
•Supported multiple high-level languages (FORTRAN, COBOL,
BASIC, PASCAL, ALGOL, etc.)
•Allowed time-sharing, multiprogramming, and remote
processing

Disadvantages:
•Still costly compared to later generations
•Air-conditioning (AC) still required
•Not yet portable
•Size, though smaller, was still relatively large compared to
modern computers
 Fourth Generation Computers

• The period of fourth generation was from 1971-1980. Computers of fourth generation used
Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits. VLSI circuits having about 5000 transistors and
other circuit elements. Fourth generation computers became more powerful, compact,
reliable, and affordable.
Advantages:
•Much smaller in size and portable
•Very cheap compared to earlier generations
•Highly reliable and efficient
•No need for air-conditioning (AC) in most cases
•Personal Computers (PCs) were introduced
•Faster processing with pipeline processing
•Supported all major high-level languages (C, C++, DBASE,
etc.)
•Concept of the Internet introduced
•Huge growth in networking and real-time systems

Disadvantages:
•Software became more complex
•Required skilled knowledge to operate
•Though cheaper, still not widely accessible to everyone at the
start
 Fifth Generation Computers

• The period of fifth generation is 1980-till date. In the fifth generation, VLSI technology
became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology, resulting in the production of
microprocessor chips having ten million electronic components. This generation is based
on parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software.
Advantages:
•Very powerful, compact, and affordable
•User-friendly interfaces with multimedia support
•Supports Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language
Processing (NLP)
•Advanced parallel processing and superconductor technology
•Supports modern programming languages (C, C++, Java, .NET,
etc.)
•Widely available in different forms (PCs, laptops, tablets,
smartphones, etc.)
•Increased connectivity (Internet, cloud computing)

Disadvantages:
•High dependency on technology
•Job displacement due to automation & AI
•Raises privacy and security concerns (hacking, data theft)
•Can cause social issues like addiction and reduced human
interaction
Components of Computer

What is a Computer Hardware

Computer hardware is a physical device of computers that we can see and touch.
E.g. Monitor, Central Processing Unit, Mouse, Joystick, etc. Using these devices, we can control
computer operations like input and output.

What is a Computer Hardware

Computer software is a set of instructions, data, or programs that tell a computer how to operate and
perform specific tasks. It's the non-physical component of a computer system, enabling the
hardware to function. Software can be broadly categorized into system software and application
software.
 Computer Hardware Parts

These hardware components are further divided into the following categories,
• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Storage Devices
• Hardware Components
Input & Output devices
 Computer Network

A computer network is a system where two or more computers (or other devices like
servers, printers, smartphones, IoT devices) are connected together so they can
communicate, share resources, and exchange data.

Types of Computer Networks:

•LAN (Local Area Network) – Small area (office, home).
•WAN (Wide Area Network) – Large area, often global (e.g., the Internet).
•MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) – Covers a city or campus.
•PAN (Personal Area Network) – Very small, personal devices (Bluetooth, hotspot).
•HAN (Home Area Network) – With in a home
Local Area Network (LAN)

A LAN connects computers and devices within a small area like an office,
school, or building. It can be wired using Ethernet cables or wireless using
Wi-Fi. Example: The computer lab in a school where all PCs are
connected to a single server.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A WAN covers a very large geographical area such as multiple cities or
countries. It connects smaller networks like LANs through telephone
lines, satellites, or leased lines. Example: The Internet, which connects
computers worldwide.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A MAN spans across a city or town, usually covering distances of 5 to 50

kilometers. It is built with optical fiber or wireless connections and links
multiple LANs together. Example: A citywide cable TV network or a city
government’s office network.
 Campus Area Network (CAN)
A CAN connects multiple buildings within a campus, such as a university,
corporate office, or military base. It is larger than a LAN but smaller than a
MAN. Example: All the departments in a university connected to a central
server.
Home Area Network (HAN)

A HAN is a small network within a home that connects personal devices like
PCs, laptops, smartphones, printers, and smart TVs. It usually uses Wi-Fi or
Ethernet. Example: The Wi-Fi network in your house that connects your
phone, laptop, and smart TV.
Uses of Computer

PC at Home
Common uses for the computer within the home

• Computer games
• Working from Home
• Banking from Home
• Connecting to the Web