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Introduction to Computer

Thursday, 3 October 2013
Introduction to Computer
Contents
  • Digital and analog computers
  • Characteristics of computer—Speed, accuracy, diligence, storage capability, versatility
  • History of computer—Calculating machines, Napier’s bones, slide rule, Pascal’s adding and subtraction machine, Leibniz’s multiplication and dividing machine, punch card system, Babbage’s analytical engine, Hollerith’s punched card tabulating machine
  • Generations of computer
    • First generation (1940 to 1956): Using vacuum tubes
    • Second generation (1956 to 1963): Using transistors
    • Third generation (1964 to 1971): Using integrated circuits
    • Fourth generation (1971 to present): Using microprocessors
    • Fifth generation (present and next): Using artificial intelligence
  • Classification of computer—Microcomputers (desktop computer or Personal Computer (PC), notebook computers or laptop, netbook, tablet computer, handheld computer or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), smart phones), minicomputers, mainframe computers, supercomputers
  • The computer system—Hardware, software, data, users
  • The Input-process-output concept
  • Components of computer hardware—Input/output unit, central processing unit, storage unit
  • Application of computers—Education, entertainment, sports, advertising, medicine, science and engineering, government, home