Introduction to Computers Learning Objectives After learning the concepts in this chapter, the students will be able • To know about Computers • To learn about various generations of computer • To understand the basic operations of computers • To know the components and their functions. • To know about booting of a computer Charles Babbage is considered to be the father of computer, for his invention and the concept of Analytical Engine in . The Analytical Engine contained an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), basic flow control, and integrated memory; which led to the development of first general- purpose computer concept. Father of Computer .
Introduction to Computers Computers are seen everywhere around us, in all spheres of life, in the field of education, research, travel and tourism, weather forecasting, social networking, e-commerce etc. Computers have now become an indispensable part of our lives. Computers have revolutionised our lives with their accuracy and speed of performing a job, it is truly remarkable. Today, no organisation can function without a computer.
In fact, various organisations have become paperless. Computers have evolved over the years from a simple calculating device to high speed portable computers. The growth of computer industry started with the need for performing fast calculations. The manual method of computing was slow and prone to errors.
So, attempts were made to develop fast calculating devices, the journey started from the first known calculating device (Abacus) which has led us today to an extremely high speed calculating devices. . Generations of Computers Growth in the computer industry is determined by the development in technology. Based on various stages of development, computers can be categroised into different generations.
SN Generation Period Main Component used Merits/Demerits First Generation - Vacuum tubes • Big in size • Consumed more power • Malfunction due to overheat • Machine Language was used First Generation Computers - ENIAC , EDVAC , UNIVAC ENIAC weighed about tons, size feet × feet × feet and consumed around watts of power Second Generation - Transistors • Smaller compared to