Introduction to Computer
What is Computer?
Computer is the most powerful and versatile tool created by human being. In today's scenario, Computer plays a major role in every aspect of life and influences our lives one way or the other. Today, you can hardly find any area which is not influenced by computer. The word computer comes from the word "compute" which means to calculate. Computer is also meant for calculation but is more than just a calculating machine. Computer is an Electronic device which performs three basic tasks. i.e., inputting, processing, and outputting. A computer accepts the input through various input devices. After the receiving the input data, computer performs different operation required by the user on these input. Finally, computer generates the resultant of the processed data as a output through various output devices. Hence, the computer is a data processing device.
On the other hand, Computer simply means a machine that can calculate. However, modern computers are no longer just a computing device. They can do different types of work. In simple words, a computer is a programmable electronic machine that is used to store, retrieve, and process data.
By definition, “A computer is a programmable electronic device that takes data, performs directed arithmetic and logical operations, and produces output.”
Since, the computer is a vastly used for making calculation and controlling operation that are expressible in numerical and logical terminology yet the computer development started from Abacus and it's journey of development still going on.
A Brief History of Computer
The word "computer" was first introduced in 1640 and was called "calculator". It is derived from the Latin word "computer" which means "to calculate". In 1897 it became known as the "Calculating Machine". Later in 1945, the word "computer" was changed to mean "programmable digital electronic computer", now known as "computer".
When computers arrived, they were huge and could fill entire rooms. Some computers are powered by large vacuum tubes. In 1833, Charles Babbage (known as the father of the computer) invented the first calculator called the "Difference Engine". Later in 1837 he introduced the "Analysis Engine", the first general-purpose mechanical computer. Over time, computers have become more powerful in terms of performance and smaller in size.
The Generation of Computer
There are five computer generations, which can be
categorized as follows:
- The first generation of computers, from 1946 to 1959, relied on electronic valves (vacuum tubes). ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC, and other well-known first-generation computers are only a few.
- Computers of the second generation, which spanned 1959 to 1965, were transistor-based. The IBM 1400, IBM 1620, and IBM 7000 series are a few examples of well-known second-generation computers.
- Third Generation (1965–1971): Integrated circuits (ICs) served as the foundation for computers during this generation. Popular third-generation computers include the PDP, IBM 360, and IBM 370.
- Fourth Generation (1971–1980): VLSI (very large scale integrated) circuits served as the foundation for computers during this generation. The STAR 1000, CRAY-1, CRAY-X-MP, DEC 10, and other popular fourth generation computers are only a few examples.
- Fifth generation: The fifth generation is still in use today (1980–present). Computers are built using a variety of technologies, including co-processing hardware, artificial intelligence (AI), and ultra-large scale integration (ULSI). Computers of the fifth generation include desktops, laptops, notebooks, etc.
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