What are computers ?

"A computer is a programmable electronic device that takes data(input), perform instructed
arithmetic and logical operations, and gives the output(information).

It used to be known as calculating machine.

1640 the one who calculates
calculating machine
1897
processing
Input( Data) output ( information) 1945 pryrmble digital electronic

computer

Computare atulate
-

Talk briefly about the history of computers ? Latin ->

introduced aculal
1833 ->

• term 'Computer' was first introduced in 1640, referred to as 'one who calculates. Charles 1837 invented
first

• derived from the Latin word 'computare', which meant 'to calculate'. Babbage mechanical
general purpose
(father ofcomputer)
• 1897, it was known as the 'calculating machine computer

• 1945, the term 'computer' was introduced as 'programmable digital electronic computer
• now called a 'computer
• First computers were large and could fit a room size and Some computers were operated
using large-sized vacuum tubes.
• In 1833, Charles Babbage (known as the father of the computer) invented an early calculator
(difference engine)
• In 1837, he introduced the first mechanical, general-purpose computer 'Analytical Engine'.

GENERATIONS OF COMPUTER:
5 generations as follows:

Generation Characteristics Examples

1st (1946 - were based on electronic valves ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC
1959) 13 (Vacuum Tubes).
2nd (1959 - were based on Transistors IBM 1400, IBM 1620, IBM 7000
1965) 6 series
3rd (1965 - were based on Integrated Circuits IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP
1971) 6 (ICs).
4th (1971 – were based on very large scale STAR 1000, CRAY-1, CRAY-X-MP,
1980) 9 integrated (VLSI) circuits DEC 10
5th (1980 - based on multiple technologies, Desktop, Laptop, NoteBook
Present) such as :
• ultra large scale integration
(ULSI)
• artificial intelligence (AI)
• parallel processing
hardware
Software and hardware:

Software: is a group of instructions or programs that instructs the computer

system to work accordingly.
There are mainly two types of software:
System Software:
• help establish communication between hardware components so that
the user can interact with the computer
• necessary for the computer to operate correctly.
• They provide an interface to run additional third party programs or
utility tools.
• Examples: Operating systems, drivers, utility software, and firmware are

Application Software:
• is designed to help users to perform specific tasks, such as online
surfing, setting the alarm, listening to music, playing videos, photo
designing, editing,
• This type of software mostly runs in the frontend and allows end-users
to work on.
• Examples: Web browsers, Photoshop software, multimedia software and
word processors

Hardware :
The physical parts attached to a computer that form a whole computer are
called hardware or hardware components. There can be different types of
hardware, depending on the structure. Some most common hardware are
mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer, etc. These are the parts that can be seen
and touched by humans
Basic Parts of Computer :
5 units:
• Input unit
o mouse and keyword ‫ندخل بيها البيانات للكمبيوتر‬
• Output unit
o monitor and the printer
• Control unit
o control all the computer functions and functionalities CU
• Memory
o store all the input data, instructions, and output data.
o two types: Primary Memory and Secondary Memory
o memory found inside the CPU is called the primary memory
• Arithmetic and logical unit
o helps perform all the computer system's arithmetic and logical operations ALU

Control Unit, arithmetic logic unit, and the memory simultaneously form the
central processing unit (called CPU in short).

Functions of Computer :
• Input
o computer only takes data in a binary form (raw format).
o The input devices help convert the entered data in the binary form to be
understandable by the computer
o Data can be inputted in various forms, such as letters, numbers, images
• Processing
o primary function of the computer.
o CPU helps to process the data according to the instructions entered into the
computer system
o data is executed in a queue
o The processor (CPU) is the computer's brain > Micrpship
• Output
o readable data and displayed on the computer screen (monitor).
o Output can be stored in the storage devices if desired.
o The output devices help convert the processed data of the CPU into the human-
understandable form
• Storage
o Storage devices help to store digital data
o store the data while the computer is operating and after processing.
o volatile and non-volatile storage options
 o The volatile storage can store the data as long as the power source is connected
o non-volatile can store the data permanently even after the power source is
disconnected

Typically, the following operations are performed on the data during the
processing:
1. Arithmetic Operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication,
differentials, square root, etc.
2. Logical Operations, such as equal to, not equal to, greater than, less
than, opposite, etc.
What are the Characteristics of Computer ?
• Speed: Computers are a high-speed electronic machine. They can carry around 3-4 million
instruction per second. advanced computers can handle trillions of instructions per second
• Accuracy: Computers are also known for their accurate performance. They can complete
the given jobs at almost 100% accuracy. errors may occur in computers usually caused by
incorrect input, incorrect instructions, or bugs in chips.
• Storage Capacity: Computers can easily store a massive size of data. Modern computers
come inbuilt with high storage features compared to older days. Additional data can be
stored on secondary devices like external hard disks, or flash memory,
o . Due to incredible speed, data can be retrieved from storage in no time.
• Reliability: Computers are reliable and consistent; they can process the same tasks any
number of times without throwing any error. Computers don't get tired like humans, so they
are superior to perform rule-based, repetitive tasks.
• Versatility: The variety of tasks that a computer can perform are almost infinite. That means
computers can perform different tasks back to back without making errors

Classification of Computer According to physical size :

Supercomputer:
• the fastest and the most expensive type of computer.
• large and require more space for installation.
• These types of computers are mainly designed to perform massive data-
based and complex tasks.
• handle trillions of instructions at the same time.
Mainframe Computer:
• are comparatively smaller in size as compared to supercomputers.
 • These types of computers are designed to perform hundreds or
thousands of jobs at a time simultaneously.
• These computers can handle heavy tasks, including complex calculations
and can store vast amounts of data
• best suited for big organizations such as banking, telecom, and
educational sectors.
Microcomputer:
• cheap in price and support multi-user platform.
• These are the general-purpose computers designed to handle all the
necessary tasks of individual needs.
• Since they are comparatively slower than mainframe computers, are
suitable for small organizations.
• They are best suited for internet café, schools, universities, offices\
• microcomputer also referred to as the 'Personal Computer (PC)'. Laptop
and desktop are examples of

Minicomputer:
• are also referred to as Miniframe computers. These are the midsize
multiprocessing computer designed purposely for easy carry.
• These types of computers are light-weight and can fit in a small space.
• They are suitable for billing, accounting, education, and business
purposes.
• Since these minicomputers are easy to carry, they are the best option
for those who need a computer while traveling. Tablet PC, Notebooks,
and cell phones are examples of minicomputers.

Workstation:
• a powerful, single-user computer.
• A workstation is a personal computer with a faster microprocessor, a
massive amount of RAM, higher-quality monitors, high graphic memory,
• This is best suited for performing any specific type of task professionally.
• a workstation can be referred to as a music workstation, graphic
workstation, or engineering design workstation.
Advantages of Using Computer
• speed.
• accuracy.
• suited for multitasking.
• Computers keep the stored data secure and inaccessible from
unauthorized users.
• can automatically perform routine tasks with automation, making
humans available for more intelligent tasks.
Disadvantages of Using Computer
• Computers cannot work on their own.
• computers follow the given instructions blindly without thinking about
the outcomes.
• Computers need a power supply to work.
• Working on a computer continuously for a long period can cause several
health issues.
• Wastage of computers and their parts leave a negative impact on the
environment.
• increasing unemployment