Classification of Computers by Generation

Computers can be classified by generation based on the first generation

 First generation: Computers in this generation are characterized by the following:
o Vacuum Tube

o Big size

o Lots of heat

 Second generation: : Computers in this generation are characterized by the

following:

o Isolated Transistor

o Generates lots of heat but not as much as first generation

 Third generation: : Computers in this generation are characterized by the

following:

o Integrated circuits

 Fourth generation: Computers in this generation are characterized by the

following:

o Large Scale Integrated circuits

o Microprocessors

 Fifth generation: Computers in this generation are characterized by the following:

o Very Large Scale Integrated circuits

o Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

Classification of computers by the type of Data Processed (mode of operation)

Digital Computers: They represent data in discrete pulses, codes or numbers usually

denoted by binary digits 0 and 1. Examples include desk calculators, some personal

computers and adding machines.

1
Analogue Computers: They are computers that represent data in continuous form using

physical quantities. Examples include petrol pumps, speedometers, voltammeters and

all such instruments.

Hybrid Computer: Hybrid computers are the combination of the features of analogue

and digital computers.

Classification of computers by Purpose

There are two major classes under this category. These include:

 special purpose and

 general purpose computers.

Special Purpose Computers: They are designed to carry out special or specific tasks and

functions e.g. ATM, washing machine etc.

General Purpose Computers: These are computers that are designed to perform general

functions.E.g Desktop computers

Classification of computers by physical size

 Microcomputer:

o The smallest and cheapest.

o Slow in operation.

o Support for software and hardware Peripherals are relatively low

 Minicomputer

o Bigger than microcomputer

o More expensive and faster than microcomputer

o Made up large and more powerful processors

o Greater internal storage capabilities

o Has greater support for hardware and software

2
  Mainframe

o Big in size

o Possess great computing capabilities to support multi-users and multi-tasking

environments

o Great processing speed

o Massive storage capabilities

o Very expensive

o Massive support for hardware and software

 Super Computer

o Biggest Computer

o Most expensive

o Possess greater computing capabilities to support multi-users and multi-tasking

environments than mainframe computers

o Greater processing speed

o Massive support for hardware and software

1.3 Elements of a Computer System

A computer system is a combination of three basic components which include the

following:

1. Hardware

2. Software

3. Humanware

1. Hardware

The hardware is referred to as the physical component of the computer, that is,

components that can be physically handled such as the electrical, electronics and the

3
mechanical units of the computer. Hence, the input units, output units, storage units

and CPU are called the computer hardware.

2. Software

These are sets of instructions which are used to operate the computer and execute

specific tasks. Software can be broadly classified into two types. They are:

 System Software

 Application software

System software

These are programs that control the basic activities of the computer. Examples

include the operating systems, utility software, device drivers and translators. The

functions of system software include the following:

 Disk checking

 Disk defragmentation

 Booting

 Management of the computer resources

 Conversion of users input in human language to machine readable form

Operating Systems

These are sets of programs that manage the computer resources. The functions of the

operating system include:

 Manages the computer resources

 Responsible for booting and shutting down of the computer system

 Serves as an interface between the computer and the application software

 Serves as an interface between the computer and the users

 Responsible for disk checking and disk defragmentation

4
Application software

These are programs that are designed to perform specific tasks based on the user’s

need ssuch as word processing, database management, presentation, spread sheeting

etc. Typical examples of application software include Microsoft office suite and

Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

3. Humanware

The people who work with the computer are collectively called the humanware or

peopleware e.g computer programmer, computer analyst, computer engineer etc.

1.4 Components of the Microcomputer

The components of the microcomputer include the following:

 Input unit

 Output unit

 Storage unit

 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

 Input unit: This unit accepts instructions and data. Typical examples of input

devices include keyboard, joystick, light pen, mouse, web camera, scanner,

Optical Mark Reader (OMR) and Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

 Output unit: This unit communicates the results to the user. Typical examples

of output devices include printer, monitor, speakers, headphones, plotters etc.

 Storage unit: This unit provides temporary or permanent storage for

information and programs for latter retrieval or security purposes. There are two

types of storage devices. These include primary and secondary or auxiliary

storage.

 CPU: The CPU has three components which include the following:

o The Control Unit

5
 o The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

o The Memory Unit.

o Control Unit: The Control Unit controls the overall operation of the computer

system. It is considered as the heart of the computer system. It controls all

the other units, directs them to operate in a proper way and co-ordinates

various operations performed.

o Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): This unit performs two kinds of operations

which include the arithmetic and logical processing. The arithmetic unit

performs all mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction,

multiplication and division while the logical unit performs the relational and

logical operations such as comparing larger or smaller values, true or false

statements.

o Memory Unit: This unit stores the intermediate results during calculations

and provides it when required.

ALU
Output
Input Devices
Devices
Control

Unit

Main
Memory

Auxiliary Storage Devices

The Main/Primary Memory

This consists of the Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM).

6
  Random Access Memory (RAM): Data and program instructions are stored in

RAM while the computer is in operation. Data can be written and read from it at

random. It is called a read/write memory. RAM is a temporary memory hence the

data stored in it is lost when the power is turned off. RAM is volatile.

 Read Only Memory (ROM): The instructions in ROM are set by the

manufacturer and cannot be changed by the user. ROM is not volatile; hence the

data stored in it is not lost when the power is turned off. There are two types of

ROM. These include the

 Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM)

 Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM)

Secondary Memory Unit: The storage capacity of the primary storage of a

computer is limited and thus cannot store large volume of data/information.

Thus, the use of the auxiliary memory, backing or secondary storage is required.

Examples include Hard Disk, floppy Disk, Compact Disc, Magnetic Tape and

Magnetic Disk and Flash Memory.

Extra Memory

There are two main types of extra memory. These include the following:

1. Direct Access Storage Device (DASD)

This is a type of storage device that enables the computer to retrieve information

directly without having to scan through a series of records. The DASD is the general

term for Magnetic Disk storage devices.

2. Sequentially Access Storage Device (SASD)

7
Sequential access storage device is a storage device that is read and written in a serial

fashion (one after the other). Magnetic Tape is a common sequential access storage

device.