Computer Fundamentals

Lecture 2

Introduction to computers
 Generations of Computers

What are the generations of computers?

 Generations of computers are mainly divided according
to the development of computer technology.

 There are five generations of the computer.

 First Generation (1946 – 1959)
 Second Generation (1959 – 1965)
 Third Generation (1965 – 1971)
 Fourth Generation (1971 – 1980)
 Fifth Generation (1980 to Present)

2.2
 First Generation (1946 – 1959)
 During the first generation, computers were developed
using vacuum tubes as the core technology.
‫ صمام مفرغ‬،‫صمام كهربي‬
 Machine language was used for giving the instructions.
 Input was based on punched cards and paper tape
 These computers' weight was about 30 tones.
 Required large room to place it.
 Generates too much heat.

vacuum tubes 2.3

First Generation (1946 – 1959)

punched paper
First Generation

2.4
 Second Generation (1959 – 1965)
 Vaccum tubes are replaced by transistors.
 One transistor replaced the equivalent of 40 vacuum
tubes.
 operating systems are used.
 computers used assembly languages instead of
binary machine languages (allowed programmers to
specify instructions in words).
 They are smaller and faster than first generation.

Transistor 2.5
Second Generation (1959 – 1965)

Second generation computer

2.6
 Third Generation (1965 – 1971)
 The 3rd generation computers replaced transistors with
Integrated circuit known as chip.
 These computers were smaller, faster and cheaper.
 mouse, keyboard, and monitor were introduced in this
generation.

Integrated circuit (chip)

2.7
 Fourth Generation (1971 – 1980)
 The microprocessor (CPU) was used.
 Thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a
single silicon chip.

microprocessor
2.8
 Fifth Generation (1980 to Present)
 Ten million electronic devices are assembled on a
single microprocessor chip.
 This generation computers used parallel processing
hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software.
 The programming languages used in this generation
were C, C++, Java, .Net, etc.

2.9
 Categories of Computers (by Size)

1) Supercomputers
2) Mainframe computers
3) Minicomputers
4) Microcomputers
a) Desktop or Personal Computer (PC)
b) Workstation
c) Laptops / Netbooks
d) Tablets
e) Smartphone Devices
f) Wearable Computers

2.10
 (1) Supercomputers
 A supercomputer is the fastest computer in the world.
 The supercomputer consists of tens of thousands of
processors.
 Very expensive, can be over 100 million dollars.
 Supercomputers are used for complex tasks, such as:
 Weather forecasting
 Oil and gas exploration
 Cryptanalysis
 The computers used by
NASA to launch space shuttles.

Supercomputer
2.11
 (2) Mainframe Computers
 A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer that
can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users at
the same time.
 Modern businesses employ mainframes for various
purposes, including banking, insurance, healthcare, and
government.

2.12
 (3) Minicomputers
 A minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of
supporting hundreds users simultaneously
 Minicomputer – a mid-range computer that is
intermediate in size, power, speed, storage capacity,
etc., between a mainframe and a microcomputer.
 It used for scientific and engineering computations, and
database management.

2.13
 (4) Microcomputers

 A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive

computer with a microprocessor as its central
processing unit (CPU)
 Microcomputers are designed to be used by
individuals.
 Types of Microcomputer
 Desktop or Personal Computer (PC)
 Workstation
 Laptops / Netbooks
 Tablets
 Smartphone
 Wearable Computers

2.14
 (4) Microcomputers - Desktop

Desktop or Personal Computer (PC)

 The PC is a general-purpose, cost-effective computer
that stands for the personal computer.
 fits on or under a desk.
 It typically has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and system
unit.

2.15
 (4) Microcomputers - Workstations
Workstations
 It usually has more capacity than a personal computer,
but is not as high-powered as a mainframe computer.
 Workstation Usages
 Small engineering companies
 Architects
 graphic designers.
 Can be used as server.
 Software development.

2.16
 (4) Microcomputers - Laptop
Laptop computer (or notebook)
 Laptop computer (also called portable computer or notebook
computer) (Other terms, such as ultra book or netbook, refer to
specific types of laptop)
 Is a portable personal computer that is small enough to
rest on the user’s lap and can be powered by a battery.
 It includes a flip down screen and a keyboard with a
touchpad.

2.17
 (4) Microcomputers - Tablet

Tablet
 A tablet is a wireless, portable personal computer with
a touchscreen interface.
 It is slightly smaller and weighs less than the average
laptop.
 It is approximately the size of a hardcover book (seven
inches or bigger), and resembles a large smartphone.

2.18
 (4) Microcomputers - Smartphone
Smartphone Devices
 A smartphone is a portable computer device that
combines mobile telephone and computing functions into
one unit.

Q- What is E-readers?

2.19
 (4) Microcomputers - Wearable

Wearable Computers
 A computing device worn on the body.
 Examples: ????

2.20
List of Top 10 Computer Companies in the World by Market
Share
Computer Market
#
Company Share
1. Lenovo +20%
2. HP +20%

3. Dell +17%

4. Apple +9%

5. Acer +7%

6. Asus
Old +7%

7. Toshiba <5%

8. IBM <5%

9. NEC <5% https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

/
10. Fujitsu <5% Date 23 /9 /2024 10:00 pm

2.21
 Review Questions
 1. Define what computer is.
 2. Which computer generation use the following
component:
 a. Transistor
 b. Vacuum Tube
 c. Microprocessor
 d. Integrated Circuit
 3. There are five generations of computer. Explain the
characteristic of the computer in each generation.

2.22
 Review Questions
 There are two common types of microcomputer:
Desktop and Laptop. Discuss the difference between
these two types of computer based on:
 Ability to upgrade and customize
 Performance
 Portability
 Price
 Popularity

2.23
 Review Questions
 Define the following terms:
 Data
 Information

 Write any two features of Supercomputers.

 What is the difference between Personal Computers

and Minicomputers?

2.24
 Assignments
 list the top 10 software companies in the world for
2024, based on revenue and influence in the
technology sector.

2.25