Computer Basics

Study Notes

A computer is an electronic device that can store, process, and communicate information.
The term "computer" was first used in the 17th century to describe a person who performed calculations.
The first mechanical computer was developed in the 19th century by Charles Babbage.
The first electronic computer was developed in the 1940s, using vacuum tubes.

Hardware: physical components of a computer, including:
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): executes instructions and performs calculations.
- Memory (RAM): temporary storage for data and applications.
- Storage Drive: permanent storage for data and programs.
- Input/Output Devices: keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc.
Software: programs and operating systems that run on the computer, including:
- Operating System (OS): manages hardware and provides a platform for applications.
- Applications: programs that perform specific tasks, such as word processing or web browsing.

Desktop Computers: designed for stationary use, often used for heavy processing and gaming.
Laptop Computers: portable and designed for mobile use.
Tablets: touch-sensitive devices that combine features of computers and smartphones.
Smartphones: handheld devices that combine features of computers and phones.
Servers: specialized computers that manage and provide access to resources over a network.

1st Generation (1940s-1950s): vacuum tubes, used for scientific calculations.
2nd Generation (1950s-1960s): transistors, smaller and faster than vacuum tubes.
3rd Generation (1960s-1980s): integrated circuits, led to the development of microprocessors.
4th Generation (1980s-present): microprocessors, led to the development of personal computers.

A computer is an electronic device that stores, processes, and communicates information.
The term "computer" originated in the 17th century to describe a person who performed calculations.
Charles Babbage developed the first mechanical computer in the 19th century.
The first electronic computer was developed in the 1940s using vacuum tubes.

Hardware consists of physical components, including:
- Central Processing Unit (CPU) for executing instructions and performing calculations.
- Memory (RAM) for temporary storage of data and applications.
- Storage Drive for permanent storage of data and programs.
- Input/Output Devices, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
Software includes programs and operating systems, including:
- Operating System (OS) to manage hardware and provide a platform for applications.
- Applications, such as word processing and web browsing.

Desktop Computers are designed for stationary use, often for heavy processing and gaming.
Laptop Computers are portable and designed for mobile use.
Tablets combine features of computers and smartphones, using touch-sensitive screens.
Smartphones combine features of computers and phones, fitting in a handheld device.
Servers are specialized computers managing and providing access to resources over a network.

1st Generation (1940s-1950s) used vacuum tubes for scientific calculations.
2nd Generation (1950s-1960s) used transistors, which were smaller and faster than vacuum tubes.
3rd Generation (1960s-1980s) used integrated circuits, leading to the development of microprocessors.
4th Generation (1980s-present) used microprocessors, leading to the development of personal computers.