Computer Basics

Definition and History

• 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.

Components

• 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.

Types of Computers

• 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.

Functions

• Processing: executes instructions and performs calculations.
• Storage: stores data and programs.
• Input/Output: interacts with users and devices.
• Communication: connects to other devices and networks.

Generations of Computers

• 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.

Definition and History

• 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.

Components

• 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.

Types of Computers

• 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.

Functions

• Processing executes instructions and performs calculations.
• Storage stores data and programs.
• Input/Output interacts with users and devices.
• Communication connects to other devices and networks.

Generations of Computers

• 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.