History of Computers Overview

History Of Computers

• Early Mechanical Devices:

  • Abacus (3000 BC): First counting device.
  • Charles Babbage (1837): Designed the Analytical Engine, a mechanical general-purpose computer.

• First Generation (1940s-1950s):

  • Vacuum tubes used for circuitry.
  • ENIAC and UNIVAC: Early electronic computers.

• Second Generation (1950s-1960s):

  • Transistors replaced vacuum tubes.
  • Improved reliability and efficiency.

• Third Generation (1960s-1970s):

  • Integrated Circuits (ICs) introduced.
  • Miniaturization of components.

• Fourth Generation (1970s-Present):

  • Microprocessors developed.
  • Personal computers emerged.

• Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond):

  • Focus on artificial intelligence and advanced computing.

Operating Systems

• Definition: Software that manages hardware and provides services for computer programs.

• Types of Operating Systems:

  • Batch Operating Systems: Processes jobs in batches without user interaction.
  • Time-Sharing Operating Systems: Multiple users can access the system simultaneously.
  • Distributed Operating Systems: Manages a group of distinct computers and makes them appear as a single entity.
  • Embedded Operating Systems: Designed for specific applications, often with real-time constraints (e.g., in machines or devices).

• Examples:

  • Microsoft Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iOS

Computer Software Types

• System Software:

  • Includes operating systems and utilities that manage hardware.
  • Example: Windows, macOS.

• Application Software:

  • Programs that perform specific tasks for users.
  • Types include:
    • Productivity Software (e.g., Microsoft Office)
    • Database Software (e.g., Oracle, MySQL)
    • Graphic Design Software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop)
    • Web Browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox)

• Development Software:

  • Tools for creating software applications.
  • Examples: IDEs (e.g., Visual Studio), Compilers (e.g., GCC).

• Malware:

  • Malicious software designed to harm or exploit computers.
  • Types include viruses, worms, trojan horses.

Basic Computer Components

• Input Devices:

  • Allow users to enter data (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner).

• Output Devices:

  • Display or output data (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).

• Central Processing Unit (CPU):

  • The brain of the computer; performs calculations and processes instructions.

• Memory:

  • RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for active processes.
  • ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent storage for firmware.

• Storage Devices:

  • Store data permanently (e.g., Hard Disk Drives, Solid State Drives, USB flash drives).

• Motherboard:

  • Main circuit board connecting all components of the computer.

• Power Supply:

  • Converts electricity from an outlet into usable power for the computer components.

History Of Computers

• Abacus (3000 BC) is recognized as the first counting device.
• Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine in 1837, considered a pioneering mechanical general-purpose computer.
• First Generation (1940s-1950s) utilized vacuum tubes for circuitry, with notable computers like ENIAC and UNIVAC.
• Second Generation (1950s-1960s) introduced transistors, enhancing reliability and efficiency.
• Third Generation (1960s-1970s) brought Integrated Circuits (ICs), leading to component miniaturization.
• Fourth Generation (1970s-Present) featured the development of microprocessors and the rise of personal computers.
• Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond) focuses on artificial intelligence and advanced computing technologies.

Operating Systems

• Operating systems are software that manage computer hardware and provide essential services for applications.
• Batch Operating Systems process jobs in groups without user interaction.
• Time-Sharing Operating Systems allow multiple users simultaneous access to a computer system.
• Distributed Operating Systems manage a network of computers, presenting them as a single unit.
• Embedded Operating Systems are designed for specific applications, often with real-time constraints.
• Examples of operating systems include Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Computer Software Types

• System Software manages hardware and includes operating systems and utilities, e.g., Windows and macOS.
• Application Software performs specific user tasks, categorized into:
  • Productivity Software (e.g., Microsoft Office)
  • Database Software (e.g., Oracle, MySQL)
  • Graphic Design Software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop)
  • Web Browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
• Development Software includes tools for creating applications, such as Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio and Compilers like GCC.
• Malware refers to malicious software that can exploit or damage computers, with types including viruses, worms, and trojan horses.

Basic Computer Components

• Input Devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner) allow users to enter data into the system.
• Output Devices (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers) display or output information.
• Central Processing Unit (CPU): Known as the brain of the computer, it executes calculations and processes instructions.
• Memory components include:
  • RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for currently running processes.
  • ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent storage for firmware.
• Storage Devices (e.g., Hard Disk Drives, Solid State Drives, USB flash drives) retain data long-term.
• The Motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all computer components.
• Power Supply transforms electricity from an outlet into power usable for computer components.