Intro to Computers and ICT

Introduction to Computers and ICT

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is relevant, as life depends on information technology in the Information Age.
• The course includes the definition and historical context of computers, and contributions made by computer scientists.
• Applications span banking, education, science, health, and agriculture.
• Covers the developmental stages and characteristics of computers.

Defining a Computer

• A computer is an electronic machine used to solve problems.
• Computation involves input, processing via instructions, and output.
• Computers solve problems by applying prescribed instructions on data
• Usage shapes understanding.
• Uses interrelated parts to transmit information.

Historical Progression of Computing

• Computing history starts with the ABACUS, ~5,000 years ago that was used to perform calculations manually by sliding beads on wires.
• The ASTROLABE also enabled computation for the purpose of navigation about 2,000 years ago
• In 1642, Blaise Pascal invented the first calculating machine at age 19 that performs addition and subtraction using a mechanical gear system.
• From 1663-1666 Sir Morland invented machines for currency addition and access to pre-calculated tables
• In 1694, German mathematician Leibnitz created the Stepped Reckoner, a mechanical calculator able to multiply, divide, and extract square roots. Its first working model was in 1794.
• In the 1830s, Charles Babbage developed the Analytical Engine, the first automatic digital computer combining arithmetic processing with memory and sequential control.
• The Analytic Engine used punched cards for input/output
• Charles Babbage is considered the "father of modern computer" for his initial work on computer design.
• Mid-19th century, George Boole's essays formed the basis of Boolean algebra, the foundation of electronic computer switching theory
• In 1880, Herman Hollerith introduced punched cards for census data, creating a tabulating system that automated the census count that led to the formation of IBM.
• John V. Atanasoff built an electromechanical digital computer prototype in 1939.
• Concurrently, Howard Aiken and IBM engineers developed the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (Mark-1) completed by 1944.
• Around 1939, ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator) was built consisting of switches and interconnecting wires.
• M. V. Wilkes designed large memory at Cambridge and built EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator) for training computer-oriented mathematicians.
• By 1948, prototype machines in Manchester led to IBM, Remington, and ICL producing computers commercially after EDVAC in 1945-1950.

Computer Applications and Capabilities

• Computers were first used in scientific and military applications for complex calculations, nowadays computer is also used for planning and business.
• Can accurately process data at high speeds with minimal human intervention
• The instruction set limits problem-solving.
• Problem-solving depends on supplied instructions.
• Computer's speed and accuracy enhances ability, but lacks independent thought.
• Relies on logic programmed by a user and is reliable in repetitive tasks.
• Stores and retrieves information quickly and can make decisions by altering the flow instructions

The Evolution of Computer Popularity

• Due to speed and accuracy of processing, computer machine are fast more becoming more popular
• There is an increase in computer demand in the world over as it is having a proud influence on science, business, government, industry, and education.
• Mathematical, research, and management practices become highly efficient through computer use.
• Computer's evolution is rapid; new developments can become outdated quickly.
• Computers vary widely in shape, size, and cost.
• Mainframe computers are used by large organizations but are generally inaccessible to individuals.
• Minicomputers became available in the late 1960s, were a smaller, cheaper alternative to mainframes.
• Mid-1970s brought microcomputers with integrated circuits (silicon chips), which are smaller and affordable.
• Microcomputers serve personal, educational, commercial, and technical roles, complementing mainframes.
• Personal computers (PCs) are small, inexpensive microcomputers for individual use and are becoming commonplace.

Key Concepts Learned

• A computer is an electronic device capable of accepting data, processing it logically or arithmetically, and releasing results.
• Computers evolve because of computer scientist.

Computer Generations

• Computer evolution is marked by generations with shifting design such as size and heat, processing power.
• The advancements are marked by new technologies.
• Each generation improves upon earlier ones

First Generation Computers

• Initiated in 1946 with ENIAC by J. P. Eckert and John W. Mauchly.
• ENIAC was the first all-purpose electronic digital computer.
• Used vacuum tubes instead of relays..
• High computational speed, processing ~5,000 calculations per second.
• Hungarian mathematician John Von Neumann conceived the stored program, that enabled self-modifying computers.
• UNIVAC-1 (1951), uses vacuum tubes and mercury delay.
• Had main memory, permitted 500-microsecond access time.
• Was the first to handle numerical and alphabetical data with equal ease.
• First generation computers were large, slow, generated heat and relatively unreliable.

Second Generation Computers

• Invention of transistors in electronic engineering led to the development of this computer era.
• Transistors replaced vacuum tubes, being smaller, reliable, and power-efficient
• Transistors, smaller size, increased reliability, and lower power consumption
• Transistors used for arithmetic and logic with an improved magnetic core
• Faster (50,000 operations per second) digital systems.
• Processors operated at microsecond speeds with lower heat.

Third Generation Computers

• Integrated circuits (ICs) were the key technological innovation.
• Hundreds of transistors, diodes, and resistors on tiny chip.
• Made mainframes more speed, capacity, reliability, and affordability.
• Large Scale Integration (LSI) enabled packing thousands of transistors on a single integrated circuit.
• Arose the microprocessor, a CPU on a single silicon chip
• Development of the CPU circuit led to microcomputers.

Fourth Generation Computers

• Fourth generation computers in the 1980s, distinguishing factor was Very Large-Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits that increased circuit density.
• Large-scale integrated circuits contained on silicon chip and very large-scale integrated circuits holds hundreds of thousands components within same amount of space.
• Had a microprocessors as central unit, fabricated on a chip.
• Software industry boomed that involved software. Enhancements in networking within LANs.

Fifth Generation Computers

• Architecture differs from Von Neumann's model expected to be in the market because of feature expectations.
• Intended to feature Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as reasoning, recognizing relationships, and learning from experience.
• Simultaneous execution of separate operations (memory, logic, control).
• Voice-input devices expected for handling connected speech with large vocabularies.

Key Characteristics of Computer Generations

• Timing is the period such as mid-forties to eighties and future
• Architecture features use of different circuit elements in active logic
• Unique features of generation such as vacuum tube, IC, CPU, and AI
• Operations per second with basic or faster operations
• Speed indicates greater speed range from access time to micro or higher
• Heat generated low with limited-power or heat generation.
• Memory Space reduced with smaller transistor size.
• Cost is lower due to components being made of lower cost.

Key Concepts Learned

• Computer has generations that reflect developmental stages.
• Each had distinctive features related to size and technology.