Introduction to Computer Generations

Course Aims and Objectives

• Students will understand the importance of computer literacy
• Students will identify and explain computers and their workings, including hardware components and specifications
• Students will understand and use the binary system
• Students will understand system and application software with examples
• Students will understand issues of data communications and computer networks
• Students will describe the impact of computers on society

Learning Objectives

• Explain the importance of learning about computers in today's world, including integration into business and personal life
• Define a computer and its primary operations
• List key milestones in computer evolution
• Identify personal computer components, including input, processing, output, storage, and communications hardware
• Define and explain how software instructs computers
• List five basic computer types, providing examples and their uses

Computers Then and Now

• Computers, as we know them, are a recent invention
• Precomputers and early computers (before 1946) included the abacus, slide rule, and mechanical calculators, as well as punch card tabulating machines
• The history of computers is often divided into generations, each marked by significant technological advancements
• First-generation (1946-1957): enormous, vacuum tube-powered computers, used much electricity and generated significant heat
• Second-generation (1958-1963): used transistors, were smaller, more powerful, cheaper, more energy-efficient, and more reliable than first-generation computers
• Third-generation (1964-1970): used integrated circuits (ICs), keyboards, and monitors were introduced
• Fourth-generation (1971-present): featured microprocessors, including IBM PC and Apple Macintosh computers
• Fifth-generation (now and future): in its infancy stage, classifications are not precise, but potentially based on AI, voice/gesture input, and optical computers using nanotechnology

Evolution of Computing

• The progression of computer technology reflects substantial advancements, from large, expensive machines for corporations in the 1960s to powerful PCs readily available in homes by 2003.

Computers Then and Now ( Detailed )

• Precomputers and early computers (before 1946): included the abacus, slide rule, mechanical calculators, and punch card tabulating machines
• First-generation (1946-1957): computers that were large and used vacuum tubes, were bulky, and needed to be physically wired and reset.
• Second-generation (1958-1963): used transistors instead of vacuum tubes, were smaller,faster, and more reliable
• Third-generation (1964-1970): introduced integrated circuits (ICs), smaller and more affordable
• Fourth-generation (1971-present): included the rise of microcomputers, such as IBM PC's
• Fifth generation and beyond: are expected to be based on advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, voice/gesture input, and potential optical technologies with nanotechnology elements.

How Fast Is 1 GHz?

• A 1970 Mustang could reach 150 mph and an early microprocessor (from 1971) operating at 108kHz
• Computer processor speeds have increased drastically, exceeding automotive speeds by many factors

Why Use Computers?

• Speed
• Accuracy
• Consistency
• Reliability
• Communications Capabilities
• Memory

What is a Computer and What Does it Do?

• A computer is a programmable electronic device accepting data, performing operations, and storing results.
• Computers follow instructions called programs, which govern their actions
• Basic computer operations include input (entering data), processing (performing operations), output (presenting results), and storage (saving data and results).

What Can Computers Do?

• Input/output operations (reads input and writes output)
• Processing operations (math, computation, and decision making)

Why Use Computers?

• Speed
• Accuracy
• Consistency
• Reliability
• Communication
• Memory

Data Representation

• Data is processed to become information

Data vs. Information

• Data is the raw input in a computer system
• Information is the processed output from the computer

Hierarchy of Data Organization

• Bit: The most basic unit (on/off switch)
• Character: Same as a byte (8 bits)
• Field: Group of related characters
• Record: Group of related fields
• File: Group of records
• Database: Group of related files

Using Computers

• Personal computing: Word processing, spreadsheets, databases, graphics, presentations, desktop publishing, and communications.
• Information systems: Hardware, software, people, procedures, and data are aspects of information systems.

Computers to fit Every Need

• Handheld computers
• Notebook PCs
• Desktop PCs
• Thin Client PCs
• Workstations
• Server computers
• Supercomputers

Category 1: Embedded Computers

• Embedded computers are designed for specific tasks and integrated into products
• They are not general-purpose computers
• Examples include household appliances, thermostats, sewing machines, and cars

Category 2: Mobile Devices

• Mobile devices are small with computing or internet capabilities
• Typically based on mobile phones
• Examples include smartphones, handheld gaming devices, and portable digital media players

Category 3: Personal Computers (PCs)

• Personal computers are for single-user use
• Types of PCs encompass desktops and portables, including notebooks/laptops, tablet/slate, and convertible tablets.

Category 3: Personal Computers (PCs) - IBM/Wintel/Mac

• IBM PC was introduced in 1981, followed by a proliferation of compatible PCs running Windows using the Intel processor.
• Mac platform utilizes Motorola PowerPC chips, but the Mac operating systems are not compatible with IBM PC/Wintel hardware.

Category 4: Midrange Servers

• Midrange servers are medium-sized computers, used to host programs and data for a small network

Category 5: Mainframe Computers

• Powerful computers, used by large organizations to manage large amounts of centralized data such as those in hospitals, banks, universities, etc. Mainframes are typically located in climate-controlled data centers.

Category 6: Supercomputers

• Supercomputers are large, powerful computers, typically used for complex tasks that require immense processing speed such as scientific simulations, weather forecasting, and image processing

Computer Hardware

• Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer
• Internal hardware is located inside the computer's main box/system unit
• External hardware connects to the computer externally via a wired or wireless connection
• Components include input (keyboard, mouse, scanner), processing (CPU, memory units), output (monitor, printer, speakers) and storage devices (hard drives, CDs, DVDs, flash memory), and communication equipment (modems/network adapters, etc.).
• These components support the basic computer operations: input, processing, output, and storage

Computer Software

• Software are Programs
• System software manages and controls resources
• Application software performs specific tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, etc
• Types include operating systems and other support/service software (antivirus).
• Users can also develop their software

Computer Networks

• Networks connect multiple computers and devices sharing resources. This setup involves a network server to centrally store data, and users to access it through computers or dumb terminals

Going Online

• Internet (the Net): Global network of computers
• Internet Service Provider (ISP): Connects users to the internet
• Information Services: Platforms for accessing information like AOL
• Modems: Devices that connect digital signals to phone lines
• Online/Offline: Interaction with the internet
• Download/upload: Transferring files over the internet

Internet Services

• E-mail (electronic messages), Chat (real-time communication), Videophone (video calls), Ftp (file transfer protocol), Newsgroups (online discussion forums), World Wide Web (accessing data via internet browser)

How Thin Clients Differ From PCs

• Thin clients often have smaller processors, less RAM, and lack hard drives. They depend on a network server which is more expensive for one.

Client/Server Computing

• A client is a component requesting processing or support from a server
• A server is a component providing processing or support to clients
• Applications software has front-end (client-side component) and back-end (server-sided/data component)

Fields of Study

• Intelligent Systems (Conventional Systems, Machine Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Deep Learning)
• Data Science Software (Big data, Data processing, Data visualization)

Test your knowledge on the characteristics and developments in the first and second generations of computers. This quiz covers key concepts such as data input methods, primary operations, and the evolution of computer technology. Understand what defines a computer and its operations through this engaging quiz.