Introduction to Computers

What is a Computer?

• A computer is an electronic machine that processes and stores information
• Computers are comprised of wires, transistors, circuits, instructions, and data that can transmit, store, and manipulate information
• Computers accept data as input, process it, then provide the information as an output
• Computer components include an input device (e.g., keyboard, mouse), Central Processing Unit (CPU), storage unit (e.g., Hard Disk), and output device (e.g., monitor, printer)

Basic Computer Operations

• Input: Receiving information from users through input devices
• Storage: Storing information using storage devices, such as the CPU and auxiliary memory
• Processing: Executing instructions and manipulating data controlled by the CPU
• Output: Presenting processed results from the CPU to the user

History of the Computer

• First Generation (1937-1946):

  • The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) was built in 1937 as the first electronic digital computer
  • The Colossus was built in 1943 for military purposes
  • ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was developed in 1946 as the first general-purpose digital computer
  • Early computers relied on vacuum tubes, were bulky, could only perform a single task at a time, and lacked an operating system.

• Second Generation (1947-1962):

  • Transistors replaced vacuum tubes, increasing reliability and decreasing computer size
  • The UNIVAC 1 (Universal Automatic Computer) was introduced in 1951 as the first commercially available computer
  • IBM 650 and 700 series computers gained popularity
  • Over 100 programming languages were developed
  • Computers had memory and operating systems
  • Storage media like tapes and disks became common, along with printers for output

• Third Generation (1963-Present):

  • The invention of integrated circuits led to computers becoming smaller, more powerful, and more reliable
  • Computers became capable of running multiple programs simultaneously
  • MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) emerged in 1980
  • IBM introduced the PC (personal computer) in 1981 for home and office use
  • Apple introduced the Macintosh computer in 1984 with its Graphical User Interface (GUI)
  • Windows operating system became widespread in the 1990s
  • The computer has become an integral part of daily life, continuing to evolve with advancements in technology