Introduction to Computing

Introduction to Computing

• Computing encompasses a broad range of topics and concepts
• Computers are often referred to as CPUs, central processing units.

Computer

• CPUs interpret and execute program instructions
• CPUs communicate with peripheral devices.

Who Invented The Computer?

• Charles Babbage, a British mathematician, is considered the father of the computer.
• His purpose was to mechanize mathematical calculations.
• He died at the age of 79 due to a gall bladder infection or kidney failure.

Difference Engine and Analytical Engine

• Difference Engine: A simple mechanical computer used for performing only one mathematical operation (usually addition).
• Analytical Engine: A general-purpose computer capable of multiple mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and more complex tasks. It was slower and more complicated than the Difference Engine

First Programmer

• Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace is the first programmer
• She worked with Charles Babbage on the Difference Engine
• Ada died at the age of 36 due to cancer

Evolution of Computers

• Computers have evolved through different generations, each marked by advancements in technology.

First Generation

• This generation used vacuum tubes.
• ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer), was a notable early computer completed in 1945.
• Notable examples also include EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer) and UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer).

Advantages (First Generation)

• Calculated in milliseconds (very fast computations)
• Used vacuum tubes for electronic components

Disadvantages (First Generation)

• Enormous size (weighing about 30 tons)
• Could only store small amount of information
• Maintenance and cooling issues due to vacuum tubes
• Limited programming
• High energy consumption

Second Generation

• Transistors were used instead of vacuum tubes, leading to improved performance.
• Key examples include Honeywell 400 (1960), IBM 7094 (1962), CDC 1604, CDC 3600, UNIVAC 1108

Third Generation

• Integrated circuits (ICs) became the key component, drastically reducing computer size and increasing efficiency.
• First ICs were invented in 1958/1959 by Jack Kilby & Robert Noyce.
• Languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, and PASCAL were commonly used for programming Key examples include PDP-8, PDP-11, ICL 2900, IBM 360, and IBM 370

Advantages (Third Generation)

• Cheaper than preceding generations
• Faster than preceding generations
• Smaller than preceding generations
• Improved performance
• Increased storage capacity
• User-friendly interfaces (with multimedia)

Disadvantages (Third Generation)

• IC chips were complex to maintain
• Air conditioning is required for IC operation

Fourth Generation

• Microprocessors and VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) were prominent technologies
• C and C++ programming languages became common
• Unix was one of the earliest operating systems Key examples include DEC 10, STAR 1000, PDP 11, CRAY-1, and CRAY-X-MP

Advantages (Fourth Generation)

• Fastest in computation
• Reduced size
• Reduced heat generation
• Less maintenance
• High-level languages used

Disadvantages (Fourth Generation)

• Complex microprocessor design and fabrication
• Advanced technology needed for ICs
• Air conditioning required in some cases

Fifth Generation

• Based on artificial intelligence (AI) and large-scale integration (ULSI)
• Microprocessor chips contained millions of electronic components
• Aim and capability to understand natural language and learn complex tasks independently

Advantages (Fifth Generation)

• More reliable
• Faster operation
• Available in various sizes
• User-friendly interfaces
• Multimedia capabilities

Disadvantages (Fifth Generation)

• Need for low-level languages
• Potential concern about making the human brain lazy