1.

1 INTRODUCTION A computer is a programmable machine designed to perform arithmetic and

logical operations automatically and sequentially on the input given by the user and gives the
desired output after processing. Computer components are divided into two major categories
namely hardware and software. Hardware is the machine itself and its connected devices such as
monitor, keyboard, mouse etc. Software are the set of programs that make use of hardware for
performing various functions.
1.2 OBJECTIVES After going through this lesson you would be able to:
familiarise yourself with characteristics of computers
identify the basic components of a computer
explain the importance of various units of a computer
differentiate between system software and application software
explain the importance of operating system
get acquainted with open source
appreciate the need of computer security
1.3 CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTERS The characteristics of computers that have
made them so powerful and universally useful are speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility and storage
capacity. Let us discuss them briefly.
Speed Computers work at an incredible speed. A powerful computer is capable of performing
about 3-4 million simple instructions per second.
Accuracy In addition to being fast, computers are also accurate. Errors that may occur can almost
always be attributed to human error (inaccurate data, poorly designed system or faulty
instructions/programs written by the programmer)
Diligence Unlike human beings, computers are highly consistent. They do not suffer from human
traits of boredom and tiredness resulting in lack of concentration. Computers, therefore, are better
than human beings in performing voluminous and repetitive jobs.
Versatility Computers are versatile machines and are capable of performing any task as long as it
can be broken down into a series of logical steps. The presence of computers can be seen in almost
every sphere Railway/Air reservation, Banks, Hotels, Weather forecasting and many more.
Storage Capacity Todays computers can store large volumes of data. A piece of information once
recorded (or stored) in the computer, can never be forgotten and can be retrieved almost
instantaneously.

1.5 Generation of Computer : The computer that we see today has not developed
overnight. It has taken decades of human efforts to see the computer in its present
form.Computers were born when our grandparents were of young age, almost 70 years ago.But
at that time, very few people were aware of them.We normally divide computers into.Five
Generations based on the stages of development. Let us study them in detail.
FIRST GENERATION
The years, 194255 saw the development of First generation computers. These
 computers were very different from the computers we see now. UNIVAC, ENIAC,
EDVAC are some of the examples of computers of this generation. These computers
were taller than man, i.e. quite huge physically. They had no monitor or keyboard.
These computers used thousands of Vacuum Tubes. So, large amount of electricity
was consumed and a lot of heat was produced. Computers of this generation were very
slow and expensive too.
SECOND GENERATION
The years, 1956 63 saw the Second generation computers. IBM 7090, ATLAS, IBM
7094 are some of the examples of computers of this generation. These computers
consumed less electricity and produced less heat as compared to the First generation
computers. Transistors were used in this generation. One transistor replaced 40
vacuum tubes.
The first computer of this generation was developed for the atomic energy industry.
THIRD GENERATION
The computers developed during 1964 71 were called the Third generation
computers. IBM 360, IBM 370 are some of the examples of computers of this
generation. Keyboard, Monitor and Operating System were introduced in this
generation. Computers, for the first time, were made available to the public. These
computers required less space, were faster and consumed less energy as compared to
the previous generations. Transistors were replaced by Integrated Circuits (ICs)
known as Chips.
FOURTH GENERATION
The Fourth generation computers, i.e. from 1971 onwards are the Modern
Computers that we use now a days. Personal Computer is an example of this
generation. The size of the computer has decreased with the improvement in the
integrated circuits. This generation started using Microprocessors. Mouse has also
been introduced in this generation that made the working of the computer very fast and
easy.
FIFTH GENERATION
Development in the computers does not stop in the Fourth generation only. In the
present time, lot of research is going on in this field, bringing out the Fifth generation
computers.
Scientists have created computers that can copy human thought, understand speech,
beat the best human chess player, and countless other things which were never before
possible. These computers are based on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Artificial
Intelligence makes computers behave like humans. Super Computer is an example of
the Fifth generation computers.
1.6 Computer Categories based on classification according to logic and according to size
1. On the basis of logic

Analog Computer
An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer that
uses continuous physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to
model the problem being solved.

Digital Computer
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits,
usually in the binary number system

Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)

A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and outputting in both digital and
analog signals. A hybrid computer system setup offers a cost effective method of performing
complex simulations.

2 On the basis of Size

Super Computer

The fastest and most powerful type of computer Supercomputers are very expensive and are
employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations.
For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include
animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration.
The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels
all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power
to execute many programs concurrently.

Mainframe Computer
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users
simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (in watches, for example)
at the bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers.
In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more
simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a
mainframe.

Mini Computer
A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and mainframes.
In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred,
however, as has the distinction between small minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a
minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users
simultaneously.

Micro Computer or Personal Computer

Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
 Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete with an integrated screen and keyboard. It is
generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than a notebook computer.
Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized computer. Palmtops have no
keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and output device.

hand-held computer
A hand-held computer is a portable computer that is small enough to be held in one's hand.
Although extremely convenient to carry, handheld computers have not replaced notebook
computers because of their small keyboards and screens. Traditional hand-held computers were
PDAs and devices specifically designed to provide PIM (personal information manager) functions,
such as a calendarand address book. Today PocketPCs, smartphones and tablets are common
consumer devices.

pen-based computer

computer that uses software to enable it to accept handwriting or drawing as a formof input. A stylu
s, which may contain special electronic circuitry, may be used to write on the computer display or o
n aseparate tablet. The earliest devices were limited to recognizing geometric shapes for computer
graphics applications andneatly printed alphanumeric characters. Pattern recognition software has
improved to the level where cursive input is nowacceptable, especially in personal digital
assistants, smartphones, and computer tablets, although such input is not alwaysaccurately interpr
eted by the software. Styluses now also may be used to create artwork as well as input alphanumeri
ccharacters and geometric shapes, and touchscreens permit a finger to replace a stylus in some case
s.