INTRODUCTION

TO
COMPUTERS
Lesson 3. OVERVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS
IN COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
Lesson 3. Overview of Developments in
Computer Technology
A. Three Directions of Computer Development
After the first General Purpose
Electronic Digital Computer was invented, the
computers have developed in three directions:
1. Smaller sizes Small but terrible. This
is the trend in todays technology. ENIACs
old-fashioned radio-style vacuum tubes,
gave way to smaller, faster, more reliable
transistor. The transistor is used as means
to transfer electrical signals along
predetermined circuits. The next step was
the development of tiny integrated circuits
used as a pathway etched on tiny squares
of silicon half the size of the thumbnail.
Lesson 3. Overview of Developments in
Computer Technology
2. More Power - Turning computers in small physical
components allowed computer manufacturers to cram
more power into their machines, providing faster
processing speed and large data storage capacity.
3. Less Expense - The smaller processor in personal
desktop computers can perform the same speed of
calculations once performed by a computer that filled
the entire room. However, processor costs are cheaper
than of the price 15 years ago.
Lesson 3. Overview of Developments in
Computer Technology
B. FIVE KINDS OF COMPUTERS
1. Microcontrollers also called embedded
computers, are the small-specialized
microprocessors installed in appliances and
automobiles. These microcontrollers enable
microwave ovens, for example, to store data
how long bake pasta and at what temperature.
Lesson 3. Overview of Developments in
Computer Technology
B. FIVE KINDS OF COMPUTERS
2. Microcomputers personal computers
that can fit on or beside a table or are
portable. Some examples are desktop,
laptop computers, notebook computers,
sub-notebook computers, pocket PCs,
PDAs, smartphones and tablets.
Lesson 3. Overview of Developments in
Computer Technology
B. FIVE KINDS OF COMPUTERS
3. Minicomputers/Midrange computers
are machines midway in cost and
capability between microcomputers and
mainframes. They can be used as single-
user workstations. When used by system
tied with network to several hundred
terminals for many users, they are known
as midrange computers.
Lesson 3. Overview of Developments in
Computer Technology
B. FIVE KINDS OF COMPUTERS
4. Mainframe usually large computers and
the oldest category of computer system. This is
a high level computer designed for the most
intensive computational tasks. Mainframe
computers are used in large companies to
handle million of transactions.
Lesson 3. Overview of Developments in
Computer Technology
B. FIVE KINDS OF COMPUTERS
5. Supercomputers are high-capacity
machines that require special air-conditioned
rooms and are the fastest calculating devices
ever invented and are used for large scale
projects.
End
of
Lesson 3