Computer Chapter 1 (Part A) Notes Accordind To New Syllabus 2011

[Emad Hassan]

Chapter 1

Introduction To Computer

(Part A)

Q1. Describe Charles Babage work in the history of computers?

Answer:Babbage's contribution in the development of computer
In the I823. Charles Babbage a British mathematician worked on the constructor of huge mechanical machine based on the principles of difference of squares of numbers.
In 1833 he designed a prototype computer. He called it an 'ANALYTICAL ENGINE1. He can not convert his dreams into reality because the standard of engineering and technology was not so high at that time.
Parts of Analytical engine
Analytical engine consisted of five units, which are given as follows
Store Unit
This part was to store the numbers fed to the machine and also those numbers dial * generated during the process of problem solving, along with the instructions.
Mill Unit
This was the arithmetic unit, which had to perform all the arithmetic operations automatically by rotation of gears and wheels.
Control Unit
This unit was to supervise all the other units and direct their working. The other task assigned to this unit was to transfer the numbers and instructions from the store to the mill and vice versa, by rotation of gears and wheels.
Input Unit
The input unit of the analytical engine had to supply data and instructions to the store. The input media was in the form of punched cards.
Output Unit
The output unit of the analytical engine had to display the results of calculations.


STORE


INPUT UNIT CONTROL OUTPUT UNIT


MILL


Schematic diagram of Analytical Engine


Why Babbage is called fatlier of computer
In fact Babbage machine gave birth to research in the field of computer and that is why the modern comrjuter is largely based on Ihe principle developed by the Babbage. That's why he is considered as the father of computer.


Q2. Describe the advancements in the computers during the 1950's and 1960's?


Answer :Advancement in 1950's and 1960's
In early I950's, two important engineering discoveries changed the image of the computer I field. These discoveries were the magnetic core memories and .the Transistor Circuit F.lements. This quickly found its way into new models of digital computers.
These machines were very expensive and were afso complicated to operate. Such computer? were mostly found in large computer centers, government, and research and development laboratories. Those computers mostly worked on a single problem at a time. During this period, the major computer manufacturers began to offer a range of computer equipment with different prices, as well as accessories such as:
> Card Readers "f Printers
> Cathode-Ray-Tube
> These were widely used in business for such things as:
> Accounting .
> Payroll
> Inventory control
> Ordering Supplies
> Billing
Central Processing Unites (CPUs) for these usages did not have to be very last and were usually used to access large arnount of records on a computer file. The computer systems were sold for applications, such as hospitals, banks, defense etc.


Q3. Write a note on a different computer generations briefly explaining their features.

Answer :Generation of Computers
"Generation" in computer talk is a step in technology. It provides a framework for the growth of the computer industry.
a) First Generation Computers
These computers was introduced during 1946 to 1959, EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer), ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator), EpSAC (Electronic Delayed Storage Automatic Computer), UNIVAC-I (Universal Automatic Computer) and Mark-I computers are example of 1 st generation computers.
Characteristics of 1st Generation Computers
1. 1st generation of computers used Vacuum Tubes.
2. These computers were the fastest calculating devices of their time. They could perform computations in milliseconds.
3. These computers were larger in size and slow in speed.
4. Maintenance of 1 st generation computer's was difficult.
5. Memory size of these computers was limited.
6. They were costly and unreliable.
b) Second Generation Computers
Iransistors replaced vacuum tubes and gave birlh lo the second general ion of computer These computers were introduced during 1959 to 1965. UNIVAC-ll. IBM 700, 1400 an;
!600 series. Honey Well 800 series. ICL 1300 series. General Hleelric Corporation's GE2D). 635 and 645 scries examples of second generation computers.
Characteristics of 2nd Generation Computers
1. 2nd general ion of computers replaced Vacuum Tubes with Transistor.
2. These computers were smaller in size, faster and more reliable as compared to generation of computers.
3. These computers were able to reduce computational time from millisecond i microsecond.
4. Maintenance of 2nd generation computer's was easy.
c) Third Generation Computers
I IK- third generation uas based on 1C technology and tlie computes that were designc the use of integrated circuits (IC's) were called third generation computers. These compito ucre introduced during 1965 lo 1972. IBM 360 series, PDF series and ICL 1900 series example;, of third generation computers.
Characteristics of 3rd Generation Computers
1. The electronic technology of solid slate was introduced.
2. This generation of computers was even more reliable, faster and smaller than il
previous ones. .5. These computers were able to reduce computational times from microseconds i
nanoseconds.
4. Maintenance cost of these computers is low because hardware failures are rare
5. These computers require less power than previous generation computers
(d) Fourth Generation Computers
In 19-70's the integrated technology was developed sufficiently to integrate all main time of a computer on a single chip called a microprocessor. The introduction of.microprui' brought the computer age into fourth generation computers. These compiners introduced since 1972 to onward. IBM 3033 and 4300, Burroughs B6900, Hoiieywcll v series, NCR 8500 scries, CYBER 205. Radio Shack TRS-80 and the hand licit! conipuL Sharp PC-1211 are examples of fourth generation of computers.
Characteristics of 4th Generation Computers
1. Integrated circuit technology was developed to integrate all main function-computer on single chip called "microprocessor".
2. This generation of computers were very reliable, faster and smaller than the pi
ones.
3. Much taster in computation than the previous generations.
4. Fourth generation of computers brought computer down from the organization level to
persona! level.
5These computers arc totally general purpose and cheapest among all generation.
Computer Model
HIM 3033. IBM 4300. Burroughs B6900. Honeywell scries, 60 NCR 8500 series. CYBER 205 series. Radio Shack TRS-80