Introduction to Computer (26-27)

Introduction to Computer

The word “Computer” is derived from the English word “Compute,” which means “To calculate.” In the early stage of development, computers were mainly used for performing mathematical calculations.

Initially, mathematicians and scientists contributed greatly to the development of computers because they wanted to develop machines that could solve complex calculations quickly and accurately.

A computer is an advanced electronic machine that can be programmed to perform arithmetic and logical operations automatically with high speed and accuracy.

Definition :- A computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it according to the instructions given by the user, stores it, and produces meaningful information as output.

Or

A computer is an advanced electronic machine that works on the principle of Input, Process, Output, and Storage (IPOS) to perform various tasks quickly and accurately.

Advantages of Computers

1.     Speed:- A computer can perform tasks at a very high speed within a short time.

2.     Storage Capacity:- A computer can store a large amount of data and information in its memory.

3.     Accuracy:- A computer performs tasks with a high level of accuracy and correctness.

4.     Versatility:- A computer can perform many different types of tasks efficiently.

5.     Automation:- A computer can perform tasks automatically after receiving instructions and data.

6.     Efficiency:- A computer can work continuously for a long time without getting tired.

7.     Reliability:- A computer provides reliable and dependable results when correct input is given.

8.     Multiple Uses:- A computer is used in many different fields according to the requirement.

Limitations of Computers

Along with the advantages of computers, there are also some limitations and drawbacks of computers.

1.     Lack of Feelings:- A computer does not have emotions, feelings, or the ability to think like humans.

2.     Dependence on Instructions:- A computer works only according to the instructions given by the user and cannot work on its own.

3.     Lack of Decision-Making Ability:- A computer cannot take independent decisions.

4.     Security Risks:- A computer can be affected by viruses, hacking, or cyber attacks if proper security is not maintained.

Uses of Computers

Computers are being used in every sector of society in the present time. The main areas where computers are used are as follows.

1.     In the field of education

2.     In the field of medicine

3.     In the field of information technology

4.     In the field of railway and air reservation

5.     In the field of banking

6.     In the field of weather forecasting

7.     Making cartoons and animation films

8.     In different laboratories

9.     In the area of traffic control

History of Computers

The development of computers did not happen suddenly, but it took place gradually over many years through continuous improvements in different calculating devices and machines.

Many scientists, mathematicians, and inventors contributed significantly to the development of computers. Several important machines played a major role in the evolution of modern computers.

Abacus

The Abacus was developed in ancient times and was widely used in China, Japan, and other Asian countries for performing mathematical calculations. It is considered one of the earliest calculating devices used by humans.

The Abacus is a rectangular frame made of wood or metal containing several vertical rods with movable beads. A horizontal divider separates the rods into two parts. The upper part is called “Heaven” and usually contains two beads, while the lower part is called “Earth” and contains five beads. Calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are performed by moving the beads up and down on the rods.

Napier’s Bones

In 1617 AD, the Scottish mathematician John Napier invented Napier’s Bones to simplify mathematical calculations. It consisted of rectangular rods made of bone, wood, or ivory on which numbers were written. This device was mainly used for multiplication, division, and logarithmic calculations. Napier’s invention greatly reduced the time required for complex calculations and became an important step in the development of mechanical calculating devices.

Slide Rule

The Slide Rule was invented in 1621 by the English mathematician William Oughtred. It is considered one of the earliest analog calculating devices. The Slide Rule consisted of two marked scales that could slide over each other to perform calculations. It was mainly used for multiplication, division, roots, logarithms, and trigonometric calculations. Before the invention of electronic calculators, engineers and scientists widely used the Slide Rule for scientific calculations.

Adding Machine / Pascaline

In 1642, the French mathematician Blaise Pascal invented the Adding Machine, also known as Pascaline. It was the first successful mechanical calculator capable of performing arithmetic operations automatically. The machine consisted of toothed wheels and gears connected together in such a way that rotating one wheel affected the others. It could perform addition and subtraction quickly and accurately. Pascal invented this machine to help his father in tax calculations.

Leibniz Calculator

In 1672, the German mathematician and philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz improved Pascal’s Adding Machine and developed the Leibniz Calculator. This machine was more advanced because it could perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Leibniz used a special stepped drum mechanism that made calculations faster and easier. This invention played an important role in the advancement of mechanical calculators and inspired future computing machines.

Multiplying Machine

In 1820, the French engineer Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar developed the Multiplying Machine, also known as the Arithmometer. It was one of the first successful mechanical calculators used commercially. This machine could perform arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division quickly and accurately. It worked with the help of gears, levers, and rotating wheels. The Arithmometer became very popular in offices and businesses because it reduced manual calculation work and increased accuracy.

Jacquard Loom

In 1801, the French inventor Joseph Marie Jacquard developed the Jacquard Loom, an advanced weaving machine used for producing complex designs on cloth automatically. The most important feature of this machine was the use of punched cards to control weaving patterns. Each punched card contained coded instructions that directed the machine to create specific designs. The concept of storing instructions on punched cards later became highly important in the development of computers and data processing systems.

Difference Engine

In 1822, the English mathematician Charles Babbage designed the Difference Engine, a mechanical calculating machine developed for preparing mathematical tables automatically. The machine worked with the help of gears, shafts, and wheels and was designed to reduce errors in calculations made by humans. It could perform complex mathematical operations and print the results automatically. Although the machine could not be fully completed because of lack of funds and technical difficulties, it became an important step in the development of modern computers.

Analytical Engine

In 1833, Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine, which is considered the first concept of a modern computer. This machine was designed to perform arithmetic calculations and logical operations automatically. It contained components similar to modern computers, such as a memory unit, processor, input system, and output system. The Analytical Engine was also designed to use punched cards for instructions and data storage. Because of this revolutionary design, Charles Babbage is known as the “Father of Modern Computer.”

Census Tabulator

In 1890, the American inventor Herman Hollerith invented the Census Tabulator to process census data quickly and accurately. This machine used punched cards and electricity for data processing. It could sort, count, and record large amounts of information much faster than manual methods. The machine was successfully used during the United States census and greatly reduced the time required for data analysis. Later, Hollerith established the Tabulating Machine Company, which eventually became IBM, one of the world’s leading computer companies.

Mark I

In 1944, Howard Aiken and engineers of IBM developed the Mark I computer, also known as the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC). It was the world’s first large-scale electromechanical computer capable of performing calculations automatically. The machine used both electrical and mechanical components and could solve complex mathematical problems much faster than humans. Mark I was mainly used during World War II for scientific research and military calculations. It was about 50 feet long and operated continuously for long periods without interruption.

Generations of Computers

The development of digital computers is classified into five generations on the basis of hardware technology, electronic components, and processing capability. Each new generation introduced better speed, storage capacity, reliability, and advanced features than the previous generation.

First Generation Computers:- The first generation of computers used Vacuum Tubes as the main electronic component. The period of this generation is considered from 1945 to 1955. These computers were very large in size, consumed a large amount of electricity, and generated excessive heat. ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC, and UNIVAC were the major computers of this generation. Machine language and binary codes were mainly used for programming.

Features of First Generation Computers

1- Vacuum tubes were used as the main electronic component.

2- These computers were very large in size.

3- They consumed a large amount of electricity.

4- They generated excessive heat during operation.

5- Their speed was comparatively low.

6- Machine language and binary language were used for programming.

7- These computers were less reliable and required frequent maintenance.

Second Generation Computers:- In second generation computers, Transistors replaced Vacuum Tubes. The period of this generation is considered from 1956 to 1963. Transistors were smaller, faster, more reliable, and consumed less electricity than vacuum tubes. Due to this improvement, second generation computers became smaller in size and more efficient. High-level programming languages such as FORTRAN, COBOL, and ALGOL were introduced during this generation.

Features of Second Generation Computers

1- Transistors were used instead of vacuum tubes.

2- These computers were smaller in size.

3- They consumed less electricity and produced less heat.

4- Their speed and storage capacity increased.

5- These computers were more reliable than first generation computers.

6- High-level languages such as FORTRAN, COBOL, and ALGOL were used.

Third Generation Computers:- The third generation of computers used Integrated Circuits (ICs) instead of transistors. The period of this generation is considered from 1964 to 1971. Integrated circuits made computers smaller, faster, cheaper, and more reliable. During this generation, operating systems and multiprogramming concepts were also introduced. Keyboards, monitors, and other input-output devices became common in computers.

Features of Third Generation Computers

1- Integrated Circuits (ICs) were used.

2- These computers were smaller and more reliable.

3- Their speed and storage capacity increased significantly.

4- Keyboards and monitors were commonly used.

5- Operating systems were introduced.

6- BASIC and other modern programming languages were used.

7- These computers were cheaper than earlier generations.

Fourth Generation Computers:- The fourth generation of computers is based on Microprocessor technology. LSI (Large Scale Integration) and VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) technology were used in this generation. This generation started around 1971 and led to the development of personal computers (PCs). Computers became very small, fast, reliable, and affordable. Modern input and output devices such as mouse, printer, scanner, and graphical user interfaces became widely used.

Features of Fourth Generation Computers

1- Microprocessor technology was introduced.

2- LSI and VLSI technology were used.

3- Computers became very small and portable.

4- Their speed and storage capacity increased greatly.

5- Modern programming languages were used.

6- Mouse, printer, scanner, and GUI technology became common.

7- Personal computers became popular during this generation.

Fifth Generation Computers:- The fifth generation of computers is based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and advanced semiconductor technology. This generation started around 1985 and continues to the present time. Scientists are developing intelligent computers that can understand natural language, recognize speech, make decisions, and solve complex problems automatically. Modern technologies such as robotics, expert systems, cloud computing, and AI-based applications are examples of fifth generation computing.

Features of Fifth Generation Computers

1- Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is used.

2- These computers are extremely fast and powerful.

3- They can process large amounts of data quickly.

4- Natural language processing and speech recognition are possible.

5- Robotics and machine learning technologies are used.

6- These computers are capable of intelligent decision-making.

7- The present era is called the Digital Age because of the widespread use of computers.