BCA
Fundamental of Computer
Computer
A computer is an electronic device that processes information according to instructions provided by
software. It can store, retrieve, and manipulate data at incredible speeds, making it an indispensable tool in
nearly every field.
The word “Computer” comes from the word “Compute”, which means, “to calculate”. Computer
understands binary language (0,1).
Characteristics of computer:
Speed
Accuracy
Reliability
No IQ (No Characteristics Storage &
Intelligence) of computer Memory
Automation Diligence
Versatility
Speed: Computers process data at incredibly high speeds, measured in gigahertz (GHz) or millions of
instructions per second, completing complex calculations in milliseconds
Accuracy: They deliver highly precise results without errors; any errors that do occur are typically due to
incorrect data entry (garbage in, garbage out) rather than a failure of the machine.
Storage & Memory: Computers have massive storage capacity to store, retrieve, and process large
amounts of data in various forms (text, audio, images, videos).
Diligence: Unlike humans, computers can work continuously for hours without fatigue, concentration loss,
or boredom.
Versatility: Computers are adaptable, capable of performing completely different types of tasks—ranging
from complex scientific calculations to editing videos—by switching software.
Automation: Once programmed, computers can execute tasks automatically without needing human
intervention.
Reliability: Because they are consistent and do not make mistakes, computers are considered highly
reliable for critical operations.
, No IQ (No Intelligence): Computers cannot think or make decisions on their own. They rely entirely on
the instructions provided by a user.
Limitations of Computers:
Lack of Intelligence and Creativity: Computers cannot think independently, possess common sense, or
generate original ideas. They follow algorithms and cannot adapt to unexpected situations without
programming.
Dependence on Human Input: They operate solely on input data and instructions. Incorrect input results
in incorrect output, a concept known as "Garbage In, Garbage Out" (GIGO).
No Emotional Understanding: Computers lack emotional intelligence, empathy, and moral judgment,
making them unsuitable for tasks requiring human understanding.
Physical and Hardware Limits: They are restricted by memory, processing speed, storage capacity, and
power supply. Physical components are susceptible to wear, tear, and failure.
Security Vulnerabilities: Systems are prone to cyberattacks, hacking, and software bugs, which can lead
to data theft or system failure.
Environmental and Financial Cost: Computers are expensive to manufacture, maintain, and dispose of.
They have a high environmental impact through energy consumption and hazardous waste.
Computer Generations:
The evolution of computers is divided into five generations:
Generations of Computers
Time-Period Evolving Hardware
First Generation 1940s - 1950s Vacuum Tube Based
Second Generation 1950s - 1960s Transistor Based
Third Generation 1960s - 1970s Integrated Circuit Based
Fourth Generation 1970s - Present Microprocessor Based
Fifth Generation Present - Future Artificial Intelligence Based
First Generation Computers
The technology behind the primary generation of computers was a fragile glass device, which was called a
vacuum tube. These computers were very heavy and really large.
Examples of some main first-generation computers are mentioned below.
ENIAC: Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, built by J. Presper Eckert and John V.
Mauchly was a general-purpose computer. It had been cumbersome, and large, and contained 18,000
vacuum tubes.
Fundamental of Computer
Computer
A computer is an electronic device that processes information according to instructions provided by
software. It can store, retrieve, and manipulate data at incredible speeds, making it an indispensable tool in
nearly every field.
The word “Computer” comes from the word “Compute”, which means, “to calculate”. Computer
understands binary language (0,1).
Characteristics of computer:
Speed
Accuracy
Reliability
No IQ (No Characteristics Storage &
Intelligence) of computer Memory
Automation Diligence
Versatility
Speed: Computers process data at incredibly high speeds, measured in gigahertz (GHz) or millions of
instructions per second, completing complex calculations in milliseconds
Accuracy: They deliver highly precise results without errors; any errors that do occur are typically due to
incorrect data entry (garbage in, garbage out) rather than a failure of the machine.
Storage & Memory: Computers have massive storage capacity to store, retrieve, and process large
amounts of data in various forms (text, audio, images, videos).
Diligence: Unlike humans, computers can work continuously for hours without fatigue, concentration loss,
or boredom.
Versatility: Computers are adaptable, capable of performing completely different types of tasks—ranging
from complex scientific calculations to editing videos—by switching software.
Automation: Once programmed, computers can execute tasks automatically without needing human
intervention.
Reliability: Because they are consistent and do not make mistakes, computers are considered highly
reliable for critical operations.
, No IQ (No Intelligence): Computers cannot think or make decisions on their own. They rely entirely on
the instructions provided by a user.
Limitations of Computers:
Lack of Intelligence and Creativity: Computers cannot think independently, possess common sense, or
generate original ideas. They follow algorithms and cannot adapt to unexpected situations without
programming.
Dependence on Human Input: They operate solely on input data and instructions. Incorrect input results
in incorrect output, a concept known as "Garbage In, Garbage Out" (GIGO).
No Emotional Understanding: Computers lack emotional intelligence, empathy, and moral judgment,
making them unsuitable for tasks requiring human understanding.
Physical and Hardware Limits: They are restricted by memory, processing speed, storage capacity, and
power supply. Physical components are susceptible to wear, tear, and failure.
Security Vulnerabilities: Systems are prone to cyberattacks, hacking, and software bugs, which can lead
to data theft or system failure.
Environmental and Financial Cost: Computers are expensive to manufacture, maintain, and dispose of.
They have a high environmental impact through energy consumption and hazardous waste.
Computer Generations:
The evolution of computers is divided into five generations:
Generations of Computers
Time-Period Evolving Hardware
First Generation 1940s - 1950s Vacuum Tube Based
Second Generation 1950s - 1960s Transistor Based
Third Generation 1960s - 1970s Integrated Circuit Based
Fourth Generation 1970s - Present Microprocessor Based
Fifth Generation Present - Future Artificial Intelligence Based
First Generation Computers
The technology behind the primary generation of computers was a fragile glass device, which was called a
vacuum tube. These computers were very heavy and really large.
Examples of some main first-generation computers are mentioned below.
ENIAC: Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, built by J. Presper Eckert and John V.
Mauchly was a general-purpose computer. It had been cumbersome, and large, and contained 18,000
vacuum tubes.
