INTRODUCTION Definition : A Computer is an electronic device that can perform activities
that involve Mathematical, Logical and graphical manipulations. Generally, the term is used
to describe a collection of devices that function together as a system. It performs the
following three operations in sequence. 1. It receives data & instructions from the input
device. 2. Processes the data as per instructions. 3. Provides the result (output) in a desired
form. Data : It is the collection of raw facts, figures & symbols. Ex : Names of students and
their marks in different subjects listed in random order. Information : It is the data that is
processed & presented in an organized manner. Ex : When the names of students are
arranged in alphabetical order, total and average marks are calculated & presented in a
tabular form, it is information. Program : Set of instructions that enables a computer to
perform a given task. Advantages of computers : 1. High speed : Computers have the ability
to perform routine tasks at a greater speed than human beings. They can perform millions of
calculations in seconds. 2. Accuracy : Computers are used to perform tasks in a way that
ensures accuracy. 3. Storage : Computers can store large amount of information. Any item of
data or any instruction stored in the memory can be retrieved by the computer at lightning
speeds. 4. Automation : Computers can be instructed to perform complex tasks
automatically ( which increases the productivity). 5. Diligence : Computers can perform the
same task repeatedly & with the same accuracy without getting tired. 6. Versatility :
Computers are flexible to perform both simple and complex tasks. 7. Cost effectiveness :
Computers reduce the amount of paper work and human effort, thereby reducing costs.
Limitations of computers : 1. Computers need clear & complete instructions to perform a
task accurately. If the instructions are not clear & complete, the computer will not produce
the required result. 2. Computers cannot think. 3. Computers cannot learn by experience.
Generations of computers : Generation Component used First Generation (1946-1954 )
Vacuum tubes Second Generation (1955-1965) Transistors Third Generation (1968-1975 )
Integrated Circuits (IC) Fourth Generation ( 1976-1980) Very Large Scale Integrated Circuits
(VLSI) Fifth Generation (1980 – till today ) Ultra Scale Integrated Circuits (ULSI) Micro
Processor (SILICON CHIP)
that involve Mathematical, Logical and graphical manipulations. Generally, the term is used
to describe a collection of devices that function together as a system. It performs the
following three operations in sequence. 1. It receives data & instructions from the input
device. 2. Processes the data as per instructions. 3. Provides the result (output) in a desired
form. Data : It is the collection of raw facts, figures & symbols. Ex : Names of students and
their marks in different subjects listed in random order. Information : It is the data that is
processed & presented in an organized manner. Ex : When the names of students are
arranged in alphabetical order, total and average marks are calculated & presented in a
tabular form, it is information. Program : Set of instructions that enables a computer to
perform a given task. Advantages of computers : 1. High speed : Computers have the ability
to perform routine tasks at a greater speed than human beings. They can perform millions of
calculations in seconds. 2. Accuracy : Computers are used to perform tasks in a way that
ensures accuracy. 3. Storage : Computers can store large amount of information. Any item of
data or any instruction stored in the memory can be retrieved by the computer at lightning
speeds. 4. Automation : Computers can be instructed to perform complex tasks
automatically ( which increases the productivity). 5. Diligence : Computers can perform the
same task repeatedly & with the same accuracy without getting tired. 6. Versatility :
Computers are flexible to perform both simple and complex tasks. 7. Cost effectiveness :
Computers reduce the amount of paper work and human effort, thereby reducing costs.
Limitations of computers : 1. Computers need clear & complete instructions to perform a
task accurately. If the instructions are not clear & complete, the computer will not produce
the required result. 2. Computers cannot think. 3. Computers cannot learn by experience.
Generations of computers : Generation Component used First Generation (1946-1954 )
Vacuum tubes Second Generation (1955-1965) Transistors Third Generation (1968-1975 )
Integrated Circuits (IC) Fourth Generation ( 1976-1980) Very Large Scale Integrated Circuits
(VLSI) Fifth Generation (1980 – till today ) Ultra Scale Integrated Circuits (ULSI) Micro
Processor (SILICON CHIP)
