What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data from the user, processes it, produces
results, displays them to the users, and stores the results for future usage.
Data is a collection of unorganized facts & figures and does not provide any further information
regarding patterns, context, etc. Hence data means "unstructured facts and figures".
Information is a structured data i.e. organized meaningful and processed data. To process the
data and convert into information, a computer is used.
The most commonly used full form of Computer is 'Common Operating Machine Purposely
Used for Technological and Educational Research'.
Basic Parts of Computer
The essential components of the computer can be defined as follows:
Input Unit: Input Units or devices are used to input the data or instructions into the
computers. Some most common input devices are mouse and keyword.
Output Unit: Output Units or devices are used to provide output to the user in the
desired format. The most popular examples of output devices are the monitor and the
printer.
Control Unit: As its name states, this unit is primarily used to control all the computer
functions and functionalities. All the components or devices attached to a computer
interact with each other through the control unit. In short, the control unit is referred to
as 'CU'.
Arithmetic Logic Unit: The arithmetic logic unit helps perform all the computer
system's arithmetic and logical operations. In short, the arithmetic logic unit is referred
to as 'ALU'.
Arithmetic operations − Examples include calculations like addition, subtraction,
differentials, square root, etc.
Logical operations − Examples include comparison operations like greater than,
less than, equal to, opposite, etc.
Memory: Memory is used to store all the input data, instructions, and output data.
Memory usually has two types: Primary Memory and Secondary Memory. The
memory found inside the CPU is called the primary memory, whereas the memory that
is not the integral part of the CPU is called secondary memory.
Note: Control Unit, arithmetic logic unit, and the memory simultaneously form the central
processing unit (called CPU in short).
Generations of Computer
There are five generations of the computer, which can be classified as below:
First Generation (1946 - 1959): During the first generation, computers were based on electronic
valves (Vacuum Tubes). Some popular computers of first-generation are ENIAC, EDVAC,
UNIVAC, etc.
Second Generation (1959 - 1965): During the second generation, computers were based on
Transistors. Some popular computers of second-generation are IBM 1400, IBM 1620, IBM 7000
series, etc.
Third Generation (1965 - 1971): During the third generation, computers were based
on Integrated Circuits (ICs). Some popular computers of the third generation are IBM 360,
IBM 370, PDP, etc.
Fourth Generation (1971 - 1980): During the fourth generation, computers were based on very
large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits. Some popular computers of fourth-generation are STAR
1000, CRAY-1, CRAY-X-MP, DEC 10, etc.
Fifth Generation (1980 - Present): The fifth generation is still ongoing. The computers are
based on multiple technologies, such as ultra large scale integration (ULSI), artificial
intelligence (AI), and parallel processing hardware. The fifth generation of computers includes
Desktop, Laptop, NoteBook, etc.
Characteristics of Computer
To understand why computers are such an important part of our lives, let us look at some of its
characteristics −
Speed − Typically, a computer can carry out 3-4 million instructions per second.
Accuracy − Computers exhibit a very high degree of accuracy. Errors that may occur are
usually due to inaccurate data, wrong instructions or bug in chips – all human errors.
Reliability − Computers can carry out same type of work repeatedly without throwing up
errors due to tiredness or boredom, which are very common among humans.
Versatility − Computers can carry out a wide range of work from data entry and ticket
booking to complex mathematical calculations and continuous astronomical observations.
If you can input the necessary data with correct instructions, computer will do the
processing.
Storage Capacity − Computers can store a very large amount of data at a fraction of cost
of traditional storage of files. Also, data is safe from normal wear and tear associated with
paper.
Classification of Computer
According to physical size, computers are classified into the following types:
Supercomputer: Supercomputers are the fastest and the most expensive type of
computer. They are large and require more space for installation. These types of
computers are mainly designed to perform massive data-based and complex tasks.
Supercomputers are capable enough to handle trillions of instructions at the same time.
Mainframe Computer: Mainframe computers are comparatively smaller in size as
compared to supercomputers. However, they are not much small. These types of
computers are designed to perform hundreds or thousands of jobs at a time
simultaneously. These computers can handle heavy tasks, including complex
calculations and can store vast amounts of data. They are best suited for big
organizations such as banking, telecom, and educational sectors.
Microcomputer: Microcomputers are cheap in price and support multi-user platform.
These are the general-purpose computers designed to handle all the necessary tasks of
individual needs. Since they are comparatively slower than mainframe computers,
thereby are suitable for small organizations. They are best suited for internet café,
schools, universities, offices, etc. A microcomputer is also referred to as the 'Personal
Computer (PC)' in general life. Laptop and desktop are examples of microcomputers.
Minicomputer: Minicomputers are also referred to as Miniframe computers. These are
the midsize multiprocessing computer designed purposely for easy carry. These types
of computers are light-weight and can fit in a small space. They are suitable for billing,
accounting, education, and business purposes. Since these minicomputers are easy to
carry, they are the best option for those who need a computer while traveling. Tablet
PC, Notebooks, and cell phones are examples of minicomputers.
Workstation: Workstation is a powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is a
personal computer with a faster microprocessor, a massive amount of RAM, higher-
quality monitors, high graphic memory, etc. This is best suited for performing any
specific type of task professionally. According to the type of tasks, a workstation can be
referred to as a music workstation, graphic workstation, or engineering design
workstation. Most businesses and professionals use workstations for performing tasks
like animation, music creation, video editing, poster designs, data analysis and more.