Rahyab Education Center
COMPUTER
FUNDAMENTALS
Second Lecture
Presented by:
Naweedullah Muradi
Overview 2
01 Computer Generations
02 Computer Types
Computer Generation
Generation in computer terminology is a change in
technology a computer is/was being used. Initially,
the generation term was used to distinguish
between varying hardware technologies. But
nowadays, generation includes both hardware and
software, which together make up an entire
computer system.
Computer Generation
There are totally five computer generations known
till date. Each generation has been discussed in
detail along with their time period and
characteristics. Here approximate dates against
each generations have been mentioned which are
normally accepted.
Following are the main five generations of computers :
First Generation
• Period: 1946 -1959.
• Technology: Vacuum tube based.
• Characteristics: Large size, slow in speed,
high power consumption, generated a lot of
heat, and unreliable.
• Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC.
• Language: Machine Language (Binary).
Second Generation
In marketing, uses of computer are following:
• Period: 1959 -1965.
• Technology: Transistors replaced vacuum
tubes, making computers smaller and faster.
• Characteristics: More reliable, consumed less
power, and generated less heat.
• Examples: IBM 1401, IBM 7094.
• Language: Assembly Language.
Third Generation
• Period: 1965 -1971.
• Technology: Integrated Circuits
(ICs) were used, combining • Characteristics: Smaller
multiple transistors on a single size, increased speed,
chip. and improved reliability.
• Examples: IBM
System/360, PDP -8.
• Language: High -level
Programming
languages.
Fourth Generation
Period: The period of fourth generation: 1971 -1980.
Technology: Very Large -Scale Integration (VLSI) packed
thousands of transistors on a single chip
(microprocessors).
Characteristics: Personal computers (PCs) were
introduced, making computers accessible to individuals.
Examples: IBM PC, Apple II.
Language: High -level Languages.
Fifth Generation
Period: 1980 -onwards.
Technology: Ultra Large -Scale Integration (ULSI)
allowed millions of transistors on a single chip.
Characteristics: Portable devices, faster
processing, and advanced technologies like
machine learning.
Language: High -level Languages.
Computer Types
Computers can b e broadly classified by their speed and computing power.
PC (Personal It is a single user computer system having moderately powerful
1
Computer) microprocessor.
It is also a single user computer system which is similar to personal
2 Workstation
computer but have more powerful microprocessor.
It is a multi -user computer system which is capable of supporting
3 Mini Computer
hundreds of users simultaneously.
It is a multi -user computer system which is capable of supporting
4 Main Frame hundreds of users simultaneously. Software technology is different from
minicomputer.
Super It is an extremely fast computer which can execute hundreds of millions
5
Computer of instructions per second.
PC (Personal Computer)
A PC can be defined as a small, relatively Businesses use personal
inexpensiv e computer designed for an computers for word
individual user. PCs are based on the processing, accounting,
microprocessor technology that enables desktop publishing, and for
manufacturers to put an entire CPU on running spreadsheet and
one chip. database management
applications.
At home, the most popular
use for personal computers
is playing games and
surfing Internet.
PC (Personal Computer)
Although personal computers are
designed as single -user systems, these In terms of power, now -a-
systems are normally link ed together to days High -end models of the
form a network. Macintosh and PC offer the
same computing power and
graphics capability as low -
end workstations by Sun
Microsystems, Hewlett -
Packard, and Dell.
Workstation
Workstation is a computer used for engineering
applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing,
software development, and other such types of
applications which require a moderate amount
of computing power and relatively high -quality
graphics capabilities .
Workstations generally come with a large, high -
resolution graphics screen, large amount of
RAM, inbuilt network support, and a graphical
user interface .
Mini Computer
It is a midsize multi -processing
system capable of supporting up
A minicomputer, a term no longer much used,
to 250 users simultaneously. is a computer of a size intermediate between
a microcomputer and a mainframe. A user
may setup a server to control access to a
network, send/receive e -mail, manage print
jobs, or host a website and provide certain
services to other computers or a whole
network of computers.
Main Frame
Mainframe is very large in size and is an
expensive computer capable of supporting
hundreds or even thousands of users
simultaneously. Mainframe executes many
programs concurrently and supports many
simultaneous execution of programs. They are
typically utilized by governmental and
corporate organizations for added security as
well as processing large sums of data; such as
consumer statistics, census data or electronic
transactions.
Super Computer
Supe rcomputers are one of the fastest
computers currently available.
Supercomputers are very expensive and
are employed for specialized applications
that require immense number of
mathematical calculations (number
crunching). For example, weather
forecasting, scientific simulations,
(animated) graphics, fluid dynamic
calculations, nuclear energy research,
electronic design, and analysis of
geological data (e.g. in petrochemical
prospecting)
Rahyab Educational Center
THANK
YOU
Presented by:
Naweedullah Muradi
Quiz Question 1
What was the technology of First generation of Computers?
A) Transistors
B) Integrated Circuits (ICs)
C) Vacuum Tubes
D) VLSI
Quiz Question 2
What was the technology of Third generation of Computers?
A) Transistors
B) Integrated Circuits (ICs)
C) Vacuum Tubes
D) VLSI
Quiz Question 3
What is the technology of Fifth generation of Computers?
A) Transistors
B) ULSI
C) Vacuum Tubes
D) VLSI
Quiz Question 4
What are the five types of Computers? (Select Five answers)
A) Main Frame
B) Desktop
C) Mini Computer
D) Laptop
E) Workstation
F) PC
G) Super Computer
H) Quantum Computer
Quiz Question 5
What Computer is the Fastest Computer in the world?
A) PC
B) Workstation
C) Super Computer
D) Main Frame
E) Mini Computer