Computer Fundamentals

1

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

Contents

• Digital and analog computers
• Characteristics of computer—Speed, accuracy, diligence, storage capability, versatility
• History of computer—Calculating machines, Napier’s bones, slide rule, Pascal's adding and subtraction machine, Leibniz's multiplication and dividing machine, punch card system, Babbage's analytical engine, Hollerith's punched card tabulating machine
• Generations of computer
  • First generation (1940 to 1956): Using vacuum tubes
  • Second generation (1956 to 1963): Using transistors
  • Third generation (1964 to 1971): Using integrated circuits
  • Fourth generation (1971 to present): Using microprocessors
  • Fifth generation (present and next): Using artificial intelligence
• Classification of computer—Microcomputers ...