Fundamentals of Computers: For Undergraduate Courses in Commerce and Management

1

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

Chapter Outline

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Characteristics of Computers

1.3 Development of Computers

1.4 Generations of Computers

1.5 Classification of Computers

1.6 The Computer System

1.7 Types of Input Devices

1.8 Types of Output Devices

1.9 Types of Memory

1.10 Applications of Computer

1.1 INTRODUCTION

In the beginning of civilisation, people used fingers and pebbles for computing purposes. In fact, the word digitus in Latin actually means finger and calculus means pebble. This gives a clue into the origin of early computing concepts. With the development of civilisation, the computing needs also grew. The need for a mechanism to perform lengthy calculations led to the invention of the first calculator, and then computers. ...