1. What is a computer?

A computer is an electronic device that can be

programmed to process data and produce specific outputs.

It can respond to a specific set of instructions in a well-

defined manner and execute programs, which are sequences of instructions that tell

it what to do. Computers come in all shapes and sizes, from the one on your desk to

the one in your pocket.

2. Discuss the Evolution of Computers

The computer history timeline is long and didn’t begin with your average

desktop device or smartphone. The first modern computers were massive and built

for a specific purpose, not like the sleek devices we use today.

Basically, there are five generations of computers listed below and they

differ from each other in terms of architecture, occupying space, language,

specification, function or operation performed, etc.

First Generation of Computers(1940 – 1956): The

duration from 1940-1956 changed into the duration of

first-generation computer systems. They are essentially

primarily based totally on vacuum tubes, and vacuum

tubes are used because of the simple components for

memory and circuitry for the CPU (Central Processing Unit). For example,

UNIVAC-1 and ENIVAC.

 Second Generation of Computers (1957 –

1963): The second-generation computers were

used during 1957-1963. They are also known as

transistor computers. The second generation of

computers consists of two types of devices,

transistors, and magnetic core. The transistors helped to develop a better computer

than the first- generation computers consisting of vacuum tubes. Some second

generation of computers are IBM 1920, IBM 7094, CDC 1604, CDC 3600, IBM

1401, etc.

Third Generation of Computers (1964 –

1971): The Third Generation of Computers (1964-

1971) marked a significant advancement in

computing technology, transitioning from the use of

transistors to integrated circuits (ICs). Developed

by Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby in 1958, ICs are

semiconductor materials that contain thousands of miniaturized transistors on a

single chip. This innovation led to computers that were faster, more reliable, and

required less maintenance compared to their predecessors. Overall, the third

generation represented a leap forward in computing technology, laying the

groundwork for future developments in the field.

Fourth Generation of Computers

(1972 onward): VLSI (Very Large Scale

Integrated) Circuit or they are also known

as microprocessors are used in Fourth

 generation computers. Microprocessor chip is made up of thousands of Integrated

Circuits build on a single silicon chip. The use of Personal Computer(PCs)

increased in this generation and First Personal Computer (PC) was developed by

IBM. For e.g., Apple, CRAY-1, etc.

Fifth Generation of Computers (Present and

Future): Fifth-generation computers were introduced

after the fourth-generation computers were invented.

Fifth-generation computers, also known as modern

computers, are still in the development stage and are

based on artificial intelligence. In 1982, Japan was invented the FGCS (Fifth

Generation Computer System). Computers of this generation are based on

microelectronic technology with high computing power and parallel processing.

2. What are the classifications of Computers

a) According to Size

 Supercomputers: These are the giants of the computer world.

Supercomputers are enormous and incredibly powerful, often used for

complex scientific simulations, predicting the weather, and tackling

advanced research challenges.

 Mainframe Computers: Mainframes are sturdy and sizable machines

primarily employed by organizations. They excel in tasks like processing

data, handling financial transactions, and managing large databases.

 Mini Computers: Smaller than mainframes but more capable than personal

computers, mini computers find their niche in scientific laboratories and

 mid-sized businesses. They’re perfect for specific tasks that require more

oomph than a personal computer can provide.

 Micro Computers: Also known as personal computers or microcomputers,

these are the little guys of the computer world. They’re compact and the

most common type of computers used for individual purposes, whether it’s

for work or entertainment.

b) According to Data Handling Capabilities

 Mainframe Computers. These are super-strong in dealing with lots of data

all at once. Industries like finance and healthcare use them for important

tasks.

 Supercomputers. They’re like the superheroes of computing, especially

good at doing really hard math and simulations quickly.

 Mini Computers. While not as powerful as supercomputers, they’re still

pretty good at handling data. You’ll find them in medium-sized

organizations and research places.

 Micro Computers (Personal Computers). These are your everyday

computers, like desktops and laptops. Great for regular stuff like office

work and browsing the internet.

 Embedded System. These are specialized computers made for specific jobs,

like controlling machines or appliances. They only handle what they need

to do their job.

 Mobile Devices. Think smartphones and tablets – they’re easy to carry

around and can handle tasks like talking, texting, and using apps.
  Workstations. These computers are in between regular ones and super

powerful servers. They’re used for things like 3D design and scientific

simulations.

 Servers. Servers are like the backbone of the internet. They store and

provide data for websites and networks. Really important for businesses

and online services.

 Quantum Computers. These are the newest and most advanced. They use

special quantum physics to handle data in totally different ways. They could

change the game for things like security and problem-solving.

c) According to Operating System

 Single-Tasking Operating System: This type only lets one program run at a

time. You have to close one program before you can open and use another.

 Multi-User Operating System: These operating systems allow many people

to use the computer at the same time. Examples include Novell, UNIX,

Linux, and Windows NT/2000.

 Batch Operating System: With this type, you don’t directly interact with

the computer. Instead, someone groups similar tasks together into a batch,

and then the computer does them all one after the other.

 Time-Sharing Operating System: Also called multitasking systems, these

let multiple programs run at the same time, sharing the computer’s

resources efficiently.

 Distributed Operating System: These systems manage resources across

multiple computers connected through a network. They allow sharing files,

printers, and more among connected computers.

  Network Operating System: These run on servers and help manage data,

users, security, and other networking stuff.

 Real-Time Operating System: These are for tasks that need to happen super

quickly and precisely, like industrial control systems or medical

equipment.

 Mobile Operating System: Designed for phones and tablets, these have

colorful screens and icons to make them easy to use.

 Examples of operating systems you might have heard of include Windows,

macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Each type of operating system has its

own good and not-so-good points, depending on what you need it for.

d) According to Performance

 Supercomputers: These are incredibly powerful computers used for

really complex tasks like weather forecasting and scientific

simulations. They’re measured in terms of how fast they can do

calculations, called FLOPS.

 Mainframes: Mainframes are big, sturdy computers that handle a lot of

data. They’re often used in businesses to manage huge amounts of

information, like transactions and databases.

 Personal Computers (PCs): PCs are the ones most of us have at home

or work. They come in two types: desktops and laptops. You can use

them for gaming, work, or watching videos.

 Workstations: These computers are like supercharged PCs for

professionals. They’re great for tasks like designing buildings or

editing videos because they’re really fast and have top-notch graphics.
  Minicomputers: These are in-between mainframes and personal

computers. They’re used by smaller businesses for tasks like handling

data, managing databases, and running networks.

e) According to Functionality

 Analog Computers: These computers work with continuously changing

physical quantities to solve problems. They are commonly used in

situations that require real-time data processing and control, such as

scientific experiments and industrial processes.

 Digital Computers: Digital computers process discrete, non-continuous

data and are versatile devices used in a wide range of fields for

handling digital information. They are probably the most common type

of computer you encounter in everyday life.

 Hybrid Computers: Hybrid computers combine the strengths of analog

and digital computing technologies to handle both continuous and

discrete data processing. They find applications in areas like signal

processing and control systems.

 Server Computers: Server computers are specialized machines set up to

provide services to clients. Examples include security servers, database

servers, and web servers. They are essential for managing networks

and delivering online services.

 Workstation Computers: Workstations are high-performance computers

designed for individual users. They typically run multi-user operating

systems and are used for tasks like gaming, productivity, and

multimedia editing.
  Personal Computers (PCs): PCs are small, self-contained computers

designed for personal use. They are incredibly versatile and can be

used for a wide variety of tasks, from gaming to productivity and

multimedia consumption.

 Microcontrollers: Microcontrollers are small, energy-efficient

computers often used in embedded systems. They aren’t usually

employed as standalone devices but play crucial roles in controlling

various electronic devices and appliances.

 Smartphones: Smartphones are portable devices that combine the

functionalities of a phone, computer, and other tools like cameras and

music players. They are designed for on-the-go communication,

internet access, and multitasking.

 Supercomputers: Supercomputers are incredibly powerful machines

used for complex and intensive computational tasks. They find

applications in fields like quantum mechanics, weather forecasting,

climate research, and simulations for industries such as oil and gas

exploration.

f) Purpose

 General-Purpose Computers are designed to handle a range of tasks

and can store various programs. This category includes familiar

devices like personal computers, laptops, and tablets. They are

versatile, suitable for use in different environments like offices,

 educational settings, and homes. However, they may not be as fast or

specialized as specific-purpose computers.

 Specific-Purpose Computers are tailored for a specific function,

making them more efficient and faster for particular tasks. This

category is ideal for complex scientific and engineering work.

Examples include supercomputers and embedded systems.

4. Identify various applications of Computers.

 Science: Computers are essential tools for collecting, analyzing,

classifying, and storing data, facilitating collaboration among scientists

globally.

 Defense System: Computers track military assets like airplanes and

missiles, utilizing artificial intelligence for targeting and destruction.

They are crucial for GPS tracking and maintaining military records.

 Medical: In healthcare, computers manage patient records, monitor

vital signs, and support remote consultations among medical

professionals. They also aid in health research dissemination.

 Education: Computers enhance learning through online classes,

resource downloads, and attendance tracking. They support educational

institutions with audio-visual aids.

 Banking: Computers store account details, process transactions, and

monitor ATMs and banking operations efficiently.

 Government Sectors: Computers help governments monitor services

such as transportation and public records, storing citizen information

securely.
  Entertainment: Computers provide access to video games, movies, and

online content, serving as a source of entertainment and creativity

through digital media.

5. What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Computers?

Advantages of Computer

 Multitasking: Multitasking is one of the main advantages of computers.

A person can do multiple tasks, and multiple operations at the same

time, and calculate numerical problems within a few seconds. The

computer can perform millions or trillions of work in one second.

 Speed: Now the computer isn’t just a calculating device. Now a day’s

computer has a vital role in human life. One of the most advantages of

computers is their incredible speed, which helps human to finish their

task in a few seconds.

 Cost-Effective Storage: Centralized databases make it possible for the

user to store data without incurring high costs through the use of

computers. This also goes along with decreased requirements for

physical storage configurations.

 Accuracy: Another advantage with use of computers is that they are

precise in executing computations and in the handling of programs.

This is because most of the time, errors are provoked by improper

entries inserted by the user and not the computer.

 Data Security: It is possible to use security measures with the help of

which computers are protected and do not allow malicious programs

and other similar threats to access the materials.

 Increased Productivity: The fast execution of tasks a computer avails

helps a user increase the throughput since more tasks are completed

within a short span of time.

Disadvantages of Computer

 Virus and Hacking Attacks: A virus may be a worm and hacking is just

unauthorized access over a computer for a few illicit purposes. Viruses

can go to another system from email attachments, viewing an infected

website advertisement, through removable devices like USBs, etc.

 Online Cyber Crimes: Online cyber-crime means computers and

networks may have been utilized in order to commit a crime.

Cyberstalking and fraud are the points that come under online

cybercrimes.

 Reduction in Employed Opportunity: Mainly past generation hasn’t

used the pc or they need the knowledge of computers they faced an

enormous problem when computers came into the field.

 High Cost: Computers are expensive. Even the foremost affordable

computers are still very expensive for the typical person in South

Africa. Since computers empower people.

 Distractions/Disruptions: If you’ve got ever spent hours browsing the

web or watching videos on YouTube, then you recognize how

distracting computers can be! Because of their high entertainment

value.

 Health Problems: Prolonged use of computers can lead to various

health Hazards. Too much sitting near the screen results in eye strain
 and drying up of the eyes. Also, prolonged sitting leads to neck and

back problems.

6. Discuss the typical characteristics of computers namely speed,

accuracy, efficiency, storage, capacity, and versatility.

 Speed: Computers can process millions of instructions per second.

 Accuracy: They perform tasks with a high degree of precision.

 Efficiency: Capable of executing complex tasks with minimal resource

usage.

 Storage Capacity: Modern computers can store terabytes of data easily.

 Versatility: Can be programmed for various applications across

different fields.

7. What are the similarities and differences between computers

and Humans?

Similarities

i. Both can process information and solve problems.

ii. Both can learn from experiences (humans through education;

computers through programming).

Differences

i. Humans possess emotions and consciousness; computers do not have

feelings or awareness.

ii. Humans can adapt intuitively; computers require explicit

programming for tasks outside their design.

8. What is a Computer System?

A computer system is any type of hardware or software component

that can process information, store data, and perform calculations. A

 computer system consists of various components that work together

to perform tasks efficiently

9. What are the Components of a Computer System? Describe

comprehensively.

 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Function: Often referred to as the "brain" of the computer, the CPU

processes instructions from software and performs calculations. Its

speed and architecture significantly influence overall system

performance.

 Motherboard

Function: The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all

components of the computer. It houses the CPU, RAM, and other

essential hardware, facilitating communication between them.

 Random Access Memory (RAM)

Function: RAM is a type of volatile memory that temporarily stores

data and applications currently in use, allowing for quick access and

processing.

 Storage Devices

Types:

-Hard Disk Drive (HDD): A traditional storage device that uses

spinning disks to read/write data.

 -Solid State Drive (SSD): A faster storage option that uses flash

memory for quicker data access and retrieval.

 Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Function: The PSU converts electrical power from an outlet into

usable power for the computer's components, ensuring they operate

correctly.

 Input Devices

Examples: Keyboard, mouse, scanner, and microphone. These devices

allow users to input data and commands into the computer.

 Output Devices

Examples: Monitor, printer, and speakers. These devices display or

produce results from the computer's processes.

 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Function: The GPU handles rendering images and video, particularly

important for gaming, graphic design, and video editing tasks.

 Cooling System

Function: Cooling systems (fans or liquid cooling) dissipate heat

generated by the CPU and other components to maintain optimal

operating temperatures.

 Network Interface Card (NIC)

Function: This component allows the computer to connect to a

network (wired or wireless) for internet access and communication

with other devices.

Additional Components:
  Expansion Slots: Allow for additional hardware components like

sound cards or additional GPUs.

 BIOS/UEFI Chip: Firmware that initializes hardware during boot-up

and provides runtime services for operating systems.

 Case: The physical enclosure that houses all internal components,

providing protection and organization.

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Generations of Computers - Computer Fundamentals

What is a Computer? (Definition & Meaning) | Webopedia

Classification of Computers Based on Size, Purpose, Generation, Types