The document provides an overview of computer fundamentals, including the history and generations of computers. It discusses the key components and configuration of computer hardware, the basic operations of computers including input, processing, output and storage. The four generations of computers are defined based on their main electronic components and attributes. The main hardware components of a computer system such as the CPU, memory, motherboard and I/O devices are also outlined.
2. Degree:
Bachelor of Engineering Technology Major in Electrical Engineering Technology
(Licensed Professional Teacher in Mathematics)
Specialization:
Electrical and Electronics Technology
GERALDINE FLORES DADAP, LPT
3. Course Code: CMPTR1-Q
Course Title: Computer Fundamentals
Course Description:
The course deals with the study of basic understanding
of Computer fundamentals and other aspects of software
development and hardware components.
4. Course Evaluation:
Major Examinations 35%
Quizzes 20%
Activities 15%
Performance 20%
Attitude 5%
Attendance 5%
------------------------------------------------------------
Total 100%
6. What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of
instructions stored in its own memory that can accept data (input), process
the data according to specified rules, produce information (output), and
store the information for future use.
7. HISTORY
o As observed generally the computer have also evolved from a simple
calculating tool to a complex machine able to perform numerous tasks
within a fraction of a second.
o The history of computer dates back to 3000 BCE in form of abacus
o After that there were sequential changes with the time and accordingly
the computer could be classified based on generations in which they
were derived.
o They are categorized historically as:
8. GENERATION PIONEERS ATTRIBUTES
1st Generation
Computers
1. John Mauchly
2. J. Presper Eckert
3. John Von Neumann
4. Maurice Wilkes
5. Alan Turing
1. First large scale electronic digital computer
2. In 1943 Mauchly and Eckert prepare a proposal
for the US army to build an Electronic
Numerical Integrator (ENIAC)
3. Construction of ENIAC and accumulators
started.
4. ENIAC gives way to Electronic Discrete Variable
Automatic Computer (EVDAC) as proposed by
Neumann
5. Prepares Electronic Delay Storage Automatic
Calculator (EDSAC) operational May, 1949
6. Prepares Automatic Computing Engine (ACE)
7. After that Univac were prepared with mercury
delay lines and metal oxide tapes having average
access time of 222 second and 4 accumulators
8. IBM 701 (Defense Calculator) having memory
stored using William tubes and secondary
memory consisting of memory tapes and drums
9. GENERATION PIONEERS ATTRIBUTES
2nd Generation Computers 1. John Bardeen
2. William Shockley
3. William Brattain
4. Grace Murray Hopper
1. 1958 Philco introduces
TRANSAC S-2000 first
transistorized commercial
machine
2. FORTRAN, ALGOL, and
COBOL are first
standardized programming
languages
3rd Generation Computers 1. Robert Noyce
2. Jack S. Kilby
1. Solid logic technology
(Integrated Circuits) family
of “compatible” computers
4th Generation Computers 1. Marcian Hoof
2. Stephen Wozniak
3. Steve Jobs
1. Large scale Integrated
Circuits
2. Large databases
3. PASCAL
10. 1ST GENERATION COMPUTERS
The main characteristics of first generation of computers (1940s-1950s)
Main electronic component – vacuum tube
Main memory – magnetic drums and magnetic tapes
Programming language – machine language
Power – consume a lot of electricity and generate a lot of heat.
Speed and size – very slow and very large in size (often taking up entire room).
Input/output devices – punched cards and paper tape.
Examples – ENIAC, UNIVAC1, IBM 650, IBM 701, etc.
Quantity – there were about 100 different vacuum tube computers produced
between 1942 and 1963.
11. 2ND GENERATION COMPUTERS
The main characteristics of second generation of computers (1950s-1960s)
Main electronic component – transistor
Memory – magnetic core and magnetic tape / disk
Programming language – assembly language
Power and size – low power consumption, generated less heat, and smaller in
size (in comparison with the first generation computers).
Speed – improvement of speed and reliability (in comparison with the first
generation computers).
Input/output devices – punched cards and magnetic tape.
Examples – IBM 1401, IBM 7090 and 7094, UNIVAC 1107, etc.
12. 3RD GENERATION COMPUTERS
The main characteristics of third generation of computers (1960s-1970s)
Main electronic component – integrated circuits (ICs)
Memory – large magnetic core, magnetic tape / disk
Programming language – high level language (FORTRAN, BASIC, Pascal,
COBOL, C, etc.)
Size – smaller, cheaper, and more efficient than second generation computers
(they were called minicomputers).
Speed – improvement of speed and reliability (in comparison with the second
generation computers).
Input / output devices – magnetic tape, keyboard, monitor, printer, etc.
Examples – IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11, UNIVAC 1108, etc.
13. 4TH GENERATION COMPUTERS
The main characteristics of fourth generation of computers (1970s-present)
Main electronic component – very large-scale integration (VLSI) and
microprocessor.
VLSI– thousands of transistors on a single microchip.
Memory – semiconductor memory (such as RAM, ROM, etc.)
RAM (random-access memory) – a type of data storage (memory element) used in
computers that temporary stores of programs and data (volatile: its contents are
lost when the computer is turned off).
ROM (read-only memory) – a type of data storage used in computers that
permanently stores data and programs (non-volatile: its contents are retained
even when the computer is turned off).
14. Programming language – high level language (Python, C#, Java, JavaScript,
Rust, Kotlin, etc.).
A mix of both third- and fourth-generation languages
Size – smaller, cheaper and more efficient than third generation computers.
Speed – improvement of speed, accuracy, and reliability (in comparison with the
third generation computers).
Input / output devices – keyboard, pointing devices, optical scanning, monitor,
printer, etc.
Network – a group of two or more computer systems linked together.
Examples – IBM PC, STAR 1000, APPLE II, Apple Macintosh, etc.
15. 5TH GENERATION COMPUTERS
The main characteristics of fifth generation of computers
(the present and the future)
Main electronic component: based on artificial intelligence, uses the Ultra Large-Scale
Integration (ULSI) technology and parallel processing method.
ULSI – millions of transistors on a single microchip
Parallel processing method – use two or more microprocessors to run tasks simultaneously.
Language – understand natural language (human language).
Power – consume less power and generate less heat.
Speed – remarkable improvement of speed, accuracy and reliability
(in comparison with the fourth generation computers).
Size – portable and small in size, and have a huge storage capacity.
Input / output device – keyboard, monitor, mouse, trackpad (or touchpad), touchscreen,
pen, speech input (recognize voice / speech), light scanner, printer, etc.
Example – desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.
17. Computer hardware (usually simply called hardware when computing context is
concerned) is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer
system. Hardware is the most visible part of any information system. It is the
physical parts or components of a computer, such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard,
computer data storage, hard disk drive (HDD), graphic cards, sound cards, memory,
motherboard, and so on, all of which are physical object that are tangible. In
contrast, software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware.
WHAT IS COMPUTER HARDWARE?
19. Analogue Computer
Analog computers are used to process analog data.
Analog data is of continuous nature and which is not discrete or separate.
Such type of data includes temperature, pressure, speed weight, voltage, depth
etc.
These quantities are continuous and having an infinite variety of values.
Digital Computer
A Digital Computer works with digits to represent numerals, letters or other
special symbols.
Digital Computers operate on inputs which are ON/OFF type and its output is
also in the form of ON/OFF signal.
Normally, an ON is represented by a 1 and an OFF is represented by a 0.
A digital computer can be used to process numeric as well as non-numeric data.
20. Hybrid Computer
A hybrid is a combination of digital and analog computers.
It combines the best features of both types of computers, i.e. It has the speed of
analog computer and the memory and accuracy of digital computer.
Hybrid computers are used mainly in specialized applications where both kinds
of data need to be processed. Therefore, they help the user, to process both
continuous and discrete data.
Digital Computer
+
21. COMPUTER HARDWARE
Computer hardware is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a
computer system. Computer hardware refers to the physical parts or components of
a computer such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, hard
drive disk (HDD), system unit (graphic cards, sound cards, memory, motherboard
and chips), etc. all of which are physical objects that can be touched.
22. Monitor
A monitor is a piece of computer hardware that displays the video and graphics
information generated by a connected computer through the computer’s video
card.
This is the part of a computer that allows you to see what the computer is
processing
23. Battery Backup (UPS)
A battery backup or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a primarily used to
provide a backup power source to important desktop computer hardware
components.
24. System Unit
The system unit is the core of a computer system.
The most important of these components is the central processing unit (CPU), or
microprocessor, which acts as the "brain" of your computer.
Another component is random access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores
information that the CPU uses while the computer is on.
Almost every other part of your computer connects to the system unit using
cables.
25. Computer Case
This is where all of the components are stored.
The computer case serves mainly as a way to physically mount and contain all
of the actual computer components.
Cases typically come bundled with a power supply.
Two types of casing:
– Tower
– Desktop
Desktop and tower computers are two different styles of computer case that use
desk space in varying ways.
Desktop computers are designed to lay flat on the desk, while towers stand
upright.
26. Power Supply
This is used to sends power to all of the other hardware so they can
operate.
Two types of power supply:
– AT (Advanced Technology)
– ATX (Advanced Technology Extended)
27. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU, or the Central Processing Unit, is the brain of the computer and
the single most important chip in the computer.
The CPU performs the system's calculating and processing.
CPU Fan
Any fan inside a computer case used for cooling purposes.
28. Computer Memory
Also known as Random Access Memory (RAM)
Computer memory is used to store information in electronic devices.
Motherboard
The main circuit board of the computer.
All key internal and external components of the computer plug into the
motherboard.
Components directly attached to the motherboard
include:
• CPU
• Chipset
29. • Random-Access Memory (RAM)
• Read-Only Memory (ROM)
• BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
• Buses
• Ports
Hard disk
It used to store computer data and program.
It can hold more data and are faster than floppy disks.
30. Optical Disc Drive
An optical storage technology that stores and plays back data.
Some drives can only read from discs, but recent drives are commonly both
readers and recorders.
Video card
A board that plugs into a personal computer to give it display capabilities.
The display capabilities of a computer, however, depend on both the logical
circuitry (provided in the video adapter) and the display monitor.
31. Sound card
A circuit board that plugs into your Motherboard that adds audio capability to
your computer, providing high quality stereo output to the speakers.
Keyboard
A keyboard is a peripheral device that enables a user to input text into a
computer or any electronic machinery.
This is a set of keys on a computer or typewriter that you press in order to make
it work.
32. Mouse
A small handheld device that is dragged across a flat surface to move the
cursor on a computer screen, typically having buttons that are pressed to
control functions.
Speaker
Speakers are used to connect to a computer to generate sound, which are one
of the most common output devices.
33. Webcam
A webcam is a digital video device commonly built into a computer. Its main
function is to transmit pictures over the Internet. It is popularly used with
instant messaging services and for recording images.
Webcam
A webcam is a digital video device commonly built into a computer. Its main
function is to transmit pictures over the Internet. It is popularly used with
instant messaging services and for recording images.
Microphone
A microphone is a hardware peripheral and input device that allows computer
users to input audio into their computers.
34. FOUR BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS
1. INPUT
The devices that input the information computer are called input devices. Its
aim is to supply data (Alphanumeric, image, audio, video, etc.) to the computer
for processing. Input device is any peripheral (piece of computer hardware
equipment to provide data and control signals to an information processing
system such as a computer or other information appliance.
35. Four types of Inputs
1. Text – you can enter data by pressing the keys on the keyboard
2. Graphic – A digital camera allows you to take pictures and store the
photograph images digitally
3. Audio – input the speech, music, and sound effects entered into the
computer.
4. Video – input of motion images captured into the computer by
special input devices.
36. 2. PROCESSING
The processing unit controls all activities within a system. The CPU is an
example of a processor. It has the same important as the brain to human being.
The computer components that control input and output devices.
The part of a computer that performs all arithmetic computations, such as
addition and multiplication, and all comparison operations.
It is the transformation process to convert the input
into output.
A process is an instance of running a program.
It cause the computer to follow instructions from the memory.
Perform by Central Processing Unit (CPU)
37. 3. OUTPUT
An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment used to
communicate the results of data processing carried out by an information
processing system (such as a computer) which converts the electronically
generated information into human readable form.
Output is data that has been processed into a useful form, called Information.
38. 4. STORAGE
These are used to keep data when the power to the computer is turned off. The
devices which stored the data on or outside the computer are called storage
devices.
They are as follows:
Hard Disk: usually mounted inside the computer’s system unit. It can store
billions of characters of data. It stated in forms of bytes: Megabytes, Gigabytes, or
Terabytes
Magnetic Storage: Recording of data onto disks or tape by magnetizing particles
of an oxide based surface coating. A fairy permanent type of storage that can be
modified. It is used by mainframe or microcomputers
Floppy Drive: It is a floppy disc which could store at up to 1.44MB and is almost
obsolete and superseded by faster, smaller and better storage device.
39. Optical Discs: any computer discs that uses optical storage techniques and
technology to read and write data. It is a direct access storage device that is
written and read by light. It consist of:
o Compact disc (CD) - It is a storage device which stores information up to
700Mbs.
o Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) - It is also called Digital Video Disc. They could
store up to 4.5 GB to 8 GB of data
o Blu-ray Technology - Highly advance technology which could store up to 30
GB to 50 GB of data
Solid-State Storage - They consist of:
Flash Memory Cards – Widely used in notebook computers and used to
record MP3 music files.
Key Chain Hard drives – connect to a USB port
Magnetic Tape and Disc
40. Compact Disc Read-Only Memory Card (CD-ROM)
Write Once Read Memory (WORM)
Magneto-optical disks
Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID)
Optical disks
Digital Video Disks
Memory Cards
Flash Memory
Removable Storage
41. Functionalities of a computer
Any digital computer carries out five functions in gross terms:
Takes data as input
Stores the data/instructions in its memory and use them when required
Processes the data and converts it into useful information
Generates the output
Controls all the above four steps
42. Booting
Starting a computer or a computer-embedded device is called booting. Booting
takes place in two steps:
The first program or set of instructions that run when the computer is switched on
is called BIOS or Basic Input Output System. BIOS is a firmware, i.e. a piece of
software permanently programmed into the hardware.
If a system is already running but needs to be restarted, it is called rebooting.
Rebooting may be required if a software or hardware has been installed or system
is unusually slow.
43. There are two types of booting:
1. Cold Booting − When the system is started by switching on the power supply it
is called cold booting. The next step in cold booting is loading of BIOS.
2. Warm Booting − When the system is already running and needs to be restarted
or rebooted, it is called warm booting. Warm booting is faster than cold booting
because BIOS is not reloaded.
45. Example:
– Personal digital assistant
– Smartphone
– Tablet computer
– Ultra-Mobile PC
– Wearable computer
Microcomputer
A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer with a
microprocessor as its central processing unit (CPU)
A small, single-user computer based on one microprocessor.
Microcomputers are designed to be used by individuals.
46. Types of Microcomputer
• Tower PC
• Mid-Tower PC
• Mini-Tower PC
• Server
• Workstation
• Personal computer (PC)
– Desktop
– Laptop
47.
48. Minicomputer
A midsized computer.
In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and mainframes.
A minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting
hundreds users simultaneously.
49. Mainframes
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even
thousands, of users simultaneously.
In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because
they support more simultaneous programs.
But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.
These computers are capable of handling and processing very large amounts of
data quickly.
Mainframe computers are used in large institutions such as government, banks
and large corporations.
50. Supercomputer
The fastest type of computer.
Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized
applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations.
An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions
of instructions per second.
Usages:
Focused on performing tasks involving intense numerical calculations such as
weather forecasting, fluid dynamics, nuclear simulations, theoretical
astrophysics, and complex scientific computations.
51. Now that we know the characteristics of computers, we can see the advantages that
computer offer:
Computers can do the same task repetitively with same accuracy
Computers do not get tired or bored
Computers can take up routine tasks while releasing human resource for more
intelligent functions.
Increase users productivity
Computer helps sort, organize, and search through information
Reduces work load
ADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTER
Despite so many advantages, computers have some disadvantages of their own:
Regular electric supply is necessary to make computers work, which could prove difficult
everywhere especially in developing nations
Virus and hacking attacks
Online cyber crime
High cost
DISADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTER
52.
53. What do you call to the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer system?
ANSWER: COMPUTER HARDWARE
54. What do you call to a combination of digital and analog computers?
ANSWER: HYBRID COMPUTER
