ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
Introduction to Computers and it's History
1. I N T R O D U C T I O N T O C O M P U T E R S A N D I T ’ S
H I S T O R Y
S u r ya V is h n u r a m
2. I N T R O D U C T I O N
Computers are indispensable electronic devices that process data according to
instructions, playing a pivotal role in modern life.
A computer is an electronic device that accepts input, processes data, and
generates output according to a set of instructions. It can perform a wide range
of tasks, from simple calculations to complex simulations, and is integral to
various aspects of modern life.
Understanding these fundamental concepts is essential for anyone seeking to
navigate the digital world effectively.
3. H I S T O R Y
The journey of computing traces back to the pre-
computer era, characterized by primitive calculating tools
such as the abacus and mechanical calculators.
Significant contributions from early visionaries like Blaise
Pascal and Charles Babbage laid the foundation for
modern computing.
Pascal’s mechanical calculator and Babbage’s ambitious
Analytical Engine mark notable milestones in the history
of computing, setting the stage for future innovations.
4. H I S T O R Y
• The evolution of electronic
computers revolutionized
computation, with landmark
developments such as the
Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Computer (ENIAC) and Universal
Automatic Computer (UNIVAC).
• The groundbreaking invention of
the microprocessor by Intel in 1971
paved the way for the
miniaturization and proliferation of
computing devices.
• These advancements marked a
paradigm shift, transforming
computers from large, cumbersome
machines to compact, powerful
devices that have become
ubiquitous in today’s society.
5. G E N E R AT I O N O F
C O M P U T E R S
• The progression of computing
can be categorized into distinct
generations, each characterized
by significant technological
advancements.
• The first generation of computers
utilized vacuum tubes for
processing data, marking the
beginning of electronic
computing.
• Despite their limited capabilities
and bulky size, these early
computers laid the groundwork
for subsequent generations of
computing technology.
6. G E N E R AT I O N O F
C O M P U T E R S
• The second generation of
computers saw the emergence of
transistors, replacing vacuum
tubes and leading to smaller,
faster, and more reliable
machines.
• With the advent of integrated
circuits in the third generation,
computers became even more
compact, efficient, and
affordable, expanding their
accessibility to a wider audience.
• The fourth generation introduced
microprocessors, consolidating
multiple components onto a
single chip and ushering in the
era of personal computing.
7. G E N E R AT I O N O F
C O M P U T E R S
• The fifth generation of computers
is characterized by
advancements in artificial
intelligence (AI) and machine
learning.
• Emerging technologies such as
neural networks and deep
learning algorithms enable
computers to perform complex
tasks previously thought to be
exclusive to human intelligence.
• These developments signify a
new era of computing, where
machines can learn, reason, and
adapt autonomously, with
profound implications for various
industries and societal
applications.
8. C L A S S I F I C AT I O N
O F C O M P U T E R S
• Computers are classified based
on their size, processing
capabilities, and intended use,
leading to various categories
tailored to specific needs.
• Supercomputers, known for their
exceptional processing power,
are utilized for scientific
simulations, weather forecasting,
and research endeavors requiring
immense computational
resources.
• Mainframe computers,
distinguished by their robustness
and reliability, are employed in
large-scale data processing tasks
such as financial transactions
and enterprise-level applications.
9. C L A S S I F I C AT I O N
O F C O M P U T E R S
• Minicomputers, intermediate
in size and capability
between mainframes and
microcomputers, serve
departmental computing
needs within organizations.
• Microcomputers, commonly
referred to as personal
computers (PCs), are
designed for individual use
and productivity tasks,
catering to a wide range of
users from home consumers
to professionals in various
fields.
10. C E N T R A L P R O C E S S I N G U N I T ( C P U )
Understanding the components and functions of the CPU is essential for
comprehending how computers process data and carry out tasks effectively.
It plays a crucial role in the overall performance and functionality of the
computer system.
The CPU serves as the brain of the computer, responsible for executing
instructions and performing calculations.
11. C P U
The Arithmetic Logic
Unit (ALU) handles
arithmetic and logical
operations, such as
addition, subtraction,
and comparison.
The Control Unit
directs the flow of
data within the CPU
and coordinates the
execution of
instructions, ensuring
proper sequencing
and synchronization.
12. C P U
• Registers are small, high-
speed memory units within
the CPU used for temporary
data storage and operations.
• Cache Memory is a type of
high-speed memory located
within the CPU or close to it,
used to store frequently
accessed data for faster
retrieval.
13. C P U
• Clock Speed refers to the
frequency at which the CPU
executes instructions,
measured in cycles per
second (Hertz).
• The Bus is a communication
pathway that allows data to
be transferred between the
CPU and other components
within the computer system.
14. C P U
• The Heat Sink is a passive
cooling device attached to
the CPU to dissipate heat
generated during operation,
preventing overheating.
• A Fan is often used in
conjunction with a heat sink
to enhance heat dissipation
by circulating air around the
CPU and cooling the system.
15. C P U
• The Motherboard serves as
the main circuit board of the
computer, providing the
physical framework for
connecting CPU, memory,
and other components.
• The Graphics Processing
Unit (GPU) is responsible for
rendering images and
graphics on the display,
essential for gaming, video
editing, and graphical
applications.
16. C P U
• Random Access Memory
(RAM) is volatile memory
used for temporarily storing
data and program
instructions that the CPU
needs to access quickly.
• Read-Only Memory (ROM) is
non-volatile memory
containing firmware or BIOS
instructions essential for
booting up the computer
system.
17. C P U
• Input/Output (I/O) Ports are
interfaces on the
motherboard or external
devices used to connect
peripherals such as
keyboards, mice, monitors,
and printers to the computer.
• The Power Supply Unit
(PSU) converts AC power
from the outlet into DC
power suitable for the
computer components and
provides power to the CPU
and other parts of the
system.
18. C P U
• The Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
stores data permanently on
magnetic disks and is
commonly used for long-term
storage of files and
applications.
• Solid State Drive (SSD) is a
faster and more durable
storage alternative to HDDs,
utilizing flash memory
technology for data storage.
19. C P U
• Optical Disk Drive (ODD)
reads and writes data from
optical discs such as CDs,
DVDs, and Blu-ray discs,
providing a means for data
storage and retrieval.
• Expansion Cards are
additional circuit boards
inserted into expansion slots
on the motherboard to add
functionality or connectivity
options to the computer
system.
20. C P U
• Network Interface Card (NIC)
facilitates communication
between the computer and a
network, allowing it to
connect to the internet or
local area network (LAN).
• A Sound Card processes
audio signals from the
computer and converts them
into sound output, enabling
the computer to produce
audio through speakers or
headphones.
21. C P U
• BIOS/UEFI (Basic
Input/Output System/Unified
Extensible Firmware
Interface) provides the
firmware that initializes the
hardware components and
boots up the operating
system.
• CMOS Battery powers the
CMOS (Complementary
Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor)
memory, which stores BIOS
settings and system
configuration information
even when the computer is
powered off.
