This document provides information about a learning module on computer hardware evolution and types. It includes 5 activities that discuss the generations of computers and processors used over time, different types of computers like supercomputers, mainframes, mini computers, microcomputers and workstations, and examples of each type. The module aims to teach students about the evolution of computer technology and various categories of computers.

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Evolution and Types of the Computers
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2. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
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MODULE 1
Evolution and Types of the Computers
Curriculum Development Centre
Ministry of Education Malaysia

3. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
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1. Name of Module : Computer Hardware: Evolution and Types of Computers
2. Learning Outcomes:The students should be able to:
• state the generations of computers together with the respective
processors used
• explain the generations of computers together with the respective
processors used
• identify the types of computers:
o Supercomputer
o Mainframe
o Mini Computer
o Micro Computer
o Work Station
• define different types of computer
3. Knowledge and Skills:
1. Explain the evolution of the computer generation.
2. Match the types of processors used.
3. Introduce various types of computers.
4. Labelling a flow chart of the types of computers.
5. Gathering and presenting information on the types of computers
4. Module Summary: At the end of the module, students should be able to
explain about the evolution of the computer generation and types of processors
used.
This module contains 5 activities:
Activity 1: Explaining the evolution of the computer generation.
Activity 2: Matching the types of processors used.
Activity 3: Introducing various types of computers.
Activity 4: Labelling a flow chart of the types of computers.
Activity 5: Gathering and presenting information on the types of computers

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Introduction to Computer
Activity 1: Evolution of the Computer
Generation Years Circuitry Devices Processors
First 1939 to 1954 Vacuum
tubes
Calculators ENIAC, EDSAC,
EDVAC,
UNIVAC, IBM
Second 1954 to 1959 Transistor Mainframes IBM,
System/360,
BUNCH
Third 1959 to 1971 Integrated
circuits (IC)
Timesharing,
minicomputer
PDP, System/32,
System/36
Fourth 1971 to 1991 Very-large-
scale
integration
(VLSI) and
the
Microprcessor
Microcomputer,
Embedded computer,
Personal computer,
VAX, AS/400,
Intel. Motorola,
MOS, Zilog,
WDC, Pentium,
ARM
architecture,
MIPS, SPARC
Fifth 1991 to
present and
Beyond
Small
Computer
System
Interface
(SCSI), Video
Electronic
Standard
Association
(VESA)
Super Computers
Mainframe
Computers
Mini Computers
Personal Computers
Mobile Computers
Personal computer,
PowerPC,
PowerMacs,
PlayStation.
Commodore,
UNIX System,
Intel Pentium,
Pentium MMX,
Pentium II, AMD,
Athlon, Pentium
III, Pentium IV
Additional source: http://history.sandiego.edu/GEN/recording/computer1.html#gp05

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The Cray-2 was the world's fastest
computer from 1985 to 1989.
A Honeywell-Bull DPS 7 mainframe,
circa 1990.
Multi-user mini computer at RAL
Activity 2: Types of Computers
Supercomputer
Supercomputer is a computer that led the world (or was
close to doing so) in terms of processing capacity,
particularly the speed of calculation, at the time of its
introduction. The term "Super Computing" was first used
by the New York World newspaper in 1929[1]
to refer to
large custom-built tabulators IBM made for Columbia
University. It was used to solve problems involving by
major universities, military agencies and scientific
research laboratories.
Additional Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercomputer
Mainframes
Mainframes are designed to handle very high volume input and output (I/O) and
emphasize throughout computing. It is used mainly, by large organizations for critical
applications, typically bulk data processing, industry and consumer statistics, ERP, and
financial transaction processing. The term probably originated from the early
mainframes, as they were housed in enormous, room-
sized metal boxes or frames. [1]
Later the term was used
to distinguish high-end commercial machines from less
powerful units which were often contained in smaller
packages. Today in practice, the term usually refers to
computers compatible with the IBM System/360 line, first
introduced in 1965. (IBM System z9 is IBM's latest
incarnation.) Otherwise, systems with similar functionality
but not based on the IBM System/360 are referred to as
"servers." However, "server" and "mainframe" are
different (see client-server).
Additional source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainframe_computer
Mini Computer
Minicomputer is a midsized computer. It is an old term for
a class of multi-user computers, lies between the largest
multi-user systems (mainframe computers) and the
smallest single-user systems (microcomputers or personal
computers). In the past, it formed a different group with its
own hardware and operating systems.
Additional source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicomputer

6. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
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Microcomputer
Small desktop or portable computer, typically designed to be used by one person at a
time, although individual computers can be linked in a network so that users can share
data and programmes. Its central processing unit is a microprocessor, contained on a
single integrated circuit.
Microcomputers are the smallest of the four
classes of computer (the others are
supercomputer, mainframe, and minicomputer).
Since the appearance in 1975 of the first
commercially available microcomputer, the Altair
8800, micros have become ubiquitous in
commerce, industry, and education.
© From the Hutchinson Encyclopaedia.
Helicon Publishing LTD 2007.
All rights reserved.
Additional source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcomputer
: http://www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/dictionaries/computers/data/m0008890.html
Work Station
A type of computer used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing,
software development and other types of applications that require a moderate amount of
computing power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities.
Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics screen, at least 64
MB (megabytes) of RAM, built-in network support and a graphical user interface. Most
workstations also have a mass storage device such as a disk drive, but a special type of
workstation, called a diskless workstation, comes without a disk drive. The most
common operating systems for workstations are UNIX and Windows NT.
In terms of computing power, workstations lie between personal
computers and minicomputers, although the line
is fuzzy on both ends. High-end personal
computers are equivalent to low-end
workstations. And high-end workstations are
equivalent to minicomputers.
Like personal computers, most workstations are
single-user computers. However, workstations are
typically linked together to form a Local Area Network, although they can also be used
as stand-alone systems.
In networking, workstation refers to any computer connected to a Local Area Network. It
could be a workstation or a personal computer.

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Activity 3: Different Types of Computer
There are a lot of terms used to describe computers. Most of these words imply the size,
expected use or capability of the computer. While the term computer can apply to
virtually any device that has a microprocessor in it, most people think of a computer as a
device that receives input from the user through a mouse or keyboard, processes it in
some fashion and displays the result on a screen.
• PC - The personal computer (PC) defines a computer designed for general
use by a single person.. PCs were first known as microcomputers because
they were a complete computer but built on a smaller scale than the huge
systems in use by most businesses.
• Desktop - A PC that is set up in a permanent location(not portable). Most
desktops offer more power, storage and versatility for less cost than their
portable brethren.
• Laptop - Also called notebook. Laptops are portable computers that
integrate the display, keyboard, a pointing device or trackball, processor,
memory and hard drive all in a battery-operated package slightly larger than
an average hardcover book.
• Palmtop - More commonly known as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs),
palmtops are tightly integrated computers that often use flash memory
instead of a hard drive for storage. These computers usually do not have
keyboards but rely on touchscreen technology for user input. Palmtops are
typically smaller than a paperback novel, very lightweight with a reasonable
battery life. A slightly larger and heavier version of the palmtop is the
handheld computer.
• Workstation - A desktop computer that has a more powerful processor,
additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group
of task, such as 3D Graphics or game development.
• Server - A computer that has been optimized to provide services to other
computers over a network. Servers usually have powerful processors, large
memory and hard drives.
• Mainframe - In the early days of computing, mainframes were huge
computers that could fill an entire room or even a whole floor. The size of
computers has diminished while its power has increased, the term mainframe
has fallen out of use in favor of enterprise server. You'll still hear the term
used, particularly in large companies to describe the huge machines
processing millions of transactions every day.
• Minicomputer - Another term rarely used nowadays. Minicomputers fall in
between microcomputers (PCs) and mainframes (enterprise servers).
Minicomputers are normally referred to as mid-range servers now.

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• Supercomputer - This type of computer usually costs hundreds of thousands
or even millions of dollars. Although some supercomputers are single
computer systems, most are comprised of multiple high performance
computers working in parallel as a single system. The best known
supercomputers are built by Cray Supercomputers.
• Wearable - The latest trend in computing is wearable computers. Essentially,
common computer applications (e-mail, database, multimedia,
calendar/scheduler) are integrated into watches, cell phones, visors and even
clothing.

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Worksheet 1
Compare the features of the generations of computers.
Generations Years Circuitry Devices Processors
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth

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Worksheet 2
Differentiate between a single user system and a multi user system.
Single user system Multi user system
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.

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Worksheet 3
Matching the description with the correct types of computers.
It is designed to handle very high volume
input and output (I/O) and emphasized
throughout computing.
It was used to solve problems in major
universities, military agencies and scientific
research laboratories.
A midsized and multi-user computer
Small desktop or portable computer,
typically designed to be used by one person
at a time although individual computers can
be linked in a network so that users can
share data and programs
A type of computer used for engineering
applications, desktop publishing, software
development and other types of applications.
• Supercomputer
• Micro Computer
• Mini Computer
• Work Station
• Mainframe