This document summarizes the five generations of computers from 1951 to the present. It describes the characteristics of each generation including the technologies used and processing speeds. It also discusses the components of a computer including the input, output, CPU, and storage devices. The relationship between hardware and software is explained, defining hardware as the physical parts and software as the programs. The document outlines different types of software and provides examples of business software applications.
3. GENERATION OF COMPUTERS
Based on the characteristics of various computers developed from time to time, they
are categorized as generation of computers.
Generation of
Computers
First
Generation
Second
Generation
Third
Generation
Fourth
Generation
Fifth
Generation
4. FIRST GENERATION COMPUTERS
Time Period : 1951 to 1959
Technology : Vacuum
Tubes Size : Very Large
System Processing : Very Slow
Characterized By:- Magnetic Drums
• Magnetic Tapes
• Difficult to program
• Used machine language & assembly language
5. SECOND GENERATION COMPUTERS
Time Period : 1959 to 1963
Technology : Transistors
Size : Smaller
Processing : Faster
Characterized By:-
• Magnetic Cores
• Magnetic Disk
• Used high level language
• Easier to program
6. THIRD GENERATION COMPUTERS
Time Period : 1963 to 1975
Technology : ICs (Integrated Circuits)
Incorporated many transistors & electronic circuits on a single chip
Size : Small as compared to 2nd generation computers
Processing : Faster then 2nd generation computers
Characterized by:-
• Minicomputers accessible
by multiple users from
remote terminals.
7. FOURTH GENERATION COMPUTERS
Characterized by:
The personal computer and user
friendly micro-programs, very fast
processor chip high level language,
OOP (Object Oriented
Programming)
Time Period : 1975 to Today
Technology : VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) Incorporated
many millions of transistors & electronic circuits on a single chip
Size : Small as compared to first generation computer
Processing : Faster then first generation computer
9. COMPUTER - COMPONENTS
All types of computers follow the same basic logical structure and
perform the following five basic operations for converting raw input
data into information useful to their users.
10. (CONTINUED…)
SL. NO. OPERATION DESCRIPTION
1 Take Input The process of entering data and instructions into the computer system.
2 Store Data
Saving data and instructions so that they are available for processing as and when
required.
3 Processing Data
Performing arithmetic, and logical operations on data in order to convert them into
useful information.
4 Output Information
The process of producing useful information or results for the user, such as a
printed report or visual display.
5 Control the workflow
Directs the manner and sequence in which all of the above operations are
performed.
11. INPUT UNIT
This unit contains devices with the help of which we enter data into the computer.
This unit creates a link between the user and the computer. The input devices
translate the information into a form understandable by the computer.
12. CPU (CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT)
CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs all types of data
processing operations. It stores data, intermediate results, and instructions (program).
It controls the operation of all parts of the computer.
• CPU itself has the following three components −
• ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
• Memory Unit
• Control Unit
13. OUTPUT UNIT
The output unit consists of devices with the help of which we get the information
from the computer. This unit is a link between the computer and the users. Output
devices translate the computer's output into a form understandable by the users.
14. COMPUTER - HARDWARE
Hardware represents the physical and tangible components of a computer, i.e. the
components that can be seen and touched.
Examples of Hardware are the following −
Input devices − keyboard, mouse, etc.
Output devices − printer, monitor, etc.
Secondary storage devices − Hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.
Internal components − CPU, motherboard, RAM, etc.
15. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
• Hardware and software are mutually dependent on each other. Both of them must work
together to make a computer produce a useful output.
• Software cannot be utilized without supporting hardware.
• Hardware without a set of programs to operate upon cannot be utilized and is useless.
• To get a particular job done on the computer, relevant software should be loaded into the
hardware.
• Hardware is a one-time expense.
• Software development is very expensive and is a continuing expense.
• Different software applications can be loaded on a hardware to run different jobs.
• A software acts as an interface between the user and the hardware.
• If the hardware is the 'heart' of a computer system, then the software is its 'soul'. Both are
complementary to each other
16. COMPUTER - SOFTWARE
Software is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well-defined function. A
program is a sequence of instructions written to solve a particular problem.
There are two types of software −
• System Software
• Application Software
17. BUSINESS SOFTWARE (OR
A BUSINESS APPLICATION)
Business software (or a business application) is any software or set of computer
programs used by business users to perform various business functions. These
business applications are used to increase productivity, to measure productivity and
to perform other business functions accurately.
By and large, business software is likely to be developed to meet the needs of a
specific business, and therefore is not easily transferable to a different business
environment, unless its nature and operation is identical. Due to the unique
requirements of each business, off-the-shelf software is unlikely to completely
address a company's needs. However, where an on-the-shelf solution is necessary,
due to time or monetary considerations, some level of customization is likely to be
required. Exceptions do exist, depending on the business in question, and thorough
research is always required before committing to bespoke or off-the-shelf solutions.