Exploring computers and their uses. Exploring computers and their uses
- 1. Exploring Computers and Their Uses University of Central Punjab, Lahore
- 2. Computers and Their Uses
- 3. Introduction to Computers A computer is an electronic device that processes data according to a set of instructions called a program. It performs various tasks such as calculations, data storage, and data manipulation
- 4. Main Components of Computers ØCentral Processing Unit (CPU) ØMemory (RAM) ØStorage ØMotherboard ØInput Devices ØOutput Devices
- 5. Central Processing Unit (CPU) The brain of the computer that performs instructions defined by software.
- 6. Memory (RAM) Temporary storage that the CPU uses to store data and instructions that are currently in use. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC
- 7. Storage Long-term data storage devices such as hard drives (HDD) or solid-state drives (SSD). This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
- 8. Motherboard The main circuit board that connects all the components of the computer This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
- 9. Input Devices Devices used to input data into the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse)
- 10. Output Devices Devices that the computer uses to output data to the user (e.g., monitor, printer).
- 11. Types of Computers Personal Computers (PCs): Desktops, laptops, and workstations designed for individual use. Servers: Powerful computers designed to manage network resources and provide services to other computers. Mainframes: Large, powerful systems used by large organizations for bulk data processing. Supercomputers: Extremely powerful systems used for complex computations like climate research and simulations. Embedded Systems: Specialized computers within other devices (e.g., appliances, cars).
- 12. Generations of Computers ØFirst Generation: Vacuum tubes (ENIAC, UNIVAC) ØSecond Generation: Transistors (IBM 1401) ØThird Generation: Integrated circuits (IBM 360) ØFourth Generation: Microprocessors (personal computers) ØFifth Generation: Artificial intelligence (ongoing)
- 13. First Generation (1940s–1956): Vacuum Tubes Technology: Vacuum tubes were used as the basic components for memory and processing. Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC Characteristics: •Large, expensive, and consumed a lot of power. •Programs were written in machine language. •Prone to frequent failures due to the vacuum tubes burning out.
- 14. Second Generation (1956–1963): Transistors Technology: Transistors replaced vacuum tubes, making computers smaller, faster, and more reliable. Example: IBM 1401 Characteristics: •Used assembly language and early programming languages like COBOL and FORTRAN. •Less heat generation and lower power consumption compared to first-generation computers.
- 15. Third Generation (1964–1971): Integrated Circuits (ICs) Technology: Integrated circuits (ICs) placed multiple transistors on a single chip. Example: IBM 360 Characteristics: ◦ Faster and more reliable than second-generation machines. ◦ Allowed the development of more sophisticated software. ◦ Computers became smaller and more accessible to organizations.
- 16. Fourth Generation (1971–Present): Microprocessors Technology: Microprocessors integrated all the components of a computer on a single chip. Examples: Personal computers like early Apple and IBM PCs. Characteristics: ◦ Marked the beginning of personal computing. ◦ Computers became affordable and accessible to the public. ◦ Operating systems like MS-DOS and Windows emerged.
- 17. Fifth Generation (Ongoing): Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology: Uses advanced computing technologies like AI, machine learning, quantum computing, and neural networks. Characteristics: ◦ Focuses on creating systems that can learn, reason, and make decisions like humans. ◦ Examples include virtual assistants (like Siri and Alexa), self-driving cars, and chatbots. ◦ The development of AI is still evolving, with new breakthroughs continuing to emerge.
- 18. Computers for Individual Users Personal Computers (PCs): Desktops, laptops, notebooks Mobile Devices: Smartphones, tablets Uses: Communication, entertainment, education, productivity, personal finance
- 19. Computers for Organizations Servers: Storing and managing data Mainframes: Large-scale data processing Supercomputers: Complex calculations and simulations Network Computers: Accessing shared resources
- 20. Computers in Education E-learning: Online courses, tutorials, and resources Educational Software: Interactive learning tools Research and Data Analysis: Access to information and research tools Administrative Tasks: Student records, grading, scheduling
- 21. Computers in Society ØCommunication: Email, social media, video conferencing ØInformation Access: Internet, online libraries, databases ØE-commerce: Online shopping and banking ØHealthcare: Electronic health records, telemedicine ØGovernment: Online services, data management
- 22. Computers in Business ØOffice Automation: Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations ØCustomer Relationship Management (CRM): Managing customer data ØEnterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Integrating business processes ØE-commerce: Online sales and marketing ØData Analysis and Decision Making: Business intelligence tools