Classifications of Computer:

Types of Computer-

Based on Types
The three types of computers along with their functions are given below:

• Analog Computer – An analog computer one that uses the continuously changeable
aspects of physical phenomena to model the problem being solved. These phenomena may
be such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities and they are extremely complex to
be used. Such computers are mostly used for scientific and industrial applications. Examples
of Analog computers include Thermometer, Operational Amplifiers, Electric Integrators, etc.

• Digital Computer – Such computers are capable of solving problems in discrete format. It
only operates on data entered in binary language and can perform the dynamic function of
managing large amounts of data and regulating the operations of the machine, Examples of
Digital computers are Desktop, Laptop, Mobile Phones, etc.
• Hybrid Computer – Computers that exhibit features of both Analog and Digital computers
are called Hybrid Computers. The logical operations are solved by the digital aspects and the
differential equations are solved using the analog features. Few important examples of
Hybrid Computers include Space Flights, Food processing Plants, etc.

Digital Computers are further divided into four types:

Based on Size
Described below are the four types of Computers based on their sizes along with their functions:

• Micro Computers – A relatively inexpensive and small computer comprising a

microprocessor and a Central Processing Unit (CPU) is called a Microcomputer. Such
computers are made with minimal circuitry mounting over a single circuit board. Examples
include Desktop, Laptop, etc.

• Mini Computer – Developed in the mid-1960s, Mini computers are comparatively smaller
than mainframe computers. They were developed keeping in consideration human
interaction, control instrumentation and were cost-effective. For example Smartphone, iPads,
etc.

• Mainframe Computer – Computers used by large Organizations to manage bulk data are
called Mainframe computers. Main functions of such type include managing customer
statistics, census and other heavy data in a single device. For example, the system used at
Trading companies.
• Super Computer – Computers used at Organizations dealing with Weather forecasting,
Quantum Mechanics, Climate research, etc., where high level of performance has to be
justified are called Super Computers.
Application of Computers in Various Fields

Military
Computers are largely used in defence. Modern tanks, missiles, weapons, etc. Military also
employs computerized control systems.
Some military areas where a computer has been used are:
• Missile Control
• Military Communication
• Military Operation and Planning
• Smart Weapons

Communication
Communication is a way to convey a message, an idea, a picture, or speech that is received
and understood clearly and correctly by the person for whom it is meant.
Some main areas in this category are:
• E-mail
• Chatting
• Usenet
• FTP
• Telnet
• Video-conferencing

Government
Computers play an important role in government services.
Some major fields in this category are:
• Budgets
• Sales tax department
• Income tax department
• Computation of male/female ratio
• Computerization of voters’ lists
• Computerization of PAN card
• Weather forecasting

Education
The computer helps in providing a lot of facilities in the education system.
• The computer provides a tool in the education system known as CBE (Computer Based
Education).
• CBE involves control, delivery, and evaluation of learning.
• Computer education is rapidly increasing the graph of number of computer students.
• There are a number of methods in which educational institutions can use a computer to
educate the students.
• It is used to prepare a database about performance of a student and analysis is carried out on
this basis.
Banking
Today, banking is almost totally dependent on computers.
Banks provide the following facilities:
• Online accounting facility, which includes checking current balance, making deposits and
overdrafts, checking interest charges, shares, and trustee records.
• ATM machines which are completely automated are making it even easier for customers to
deal with banks.

Capabilities of a Computer:
1. Processing Power: Computers can execute tasks and calculations at incredible speeds,
making them versatile for various applications.

2. Storage: They can store vast amounts of data, including documents, images, videos, and
software.

3. Multitasking: Computers can run multiple programs simultaneously, switching between them
quickly.

4. Connectivity: They can connect to the internet and other devices for communication and data
exchange.

5. Automation: Computers can perform repetitive tasks automatically through scripting or

programming.

6. Precision: They provide high levels of accuracy and precision in calculations and data
processing.

7. Data Manipulation: Computers can process, analyze, and manipulate data for various
purposes, including data mining and analytics.

8. Graphics and Multimedia: They can create, edit, and display graphics, videos, and audio.

Limitations of a Computer:
1. No Creativity: Computers lack creativity and cannot generate original ideas or content.

2. Dependency on Instructions:They require explicit instructions to perform tasks and cannot

infer context or make decisions on their own.

3. Errors: Computers can make errors if provided with incorrect data or instructions, and they
lack the ability to detect all types of errors.

4. No Common Sense:They lack common-sense reasoning and understanding of the world,

making certain tasks challenging.

5. Maintenance: Computers require regular updates, maintenance, and security measures to

function optimally.
 6. Cost: High-performance computers can be expensive to purchase and maintain.

7. Environmental Impact:The production and use of computers can have environmental

consequences, including electronic waste and energy consumption.

8. Security Risks: Computers are vulnerable to viruses, malware, and hacking, posing security
risks to data and privacy.

Role of Input & Output Devices

1. The input devices receive or accept the data or instruction from the user, who exist in the
outside world.
2. These devices convert the data or instruction into the machine-readable form for further
processing.
3. The input device performs like the connection between the outside world and our computer
system.
4. The keyboard and mouse are common examples of input devices.
5. When the whole procedure is finished, we get the desired output from the output devices
such as monitor, printer, etc.
Output
1.These devices receive or accept the data in the binary form.
2.The output devices convert the binary code into the human-readable form.
3.These devices produce the converted result and show to the user.

Input Units:

1. Keyboard: A keyboard is a common input device that allows users to input text
and commands by pressing keys. It is a standard input method for most
computers.
2. Mouse: A mouse is a pointing device that enables users to control the cursor on
the screen by moving the mouse and clicking its buttons. It is widely used for
navigating graphical user interfaces.
3. Joystick: A joystick is a device with a handle that can be moved in various
directions to control on-screen objects, primarily in gaming and flight simulation
applications.
4. Scanner: Scanners are used to convert physical documents, images, or photos
into digital format. They capture the content and create digital representations
that can be edited or stored electronically.
 5. Microphone: A microphone is an input device that converts sound waves (voice
or other audio) into electrical signals. It is commonly used for voice input, voice
recording, and communication applications.
6. Webcam: A webcam is a camera device attached to or built into a computer,
used for capturing live video or images. It is commonly used for video
conferencing, live streaming, and online communication.
7. Voice Recognition System: Voice recognition systems, or voice-to-text systems,
convert spoken words into text. They are used for dictation, voice commands, and
accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
8. Touch Screen: A touch screen is an input device that allows users to interact with
a display by touching the screen directly. It is common in smartphones, tablets,
and some computer monitors.

Output Units:

1. Monitors and its types: Monitors are display devices that visually present digital
information. Types include:
• CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) Monitors: Older technology, mostly replaced
by newer displays.
• LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Monitors: Thin and energy-efficient,
commonly used in laptops and desktops.
• LED (Light Emitting Diode) Monitors: A type of LCD with LED
backlighting, offering improved brightness and energy efficiency.
• OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) Monitors: Known for vibrant
colors and high contrast, often used in premium displays.
2. Printers and its types: Printers produce hard copies of digital documents. Types
include:
• Inkjet Printers: Use liquid ink to create high-quality color and black-and-
white prints.
• Laser Printers: Use toner and laser technology for fast, high-volume
printing.
• Dot Matrix Printers: Produce text and graphics through impact printing,
suitable for invoices and forms.
• 3D Printers: Create three-dimensional objects layer by layer from digital
designs.
3. Speakers: Speakers are audio output devices that produce sound. They are used
for listening to music, audio, and multimedia content.
4. Plotters: Plotters are specialized output devices used for precise, large-format
printing, commonly in engineering and design applications.
 5. Projectors: Projectors display images or video onto a larger screen or surface,
often used for presentations, home theater, and educational purposes.
6. Sound Cards: Sound cards are internal or external devices that provide audio
output and input capabilities to computers, enhancing sound quality for
multimedia applications and gaming.

GENRATIONS OF COMPUTER
1 First Generation The period of first generation: 1946-1959. Vacuum tube based.

2 Second Generation The period of second generation: 1959-1965. Transistor based.

3 Third Generation The period of third generation: 1965-1971. Integrated Circuit based.

4 Fourth Generation The period of fourth generation: 1971-1980. VLSI microprocessor based.

5 Fifth Generation The period of fifth generation: 1980-onwards. ULSI microprocessor based.

First Generation Computers The period of first generation was from 1946-1959. The
computers of first generation used vacuum tubes as the basic components for memory and
circuitry for CPU (Central Processing Unit). These tubes, like electric bulbs, produced a lot of
heat and the installations used to fuse frequently. Therefore, they were very expensive and only
large organizations were able to afford it. In this generation, mainly batch processing operating
system was used. Punch cards, paper tape, and magnetic tape was used as input and output
devices. The computers in this generation used machine code as the programming language.

The main features of the first generation are:

• Vacuum tube technology
• Unreliable
• Supported machine language only
• Very costly • Generates lot of heat
• Slow input and output devices
• Huge size
• Need of AC
• Non-portable
• Consumes lot of electricity

Some computers of this generation were:

• ENIAC
• EDVAC
• UNIVAC
• IBM-701
• IBM-750
Second Generation Computers
The period of second generation was from 1959-1965. In this generation, transistors were used
that were cheaper, consumed less power, more compact in size, more reliable and faster than
the first-generation machines made of vacuum tubes. In this generation, magnetic cores were
used as the primary memory and magnetic tape and magnetic disks as secondary storage
devices. In this generation, assembly language and high-level programming languages like
FORTRAN, COBOL were used. The computers used batch processing and multiprogramming
operating system.

The main features of second generation are:

• Use of transistors
• Reliable in comparison to first generation computers
• Smaller size as compared to first generation computers
• Generates less heat as compared to first generation computers
• Consumed less electricity as compared to first generation computers
• Faster than first generation computers
• Still very costly
• AC required
• Supported machine and assembly languages

Some computers of this generation were:

• IBM 1620
• IBM 7094
• CDC 1604
• CDC 3600
• UNIVAC 1108 10

Third Generation Computers

The period of third generation was from 1965-1971. The computers of third generation used
Integrated Circuits (ICs) in place of transistors. A single IC has many transistors, resistors, and
capacitors along with the associated circuitry. The IC was invented by Jack Kilby. This
development made computers smaller in size, reliable, and efficient. In this generation remote
processing, time-sharing, multi-programming operating system were used. High-level languages
(FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, BASIC, ALGOL-68 etc.) were used during this
generation.

The main features of third generation are:

• IC used
• More reliable in comparison to previous two generations
• Smaller size
• Generated less heat
• Faster
• Lesser maintenance
• Costly
• AC required
• Consumed lesser electricity
• Supported high-level language
Some computers of this generation were:
• IBM-360 series
• Honeywell-6000 series
• PDP (Personal Data Processor)
• IBM-370/168
• TDC-316 11

Fourth Generation Computers

The period of fourth generation was from 1971-1980. Computers of fourth generation used Very
Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits. VLSI circuits having about 5000 transistors and other
circuit elements with their associated circuits on a single chip made it possible to have
microcomputers of fourth generation. Fourth generation computers became more powerful,
compact, reliable, and affordable. As a result, it gave rise to Personal Computer (PC) revolution.
In this generation, time sharing, real time networks, distributed operating system were used. All
the high-level languages like C, C++, DBASE etc., were used in this generation.

The main features of fourth generation are:

• VLSI technology used
• Very cheap
• Portable and reliable
• Use of PCs
• Very small size
• Pipeline processing
• No AC required
• Concept of internet was introduced
• Great developments in the fields of networks
• Computers became easily available

Some computers of this generation were:

• DEC 10
• STAR 1000
• PDP 11
• CRAY-1(Super Computer)
• CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer)

Fifth Generation Computers

The period of fifth generation is 1980-till date. In the fifth generation, VLSI technology became
ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology, resulting in the production of microprocessor
chips having ten million electronic components. This generation is based on parallel processing
hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software. AI is an emerging branch in computer science,
which interprets the means and method of making computers think like human beings. All the
high-level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net etc., are used in this generation.
The main features of fifth generation are:
• ULSI technology
• Development of true artificial intelligence
• Development of Natural language processing
• Advancement in Parallel Processing
• Advancement in Superconductor technology
• More user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features
• Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates

Some computer types of this generation are:

• Desktop
• Laptop
• Notebook
• Ultrabook
• Chromebook

Q1.Def of Computer
A computer is a machine or device that performs calculations and operations based on instructions
provided by a software program. It has the ability to accept data (input), process it, and then produce
outputs.

Q2.Characteristics of Computer
1. Speed: – As you know computer can work very fast. It takes only few seconds for
calculations that we take hours to complete

2. Accuracy A computer is very accurate. It does not make any kind of mistake in calculating.
Sometimes we get some errors but these are because of the
mistake performed by us.
3. No IQ: – Computer is a dumb machine and it cannot do any work without instruction from the
user. It performs the instructions at tremendous speed and with accuracy.
4. No Feeling: – It does not have feelings or emotion, taste, knowledge and experience. Thus it
does not get tired even after long hours of work. It does not distinguish between users.

5. Storage: – The Computer has an in-built memory where it can store a large amount of data.

6) Automatic: Given a job, computer can work on it automatically without human

interventions