SSRVM Content Creation Template

SSRVM Content Creation Template

Detailed Description

Computer is a Programmable machine that can store, retrieve, and process data. Today’s computers have at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit) , performs most calculations and includes a main memory, a control unit, and an arithmetic logic unit. Increasingly, Personal Computers contain specialized graphic processors, with dedicated memory, for handling the computations needed to display complex graphics, such as for three-dimensional simulations and games. Auxiliary data storage is usually provided by an internal hard disk and may be supplemented by other media such as floppy disks or CD-ROMs. Peripheral equipment includes input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse) and output devices (e.g., monitor, printer), as well as the circuitry and cabling that connect all the components. Generations of computers are characterized by their technology. First-generation digital computers, developed mostly in the U.S. after World War II, used vacuum tubes and were enormous. The second generation, introduced in 1960, used transistors and were the first successful commercial computers. Third-generation computers (late 1960s and 1970s) were characterized by miniaturization of components and use of integrated circuits. The microprocessor chip, introduced in 1974, defines fourth-generation computers.

First –Generation Computers(1939-1954)

The first generation of computers is said by some to have started in 1946 with ENIAC(Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator), the first 'computer' to use electronic valves (ie. vacuum tubes).

The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory, and were It filled a thirty by fifty-foot room and weighed thirty tons . They were very expensive to operate and in addition to using a great deal of electricity, generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause of malfunctions. First generation computers relied on machine language to perform operations, and they could only solve one problem at a time. Input was based on punched cards and paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts.

The computer had 18,000 vacuum tubes which were used to perform calculations at a rate of 5,000 additions per second. This is much faster than any human could perform, but a great deal slower than the computers of today. Operators used plug boards and wires to program the desired operations and entered the numbers used in the calculations by turning a series of dials until they corresponded to the correct digits.

The UNIVAC(fig:1.2) and ENIAC(fig:1.1) computers are examples of first-generation computing devices

Fig. ENIAC

Fig: 1952: UNIVAC

Univac was the primary product of the Eckert-Mauchly computer company. Not only was it faster, but it demonstrated the shift from base-ten to binary code.

Second Generation - 1956-1963: Transistors

Transistors replaced vacuum tubes in the second generation of computers. The transistor was invented in 1947 and was far superior to the vacuum tube, allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient and more reliable than their first-generation predecessors. Though the transistor still generated a great deal of heat that subjected the computer to damage, it was a vast improvement over the vacuum tube. Second-generation computers still relied on punched cards for input and printouts for output.

Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to symbolic, or assembly, languages, which allowed programmers to specify instructions in words. High-level programming languages were also being developed at this time, such as early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN. These were also the first computers that stored their instructions in their memory, which moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core technology. The first computers of this generation were developed for the atomic energy industry.

Fig:1.3 Transistor Circuit

Third Generation - 1964-1971: Integrated Circuits

Though transistors were clearly an improvement over the vacuum tube, they still generated a great deal of heat, which damaged the computer's sensitive internal parts.. The IC(Intergrated Chips) combined three electronic components onto a small silicon disc, which was made from quartz. The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of computers. Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of computers.

Instead of punched cards and printouts, users interacted with third generation computers through keyboards and monitors and interfaced with an operating system, which allowed the device to run many different applications at one time with a central program that monitored the memory. Computers for the first time became accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller and cheaper than their predecessors.

Fig: Integrated Chip

Fourth Generation - 1971-Present: Microprocessors

After the integrated circuits, the only place to go was down - in size, that is. Large scale integration (LSI) could fit hundreds of components onto one chip .The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip. What in the first generation filled an entire room could now fit in the palm of the hand. The Intel 4004 chip, developed in 1971, located all the components of the computer - from the central processing unit and memory to input/output controls - on a single chip.

In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and in 1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh. Microprocessors also moved out of the realm of desktop computers and into many areas of life as more and more everyday products began to use microprocessors.

As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to form networks, which eventually led to the development of the Internet. Fourth generation computers also saw the development of GUIs, the mouse and handheld devices. It also increased their power, efficiency and reliability.

Fig: Microprocessor

Fifth Generation - Present and Beyond

Many advances in the science of computer design and technology are coming together to enable the creation of fifth-generation computers. Fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still in development, though there are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today. The use of parallel processing and superconductors is helping to make artificial intelligence a reality. Quantum computation and molecular and nanotechnology will radically change the face of computers in years to come. The goal of fifth-generation computing is to develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and self-organization. Fifth generation of computer is the development of software’s to enhances computer works and its robotic applications.

LESSON PLAN

To Teachers.

Where to Start

Tell about the various technologies in Daily life. Explain the usage of computer and in which all areas it is used . Explain about applications like computers used in Banking , Railway Reservation , Internet, Games etc.

Taking the CPU to class will help the students to see the parts inside (ie hardware devices ) the Computer.

Ø  Explain the concepts of Hardware and Software

Ø  Introduce the parts like memory, Processor, Harddisk.

Ø  Tell them What the IC (Integrated Chip) is made up off.

Ø  Refer to the Figures to tell the concepts about the generation of Computers.

Ø  Explain the Evolution of Computers is divided into Five Generations.

Ø  Explain for each generation what the computer is made up of.

Ø  Explain the technical terms like

Ø  Semi Conductors

Ø  Quantum

l  Bit & Bytes

l  Integrated Chips

WORKSHEETS

Exercise No:1

Exercise No:2

Match the following statements with its corresponding Generation Years:

Assignment

Briefly describe about evolution of computers.

Input Devices

OutPut Devices

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