Computer Fundamental

Computer Tutorial

Introduction to Computer What is Computer Component of computer Characteristics of computer Application of computer Advantages of computer Disadvantages of computer Computer hardware Computer software

» Generation of Computer » First Generation of Computer » Second Generation of Computer » Third Generation of Computer » Fourth Generation of Computer » Fifth Generation of Computer

Types of Computer According to functionality On the basis of Size Microcomputers Computer Minicomputers Computer Mainframe Computer Supercomputer Computer On the basis of Purpose

Component of Computer Input-Process-Output Concept Computer Hardware Computer Software Data, Information and Knowledge

Central Processing Unit ALU & CU CPU Registers Motherboard Ports and Interfaces Processor Types of Processors

Input devices Keyboard Mouse TrackBall Joystick Digitizing Tablet Light Pen Touch Screen Audio Input Device Vidio Input Device Scanner Optical Input Devices

Output devices Monitor Audio system Printer Plotter Projector

Computer Memory Memory Representation Memory Hierarchy CPU Registers Cache Memory Primary memory Random Access Memory Read Only Memory Data Access Methods Secondary Memory Magnetic Tape Magnetic Disk Hard Disk Floppy Disk Zip Disk Optical Disk CD-ROM Recordable Optical Disk Differences between Primary and Secondary Memory

Computer Ports Serial Ports Parallel Ports PS/2 port USB Port VGA Port DVI Port Ethernet Port

Computer Software System Software Operating System Device Driver System Utilities Application software

Programming Language Machine Language Assembly Language High-level Language Translator Software Difference Between a Compiler and An Interpreter Linker & Loader

Flow Chart Flow Chart Symbols Rules For Drawing Flowcharts How to draw flowchart Types of Flowcharts

Number System Kinds of Number Systems Converting Decimal Integer to Binary, Octal, Hexadecimal Converting Decimal Fraction to Binary, Octal, Hexadecimal Converting Decimal Integer Fraction to Binary, Octal, Hexadecimal Conversion of Binary, Octal, Hexadecimal to Decimal Conversion of Binary to Octal, Hexadecimal Conversion of Octal, Hexadecimal to Binary Binary Arithmetic Complement of Binary Numbers Binary Data Representation Binary Coding Schemes

Operating System Types of OS Functions of OS Process Management CPU Scheduling Process Synchronization Memory Management File Management Device Management

DOS OS & Commands Physical Structure of Disk Function of DOS Types of file system Internal commands External commands

Computer Network Data Transmission Media & Modes Guided Media Unguided Media Network Types LAN Topologies Network Devices

Internet Internet Architecture Internet Address World Wide Web Web Browser Internet Search Engines Electronic Mail Uses of Internet

MCQ on Fundamental of Computer

Fourth Generation of Computer

Fourth Generation of Computer ( 1971 to present )

The microprocessor has resulted in the fourth generation computers being smaller and cheaper than their predecessors. The fourth generation computers are also portable and more reliable. They generate much lesser heat and require less maintenance compared to their predecessors. GUI and pointing devices facilitate easy use and learning on the computer. Networking has resulted in resource sharing and communication among different computers.

Hardware Technology

They use the Large Scale Integration (LSI) and the Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) technology. Thousands of transistors are integrated on a small silicon chip using LSI technology. VLSI allows hundreds of thousands of components to be integrated in a small chip. This era is marked by the development of microprocessor. Microprocessor is a chip containing millions of transistors and components, and, designed using LSI and VLSI technology.
This generation of computers gave rise to Personal Computer (PC). Semiconductor memory replaced the earlier magnetic core memory, resulting in fast random access to memory. Secondary storage device like magnetic disks became smaller in physical size and larger in capacity. The linking of computers is another key development of this era. The computers were linked to form networks that led to the emergence of the Internet. This generation also saw the development of pointing devices like mouse, and handheld devices.

Microprocessor

Software Technology

Several new operating systems like the MS-DOS and MSWindows developed during this time. This generation of computers supported Graphical User Interface (GUI). GUI is a user-friendly interface that allows user to interact with the computer via menus and icons. High-level programming languages are used for the writing of programs.

Computing Characteristics

The computation time is in picoseconds.

Physical Appearance

They are smaller than the computers of the previous generation. Some can even fit into the palm of the hand.

Application

They became widely available for commercial purposes. Personal computers became available to the home user.

Examples

» The Intel 4004 chip was the first microprocessor. The components of the computer like Central Processing Unit (CPU) and memory were located on a single chip. In 1981, IBM introduced the first computer for home use. In 1984, Apple introduced the Macintosh.

Fourth Generation Computer

Advantages of Fourth Generation of Computer

» Smaller in size and much reliable.
» No cooling system required in many cases.
» Much faster computation.
» Portable and cheap.
» The heat generated was negligible.
» Totally general purpose computer.
» Cheapest among all generations
» All types of High level languages can be used in this type of computers
» Totally general purpose

Disadvantages of Fourth Generation of Computer

» Very advanced technology was required to fabricate to the ICs.
» The latest technology is required for manufacturing of Microprocessors.

Other Generation of compter are

» First Generation of Computer (1940 to 1956): Using Vacuum Tubes
» Second Generation of Computer (1956 to 1963): Using Transistors
» Third Generation of Computer (1964 to 1971): Using Integrated Circuits
» Fifth Generation of Computer (Present and Next): Using Artificial Intelligence