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HISTORY OF COMPUTERS
The earliest data processing equipment were all manual-mechanical devices due to the absence of
electricity and adequate industrial technology.
ABAX – is known as the oldest computer and was developed by the Greeks in 500 B.C
- serves as a means to calculate, it is a flat stone or wooden tabletop in which are carved straight
lines
- calculations are done using little pebbles, and it is assumed that the various pebbles represent
different values
ABACUS - used in China during the 12th century; has a frame with beads strung on wires or rods and
arithmetic calculations are performed by manipulating the beads
NAPIER’S BONES - invented by John Napier in 1610; actually a series of rods, made of bone or ivory, that
could be arranged in predetermined ways to calculate products and quotients of numbers
SLIDE RULE – invented by mathematician William Oughtred; consists of two movable rulers placed side
by side (by sliding the rulers one can quickly multiply and divide)
PASCAL’S CALCULATOR – alternatively the Pascaline, the Pascalina or the Arithmetique; invented by
Blaise Pascal in 1645; this calculating machine was operated by dialing a series of wheels; could
add and subtract numbers up to eight digits
LEIBNIZ CALCULATOR – invented by Gottfried Leibniz; A mechanical device made of copper and steel;
can multiply, divide, add and subtract, as well as extract square roots; also known as the Stepped
Reckoner
COMPUTER GENERATIONS:
A. First Generation (1951 – 1959) was characterized by the use of vacuum tubes.
C. Third Generation (1965 – 1971) was characterized by the use of integrated circuits
computers in this generation again became smaller, cheaper and faster compared to the
transistor-based computers.
Data Processing
Is defined as the operations performed on data or raw facts in order to derive information
What is a Computer?
An electronic device capable of solving problems by accepting data, performing prescribed
operations on the data, and supplying the results of these operations.
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
UNIT 1 Page 3 of 5
1. According to Type
a. Analog – recognize data as a continuous measurement of physical property.
measures voltage, pressure, speed and temperature.
Ex. Automobile speedometer
b. Digital – High-speed, programmable, electronic devices that perform mathematical
calculations, compare values, and store the results.
numbers, letters, and special symbols are represented by 1s and 0s.
c. Hybrid –combination of the analog and digital features
II According to Purpose
a. General – built for a variety of processing jobs
- Ex. Microcomputer in schools
b. Special – built for specific processing jobs or applications
start out as general-purpose machines but are adapted by using a specific
configuration. (example: video games, ATM Machines)
COMPUTER HARDWARE
Hardware – simply refers to the physical equipment that makes up a computer system
The four components:
1. Central Processing Unit 3. Input device
2. Storage device 4. Output device
UNIT 1 Page 4 of 5
Central Processing Unit (CPU) – often referred to as the brain of the computer
it performs all the processing of data
Two Components:
1. Arithmetic Logic Unit – performs all computations and all logical operations
2. Control Unit – read and interpret program instructions
direct the operation of the internal processor components
control the flow of programs and data in and out of the RAM
Storage Device – are devices that retain data for later use. Also called memory.
Writing – the process of entering data into storage
Reading – the process of retrieving data from storage
Input Devices – are devices used to enter data into the computer for processing.
Ex. Scanner, audio, mouse, keyboard
Output Devices – are devices used to transfer data from the computer to the user
Ex. Monitor, Speaker, Printer
Software – refers to all computer programs which direct and control the computer hardware in data
processing.
Two General Categories:
1. System Software – is a collection of programs which facilitates the full use of the
computer (Ex. DOS, Unix, Compiler)
2. Application Software – programs that are designed to perform specific user-
oriented tasks (Ex. Excel, Microsoft Word, Print Artist)
Advantages
1. speed 4. store and recall information
2. repetitiveness 5. comparison
3. accuracy
Disadvantages
1. Can not do anything unless they are first programmed with specific instructions
2. Can not decide how they are to be programmed or provide their own input
3. Can not interpret the data they generate
4. Can not implement any decision that they suggest
5. Can not “think”
6. Can not correct wrong instructions
UNIT 1 Page 5 of 5
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
I. Word Processing
lets you use your computer to compose and print letters, reports and other types of
documents
it offers much more extensive editing capabilities than typewriters without retyping it
allows you to insert new characters, delete existing ones and move blocks of text from one
part of the document to another
II. Desktop Publishing
enables you to combine text, pictures, graphics, tables, lines, boxes and other design elements
in a single document
lets you perform the type of page layout operations required to produce documents such as
newsletters, books and flyers.
III. Spreadsheet
lets you perform almost any kind of mathematical calculations
has a built-in graphics capabilities which transforms a set of numbers into a bar graph, pie
chart, or any type of chart
IV. Database Management
- lets you store, retrieve, and manipulate large collections of information like mailing lists,
inventories, student rosters or library card catalogs.
V. Accounting
helps you manage your money
lets you track and categorize income and expenses, reconcile your bank statements, and
produce standard financial reports such as income statements and balance sheets.
VI. Graphics/Presentation
lets you create pictures or designs either to display on screen or to print
includes painting and drawing programs that lets you either combine and modify existing
pictures or construct your own
you can also enhance photographic images
VII. Communications
- allows computers to “talk” to each other over phone lines, via a special piece of equipment
known as a modem
VIII. Games, Entertainment and Educational Applications
EMERGING TRENDS
1. Video Conferencing
2. WIFI
3. RFID
4. AI/Robotics