CHAPTER 1:GENERATION OF COMPUTER

There is 5 generation of computer, that is:

> First generation (1951-1958, The Vacuum Tube)

       Vacuum tubes were used as the internal computer component. Language used in programming was     mechine language (numbers basically 0 and 1).

> Second generation (1959-1964, The Transitor)

        Developed by three Bell Lab Scientists. J Bardeen, H W Brattain and W Shockley. It’s was move from mechine language to assembly language and also known as symbolic language.

> Third generation (1965-1970, The Integrated Circuit)

       Integrated circuit is a complate electronic circuit on a small chip of silicon and in 1965 it began to replace the transistor in mechines.

> Fourth generation (1971-present, The Microprocessor)

       The general purpose processor on a chip otherwise known as the microprocessor, developed by an Intel Corporation design team haeded by Ted Hoff in 1969, the microprocessor bacame commercially available in 1971.

> Fifth generation ( Onward, Very Large Scale Integrator)

       The term was coined by the Japanese to describe their goal of creating powerful, intelligent computers by the mid 1990 and since then however it has become an ummbrella term encompassing many research fields in the computer industry. Keys areas of ongoing research are artificial intelligence, natural language and expert systems.

TYPES OF COMPUTER

There is 4 types of computer, that is:

1) Supercomputers

      The fastest, most powerful, most expensive computer.

      For applications requiring complex mathemathical calculations.

2) Mainframe computer

      Very powerful, expensive computer that supports thounsands of connected users.

3) Minicomputers

      Medium-size companies or departments of large companies typically used them for specific purpose.

4) Microcomputers

      6 types of microcomputer is :

            1. Desktop

                  * PC and compatibles use the Windows operating System

                  * Apple Macintosh usually uses the Macintosh operating system (Mac OS X)

                  * Desingned so all of the components fit on or under a desk or table

            2. Media centre

                  *Dedicate entertainment devices

            3. Notebook 

                  * Portable, small enough to fit on your lap

                  * Also called a laptop computer

                  * Generally more expensive than desktop computers with equal capabilities

            4. Table PC

                  * Resembers a letter-sized slate

                  * Allows to write on the screen using a digital pen

                  * Espacially useful for taking notes

            5. Netbook

                  * Smaller, lighter and less expensive than notebook computers.

            6. Handheld computer

                * Calendar

                * Appoinment book

                * Address book

                * Calculator

                * Notepad

                * Smart phone is an Internet enabled telephone that usually provides PDA capabilities.

EXAMPLES OF COMPUTER USAGE

1. Software is available for a home user

    a. Personal Finance Management

    b. Web access 

    c. Communications

    d.  Entertainment

2. Software is available for small office/home office (SOHO) user

    a. Productivity software

    b. Specially software

    c. Web usage

    d. E-mail

3. The needs of a power user

    a.  Extremely fast processsors

    b. Types of power users:

         • Engineers

         • Scientists

         • Architects

         • Desktop publisher

         • Graphic artists

4. Computer Applications in society

     a.  Education

     b.  Finance

     c.  Government

     d.  Health care

     e.  Publishing

     f.  Travel

     g.  manufacturing