Computer - An Introduction

A computer stores data and information in its CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Microprocessor belongs to the generation IV of the computer.

The steps involved are-

1. Collection

2. Preparation

3. Input

4. Processing

5. Output and interpretation

6. Storage

ENIAC was the first generation computer and it was used by the American military.

1. III generation computer – Integrated circuits

2. Text, number - Data

3. Transistor - II generation

4. Directly used - Information

5. Charles Babbage - Father of computer

Computer is a device that can process, store and manipulate data. It can be used to send emails, play video games, make school projects using powerpoint presentations, Word, Excel etc.

1. Data is the raw facts that is collected from someone or something or an event and it is random and bare while information is the particular facts collected of a person or an event after processing

2. Data is just text numbers or messages while information is the refined form.

3. Data does not depend on information while information solely depends on data without which it cannot be processed.

Data when collected is in raw and random form, in this form the data is not of much value to the user. This data is then collected and processed in user friendly form so that it can be utilised by the user. This process is done with the help of computers and so it is automatic.

The steps involved in data processing are-

1. Collection: The raw and random data is collected from a source which can be a person or an object or an event.

2. Preparation: this is the processing of the raw data into a form which is suitable for further analysis. The raw data is not suitable for further use and must be checked for its accuracy.

3. Input: it is the method in which the processed information is converted into machine readable form by programmers or engineers.

4. Processing: it is the method in which the data is subjected to various means and methods of manipulation, the point where a computer program is being executed, and it contains the program code and its current activity.

5. Output and interpretation: it is the stage when the processed data is transferred to the user where it is interpreted by them.

6. Storage: it is the last step in data processing where the processed data, instruction and information is stored for further use.

There are five generation of computer. They are listed as below-

1. First Generation (1940-1956) : In this computers vaccum tubes where used in circuitry and magnetic drums for storage of memory.

2. Second generation (1956-1963): In this generation the vaccum tubes where replaced by the by transistors.

3. Third generation (1964-1971): By this phase, transistors were now being miniaturised and put on silicon chips (called semiconductors). This led to a massive increase in speed and efficiency of these machines.

4. Fourth Generation (1972-2010): In this generation, the whole computer elements such as CPU, memory, input output controls were summed up in a chip known as a microprocessor. This microprocessors was first developed by Intel.

5. Fifth generation (2010-ongoing): Now computers with artificial intelligence are made which can successfully predict the natural languages and can even have the capability to learn and interpret by themselves.