What is Computer | Generations of Computer

Computer Definition:-



A computer is an electronic device used for processing the data and it gives us the output result.

A computer is a machine or device that is used to perform various tasks like processing, calculations and operations based on instruction based on instructions given by user.

Computer has the ability to accept data in the form of input and processes it and gives the result in the form of output.

It also stores data for future uses in the storage device.
Whenever we want the data(that is stored in computer memory) from computer we retrieve the data. Modern computers are electronic device used for multiple purposes like browsing, writing the documents, video editing, creating multiple applications, games etc.
Computer is a device used for processing, storing data and displaying information. It is a machine that can store and process information based on user requirement.

computer system meaning
computer system


Computers understand the information in the form of binary system.

It understands 0 and 1.

Who invented the Computer

Charles Babbage invented the computer.

In other words computer is also called an information processor :
Computers  takes the raw information from user.

Types of computers:

There are three types of computers
1.Analogue Computer
2.Digital Computer
3.Hybrid Computer
1.Analogue Computer:-
These computers are designed to perform analogue data. The analogue is a continuous data and it changes continously. It cannot have discrete values.
It accepts the data directly from the measuring device without converting  it into codes and numbers.
For ex-Speedometer and thermometer etc.

2.Digital Computer:-
These computers are designed to perform calculations and logical operations at a very high speed of processing. It accepts the data in the form of  binary numbers(0 and 1) and process it with the programs stored in the computer memory. All computers we use daily in modern times like laptops. smartphones, desktops in our home or office is a example of digital computers.

3.Hybrid Computers:-
It is a combination of  both analogue and digital computers.
It has a feature of both the computers. Like analogue computer is fast it is also fast and accuracy like digital computer. Hybrid computers can process continuous as well as discrete data. It is widely used specialized applications where the digital and analogue data is processed. The data sends to the hybrid computer receives the signal  and converts them into digital

Generations of  Computer:-

The Generation in computer technology is a change of technology in computer system being used.
Nowadays, the hardware and software includes the generation which together make whole computer system.
There are five generations of computer:-
1.First Generation:-
The first generation period is 1946-1959.In this generation vacuum tube is used first time. 

2.Second Generation:-
The second generation period is 1959-1965.In this generation transistor  is used.

3.Third  Generation:-
The third generation period is 1965-1971.In this generation Integrated Circuit is introduced.

4.Fourth Generation:-
The fourth generation period is 1971-1980.In this generation VLSI microprocessor  based technology is used.
5.Fifth Generation:-
The fifth generation period is 1980 and onwards. In this generation ULSI microprocessor  based technology is used.

Classification of Computers:-

1. Based on Size:-
On the basis of size, computers are categorised as follows:-
A. Microcomputer:-
Microcomputers are types of computers that are least powerful, yet the most widely used and are also called portable computers. Microcomputers consists of three basic categories of physical equipment,
i.e. system unit, I/O unit and memory unit.

Some types of microcomputers are as follows:-
i. Laptop :- Laptops are also known as ultra book or notebook. These are portable and lightweight. Laptop include rechargeable battery which means you can use laptop anywhere and anytime.

ii. Desktop Computer :- Desktop computers are also called Personal Computer(PC). These are small relatively economical computers. Desktop computers are based on microprocessor technology i.e. Integrated Circuit(IC).

iii. Palmtop Computers :- Palmtop computers are small and designed to fit into the palm. So, these are also called Handheld computers. Palmtop computers are practical for certain functions such as phone books and calendar.

iv. Workstation Computer :- Workstation computers are dedicated to a user or a group of users engaged in a business or professional work. It includes one or more high resolution  displays and a faster processor than a Personal Computer(PC).

v. Tablet Computer :- They have key features of the  notebook computers but these can accept input from a pen instead of the keyboard or mouse.

B. Mainframe Computer :- 
Mainframe computers have large internal memory storage and a comprehensive range of software and hardware. Mainframe computers serves as a backbone for the entire business world. It is considered as the heart of a network of computers or terminals that allow a large number of  people to work at the same time.

C. Minicomputer :-
Minicomputer are smaller in size, faster and cost lower than mainframe computers. Initially the minicomputer was designed to carry out some specific tasks  like your engineering and Computer Aided Design(CAD). They are being used as a central computer which is known as Server.

D. Super Computer :-
Super computers are the fastest and most expensive computers machines in the world. Supercomputers have high processing speed compared to other computers. They are most powerful and superfast computers in the world. Supercomputers are large in size, large in memory and compared to all other computers.

The speed of these computers are measured in FLOPS which stands for (Floating Point Operations Per Second). Supercomputers are used for highly calculations and intensive tasks like for weather forecast and nuclear research and scientific research laboratories.

The following Supercomputers are as follows:-
a. CRAY-1 :- It was the worlds first supercomputer introduced in 1976 by Seymour R CRAY.
b. PARAM :- It was the first supercomputer of India that was developed in 1990.
c. PRAM ISHAN :- It is the latest machine in the series of PARAM made by C-DAC and IIT Guwahati. It was made on 20th September 2016.

2. Based on Purpose: -
On the basis of purpose , the computers are divided as follows :-
 A. General Purpose Computer :-
These are those computers, which are used to solve variety of problems by changing the program or instructions i.e. To make small database and small calculations and accounting.

B. Special Purpose Computers : -
Special purpose computers are those computers which are used to solve a single and a dedicated type of problems in a computer system.
e.g. Automatic Aircraft landing and multimedia computer etc.

Some other terms related to this article:-
Q. What is Hardware?
Ans. It is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer system.
Q. What is Software?
Ans. Software is the set of programs. It tells the hardware what to do and how to perform a task.
Q. What is Program?
Ans. Program is a set of instructions given to a computer in order to perform some task in a computer system.

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