Fundamental of computers historical evolution of computers and computer generations

 Fundamental Of Computers

 INTRODUCTION

Let us begin with the word ‘compute’, which means ‘to calculate’. We all are familiar with calculations in our day to day life. 

We apply mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc. and many other formulae for calculations. 

Simpler calculations take less time but complex calculations take much longer time. Another factor is accuracy in calculations. 

Definition of Computer 

A computer is an electronic machine that operates under the control of instructions, that accepts the input data, processes or manipulates the given data according to the predefined instructions and stores the result for the future use.

Computer parts and their names shown in a picture below.

It can also retrieve stored results as and when required again. Now days data is processed with the help of computer.

This modern technique process data is known as Electronic Data Processing (EDP) .

HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF COMPUTERS 

Man has developed from time to time  various instruments to assist him to day to day calculations and for his data processing needs.

Depending upon the types of instruments used, the span of period has been split into following three ages.

• Dark Age ( 5000 BC - 1890 AD)
• Middle Age ( 1890 -1944)
• Modern Age (Since 1944)

Dark Age

In this age all the computing devices were manual-mechanical in nature and all the earliest data processing equipment were all manual-mechanical devices. 

We refer to the era when these machines were used exclusively as the Dark Ages of data processing. 

This age introduced several devices such as Abacus, Napier’s bones, Pascal’s Calculator, etc. 

Middle Age 

In the Middle Age, all computing devices were electro-mechanical in nature. 

In other words, these worked mechanically with the help of electricity. 

Examples include Hollerith’s Tabulating Machine, Atanasoff Berry Computer (ABC), etc. 

Modern Age 

Computers changed over time; they improved in speed, power and efficiency. 

Those changes are  recognized as a progression of generations of discoveries, each characterized by specific developments.