Information Technology (IT)

Use of computers and software to manage data. Focus Area: Systems, hardware, networks, software for business solutions. Examples: E-learning, online banking.

Generation of Computer

computer history that is marked by a major technological breakthrough in hardware and software.

(1940 - 1956)

when was the first generation of computer

First Generation

The major hardware features are vacuum tubes and magnetic drums and the processing speed is 1,000 instructions per second.

ENIAC

was to perform high-speed, complex numerical calculations, especially for military and scientific purposes.

UNIVAC - Universal Automatic Computer

It is the first commercial business computer and was developed by John Eckert and John Mauchly.

IBM 650 Magnetic Drum Data-Processing Machine

It was the first mass-produced computer in the world. Almost 2,000 systems were produced in 1962.

(1956 - 1963)

when was the second generation of computer develop

Second Generation

The major hardware features are transistors and magnetic cores. Its processing speed is 1,000,000 instructions per second.

TRADIC

TRAnsistor DIgital Computer or TRansistorized Airborne DIgital Computer.

IBM 1400 Series

Stored information in magnetic cores as variable-length character strings separated on the left by a special bit, called a 'wordmark,' and on the right by a 'record mark.' Arithmetic was performed digit-by-digit.

(1964 - 1971)

what year was the 3rd generation

Third Generation

The major hardware features are integrated circuits (IC) or 'chips' and the processing speed is 10,000,000 instructions per second.

IBM System 360

First general-purpose machine used in science and business.

(1971 - Present)

what year was the fourth generation

Fourth Generation

The major hardware features are microprocessors or large-scale integrated circuits. The minimum processing speed is 100,000,000 instructions per second.

IBM PC

An example of a computer from the fourth generation.

Intel 4004 microprocessor

An example of a microprocessor used in the fourth generation.

(Present - Future)

when is the fifth generation

Fifth Generation

The use of parallel processing and superconductors is helping to make artificial intelligence a reality.

Artificial Intelligence

The goal is to develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and self-organization.

Voice Recognition

An application of artificial intelligence that is being used today.

Processing Speed

The rate at which a computer can process instructions, measured in instructions per second.

Vacuum Tubes

A technology used in the first generation of computers for processing.

Transistors

A technology used in the second generation of computers for processing.

Integrated Circuits

A technology used in the third generation of computers for processing.

Microprocessors

A technology used in the fourth generation of computers for processing.

Parallel Processing

A method of computation in which many calculations are carried out simultaneously.

Superconductors

Materials that can conduct electricity with zero resistance at very low temperatures.

Natural Language Input

A feature aimed at allowing computers to understand and process human language.

1st Generation example

Vacuum Tubes, Very large, very slow, Example: ENIAC, UNIVAC, Key Advancement: Electronic digital logic.

2nd Generation example

Transistors, Smaller, faster, Example: IBM 1401, Key Advancement: Replaced vacuum tubes.

3rd Generation example

Integrated Circuits, Compact, multitasking, Example: IBM System/360, Key Advancement: Efficiency & speed.

4th Generation example

Microprocessors, Personal computers, Example: Apple I, IBM PC, Key Advancement: Affordable PCs.

5th Generation example

AI & Quantum Tech, Smart, learning systems, Example: IBM Watson, Quantum, Key Advancement: Intelligent computing.

General Purpose Computers

Have the ability to store different programs of instruction and thus, perform a variety of operations. Examples: personal computers, laptops and tablets.

Special Purpose Computers

Designed to perform one specific task. Examples: highway tolls, air traffic control, satellite tracking, airline reservations, and automated teller machines.

Analog Computers

Used for scientific, engineering, and process control purposes. Example: analog speedometer in an automobile.

Digital Computers

Operates by counting values that are discrete, or separate and distinct.

Hybrid Computers

Combines the measuring capabilities of the analog computer and the logical and control capabilities of the digital computer.

Supercomputers

Capable of executing trillions of instructions per second, calculated in floating point operations per second (FLOPS). Example: Fugaku supercomputer, Speed: Over 442 petaflops.

Mainframe Computers

Like big file servers, enabling multiple users from nearby and remote locations to access resources at the same time.

Minicomputers

Smaller, less expensive, and less powerful than a mainframe or supercomputer but more expensive and more powerful than a personal computer. Example: The HP 3000 series.

Microcomputers

Smallest, least expensive, and most used types of computers. Examples: Modern desktop computers, video game consoles, laptops, tablet PCs.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Broader scope that includes IT + communication tools. Focus Area: Integration of telecom, broadcasting, internet, and IT.

Computer Science (CS)

Academic discipline focusing on computation and algorithms. Focus Area: Theoretical and technical foundations of computing.

Computing Device

A machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (computation) automatically.

Personal Computer (PC)

A multi-purpose microcomputer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use.

Desktop Computer

The most common type of personal computer, typically large and bulky, designed to be placed on a desk or table.

Notebook Computer

A type of laptop computer that is even smaller and more portable, often called ultrabooks or ultraportables

Laptop Computer

Smaller and more portable than desktop computers, designed to be carried around and used for work, school, or entertainment.

All-in-One Computer

A type of personal computer that has all of its components integrated into a single unit, including the monitor, the computer case, the motherboard, the CPU, the RAM, the hard drive, and the optical drive.

More compact and space-saving than traditional desktop computers.

Workstation computers

often used by engineers and architects, typically more expensive than other personal computers.

Tablet computer

Touchscreen devices smaller than laptops, used for browsing the internet, checking email, and watching videos, more portable but less powerful than laptops

Hand-held computer

Small, portable computers designed to fit in your hand, used for tasks like playing games and checking email, very portable but less powerful than other personal computers.

Smartphones

function as personal computers, equipped with a touchscreen display and various software applications, used for calls, texts, internet browsing, and gaming.

E-Book Reader Devices

Devices used to read electronic books (e-books).

Devices with large, high-resolution screens designed for reading in various lighting conditions, featuring long battery life.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

An e-book reader device by Amazon.

Kobo Libra 2

An e-book reader device by Kobo.

Barnes & Noble Nook Glowlight 4

An e-book reader device by Barnes & Noble.

Onyx Boox Note Air

An e-book reader device by Onyx.

Multimedia Computer

A computer designed to handle multimedia content, featuring a high-quality display, powerful processor, and large memory.

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

A handheld device popular in the early 2000s, used for scheduling, note-taking, and contact management, often seen as a luxury item.

Communication

The ability of computers to connect people globally through email, social media, and video conferencing.

Information

Information

Computers serve as a vast repository for research and learning, providing access to news and historical facts.

Creativity

The use of computers to create art, music, and other forms of expression, enabling sharing of creativity.

Entertainment

The use of computers for leisure activities such as gaming, movie watching, and music listening.

Education

The utilization of computers in schools for teaching, delivering lectures, and providing educational resources.

Business

The role of computers in automating tasks, managing data, and enhancing communication within businesses.

Government

The use of computers by governments to manage operations, provide citizen services, and ensure national security.