LIVING IN IT ERA

artificial intelligence

involves imbuing computers, computer-controlled robots, and software with the ability to think in a manner reminiscent of the human mind.

artificial intelligence

achieved through the study of human brain patterns and the analysis of cognitive processes.

AI application

utilizing artificial intelligence technologies to develop a sophisticated system that emulates, and potentially exceeds, human intelligence for a specific purpose.

Pre-1950s: Foundations and Precursors:

The concept of creating machines that can simulate human thought and intelligence can be traced back to ancient times, with myths and stories featuring automatons and mechanical beings.

1950s: Birth of AI and Early Research: Turing Test

1950: Alan Turing introduces the “____________”, a method to determine a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behavior indistinguishable from that of a human.

1950s: Birth of AI and Early Research:

1956: John McCarthy organizes the Dartmouth Workshop, widely considered the birth of AI as a field. Early AI researchers focus on symbolic reasoning and logic-based systems to mimic human thought processes.

1960s: Symbolic Ai and Limited Success:

Researchers develop early AI programs, such as the Logist Theorist and the General Problem Solver.

1960s: Symbolic Ai and Limited Success:

The notion of “expert systems” emerges, aiming to encode human expertise in specific domains.

1970s: Knowledge-Based Systems and AI Winter:

Research shifts towards knowledge-based systems, where computers use stored information to make decisions.

1970s: Knowledge-Based Systems and AI Winter:

AI experiences a setback known as the “AI winter” due to overhyped expectations and underwhelming results, leading to decreased funding and interest.

1980s: Expert Systems and Connectionism:

Expert systems gain popularity, providing decision support in various fields like medicine and finance.

1980s: Expert Systems and Connectionism:

The connectionist approach gained traction, focusing on neural networks and parallel processing to simulate human brain functions.

1990s: Rise of Machine Learning and Practical Applications:

Machine learning gains prominence, with algorithms like decision trees, support vector machines, and neural networks becoming more effective.

1990s: Rise of Machine Learning and Practical Applications:

AI applications start to make inroads in real-world scenarios, such as speech recognition and computer vision.

2000s: Big Data, Deep Learning, and AI resurgence:

Advancements in processing power and the availability of large datasets lead to breakthroughs in deep learning.

2000s: Big Data, Deep Learning, and AI resurgence:

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) become key architectures for image and speech recognition.

2000s: Big Data, Deep Learning, and AI resurgence:

AI applications like recommender systems, virtual personal assistants, and autonomous vehicles become more viable.

2010s: Deep learning dominance and Ethical Concerns:

Deep learning continues to advance, with models like convolutional and transformer networks achieving remarkable results across various domains.

2010s: Deep learning dominance and Ethical Concerns:

AI enters mainstream conversation, but concerns about bias, ethics, job displacement, and data privacy  also emerge.

2010s: Deep learning dominance and Ethical Concerns:

Generative models like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and language models like GPT-2 showcase the potential of AI-generated content.

2020s up to present: Sustained Advancement and Ethical Focus:

AI applications continue to expand, including healthcare diagnostics, natural language processing, and robotic automation.

2020s up to present: Sustained Advancement and Ethical Focus:

Efforts to address ethical challenges and biases in AI algorithms gain momentum, with increased emphasis on responsible AI development.

2020s up to present: Sustained Advancement and Ethical Focus:

The progression of AI application persists, encompassing diverse fields such as healthcare diagnostics, natural language processing, and the automation of tasks through robotics.

2020s up to present: Sustained Advancement and Ethical Focus:

The drive to confront ethical complexities and biases inherent in AI algorithms gain traction, with a heightened focus on the responsible and conscientious development of AI systems.

NARROW AI, also known as WEAK AI

These systems are meticulously crafted to execute particular tasks and are constrained by those predefined functions.

NARROW AI, also known as WEAK AI

While these AI systems demonstrate exceptional proficiency in their designated roles, they do not possess a broad-spectrum intelligence.

NARROW AI, also known as WEAK AI

 Operates within predefined boundaries and cannot generalize beyond their specialized domain.

Example: Siri or Alexa are algorithms, and image recognition systems.

GENERAL AI, also known as STRONG AI

replicates mental capacities, thought processes, and functions.

Modeled after those observed in the human brain embodies a more philosophical aspiration rather than a practical pursuit.

GENERAL AI, also known as STRONG AI

Capable of comprehending, reasoning, learning, and applying knowledge to solve intricate problems in a way that closely resembles human cognition.

– Example, WIP - work in progress.

DIGITAL

These computers accept input in the form of Os and 1s. The computer processes binary input and provides the output. These computers perform all the logical & arithmetical operations. Any input given in any language is first converted into binary language and then the computer processes the information.

• Examples: Laptops, PCs, mobile phones, desktops, etc.

ANALOG

These computers process analog data. Its data keeps varying. Hence, it does not have any discrete value. They read the continuous change in the input, process it, and then provide the output.

ANALOG

 perform the equal diligence and accuracy. They are however slower than digital computers. They are also slightly less precise.  are for a Speedometer, thermometer, frequency, and signal of voltage, measuring the resistance of a capacitor.

HYBRID

are a mix of both analog and digital computers. These computers perform a high level of calculations.

HYBRID

 are quick and efficient. They take input in analog form, convert it into digital form, and then process it to produce an output, scientists are also using hybrid computers for complex computations.

HYBRID

For example, in hospitals to measure the heartbeat of the patients, and at research institutes to measure earthquakes and other natural calamities.

WORKSTATIONS

Are for single usage and professional purposes. These are like our basic laptops and desktops but with added superior features.

WORKSTATIONS

For example, a double-processor motherboard, added graphic card, ECC RAM, etc. The workstations are more powerful as compared to generic PCs. These can handle heavy-duty functions

WORKSTATIONS

Like animation, CAD, audio & video editing, professional gaming, etc. Examples: Apple Powerbook G4, SPARC CPU, MIPS CPU, etc

SERVERS

These are hardware components or software programs that are built to assist other computers termed as clients.

client-server model.

Together, this architecture is called the ____________. The client sends a request to the server and the server responds in return with a result or a solution. This means that these server computers are more powerful than standard computers.

SERVERS

The main purpose of these computers is to share data and resources with other computers.

SERVERS

Different types of ______are useful for different needs and applications. For example, cloud server, application server, database server, file server, etc. Each of these servers has a different purpose for different client needs

EMBEDDED

These computers are mainly microcontroller-based systems. Used for processing specific tasks.

EMBEDDED

have a combination of software and hardware components but are usually a part of a larger system. Each of its components is designed from scratch to serve a specific purpose or complete a specific  task

EMBEDDED

Another characteristic that distinguishes them from a standard PC is that all of its components are integrated into a single PCB or motherboard. They are almost helpful for industrial use, this is because of their ruggedness

EMBEDDED

Example: GPS Systems, centralized heating systems, fitness trackers, digital watches, electronic calculators.

MICROCOMPUTER

are nothing but computers. These are single-chip systems. These are useful for personal use and can perform all the basic functions of the computer.

MICROCOMPUTER

require very little space and are comparatively inexpensive. Such computers have the most minimalistic requirement in terms of I/O devices and have all the circuitry mounted on a single PCB

MICROCOMPUTER

For example, tablets, Ipad, smartwatches, laptops, desktops

MINICOMPUTER

Standing in between a microcomputer and a mainframe computer is the __________. These computers are useful for people around 5 to 300. Those who want to operate the system at the same time. You can see such computers at the billing counters of malls or large institutions.

MAINFRAME

computers are useful when a large number of people are involved. Like in the health care or retail sector who want to access data simultaneously.

MAINFRAME

These computers process large amounts of data. Mainframe computers have evolved a lot over the years in terms of speed, size, and efficiency.

MAINFRAME

These computers are just below the supercomputers and sometimes are even more useful than a supercomputer. Examples: IBM z Series, System z9, etc.

SUPERCOMPUTERS

The biggest and fastest computers are ________. Such computers can process trillions of functions within a few seconds.

SUPERCOMPUTERS

• We generally use MPIS (Million Instructions per Second) to measure their performance. These computers are specifically designed to scientific applications such as–

  •  Encryption decryption of passwords.

  • Weather forecasting.

  • Testing of nuclear weapons.

INFORMATION APPLIANCES

is a term used to describe a specialized computing device or gadget that is designed to perform specific tasks related to information processing or communication.

INFORMATION APPLIANCES

These devices are typically focused on a narrow set of functions and are often characterized by simplicity, ease of use, and portability.

INFORMATION APPLIANCES

aim to provide efficient solutions for specific tasks without the complexity of a general-purpose computer.

Mobile Phones:

 While they offer various functions beyond communication (such as web browsing, photography, and GPS navigation). _______are essentially information appliances at their core, designed primarily for voice calls and text messaging.

Tablet Computers

are designed for tasks like web browsing, e-reading, and multimedia consumption, making them information appliances, especially in their more specialized roles.

E-Readers:

Devices like the Amazon Kindle are information appliances tailored exclusively for reading e-books

MP3 Players:.

Devices like the iPod, although less common today due to smartphone integration, where information appliances focused solely on music playback.

Digital Cameras

capable of capturing photos and videos, are designed and specifically for this purpose and are considered information appliances.

GPS Navigation Systems:

designed solely for navigation purposes are information appliances.

Voice Assistants:

Devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home are information appliances optimized for voice based interaction and tasks like setting reminders, answering questions, and controlling smart home devices.

Digital Voice Recorders

These are used for recording audio notes or interviews, serving a specific information-gathering function.

MONITOR

one of the output devices of the computer.

MONITOR

 like a digital screen that reflects the output or results. The images or tests displayed on the monitor are with the help of a video card inside it.

MONITOR

used to have CRT inside for display but now new LED and LCD based monitors are available which have better display quality and take a lot less space.

KEYBOARD

 an input device consisting of mechanical buttons called ‘the keys’. Each time a key is pressed the circuit is complete, the CPU receives an electric signal. Further, it detects the key pressed and shows the output on the display.

KEYBOARD

Computers are connected to _______ through a connecting cable. These are wireless keyboards that are connected using Bluetooth technology.

MOUSE

• The computer has one more peripheral-___. It is part of the input unit. The _____ has two purposes:

  • To direct the pointer present on the display of the monitor.

  • It selects and moves files.

MOUSE

In addition, the right-click displays a drop-down menu. There are two types, mechanical and optical.

mechanical mouse

is not very prevalent nowadays. Previously, they used to consist of a mechanical trackball beneath them to track the painter.

 optical mouse

 is much more advanced and uses LED light to assist the direction of the pointer. Two buttons are not the limit in the mouse now.

‘gaming mouse

There is a new mouse in the market called the _________’. It has too many buttons solely made for gaming. As a result, there has been a hike in demand for such mouse.

PRINTER

an output device, helpful in representing the output on a sheet. Whatever is displayed on the monitor's screen can be printed through a _______ It contains a barrel filled with colors that imprint the data on the paper. With the technology growing there are now various print technologies. The better the speed, quality, and permanence of the print, the higher the price.

SPEAKER

 are the intermediate devices between the computer and the user. They have a transducer that converts the electromagnetic waves of the computer into sound waves. always come in pairs to create a stereo sound. Cables connect Computers to speakers. Another good option is using headphones. These are also output devices and perform the same work but are portable and can be used without creating a disturbance.

SPEAKER

Different sounds produced by the computer can be heard through the ___. can be used to listen to songs or any kind of audio coming out of the computer.

SCANNER

 is used to scan documents, pictures, or texts and feed as it is to the computer. It is an input device that works similarly to a photocopy machine does.

SCANNER

It consists of a flat-bed over which the document is placed, and under it, a series of lights are swept across. Therefore, it helps in scanning the document and producing its soft copy on the computer.

MICROPHONE

Just as the speakers are used to listen to audio, the are ___________ used to feed audio in the computer. The working remains the same, but the computer understands when the sound wave is converted into an electromagnetic wave.

CPU

the main processor of the computer. So, the ___ is the mastermind behind all the processes. Just how a human brain controls all the tasks done by a human body similarly the______ acts as a brain of the computer.

MEMORY UNIT

• stores all the data, information, and instruction to be processed. The ___ gives fast access to the data. Therefore, more the memory faster would be thinking ability of the computer.

Primary Memory:

consists of RAM (Random Access Memory). The RAM is used to store the recent data. This is used for faster access to recent files or instructions. The ______ is volatile, which means it gets erased once the power is switched off.

Secondary Memory

includes a hard disk. It is non-volatile, which means the data does not get erased even in a power failure.

STORAGE

The main function of the computer is to store and manipulate data. This makes it clear that a computer constitutes a large storage space. This storage space can be of two types: HDD and SSD.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive

is a moving disk that stores data in the computer and is a non-volatile type of memory. This means the data is not erased even in a power failure. The hard disk contains moving platters and a magnetic arm to read and write data on the platters. The whole arrangement is in an airtight case.

SSD (Solid-state Drive

 is an immovable type of storage space and uses flash memory to store data. This is also the secondary memory in the computer and is non-volatile.  are much more expensive than HDDs, therefore, are less preferable when it comes to cost-cutting.

MOTHERBOARD

 is the main circuit board inside the computer. It helps all the components of the computer communicate with each other. Such as between the CPU and the storage unit of the CPU and the output devices.

MOTHERBOARD

consists of a microprocessor chip, which does the job of interfacing peripheral devices, CPU, and other peripheral buses.

GPU  Graphics Processing Unit

which can process thousands of threads simultaneously. This makes the ___ ideal for purposes like high-definition image processing gaming, or only tasks that involve graphics.

GPU  Graphics Processing Unit

can handle multiple tasks parallel, and that is how it is helpful in image processing because it can handle contrast, shape, lighting, etc. together and can display it on the screen altogether really fast.

system unit

a “tower” or “chassis,” is the main part of a desktop computer.

Also known as a base unit, is electronic circuitry housed within the computer cabinet. It is the part of the microcomputer that contains the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

system unit

It includes the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and other components. The ____ also includes the case that houses the internal components of the computer.

The term _____ ___is often used to differentiate between the computer and peripheral devices, such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Some modern computers, such as the iMac, combine the system unit and monitor into a single device.

system unit

The term _____ _____ is often used to differentiate between the computer and peripheral devices, such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Some modern computers, such as the iMac, combine the system unit and monitor into a single device.

Notebook

this is a micro computer that is small and light enough to be moved easily from one place to another. It can fit into most briefcases. They are the most popular computers today.

Palmtop

these are also known as Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) and are much smaller than laptops. This device combines pen input, writing recognition, personal organizational tools and communication capabilities in a very small package

Desktop

these are small enough to fit on top or along the side of a desk and yet are too big to carry around.

Tower

________ casing system unit is a little taller than the desktop, hence, it is placed under the table or on the floor