Introduction to Computers

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to computers, their history, and their applications.

What is a computer?

An electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory unit.

Information Technology (IT)

Anything related to computing technology, including networking, hardware, software, the Internet, and people working with these technologies.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Similar to IT, but also includes communication technologies such as the internet, wireless networks, and cell phones.

First Generation Computers

Vacuum Tube Computers (1946 - 1957).

Second Generation Computers

Transistorized Computers (1958 - 1964).

Third Generation Computers

Integrated Circuit Computers (1965 - 1971).

Fourth Generation Computers

Large scale integrated (LSI) Computers (1971 - 1977).

Fifth Generation Computers

Very large scale integration (VLSI) computers from 1978 to present.

Uses of computers

Computers are used in education, business, hospitals, government offices, homes, marketing, and banking.

Four basic operations of a computer

Input, Process, Output, and Storage.

Example of computer processing

Input: 1+1; Processing: 1+1=2; Output: 2.