Introduction to Computers and Their Evolution

These vocabulary flashcards cover key acronyms, historical devices, notable inventors, core computer concepts, and generational developments mentioned in the lecture notes.

Input-Process-Output (IPO) Cycle

The basic operational model of a computer: data are entered (Input), manipulated (Process), and presented as useful information (Output).

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Automotive safety system that prevents wheels from locking during braking, maintaining steering control.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The primary component of a computer that performs calculations and executes instructions.

ATM (Automated Teller Machine)

Self-service banking terminal that allows customers to perform financial transactions without a human teller.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

Satellite-based navigation system that provides location, velocity, and time information anywhere on Earth.

ASCC (Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator)

Early electromechanical computer, also called the Harvard Mark I, used for automatic calculations during World War II.

ABC (Atanasoff-Berry Computer)

Prototype electronic digital computer developed in the late 1930s; first to use binary digits and electronic switching.

ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)

First large-scale general-purpose electronic digital computer, completed in 1946.

EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer)

Early stored-program computer design that introduced the concept of using binary code in memory.

EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator)

One of the first stored-program computers; became operational at Cambridge University in 1949.

UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer)

First commercially available electronic digital computer designed for general-purpose business use.

Computer

A programmable electronic device that processes raw data to produce meaningful information.

Hospital Applications of Computers

Storing medical records, performing diagnostic tests, and monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate.

Transportation Applications of Computers

Managing fuel consumption, controlling safety features (e.g., airbags, ABS), and providing GPS-based navigation.

Abacus

Ancient bead-and-frame calculating device from China; still used in parts of Asia for arithmetic.

Napier’s Bones

Manual calculating device of numbered rods invented by John Napier in 1617 to simplify multiplication and division.

Slide Rule

Analog calculation tool invented by William Oughtred around 1620, used for rapid multiplication, division, and logarithms.

Pascaline

Mechanical calculator invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642 that could add and subtract using geared wheels.

Charles Babbage

English mathematician known as the “Father of Computers” for designing the Difference Engine and Analytical Engine.

Difference Engine

Mechanical device designed by Charles Babbage to compute polynomial functions and print mathematical tables.

Analytical Engine

General-purpose mechanical computer concept by Babbage; featured a mill (CPU), store (memory), and punch-card input/output.

Lady Augusta Ada Lovelace

Mathematician regarded as the first computer programmer for writing algorithms for Babbage’s Analytical Engine.

Tabulating Machine

Electromechanical data-processing device invented by Herman Hollerith to aid the 1890 U.S. census.

Herman Hollerith

Inventor of the Tabulating Machine and a founder of the company that became IBM.

Computer Generation

A stage in computer development marked by major technological advancements (e.g., vacuum tubes, transistors, ICs).

First-Generation Computers

1940s–1950s machines using vacuum tubes; large, costly, slow, and limited to machine-language programming.

Second-Generation Computers

1950s–1960s machines using transistors; smaller, faster, more reliable, and capable of assembly-language programming.

Third-Generation Computers

1960s–1970s computers that used integrated circuits (ICs) for higher speed and improved efficiency.

Fourth-Generation Computers

1970s–present computers based on microprocessors, enabling personal computers and portable devices.

Fifth-Generation Computers

Current and future systems emphasizing artificial intelligence, parallel processing, and advanced user interfaces.

Drawbacks of First-Generation Computers

Vacuum tubes made them large, expensive, heat-prone, slow, with limited memory and only machine-language capability.

Features of Second-Generation Computers

Used transistors, were smaller, more energy-efficient, faster, had greater storage, and supported high-level languages.

Input

Raw data and instructions entered into a computer via devices like a keyboard or mouse.

Processing

Computer’s manipulation of input data according to programmed instructions to produce results.

Output

The information produced by a computer, delivered through monitors, printers, speakers, etc.

Storage

Component where data and programs are saved for immediate or future use, such as RAM or hard drives.

IBM 1401

Early 1960s transistor-based business computer used in Nepal’s 2028 B.S. census.