We all are familiar with computers, and it has become an integral part of human life. So, according to the definition, a computer is a device or equipment that follows instructions from a software or hardware programme to perform procedures, calculations and operations. It can accept data (input), process it and then produce outputs. 

Computers can also store data from inappropriate storage devices and retrieve them as needed. Modern computers are electronic devices used for various tasks such as browsing the internet, generating documents, editing movies, developing programmes, and playing video games. 

What is the Computer?

A computer is an electronic device used to manipulate the data or the information. A laptop can retrieve, process and store data. We all are well familiar that the computer is used to save documents files, play games, browse Web and send an email. The laptop is also used to create or edit presentations, videos and spreadsheets. The components of computers are further divided into Hardware and software.

What do you mean by Hardware?

A device that is physically linked to the computer, such as a hard drive, or something that can be physically handled, is referred to as Hardware. Computer hardware includes a CD-ROM drive, a computer monitor, a video card and a printer. A computer would not work if it didn’t have any hardware, and software would have nowhere to run. Hardware and software communicate with one another, with software informing Hardware of the tasks it must complete. Some examples of Hardware are a mouse, keyword, printer, scanner, printer etc. 

What do you mean by Software?

A collection of computer programmes, methods, and documentation that performs a task on a computer system is called software. Although the boundary is arbitrary and sometimes blurred, practical computer systems divide software into three primary classes: system, programming, and application. Software is a set of instructions used to change the state of computer hardware in a specific order. Software is often designed with a user-friendly interface that helps humans communicate with computers more efficiently. Some examples of the software are MS Office, Google Chrome, Adobe Photoshop etc. 

What are the different types of computers?

On the grounds of size, they are classified into five types:-

• Minicomputer
• Supercomputer
• Personal Computer (PC)
• Mainframe computer
• Workstation

On the grounds of data handling capacity and speed, they are classified into three types:

• Digital Computer
• Analogue Computer
• Hybrid Computer

Generation of the computers

There are 5 generations of computers, and something new is discovered with each generation to improve the way they work and how they are used. The computer science fundamentals are also developed with the development of technology.

1940-1956: First Generation or Vacuum Tubes

Machine Language was utilised in this generation, and vacuum tubes were used as memory components. They were enormous and occupied almost an entire room.

The following are some characteristics of the First generation of computers:

• The cost of maintaining these systems was expensive.
• They were massive.
• They couldn’t multitask; thus, they could only focus on one task.
• The amount of electricity consumed was enormous.

1956-1963: Second Generation (introduction of Transistors)

In 1947, the first transistor was invented; it was not employed in computer systems till the 1950s.

A few distinguishing features of the second generation computers are:-

• The speed of the transistor determined the rate of computers.
• It was less expensive than the 1st generation.
• The usage of transistors has also lowered electricity consumption.
• The output is still received as a printout.
• Programming languages with a high level of abstraction were chosen.

1964-1971: Third Generation or Integrated Circuits

The phase in which keyboards and displays are used for output and input has begun. The transistors were shrunk in size & mounted over silicon chips. The computer’s speed improved as a result of this.

The following are the characteristics of computers from the third Generation:

• The Integrated circuits were utilised where small circuits could work as efficiently as the larger ones.
• Multitasking is possible with the computers built in the third phase.
• The computer’s functions rely on the monitor’s memory.

1972-2010: Fourth Generation or the Microprocessors

Due to high advancements in technology, the most advanced and automation driven computers were discovered. Millions of the transistors may be installed on silicon circuits by this time.

The following are the characteristics of 4th Generation computers:

• Ted Hoff invented the first microprocessor, the Intel 4004 chip, available in 1971. As a result, personal computers were introduced.
• Laptops and tablets were released in this generation as improved versions of computers.
• During this era, the Graphical User Interface or GUI was created.
•  The 4th Generation computers have also improved memory, speed and storage.
• The first IBM computer, The Apple II, the STAR 1000, was introduced during this generation.

2010-till-date: Fifth Generation or Artificial Intelligence-based

The 5th generation of computers includes computers of the current era that have made our lives more convenient and accessible.

The following are some basic facts concerning the fifth Generation computers:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently being applied in electronics, allowing millions of jobs to be accomplished in seconds on a single device.
• Laptops, palmtops, and other electronic devices are becoming more advanced.
• Other robotic gadgets have begun to be employed to lessen the amount of human labour.
• This Generation’s technologies are faster, cost-effective, portable, and more mobile, use less electricity and are convenient.

Conclusion

We all are aware of the importance of computers in this digital era. It has become a part of our daily life whether you are a student, freelancer, working professionals or business people.