CBSE, CLASS 6, IT COMPUTER, Ch:1 Evolution of Computer

CBSE, CLASS 6, IT COMPUTER, Ch:1 Evolution of Computer

Early Calculating Devices

Abacus (2700 BC)

·        It was designed for carrying out simple calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

·        It has two sections namely heaven, the upper deck, and earth, the lower deck.

Napier’s bones (1617)

·        Napier’s bones was invented about 402 years ago by a Scottish mathematician, John Napier.

·        It was considered to be the world’s first calculator that could multiply, divide and find the square root of a number.

Pascal’s calculator (1652)

·        The Pascal’s Calculator or Pascaline was invented by Blaise Pascal.

·        It was the first ever mechanical calculating machine or calculator with numerical wheels.

Arithmometer (1820)

·        The Arithmometer was invented by Thomas de Colmar in 1820.

·        The Arithmometer could perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and also division. It was based on Leibnitz’s technology.

Difference engine (1822)

·        The Difference Engine was created by Charles Babbage in the year 1822.

·        Charles Babbage is called the ‘Father of Computers’.

Analytical engine (1834)

·        The Analytical Engine consisted of a memory unit called the ‘Store’ and a central processing unit called the ’Mill’.

·        It had a facility for input and output of data and instructions and could be programmed using punched cards.

 

 

Generations of Computer

First generation (1940 - 1956)

Advantages

·         Vacuum tube technology allowed development of electronic digital computers.

·         These computers could calculate in milliseconds.

 

Disadvantages

·         They were very big in size, expensive and required a large cooling system.

·         These computers were less efficient due to frequent breakdowns.

·         They consumed a very large amount of energy.

·         The first generation computers were not reliable and constant maintenance was required.

 

Second generation (1956 - 1963)

Advantages

·         size of the computer was reduced.

·         The heat produced was less compared to the first generation.

·         They were less expensive than first generation computers.

·         They worked at better speed and could calculate data in microseconds.

 

Disadvantages

·         A cooling system was still required.

·         Constant maintenance was required.

·         It is only used for specific purposes.

 

Third generation (1964 - 1971)

 

Advantages

·         These computers were cheaper, faster and more reliable compared to the second generation.

·         Use of IC reduced the size of computers and improved their performance in a big way.

·         This generation of computers had high storage capacity.

·         Computational time was reduced from microseconds to nano seconds.

 

 

Disadvantages

·         IC chips were difficult to maintain.

·         Air conditioning was required.

 

Fourth generation (1972 - 2010)

 

Advantages

·         The size of computers was further reduced and the computation speed became much higher as compared to previous generations.

·         Less maintenance was required and the heat generated was negligible.

·         All types of high-level language could be used in fourth generation computers.

 

Disadvantages

·         The microprocessor design and fabrication is very complex.

·         Air conditioning is still required.

·         Advanced technology is required to make ICs.

 

Fifth generation (2010 - present)

 

Advantages:

·         It is highly reliable, works extremely fast and has unique features.

·         It provides computers with more user-friendly interfaces along with multimedia features.

·         The fifth generation device can be extremely small in size and portable.

 

Disadvantages:

·         These devices can be complex and sophisticated and therefore difficult to understand for many people

 

Advantages of Computers

Speed: Computers can process complex operations within seconds.

Reliability: They are very reliable; they rarely break or fail.

Consistency: If we enter the same input and processes, a computer will produce the same results each time.

Storage: A computer can store a huge amount of data.

Communication: Most computers today can communicate with other computers using cables or even wirelessly.

Accuracy: Since a computer is programmed, whatever input we enter, it gives the result accurately.

Diligence: A computer can work for hours without a break and even then its efficiency is not affected.

Versatility: We can use a computer to perform completely different types of work at the same time.

 

Disadvantages of Computers

Impact on the labor force: Computer based machines can do multiple tasks. Hence, reducing the number of laborers. This increases unemployment.

Privacy: Personal and confidential records if not protected properly may get violated and identities may get stolen.

Health risks: This occurs with prolonged and improper use of a computer.

Impact on environment: Computer manufacturing processes are depleting natural resources and polluting the environment. Computer waste or e-waste is a major concern today.