Configuration

DELL INSPIRON 15R

1.Intel Core i5-460M Processor

2. Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium

3. 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM

4. 500 GB SATA HDD

5. 15.6? (39.6cm) HD 720p WLED Display with TrueLife (1366×768 res.)

6. McAfee SecurityCenter – 15 months

7. 1 Year in-Home Service Plan

Classification of computers according to size and latest versions of operating systems of computers.

According to size

Mainframe Computers

                    Well, these are very huge computers. It is interesting how the word ‘mainframe’ came into use. In fact, because the different units of computer were installed in a frame, it started to be called a computer in main frame 

Mini Computers 

               Mini computers are medium sized computers – much larger than the personal computers we are using and smaller compared to the mainframe computers. These computers can support multiple users 

Micro Computers

                 A class of computers that use microprocessor as their central processing unit and are the smallest of the types are the micro computers. 

Super Computers  

               Super Computers are the fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations. 

LATEST VERSIONS

Linux and Variants
MacOSMS-DOS
IBM OS/2 Warp
Unix and Variants
Windows CE
Windows 3.x
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows 98 SE
Windows ME
Windows NT
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7

Computer applications

Data Processing

               Computer data processing is any process that a computer program does to enter data and summarize, analyses or otherwise convert data into usable information

Using Computers for Information Processing:

• Tasks can be completed faster because computers work at amazing speed.
• Computers can process large amounts of data and generate error-free results, provided that the data is entered correctly.
• Computers can store enormous amounts of data for future use.

Office Automation

                   The use of computer systems to execute a variety of office operations, such as word processing, accounting, and e-mail. Office automation almost always implies a network of computers with a variety of available programs.

Computers Used in Industry

Payroll

·         From printing or depositing paychecks, to applying raises and bonuses, industries have become very reliant on computerized payroll methods.

         

Cash Registers

·         Modern cash registers are often networked computer systems, allowing companies to maintain much more up-to-date and accurate transaction records, as well as real-time inventory tracking.

Inventory Tracking

·         Using spreadsheets and/or databases, most businesses utilize some sort of computer-maintained inventory tracking system.

Computer Applications in Engineering 

* Computer-based engineering curricula

* Computer uses in classroom or independent study situations

* Use of commercial and government-owned software in education

* Engineering software development and funding opportunities.

Uses of Computers in Health Care

• Precise 'tests' and medical examinations
• Faster medical alerts, which are more accurate time-wise
• Enhanced data about a patients medical history
• Precision in diagnosis
• Precision in billing
• Automated updating of medical history

Uses of Computers in Education

Higher Education

·         All universities and colleges in the United States are furnished with computer labs. Because many professors require their students to turn in typed documents, it is more convenient to have computer labs on campus for student use.

Online Education

·         There is an entire "sub-industry" of education called "online education." Online education is done primarily through the usage of computers and the Internet where the student does the classwork from home.

Faculty Usage

·         Teachers at all levels use computers to administer assignments, keep track of grades or offer online instruction. Many teachers use online resources in their daily lessons.

Definitions

What is Personal Computer?

                       A personal computer (PC) is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an h7end-user with no intervening computer operator.



What is Workstation?

                        A workstation is a high-end microcomputer designed for technical or scientific applications. Intended primarily to be used by one person at a time, they are commonly connected to a local area network .

What are Mainframe Computers?
                        Mainframe computers are powerful computers used primarily by corporate and governmental organizations .

Generation Of Computers

I Generation Computers
(1946 to 1959)

• Vaccum tubes were used for internal operations.
• They gave rise to heat and reliability problems.
• Magnetic drums were used for memory.
• Punched cards were used for input and output.
• Machine language was used.
• Low level languages were used for programming.
• High Power.

Ex: UNIVAC, ENIAC


II Generation Computers
(1959 to 1965)

• Transistors were used for internal operations.
• Magnetic core was used for main memory.
• Magnetic tapes and disks were used for main memory.
• High level language like COBOL, assembly like TRAN.

III Generation Computers
(1965-1971) 

• Integrated circuits were invented Jack Kilby in 1958.
• The IC combined 3 electronic electronic components onto a small disc made of quartz.
• Integrated circuits on silicon chips were used for internal operations.
• Micro Computers were intoduced.
• Emergence of software industry.

Ex: IBM


IV Generation Computers
(1971 to Present)

• Microchips/Microprocessor.
• Getting smaller and smaller, but we are still using microchip technology.
• Thousands of IC's were built onto a single silicon chip.

V Generation Computers
(Present and Future)

• Artificial Intelligence tries to stimulate human behavior, thinking and reasoning.
• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
• Expert Systems.
• Natural language processing.
• Speech and vision recognition.

General Features of a Computer

1. Computers aren't Intelligent:
                                                Computers are made by man, thus do not have their own intelligence.

2. Speed:
              Computers work at a very high speed making work very easy.

3. Reliability:
                     Computers are reliable meaning that we can rely on the computer to get work done as they are faster and accurate.

4. Accuracy:
                    Computers are very accurate as they provide apt answers.

5. Storage:   
                Computers have the capacity to store huge amount of data.

6. Communication:
                              Computers help in communicating via video conferences and connects people all around the world.

7. Diligence:
                   Computers do not get tired working, they can work for long hours.