Computers: Introduction, Types and Applications
Keywords: Integrated circuits (IC), Charles Babbage, DBMS
Introduction: Computer is an electronic device used to process data. Father of Computer is Charles Babbage.
Types: Computer type can be classified as analog, digital and hybrid.
Analog Computer: This type of computer is obsolete. This computer used analog components and circuits to process signals. Components are like Op-amp, resistor, capacitor, inductor, comparators. It process continuous-type signals. Application of analog computer can be found in: air traffic control for radar detection, scientific simulation works.
Digital Computer: Today, we commonly use digital computer. Digital computers are made using integrated circuits (ICs) as microprocessor as hardware components. It process discrete signals. Application of digital computer can be found in: office work (word, excel), internet browsing, ticket booking, banking etc.
Hybrid Computer: Hybrid computer foundation is digital computer but some core part of processing for continuous signal are performed in analog circuits inside digital computer. For example, radar detection today are performed in hybrid computer.
Generation of computer:
- 1G Computer: Vacuum tubes are used to make computer. Therefore, size of computer is big. More power is required to operate.
- 2G Computer: Transistor are used to develop computer. Less power is required to operate.
- 3G Computer: Many transistor are fabricated in IC to develop computer. Less space is required.
- 4G Computer: Computer use microprocessor. It is fast, uses operating system.
- 5G Computer: Computer use AI models. It includes smart system, AI-enabled applications, machine learning.
Introduction to Data and Database
Data: Data is just a raw fact, figure or symbol that do not carry meaning on their own. In computer, we store these facts either in database or in file system.
For example, Ram weight is 70 Kg. Only from this we can’t say whether he is fat or slim. We need knowledge to interpret it so that we can derive information. Today weather at Mustang is 7 Celsius. From this data we will derive information upon using knowledge whether it is cold or not.
Database: It is collection of data in organized form. Database management software (DBMS) manage database. Some DBMS are MySQL, Oracle and MS-access. Advantages of databases are:
- We can establish relationship among data, we can create index and places constraints to make data valid.
- Many users can access same data concurrently (at same time) for read purpose.
- Update, retrieval of data is easier and faster.
- Many web applications use database for data store and applications make manipulation through program providing abstraction and data security.
Alongside, there are few disadvantages of using database also:
- Creating database design require high level expertise
- DBMS program takes consumes more resources.