Oxford High School

Class – V

Subject – Computer

Study Notes

Youtube Link (Evolution of Computers Class - 5): https://youtu.be/Uos53AX7OdM

History of Computers

Abacus:

An ABACUS is a mechanical device used to aid an individual in performing mathematical

calculations.

ABACUS made of wooden frame (divided into Earth and Heaven) with several rods

having beats.

The ABACUS was invented in Babylonia in 2400 B.C.

It was first used in China in around 500 B.C.

It is used to perform basic arithmetic operations.

Napier Bones:

Invented by John Napier in 1614

It was used to Multiply, Divide and calculate square and cube roots by moving the rods

around and placing them in specially constructed boards.

Pascaline (Pascal Calculator):

Invented by Blaise Pascal (French Mathematician) in 1642

It calculation limited to addition and subtraction.

Stepped Reckoner (Leibniz Calculator):

Invented by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in 1671. It was a modified version of Pascal

Calculator.

It can add, subtract multiply and divide.

Difference Engine:

Invented by Charles Babbage in 1822.

It was an automatic, mechanical calculator designed to tabulate table of mathematics

and statistics.

In 1834 Charles Babbage invented Analytical Engine. As all the Modern Computers

works on the concept of Analytical Engine, Charles Babbage known as ‘Father of

Computer’,

It was the first mechanical computer.

Assignment:

1) What is ABACUS?

2) What are the two different parts of ABACUS?

3) Who invent Pascal Calculator?

4) What is Stepped Reckoner?

5) Who is the Father of Computer and why?

Generations of Computers

First Generation Computer

(1940 - 1956)

Used Vacuum Tubes for circuitry.

Big in size, taking up entire rooms.

Consume huge electricity

Generate a lot of Heat and often the cause of malfunctions.

Support only Machine language

Second Generation Computer

(1956 - 1963)

Used Transistor

Transistor small in size and faster compared to Vacuum Tubes

Support High Level programming languages (Fortan, Algol, Cobol)

Third Generation Computer

(1964 - 1971)

Used IC (Integrated Circuits)

Small in size and can be placed on a Table

Less expensive

Fast in speed

More reliable and accurate

Fourth Generation Computers

(1971 – Present day)

Used LSI (Large Scale Integration) and VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration)

Cheaper, faster, more accurate and reliable compared to previous generation.

Easily transport and placed because of its small size.

It includes hand held devices like Tablet, Smartphone.

Fifth Generation Computers

(Present and Future)

Based on Artificial Intelligence

Capable of Logical thinking like human

Characteristics of Computers:

Speed:

Computers can perform calculations at a very high speed. Its speed measured in Gigahertz

(GHz).

Accuracy:

Computers are too accurate to detect and correct errors easily.

Storage Capacity:

Computer has the ability to store very huge amount of data. Computers stores data in RAM

(Temporary Memory) and Hard disk, CD, DVD, Pen Drive (Permanent Memory).

Diligence:

Computer never get tired like humans.

Versatility:

Computer performs many types of works as per software available for specific tasks. It can be

used for listen to songs, type letters, surf the internet.

Limitation of a Computer:

Dump machine

Can’t do anything on its own.

Works on electricity

Assignment:

1) Write the Limitation of computer.

2) Discuss the characteristics of computer.

3) Complete the Table:

Sl. No. Generation Period Technology used 1)

2)

3)

4)

5)