Page 98 - Shawl Weaving Artisan - TT

Textile & Handloom Related Theory for Exercise 1.7.66-68
Shawl Weaving Artisan - Designs by using CAD

Introduction of computer and components of computer system

Objectives: At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• explain computer and its components
• learn basic fundamental concepts and tools of CAD
• explain how to use CAD.

Introduction to computers: A computer is an electronic • Mainframe computers: Large, powerful systems used
device capable of accepting data (input), processing it by major organizations (e.g., banks, governments)
according to a set of instructions (a program), storing for processing massive amounts of data, handling
the processed data or results, and producing information thousands of simultaneous users, and managing
(output). This fundamental concept is often referred to critical operations.
as the “input-process-output” cycle. • Minicomputers (Mid-range servers): Smaller
Historical context: The idea of automatic computation than mainframes but more powerful than personal
dates back millennia with devices like the abacus. computers, often used by medium-sized businesses
However, the true precursors to modern computers or for specific departmental tasks. The term is less
emerged in the 19th century with pioneers like Charles common now, often replaced by “server.”
Babbage, often called the “Father of the Computer,” who • Workstations: High-performance computers
designed the Analytical Engine, a conceptual general- designed for a single user, typically for professional
purpose mechanical computer.
work like graphic design, video editing, or scientific
The 20th century saw rapid advancements calculations, offering more processing power than
• First generation (1940s-1950s): Characterized by standard PCs.
the use of vacuum tubes, these computers (e.g., • Personal Computers (PCs)/microcomputers: The
ENIAC, UNIVAC I) were enormous, consumed most common type, designed for individual use. This
vast amounts of power, and were primarily used for category includes:
scientific and military calculations. - Desktops: Stationary computers with separate

• Second generation (1950s-1960s): Transistors components (monitor, keyboard, mouse, system
replaced vacuum tubes, leading to smaller, more unit).
reliable, and energy-efficient computers. High-level - Laptops/notebooks: Portable computers
programming languages like FORTRAN and COBOL integrating all components into a compact
also emerged.
clamshell design.
• Third generation (1960s-1970s): The invention of - Tablets: Wireless, touchscreen PCs, generally
integrated circuits (ICs) allowed for the miniaturization smaller and lighter than laptops.
of multiple transistors onto a single chip, making
computers even smaller, faster, and more affordable. - Smartphones: Mobile phones with advanced
Users began interacting with computers via keyboards computing capabilities, essentially handheld
and monitors. personal computers.
• Fourth generation (1970s-Present): The • Embedded computers: Specialized computer
development of microprocessors, which integrated systems integrated into other devices (e.g., washing
the entire CPU onto a single chip, led to the personal machines, cars, smart appliances) to perform specific
computer (PC) revolution. This era saw the rise of functions.
graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and the internet. Components of a computer system

• Fifth generation (Present & Beyond): Focuses on A complete computer system is a harmonious integration
artificial intelligence, natural language processing, of hardware and software, working together to achieve
and parallel processing, aiming to create computers computational tasks.
that can understand and respond to human language
and learn from experience. 1 Hardware: Hardware refers to the physical, tangible
components of a computer system. These are the
Types of computer systems: Computers come in parts you can see and touch.
various forms and sizes, each designed for specific
purposes: A Central Processing Unit (CPU): Often called the
“brain” of the computer, the CPU is responsible for
• Supercomputers: The fastest, most powerful, and executing instructions, performing calculations,
most expensive computers, used for highly complex and managing the overall flow of data. It consists
tasks like weather forecasting, scientific simulations, of:
and cryptographic analysis.
88