First generation (1951-1958)
In this generation there was a great lack of knowledge of the capabilities of computers, since a study was carried out at this time that determined that twenty computers would saturate the United States market in the field of data processing.
generations-of-computersThis generation spanned the 1950s. And it is known as the first generation. These machines had the following characteristics:
- vacuum tubes to process information. punch cards to enter data and programs magnetic cylinders for storing internal information and instructions extremely large, used large amounts of electricity, generated large amounts of heat, and were extremely slow, started using the binary system to represent data.
Machines in this generation are large and expensive (costing approximately $ 10,000).
The most successful first generation computer was the IBM 650, of which several hundred were produced. This computer used a secondary memory scheme called a magnetic drum, which is the ancestor of today's discs.
Second generation (1958-1964)
In this generation computers are reduced in size and are less expensive. Many companies appear and computers were quite advanced for their time like the Burroughs 5000 series and the ATLAS at the University of Manchester. Some computers were programmed with punched tape and others by wiring on a board.
Characteristics of this generation:
- Transistors for processing information. Transistors were faster, smaller, and more reliable than vacuum tubes. Transistors could accommodate the same amount of space as a vacuum tube. Small magnetic rings for storing information and instructions. amount of heat and were extremely slow. they improved the computer programs that were developed during the first generation. they developed new programming languages like COBOL and FORTRAN, which were commercially accessible used in applications for airline reservation systems, air traffic control and general-purpose simulations. The United States Navy develops the first flight simulator, "Whirlwind I". Minicomputers and remote terminals. The size of computers began to decrease.
Third generation (1964-1971)
The third generation of computers emerged with the development of integrated circuits (silicon chips) in which thousands of electronic components are placed in a miniature integration. Computers again became smaller, faster, gave off less heat, and were more energy efficient. The IBM-360 computer has dominated sales of the third generation of computers since its introduction in 1965. The PDP-8 from the Digital Equipen Corporation was the first mini-computer.
Characteristics of this generation:
- Integrated circuits were developed to process information. They developed "chips" to store and process information. A "chip" is a piece of silicon that contains miniature electronic components called semiconductors. Integrated circuits remember data as they store information as electrical charges. Multiprogramming. Computers can perform both mathematical processing or analysis tasks. The software industry emerges. IBM 360 and DEC PDP-1 minicomputers develop. Again computers become smaller, lighter, and more efficient. Less electricity, therefore, generated less heat.
Fourth generation (1971-1988)
Microprocessors appear, which is a great advancement of microelectronics, they are high-density integrated circuits and with an impressive speed. Microcomputers based on these circuits are extremely small and cheap, so their use extends to the industrial market. This is where personal computers are born, which have acquired enormous proportions and which have influenced society in general on the so-called «computer revolution».
Characteristics of this generation:
- He developed the microprocessor. They put more circuits inside one "chip". "LSI - Large Scale Integration circuit". "VLSI - Very Large Scale Integration circuit". "chip" can do different tasks. control and arithmetic / logic unit. The third component, the primary memory, is operated by other "chips." it replaces the memory of magnetic rings with the memory of silicon "chips". They develop microcomputers, that is, personal computers or PCs. They develop supercomputers.
Fifth generation (1983 to present)
In view of the accelerated march of microelectronics, industrial society has set itself the task of putting the development of software and systems with which computers are operated at this point. International competition for dominance of the computer market arises, in which two leaders are emerging who, however, have not been able to reach the desired level: the ability to communicate with the computer in a more everyday language and not through specialized codes or control languages.
Japan launched the so-called "fifth generation computer program" in 1983, with the explicit objectives of producing machines with real innovations in the above criteria. And in the United States, a program under development that pursues similar objectives is already active, which can be summarized as follows: they develop microcomputers, that is, personal computers or PCs. supercomputers develop.
2. HARDWARE
Just as the computer is subdivided into two parts, the hardware that composes it also, in this way we can find the so-called basic hardware and complementary hardware.
The basic hardware groups all the essential components for the PC's operation such as motherboard, monitor, keyboard and mouse, with the motherboard, RAM and CPU being the most important components of the set.
On the other hand, we have the complementary hardware, which is all that component not essential for the operation of a PC such as printers, cameras, USB sticks and others.
We can also find an additional differentiation between the components of the PC, and it is given by the function that they fulfill within it. In the following paragraphs we will be able to know how they are divided.
Input Devices: Devices that allow the entry of information to the PC.
3. COMPONENTS OF THE PC
3.1 motherboard
Motherboard or motherboard is a printed circuit board that allows the integration of all the components of a computer. For this, it has basic software known as BIOS, The motherboard houses the necessary connectors for the processor, RAM, ports and the rest of the boards (such as the video card or the network card
3.2 chipset
Chipset: Integrated in the motherboard, the chipset allows information traffic between the microprocessor and the rest of the components that make up the PC.
3.3 memory slots
Memory slots: these devices function to interconnect the random access memory RAM with the other components of a computer and its main function is to carry out the internal processes of the same.
3.4 expansion slots
Expansion slots: these devices will help us increase or improve the performance of some internal components of the computer.
There are two types of expansion slots:
- psi: these expansion slots help us to improve the performance of some internal components of a sound, modem, telephony and network computer. suitable devices help us to increase the performance of the video signal in our personal computers
3.5 main socket
In this device, the microprocessor CPU will be assembled, which will carry out the necessary calculations on a computer
3.6 microprocessor
PreFetch: Executes pre-reading of the instruction to be performed in main memory.
Fetch: Systematically sorts all the data to be able to execute the necessary operations.
Decoding: Decodes the instructions so that the information can be logically separated and determine what to do.
Execution: Carry out the necessary analysis and calculation process.
Write: Sends the results to main memory and records them.
The technological structure of the microprocessor will determine in how many cycles the operation will be carried out in the CPU and its duration will be determined by the clock frequency, this duration can never be less than the time required to perform the individual task (in one cycle) with the highest time cost..
The microprocessors contain a quartz oscillator that generates the pulses at a constant rate so that several cycles can be generated in one second, the speed of the microprocessors is measured in frequencies and these can be mega hertz (MHz) or Giga hertz (GHz)) that is, billions or millions of cycles per second.
To determine the speed at which the CPU works we can use the frequency indicator, that is, the higher the frequency the higher the speed for the information process, but it is not the only indicator that determines it, we also need to know the number of instructions necessary to perform a specific task and the number of instructions executed per cycle (ICP).
The number of instructions needed to execute a process depends directly on how many are available, while for ICP it will depend on the super segmentation factor and the number of process units or known as pipelines.
The architecture of a microprocessor is similar to that of a digital computer, this is because they both perform operations under a control program. The following parts are found in a microprocessor:
Encapsulation: Prevents deterioration of the microprocessor by coating the silicon wafer, helping it to engage with the socket on the motherboard.
Cache Memory: Ultrafast memory that the micro uses to have a better data range and not to resort to RAM memory. The more you have, the better, although sometimes the more you have, the slower it is.
Math coprocessor: Perform the math operations.
Registers: Small memory that the micro has for private use.
Memory: Place where the instructions of the programs and their data are stored.
Ports: Communication of the microprocessor with the external world.
3.7 hard drives
These devices are made up of two solid plates joined by the same axis, each of these plates has a reading-writing needle and its main function is the storage of data and information that is generated in a computer and its unit of measurement (bites) terabytes on hard drives
3.8 RAM
RAM Memory: RAM Memory or Random Access Memory is where the computer stores the programs, data and results processed by the CPU, which allows its rapid recovery by the system, thus providing better performance.
3.9 power sources
These devices are the ones that provide electrical power to all the components to which it can be connected. Basically these devices transform alternating current to direct current
3.10 input devices
3.10.1 keyboards
Keyboard (Peripheral Input): It is the most important means of data entry, which establishes a direct relationship between the user and the equipment.
3.10.2 mouse
Mouse (Peripheral Input): The mouse is placed on any flat surface and when it moves, it also moves the cursor on the screen with extreme agility. Thus, a person can move to any part of the screen, press the button and activate the desired operation.
3.10.3 joystick
Joystick (Input Peripheral): Generally used for games. The spacecraft, or any other object controlled on the screen by the joystick, moves in the same direction as it. When the joystick is moved forward, the spacecraft advances on the screen.
3.10.4 scanners
Scanner - Image digitizer - (Input Peripheral): An image digitizer is a data input device, which allows the digitization of images from printed material (magazines, newspapers, posters).
The scanned images can be modified and replayed by suitable printing equipment. In this way we can make posters or any other type of work using photographs.
3.11 output devices
3.11.1 monitor
Monitor (Peripheral Output): Used for the output of information, the monitor is the channel through which the computer displays the information to the user. It is connected to the video card of the computer.
3.11.2 printer
Printers (Output Peripherals): They are used for printing data on paper.
There are three main types of printers: Dot Matrix (or Dot Matrix), Inkjet and Laser.
3.12 input and output devices
3.12.1 CD or DVD player
CD / DVD (Input and Output Peripheral) reader / writer: Its function is to rotate the disc at a constant speed and transfer programs or data from the disc to the computer or vice versa. This operation is performed through a read and write head that moves back and forth on the surface of the disc. The data recorded on the disc can be read and used as a reference source in a future operation.
3.12.2 hard drive
Hard Drive, Hard Drive or HD (Peripheral Input and Output): They are storage units characterized by the largest storage capacity and the highest speed of operation.
It is made up of a series of rigid material discs, grouped on a single axis, each disc having a head. The heads float on the surface of the disc supported by an air cushion, which means that they must be kept in hermetically closed boxes to avoid problems caused by dust and other foreign elements
3.12.3 modem
Modem (Peripheral Entry and Exit): The modem is a signal conversion device that transmits data through telephone lines. The word MODEM is derived from the words modulation and demodulation. Used for internet connection
4. SOFTWARE
Computer software is any software that allows the user to order the computer to perform a task. They must also be subdivided into various categories based on the functions they perform in the system.
4.1 Software Concepts
Software is a sequence of instructions that are interpreted and / or executed for the management, redirection or modification of a data / information or event.
Software is also a product, which is developed by software engineering, and includes not only the computer program, but also manuals and technical documentation.
Computer software is made up of a sequence of instructions, which is interpreted and executed by a processor or by a virtual machine. In functional software, that sequence follows specific standards that result in a certain behavior.
On our computer, all the programs we use are software: Windows, Outlook, Firefox, Internet Explorer, antivirus and even viruses are software.
A software can be executed by any device capable of interpreting and executing the instructions for which it is created.
When a software is represented as instructions that can be executed directly by a processor, we say that it is written in machine language. The execution of a software can also be carried out by means of an interpreter program, responsible for understanding and executing each of its instructions. A special and notable category of interpreters are virtual machines, such as the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
The best known device that has a processor is the computer. There are other programmable machines, such as cell phones, industrial automation machines etc.
4.2 Software classification
System Software: This group includes the operating system, device drivers, system utilities and any other tool that serves for the specific control of the characteristics of the computer.
Application Software: Application software is called all those programs used by users to carry out a task, and in this group we can find office, graphic design, accounting and electronic software, to name just one small fraction of all the categories of applications that we can find in the market.
5. OPERATING SYSTEMS
5.1 functions of operating systems
The operating system is the most important program on the computer. It is actually a set of programs that does two fundamental things. One of them is to organize and manage the equipment hardware: internal parts and peripherals. Everything can work perfectly, but without an operating system we cannot use it. In the late 1940s, when there were no operating systems, programmers put hardware to work by constantly repeating a series of very laborious steps. To automate the process, operating systems were created.
But the most obvious part is giving the user the ability to communicate with the computer. In other words, provide the computer with an interface. It allows the user to communicate with the computer: it acts as a translator between us and the machine, and vice versa.
An interface is the set of elements that allow the user to communicate with the computer. These elements can be words, letters, numbers (alphanumeric) or images (graphics).
5.2 characteristics of operating systems
In general, it can be said that an Operating System has the following characteristics:
- An Operating System makes the use of a computer more convenient. Efficiency: An Operating System allows the resources of the computer to be used in the most efficient way possible. Ability to evolve: An Operating System should be built in a way that allows development, testing or effective introduction of new system functions without interfering with the service. In charge of managing the hardware: The Operating System is in charge of managing in a better way the resources of the computer in terms of hardware, that is, assigning to each process a part of the processor to be able to share resources. Relate devices (manage through the kernel): The Operating System must be in charge of communicating to peripheral devices, when the user requires it. Organize data for fast and secure access.Manage network communications: The Operating System allows the user to easily handle everything related to the installation and use of computer networks. Processing byte streams through the data bus. Facilitate inputs and outputs: One System Operational should make it easy for the user to access and manage the input / output devices of the computer. Error recovery techniques. Prevent other users from interfering: The Operating System prevents users from blocking each other, informing them if that application is being occupied by another user. Statistics generation: It allows the hardware and data to be shared among users. Application software are programs that are used to design, such as the word processor, programming languages, spreadsheets,etc. The basic software is used to interact the user with the machine, they are a set of programs that facilitate the platform environment, and allow its design. The basic software is made up of: Chargers. Compilers. assemblers. macros.
6. TEXT PROCESSORS
Word processors are those computer applications that users use when writing or editing a text file. Through this kind of software, the user can choose different fonts, sizes and font colors, as well as configure line spacing and indents to give the file the desired format.
In addition to this, many word processors offer spell checkers, thesaurus, translator, bullets, clip art, tables, and many other options that are very handy for the final file to have a good presentation.
Another advantage of word processors is that they allow you to save the file, send it by email and even print it. All of these tools made the computer a highly superior typewriter replacement.
6.1 Types of Word Processors
6.1.1 Microsoft Word
–Microsoft Word: this is one of the applications that are part of the package designed by the Microsoft company, known under the name of Microsoft Office. This word processor was created in 1983 and, throughout its history, it was modified and new tools were added and the existing ones were improved. The advantage offered by this processor is that it can include, in the same document, text, tables, formulas, spreadsheets and graphics, among others.
In addition to this, the design of the program and its functions are easy to use for the user, even for those who have little computer knowledge, making it one of the most widely used today. In fact, the processors that emerged later relied on it almost entirely. Another advantage of Microsoft Word files is that they can be opened practically from any computer and it is used to make any type of text, be it memos, letters, academic papers, among others. A disadvantage of this software is that it has a fairly high cost, which is why many users cannot access it and choose a cheaper or free option.
6.1.2 Word Perfect
-Word Perfect: This word processor was designed, and had its greatest success, in the 80's, by the company Corel Corporation. Word Perfect was characterized from the beginning by offering the option of automatically enumerating paragraphs and footers, which made it an extremely useful tool for those who had to write texts intended for the legal field. Also, this software allows to make tables in a simple and flexible way. To put into operation the different tools that this word processor offered, the user had to make a key combination to give the corresponding indications.
Among other things, Word Perfect also allows you to export and import text files, modify the size of letters and graphics, change the font and perform calculations, among others. In the 90's, with the emergence of the Microsoft Windows operating system, the sales of Perfect Word fell significantly since that system included Microsoft Word, which quickly began to be used on a massive scale.
6.1.3 Wordpad
This word processor is another one that the Microsoft Windows operating system includes. It is extremely simple software and it has the basic functions for editing a text file. Among other things, it does not include, like most word processors, a spell checker or the possibility of placing or designing tables. This word processor is ideal for those who need to make a text quickly, without it having to be presented in a formal setting.
An advantage of WordPad is that Windows includes it for free, so it should not be paid for or installed by the user. In addition to this, it is very easy to use software, so that anyone can understand it quickly, even without computer skills.
6.1.4 Notepad
This word processor is another one that is included in those PCs that contain Microsoft Windows as the operating system. Like WordPad it is one of the easiest processors to use and it contains only the basic functions for text files, since it does not offer many presentation options. Among other advantages, the Notepad allows the user to print and make texts very quickly. A feature that works against this processor is that it cannot open files with a.doc ending. In addition, the number of files that can be edited with this software is limited.
6.1.5 Wordstar
–WordStar: This word processor first came onto the market in 1982, designed for the MS-DOS operating system, when it had its greatest commercial success. This software was ideal for letter writing since its design for this type of text was automatically configured. In addition, the versions that happened to the first one began to include tools such as a spell checker and the possibility of introducing spreadsheets.
A limitation of this word processor is that, unlike others, it does not allow modifying the font, but rather offers a unique font style and was designed to be used in the business environment, so it was not used in personal computers, purchased for home use. In addition, its price was quite high, so its consumption was limited.
6.1.6 Lotus Word Pro
-Lotus Word Pro: this software is the one included in the Lotus package, at the beginning of the 90's. This processor is characterized by being extremely complete and easy to use, even for those who do not have much computer knowledge. Among other things, Lotus Word Pro includes speech recognition, which allows users to dictate what text they want entered in the file, and also to launch the various commands.
In addition to this, Lotus Word Pro has always included widely used functions such as spell checker, language change, thesaurus and translator. Among other advantages, this software is characterized for being one of the cheapest in the market, in addition to being compatible with files made in Microsoft Word.
- WORD COMMANDS
| COMMANDS | FUNCTION |
| CTRL E | Select all |
| CTRL N | Bold font |
| CTRL K | Italics |
| CTRL S | Underlined |
| CTRL C | Copy |
| CTRL V | Paste |
| CTRL X | Cut |
| CTRL Z | Undo last action |
| CTRL Y | Redo last action |
| F4 | Repeat the last action |
| F5 | Go to |
| F10 | To activate the commands |
| F12 | Save as |
| SHIFT F3 | Sustained shift, initial and minus |
| SHIFT F7 | Synonyms of the selected word |
| CTRL F2 | Preview |
| CTRL F4 | Close the document |
| CTRL F12 | Open document |
| CTRL F6 | Go to the next active document |
| ALT F4 | Close the full program |
| CTRL M | Configure the font |
| CTRL 1 | Simple line spacing |
| CTRL 2 | Double spacing |
| CTRL 5 | Line spacing at 1.5 |
| CTRL 0 | Space before a paragraph |
| CTRL T | Center |
| CTRL J | Justify |
| CTRL Q | Align to the left |
| CTRL D | Align to the right |
| CTRL H | Left indentation |
| CTRL F | French sangria |
| CTRL SHIFT I | Bullets |
| BACKSPACE KEY | To delete characters |
| CTRL BACKSPACE | To erase words |
| SHIFT ENTER | Line break |
| CTRL ENTER | Page break |
| CTRL SHIFT ENTER | Column break |
| ALT CTRL R | Registered trademark symbol |
| SHIFT FIN | Select to the end of the line |
| SHIFT HOME | Select until the beginning of the line |
| END | Cursor at the end of the line |
| START | Cursor at the beginning of the line |
| CTRL END | At the end of the document |
| CTRL HOME | At the beginning of the document |
| CTRL U | Create new document |
| CTRL A | Open a document |
| CTRL R | Close active document |
| CTRL G | Save as |
| CTRL B | Search for |
| CTRL L | Replace |
- STORAGE MEASURES
| kilobyte (KB) | 1024 | 1024 bytes |
| megabyte (MB | 1048576 | 1024 KB |
| gigabyte (GB) | 1073741824 | 1024 MB |
| terabyte (TB) | 1099511627776 | 1024 GB |
| petabyte (PB) | 1125899906842624 | 1024 TB |
| exabyte (EB) | 1152921504606846976 | 1024 PB |
| zettabyte (ZB) | 1180591620717411303424 | 1024 EB |
| yottabyte (YB) | 1208925819614629174706176 | 1024 ZB |
| brontobyte (BB) | 1237940039285380274899124224 | 1024 YB |
| geopbyte ( | 1267650600228229401496703205376 | 1024 BB |
