Introduction

 The word “Computer” is derived from the word “compute”. It

means, “to calculate”. We all are familiar with calculations in our

day-to-day life.
 We apply mathematical operations like addition, subtraction,

multiplication, division, etc. and many other formulae for

calculations.
 Simple calculations take less time. But complex calculations take

much longer time. Another factor is accuracy in calculations.

 So man explored with the idea to develop a machine, which can

perform this type of arithmetic calculation faster, and with full

accuracy. This gave birth to a device or machine called “computer”.
 Definition of Computer
“A computer is an electronic device, which can
be programmed to perform high-speed
mathematical or logical operations. Computer
accepts, stores, correlates, manipulates and
processes information in binary format and
display the results in a human understandable
language.”
To put it simply, a computer is an electronic
device that is designed to work with
information.

The Computer…
Takes in the INPUT information,
then…
PROCESS the information, and then…

Displays the OUTPUT results.

 History
 History of computer could be traced back to the effort of

man to count large numbers.

 This process of counting of large numbers generated

various systems of numeration like Babylonian system of

numeration, Greek system of numeration, Roman system of

numeration and Indian system of numeration.

 Out of these the Indian system of numeration has been

accepted universally. It is the basis of modern decimal

system of numeration (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9).

 Cont.
 Later you will know how the computer solves all

calculations based on decimal system.

 However, you will be surprised to know that the

computer does not understand the decimal

system but it uses binary system of numeration (0
and 1) for processing.
Let us briefly know some of the path-breaking
inventions in the field of computing devices.

1)Calculating Machines:
 It took generations for early man to build mechanical
devices for counting large numbers. The first calculating
device called ABACUS, was developed by the Egyptian and
Chinese people.
 The word ABACUS means calculating board. It consists of
sticks in horizontal positions on which are inserted sets of
pebbles. A modern form of ABACUS is as shown in the fig.
It has a number of horizontal bars each having ten beads.
Horizontal bars represent units, tens, hundreds, etc.
2) Napier’s Bone:
 English mathematician John Napier built a
mechanical device for the purpose of
multiplication in 1617 AD. The device was
known as Napier’s bones.
3) Slide Rule:
 English mathematician Edmund Gunter
developed the slide rule. This machine could
perform operations like addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. It was widely
used in Europe in 16th century..
4) Babbage’s Analytical Engine:
 It was in the year 1823 that a famous English
man Charles Babbage built a mechanical
machine to do complex mathematical
calculations. It was called difference engine.
 Later he developed a general purpose
calculating machine called analytical engine.
 You should know that Charles Babbage is
called the Father of computers.
 Charles Babbage

Babbage’s Analytical
Engine
 Generations of Computer
 You know that the evolution of computer started from 16th

century and resulted in the form that we see today.

 The present day computer, however, has also undergone rapid

changes during the last fifty years. This period, during which
the evolution of computer took place, can be divided into five
distinct phases known as Generations of Computers.
 Generation of computer means the technological evolution

over the period of time.

 Computers are classified as belonging to specific

“generations”.
First Generation Computers (1946 - 59):
 First generation computers used Thermion valves or
Vacuum tubes. These computers were large in size and
writing programs on them was difficult.
 Some of the important computers of this generation
were: ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC, UNIVAC-1.
Second Generation Computers (1959 - 64):
 Around 1959 an electronic device called Transistor
replaced the bulky vacuum tubes in the first generation
computer. A single transistor contained circuit produced
by several hundred vacuum tubes. Thus the size of the
computer got reduced considerably. Transistors
therefore provided higher operating speed than vacuum
tubes.
 It is in the second generation that the concept of Central
Processing Unit (CPU), memory, programming language
and input and output units were developed.
 Some of the computers of 2nd generations are: IBM 1920,
IBM 1401, CDC 3600.
Third Generation Computers (1964 - 71):
 The third generation computers were introduced in 1964. They

used Integrated Circuits (ICs). These Ic’s are popularly

known as Chips. A single IC has many transistors, resistors and
capacitors built on a single thin slice of silicon.
 So it is quite obvious that the size of the computer got further

reduced. Some of the computers developed during this period

were IBM-360, ICL-1900, IBM-370, and VAX-750.
 Higher-level language such as BASIC (Beginners All purpose

Symbolic Instruction Code) was developed during this period.

Fourth Generation Computers (1971 onwards):
 The present day computers that you see today are the fourth generation

computers that started around 1975. It uses Large Scale Integrated

Circuits (LSIC) built on a single silicon chip called micro processors.
 Due to the development of microprocessor it is possible to place

computer’s central processing unit (CPU) on a single chip. These

computers are called micro computers.
 Later Very Large Scale Integrated Circuits (VLSIC) replaced LSICs.

These integrated circuits are so advanced that they incorporate

hundreds of thousands of active components in volumes of a fraction of
an inch.
 Thus the computer, which was occupying a very large room in earlier

days, can now be placed on a table.

 The personal computer (PC) that you see in your school/college is a

Fourth Generation Computer.

Fifth Generation Computers:
The computers, which can think and take decisions like human

beings have been characterized as Fifth generation computers and

are also referred as thinking machines.
The speed is extremely high in fifth generation computer.

Apart from this they can perform parallel processing.

The concept of Artificial Intelligence has been introduced to

allow the computer to take its own decision. It is still in a

developmental stage.
A lot of research and development work is going on in this are a in

United States and Japan but it will take some time before such
machines are produced for use by the industry.
 Classifications of Computer
Differences in certain computer characteristics
have led to the development of major computer
classifications based on the type of electronic
signal and memory size.

Types of computers based on electronic signal

they transmit are:-
Analog Computers
Digital Computers
Hybrid Computers
Types of computers based on memory size are:-

1)Micro Computers :-
 Micro computer is at the lowest end of the
computer range in terms of speed and
storage capacity. Its CPU is a micro
processor.
 The most common micro computer is a
personal computer (PC).
2) Mini Computers :-
 This is designed to support more than one
user at a time (various users can work at the
same time).
 It possesses large storage capacity and
operates at a high speed than a micro
computer. This type of computer is generally
used for processing large volume of data in
an organization.
3) Mainframe Computers :-
 These types of computers are generally 32-bit
computers.
 They operate at very high speed, have very
large storage capacity and can handle the
work load of many users.
 They are generally used in centralized
databases.
4) Super Computers :-
 This is the fastest and most expensive machines. It has
high processing speed compared to other computers.
 They also have multi processing technique. One of the
ways in which super computers are built is by inter
connecting hundreds of micro processors.
 Super computer is mainly used for weather
forecasting, biomedical research, remote sensing,
aircraft design and other areas of science and
technology.
 Characteristics of Computer
Let us identify the major characteristics of a computer.

1.Speed: As you know computer can work very fast. It takes only few
seconds for calculations that we take hours to complete.

2.Accuracy: The computer provides very high level of accuracy or

correctness in computing.

3.Diligence: A computer is free from tiredness, lack of concentration,

fatigue, etc. It can work for hours or days together very attentively
without creating any error.

4.Versatility: It means the capacity to perform completely different

type of work.

5.Multi-tasking: A computer, it is a normal thing to do many tasks

simultaneously without compromising in its efficiency.
 Importance of Computer
 The use of computers on a regular basis in our life is very

important.
 Technically in daily life computer is used to convert raw facts

and data into meaningful information and knowledge.

 Computer science is explored and challenged by humans daily.

 The computer is like an electronic magical device for our life.

 Computers have created a very effective information system to

help streamline the management of an organization.

 This makes it a much needed tool for every business, banking,

government, entertainment, daily life, industry, education, and

administration
 Contd.
Here are some the major points of importance of computer in
our day to day life.
 Fast & Easy Learning
 Increased Productivity
 Quick & Cashless Bank Transactions
 Assistance to the Disabled Persons
 Easy exchange of Information & Communication
 Data Processing, Organising & Presentation
 Diagnose of Diseases & Monitoring
 Research & Gathering information
 Entertainment
 Advertising & Online Purchase
 Computers in Society
 Computers are commonly used in many areas.

 In today’s world almost everything runs or made by computers.

 Cars and jets were designed on computers, traffic signals are

run by computers, most medical equipment use computers and

space exploration was started with computers.
 Most of the jobs today require the use of computers. These,

“mechanical brains” made a huge impact on our society.

 In today’s world computers appear to be everywhere.

 Computers changed the world a lot. It helped man step forward

into the future.

 Contd.
Some of the major areas/fields where Computer plays vital role:
 Use of Computer in Education Field
 Computer in Business
 Role of Computer in Hospitals
 In Banking Sector
 Major role in Government offices
 In Home
 Computer in Marketing
 Televisions & Media
 In Defence Field
 and many.
 Computers in Hospitality Industry
 Computers are used extensively by lodging managers and their

assistants to keep track of guests’ bills, reservations, room

assignments, meetings, and special events.
 In addition, computers are used to order food, beverages, and

supplies, as well as to prepare reports for hotel owners and top-

level managers.
 Many hotels also provide extensive information technology
services for their guests.
 Managers work with computer specialists and other information

technology specialists to ensure that the hotel’s computer systems,

Internet, and communications networks function properly.
 Contd.
 There are many different uses for computers in hotels.

 The first would be at the front desk.

 These computers have an intricate soft ware called the

Property Management System (PMS) to do all the check

ins, guest accounting, and etc.
 The most famous being Opera or Sabre.

 Second in the restaurant, lounge, or bar is a new computer

entirely called a Point of Sale System (POS).

 This will collaborate with a PMS to bill guests for a meal

and etc. but can also be used as a cash register.

 Contd.
 Nowadays hotel without a computer is like a bank without a vault.

 Each automated hotel has its own PMS like, IDS, CLS, HMS, Fidelio

etc.
 These PMS are used by the each departments from beginning till

end of a guest cycle.

 The PMS is also used to prepare different reports, maintaining

guest’s a/c , keeping records, F.O., Back Office, point of sale, door
locking, H.K., Optimization, Pay-TV, energy management, payment
card authorization and channel management systems.
 Each hotel personnel has their own log in ID to open their

respective PMS window.

 The PMS may interface with central reservation system(CRS) and

revenue or yield management system.

Central Reservation System (CRS)
Property Management System (PRS)
POS
Choosing Table Number at Restaurant
Generating Order
Generation of Order