Table of Contents
In this lesson, you will explore the concepts of data and information, discern the distinctions between them, and differentiate manual from electronic data processing.
Data refers to fundamental facts that can be input into a processing system, where computations, comparisons, and general data manipulation occur. This processing can be carried out by either people or machines, such as computers.
Information is the result of a processing system, essential for decision-making by management. The diagram below illustrates the relationship between data and information.
Data processing involves using a collection of basic facts to generate information. Initially, data may lack value until subjected to analysis, validation, and comparison with other data to produce meaningful results (information). For instance, a collection of individual weights only becomes useful information for decision-making after processing, like identifying the maximum or minimum weight. Data processing on a computer encompasses operations like entering, sorting, updating, and retrieving information.
The data processing cycle consists of the following stages:
Data processing involves data, processor, and output, with storage being a common feature since both data and program instructions need storage.
Input Activity:
Processing Activity:
Output Activity:
Retrieving data, printing data, and data communication.
As society becomes more competitive and technologically advanced, the art of management is crucial. The increasing volume of data necessitates efficient and accurate data processing for timely and valuable information in the competitive world.
Man has diligently sought improved calculation methods, leading to the development of the computer. Essentially, there are three types of calculating devices: manual, mechanical, and automatic.
The Abacus, likely the first calculating device, was invented by the Chinese. Still in use in some regions due to its simplicity, it consists of a frame divided into two parts by a horizontal bar with vertical threads, each containing beads. Primarily used for basic addition and subtraction.
As the need for better calculating devices arose, Scottish mathematician John Napier introduced Napier’s Bones—a set of eleven rods, each with four sides, used for multiplication. These bone rods, as they were made from bones, facilitated the calculation of products and quotients for large numbers.
In 1642, French mathematician Blaize Pascal created the Pascaline, the first mechanical calculating machine. It involved dialing numbers on a series of wheels, with subsequent wheel movements displayed on a dial to show the result. Addition and subtraction were performed conventionally, while division used repeated subtraction and multiplication involved repeated addition.
In 1694, Gottfried Wilhelm Von Leibnitz invented a computer capable of addition, and with modifications, multiplication. The machine featured a special stepped gear mechanism for introducing added digits, which is still in use today.
Joseph Jacquard’s loom, a pioneering programmed machine, transformed the weaving industry. Controlled by punched cards, it raised threads based on hole patterns. Lines of holes on the card represented the weaving pattern.
Between 1920 and 1930, the punched card system evolved, with standard cards divided into 80 columns and 12 rows. Each column could represent a character, with holes punched to signify characters. The punch machine’s keyboard resembled a typewriter.
We’ve explored various calculating devices and their operations, highlighting the Abacus as the first calculating device.
Number System (Revision)
To effectively use computers, understanding data representation and communication is crucial. Data can be represented in different number systems:
The initial phase of computing machines, distinct from mechanical counterparts, emerged around 1945. An example from this era is UNIVAC.
First-generation computers were characterized by:
Replacing vacuum tubes, second-generation computers employed discrete transistors. Though with limited capability, they represented an advancement over the first generation.
Notable features included:
Third-generation computers adopted integrated circuit (IC) technology, Small Scale Integration (SSI), and sophisticated software capabilities like multi-programming, multi-processing, and operating systems as resource managers.
Key aspects of third-generation computers encompassed:
Around 1975, fourth-generation computers emerged, characterized by Large Scale Integration (LSI) and Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) technologies. These machines boasted higher capabilities in terms of speed, storage, and overall performance compared to their third-generation counterparts.
The fifth generation of computers, incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerged with the goal of building supercomputers capable of performing operations in the range of 10 billion instructions per second. These computers were designed to possess capacities like sight, hearing, and the ability to simulate human thoughts, exemplified by robots.
Generations of Computers:
The initial phase of computer development marked the era of vacuum tubes. These computers were colossal and operated at a sluggish pace. They primarily utilized machine language, and their internal storage capacity was limited, characterized by small internal storage.
Advancements led to the incorporation of transistors, reducing heat generation compared to vacuum tubes. High-level languages and assembly languages became prevalent, enhancing the programming landscape. Core storage played a pivotal role in this phase.
A significant leap occurred with the introduction of integrated circuits, containing 100-1000 chips. This generation witnessed the rise of multiprogramming facilities, allowing the execution of multiple tasks simultaneously.
The era of 1000 or more Very Large-Scale Integrated Circuits (VLSIC) dawned, accompanied by the introduction of non-procedural languages. This generation embraced flexible internal and external storage options, offering versatility in computing.
Computers in this phase surpassed the one-million-chip milestone. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and expert systems gained prominence, and object-oriented programming languages were introduced. Despite their smaller physical size, these computers exhibited remarkable power and formed the foundation for robust network systems.
The most prevalent type of computer today, it quantifies physical quantities through counting. Examples include calculators, digital wristwatches, and digital fuel dispensers.
Utilized for measuring and processing continuous data such as speed, temperature, and heartbeat. Examples include speedometers and thermometers.
This computer type integrates features from both digital and analogue computers, combining their functionalities.
Computers can be categorized according to their purpose into two groups:
Computers are designed exclusively to solve a specific class of problems, such as those used for medical diagnosis, weapon guidance, traffic control, weather study, and forecasting.
Computers designed to address a wide range of problems, serving purposes such as word processing, graphics, database management, spreadsheet applications, and more.
Supercomputers, also known as MONSTER, stand as the pinnacle of computing power, boasting unparalleled size, speed, and cost. Valued at several million dollars, these machines operate at speeds ranging from 600 million to 900 million instructions per second (MIP). Supercomputers find utility in various scientific endeavours, including weather forecasting and exploration, handling complex calculations exemplified by systems like CRAY and X-MP.
Mainframe computers, distinguished by their substantial price, large internal memory, and enhanced speed, come equipped with a range of peripheral devices such as printers and plotters. Unlike smaller computers, they require specialized environments with controlled dust, temperature, and humidity. Mainframes find application in large institutions like banks and airports, with notable examples including IBM 360/370 and NCR-V 8800.
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Developed in the 1970s for specialized tasks, minicomputers are smaller, less powerful, and more affordable than mainframes. Known for their ease of installation and operation, examples of minicomputers include PDP II, VAX 750/6000, NCR 9300, DEC, and HP 3000.
Microcomputers, driven by microprocessor-based central processing units (CPUs), reign as the most popular computers today. Despite their limited capabilities compared to minicomputers and mainframes, microcomputers, or Personal Computers (PCs), offer simplicity and convenience. Their widespread use can be attributed to their affordability, small size, adaptability to any environment, and ease of use.
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