1 (a): The main features of different generations of computers:
The computer has evolved from a large-sized simple calculating machine to a smaller but much more powerful machine. Each generation of computer is designed based on a new technological development, resulting in better, cheaper and smaller computers that are more powerful, faster and efficient than their predecessors.
First Generation (1940 to 1956): The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory. The input to the computer was through punched cards and paper tapes. The output was displayed as printouts. The instructions were written in machine language. The first generation computers could solve one problem at a time. The computation time was in milliseconds.
Second Generation (1956 to 1963): Transistors replaced the vacuum tubes of the first generation of computers. Transistors allowed computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, energy efficient and reliable. The second generation computers used magnetic core technology for primary memory. They used magnetic tapes and magnetic disks for secondary storage
Third Generation (1964 to 1971): The third generation computers used the Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. In an IC chip, multiple transistors are placed on a silicon chip. Silicon is a type of semiconductor. The keyboard and monitor were used to interact with the third generation computer, instead of the punched card and printouts. Operating system allowed different applications to run at the same time. High-level languages were used extensively for programming, instead of machine language and assembly language. The computing time was in nanoseconds
Fourth Generation (1971 to present): They use the Large Scale Integration (LSI) and the Very Large Scale Integration technology. Thousands of transistors are integrated on a small silicon chip using LSI technology. This generation also saw the development of pointing devices like mouse, and handheld devices. The computing time is in picoseconds. Example: The Intel 4004 chip was the first microprocessor.
Fifth Generation (Present and next): The fifth generation computers use Super Large Scale Integrated (SLSI) chips that are able to store millions of components on a single chip. These computers have large memory requirements. This generation of computers uses parallel processing which results in faster processing speed. The Intel dual-core microprocessor uses parallel processing. The fifth generation computers are based on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Parity bit: A parity bit is a single bit added to a binary data transmission used to indicate if whether the 0's and 1's within that data transmission is an even or odd number. The parity bit is used in parity error checking to find errors that may occur during data transmission.
1 (b) THE IMPACT OF COMPUTER IN THE BANKING SECTOR
In the 22nd century, more and more people are using the computer and banking system to manage their personal and business finances. Indeed, the blending of computer and banking has made the overall management of household and business finances far easier than it ever has been at any point in history.
With the computer and banking, it is simple to keep track of various types of financial accounts. Indeed, all you need to do is log onto the computer and quickly access the program for computer and banking.
Computer Impact On Education
Computer technology has had a deep impact on the education sector. Thanks to computers, imparting education has become easier and much more interesting than before. Owing to memory capacities of computers, large chunks of data can be stored in them. They enable quick processing of data with very less or no chances of errors in processing. Networked computers aid quick communication and enable web access. Storing documents on computers in the form of soft copies instead of hard ones, helps save paper. The advantages of computers in education primarily include:
1. Storage of information
2. Quick data processing
3. Audio-visual aids in teaching
4. Better presentation of information
5. Access to the Internet
6. Quick communication between students, teachers and parents
Computer teaching plays a key role in the modern education system. Students find it easier to refer to the Internet than searching for information in fat books. The process of learning has gone beyond learning from prescribed textbooks. Internet is a much larger and easier-to-access storehouse of information. When it comes to storing retrieved information, it is easier done on computers than maintaining hand-written notes.
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