2 types of linkages to external environment
- peripheral devices
- communication device
4 main structural components in computer
- CPU (central processing unit) - control operation, perform data processing function
- main memory - store data
- I/O - move data between computer and its external environment
- system interconnection - provide connection
4 main components in CPU
- control unit (CU)
- arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)
- register
- CPU interconnection
function of control unit
- control movement of data and instruction
- control operation of CPU
function of ALU
- perform data processing function
function of register
- provide internal storage of CPU
function of interconnection
- provide communication among CU, ALU and register
5 computer generation
- vacuum tube
- transistor
- integrated circuit
- microprocessor
- artificial intelligent
first generation
Vacuum tube
- sometime use magnetic drum as memory
- generate a lot of heat, easily burn
- solve one problem at a time
- punch card and paper tape as I/O
2nd generation
Transistor
- alternately allow and disallow electronic signal to pass
- smaller than vacuum tube
- produce less heat
- draw less power
- punch card for input, printouts for output
3rd generation
Integrated circuit
- package transistor and other electronic components on semiconductor
- faster and more efficient
- keyboard and monitor as I/O
- magnetic disks as secondary memory
4th generation
Microprocessor
- LSI and VLSI circuit
- hundred to millions of transistor
- development of GUIs, mouse and handheld device
5th generation
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- making computer to think and behave like human
- robotics, natural language, games playing
