Computer Studies (AKU-CS)1st Generation (1940s–50s): Used vacuum tubes. Huge, expensive. 2nd Generation (1950s–60s): Used transistors. Smaller, faster. 3rd Generation (1960s–70s): Used integrated circuits (ICs). 4th Generation (1970s–present): Used microprocessors — entire CPU on one chip. 5th Generation (present–future): Based on artificial intelligence.
CPU — the brain. Executes all instructions. RAM — temporary memory. Loses data when power is off. Storage (HDD/SSD) — permanent memory for files and programs. Input devices: keyboard, mouse, microphone Output devices: monitor, printer, speakers
System software — manages hardware. Example: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android. Application software — for specific tasks. Example: MS Word, Chrome, WhatsApp.
Topic 1 of 7Aga Khan Board
Introduction to Computers
Computer basics and components
A computer is an electronic device that processes data according to instructions. Computers have evolved through five generations:
Every computer has hardware — the physical components:
Software tells hardware what to do:
An operating system (OS) is the most important system software — it manages files, memory, and processes.
Key Points to Remember
- 1Computer generations
- 2Hardware components
- 3Software types
- 4Operating systems
Pakistan Example
From PTCL Landlines to 5G — Pakistan's Tech Leap
Pakistan went from mechanical calculators in government offices to 4th-generation smartphones. A rickshaw driver in Lahore uses an Android smartphone (with a microprocessor) running Careem — the same generational leap that took the world 70 years, now sitting in his pocket.