Programming in C
UNIT I: BASICS OF C PROGRAMMING
1.Generations of Computers.
2. Classification of Computers.
3. Basic Computer Organization.
4. Number Systems.
5.Algorithm, Pseudocode and Flowchart.
6. C Programming Basics.
, 2.Classification of Computers
There are four classifications of digital computer systems: super-computer, mainframe
computer, minicomputer, and microcomputer.
1. Super-computers are very fast and powerful machines. Their internal architecture enables
them to run at the speed of tens of MIPS (Million Instructions per Second). Super-
computers are very expensive and for this reason are generally not used for CAD
applications. Examples of super-computers are Cray and CDC Cyber 205.
2. Mainframe computers are built for general computing, directly serving the needs of
business and engineering. Although these computing systems are a step below super-
computers, they are still very fast and will process information at about 10 MIPS.
Mainframe computing systems are located in a centralized computing center with 20-
100+ workstations. This type of computer is still very expensive and is not readily found
in architectural/interior design offices.
3. Minicomputers were developed in the 1960's resulting from advances in microchip
technology. Smaller and less expensive than mainframe computers, minicomputers run at
several MIPS and can support 5-20 users. CAD usage throughout the 1960's used
minicomputers due to their low cost and high performance. Examples of minicomputers
are DEC PDP, VAX 11.
4. Microcomputers were invented in the 1970's and were generally used for home
computing and dedicated data processing workstations. Advances in technology have
improved microcomputer capabilities, resulting in the explosive growth of personal
computers in industry. In the 1980's many medium and small design firms were finally
introduced to CAD as a direct result of the low cost and availability of microcomputers.
Examples are IBM, Compaq, Dell, Gateway, and Apple Macintosh.
The average computer user today uses a microcomputer. These types of computers include PC's,
laptops, notebooks, and hand-held computers such as Palm Pilots. Larger computers fall into a
mini-or mainframe category. A minicomputer is 3-25 times faster than a micro. It is physically
larger and has a greater storage capacity.
UNIT I: BASICS OF C PROGRAMMING
1.Generations of Computers.
2. Classification of Computers.
3. Basic Computer Organization.
4. Number Systems.
5.Algorithm, Pseudocode and Flowchart.
6. C Programming Basics.
, 2.Classification of Computers
There are four classifications of digital computer systems: super-computer, mainframe
computer, minicomputer, and microcomputer.
1. Super-computers are very fast and powerful machines. Their internal architecture enables
them to run at the speed of tens of MIPS (Million Instructions per Second). Super-
computers are very expensive and for this reason are generally not used for CAD
applications. Examples of super-computers are Cray and CDC Cyber 205.
2. Mainframe computers are built for general computing, directly serving the needs of
business and engineering. Although these computing systems are a step below super-
computers, they are still very fast and will process information at about 10 MIPS.
Mainframe computing systems are located in a centralized computing center with 20-
100+ workstations. This type of computer is still very expensive and is not readily found
in architectural/interior design offices.
3. Minicomputers were developed in the 1960's resulting from advances in microchip
technology. Smaller and less expensive than mainframe computers, minicomputers run at
several MIPS and can support 5-20 users. CAD usage throughout the 1960's used
minicomputers due to their low cost and high performance. Examples of minicomputers
are DEC PDP, VAX 11.
4. Microcomputers were invented in the 1970's and were generally used for home
computing and dedicated data processing workstations. Advances in technology have
improved microcomputer capabilities, resulting in the explosive growth of personal
computers in industry. In the 1980's many medium and small design firms were finally
introduced to CAD as a direct result of the low cost and availability of microcomputers.
Examples are IBM, Compaq, Dell, Gateway, and Apple Macintosh.
The average computer user today uses a microcomputer. These types of computers include PC's,
laptops, notebooks, and hand-held computers such as Palm Pilots. Larger computers fall into a
mini-or mainframe category. A minicomputer is 3-25 times faster than a micro. It is physically
larger and has a greater storage capacity.
