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What Is Computer

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12 views

What Is Computer

For revision purposes

Uploaded by

susanmachango
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is Computer?

A computer is a programmable electronic device that accepts raw data as input and processes it
with a set of instructions (a program) to produce the result as output. It renders output just after
performing mathematical and logical operations and can save the output for future use. It can
process numerical as well as non-numerical calculations. The term "computer" is derived from
the Latin word "computare" which means to calculate.

A computer is designed to execute applications and provides a variety of solutions through


integrated hardware and software components. It works with the help of programs and represents
the decimal numbers through a string of binary digits. It also has a memory that stores the data,
programs, and result of processing. The components of a computer such as machinery that
includes wires, transistors, circuits, hard disk are called hardware. Whereas, the programs and
data are called software.

It is believed that the Analytical Engine was the first computer which was invented by Charles
Babbage in 1837. It used punch cards as read-only memory. Charles Babbage is also known as
the father of the computer.

The basic parts without which a computer cannot work are as follows:

o Processor: It executes instructions from software and hardware.


o Memory: It is the primary memory for data transfer between the CPU and storage.
o Motherboard: It is the part that connects all other parts or components of a computer.
o Storage Device: It permanently stores the data, e.g., hard drive.
o Input Device: It allows you to communicate with the computer or to input data, e.g., a
keyboard.
o Output Device: It enables you to see the output, e.g., monitor.

Computers are divided into different types based on different criteria. Based on the size, a
computer can be divided into five types:

1. Micro Computer
2. Mini Computer
3. Mainframe Computer
4. Super Computer
5. Workstations
1. Micro Computer:

It is a single-user computer which has less speed and storage capacity than the other types. It
uses a microprocessor as a CPU. The first microcomputer was built with 8-bit microprocessor
chips. The common examples of microcomputers include laptops, desktop computers, personal
digital assistant (PDA), tablets, and smartphones. Microcomputers are generally designed and
developed for general usage like browsing, searching for information, internet, MS Office, social
media, etc.

2. Mini Computer:

Mini-computers are also known as "Midrange Computers." They are not designed for a single.
They are multi-user computers designed to support multiple users simultaneously. So, they are
generally used by small businesses and firms. Individual departments of a company use these
computers for specific purposes. For example, the admission department of a University can use
a Mini-computer for monitoring the admission process.

3. Mainframe Computer:

It is also a multi-user computer capable of supporting thousands of users simultaneously. They


are used by large firms and government organizations to run their business operations as they can
store and process large amounts of data. For example, Banks, universities, and insurance
companies use mainframe computers to store the data of their customers, students, and
policyholders, respectively.

4. Super Computer:

Super-computers are the fastest and most expensive computers among all types of computers.
They have huge storage capacities and computing speeds and thus can perform millions of
instructions per second. The super-computers are task-specific and thus used for specialized
applications such as large-scale numerical problems in scientific and engineering disciplines
including applications in electronics, petroleum engineering, weather forecasting, medicine,
space research and more. For example, NASA uses supercomputers for launching space satellites
and monitoring and controlling them for space exploration.

5. Work stations:

It is a single-user computer. Although it is like a personal computer, it has a more powerful


microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor than a microcomputer. In terms of storage capacity
and speed, it comes between a personal computer and minicomputer. Work stations are generally
used for specialized applications such as desktop publishing, software development, and
engineering designs.

Benefits of Using a Computer:


o Increases your productivity: A computer increases your productivity. For example,
after having a basic understanding of a word processor, you can create, edit, store, and
print the documents easily and quickly.
o Connects to the Internet: It connects you to the internet that allows you to send emails,
browse content, gain information, use social media platforms, and more. By connecting
to the internet, you can also connect to your long-distance friends and family members.
o Storage: A computer allows you to store a large amount of information, e.g., you can
store your projects, ebooks, documents, movies, pictures, songs, and more.
o Organized Data and Information: It not only allows you to store data but also enables
you to organize your data. For example, you can create different folders to store different
data and information and thus can search for information easily and quickly.
o Improves your abilities: It helps write good English if you are not good at spelling and
grammar. Similarly, if you are not good at math, and don't have a great memory, you can
use a computer to perform calculations and store the results.
o Assist the physically challenged: It can be used to help the physically challenged, e.g.,
Stephen Hawking, who was not able to speak used computer to speak. It also can be used
to help blind people by installing special software to read what is on the screen.
o Keeps you entertained: You can use the computer to listen to songs, watch movies, play
games and more.

The computer has become a part of our life. There are plenty of things that we do in a day are
dependent on a computer. Some of the common examples are as follows:

1. ATM: While withdrawing cash from an ATM, you are using a computer that enables the
ATM to take instructions and dispense cash accordingly.
2. Digital currency: A computer keeps a record of your transactions and balance in your
account and the money deposited in your account in a bank is stored as a digital record or
digital currency.
3. Trading: Stock markets use computers for day to day trading. There are many advanced
algorithms based on computers that handle trading without involving humans.
4. Smartphone: The smartphone that we use throughout the day for calling, texting,
browsing is itself a computer.
5. VoIP: All voice over IP communication (VoIP) is handled and done by computers.

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