1) When was an electronic computer invented? The first electronic computer was invented in December 1943 by the name of Colossus during World War 2. 2) How was the computer different from a calculator including both mechanical and electronic calculators? Computer is a multifunction interactive device enhanced with performing complex calculations and can carry out with the assist of series of instructions called computer programs can process out the whole task without assistance. While calculator is a device used to carry out basic math operations and it works one operation at a time. 3) What are the most important functions in a computer? What kind of role does the software have? There are basically for basic functions of computers and they are input, storage, processing and output. Input: Receiving or accepting information from outside sources. The most common way of performing this function is through the information entered through the keyboard and the click of mouse. There are many other type of devices for receiving such information like a web cam. Computers are also able to receive information from other computers and similar devices. When we use computers for automatic control of machines and processes, computers are also receive information directly from such equipment and processes. Storage: Store information in the computer. The memory is stored in computer in in several different ways depending on how the information is used. For simplicity we will classify in two broad categories. First is the memory in the central processing unit of the computer, and second is the auxiliary memory. The auxiliary memory includes devices such as fixed hard drives. The information stored in computer can also be divided broadly used in two categories. The user data and the instructions used for internal operation and processing in the compute. These instruction are what we call computer programs or software.
Muhammad Abdul Muqsit Bin Haji Ismail
ICT 23220 TDB 2163/Software Engineering
Processing: The core of computer operation. The computer processes the
data that is fed to the computer by various means and the data already contained in internal memory to produce the results that is the core of all computer application. Output: The results of the processing are made available for use by any user or other devices. The most common ways of producing such outputs are through computer monitor, speakers, and printers. When a computer is connected to other devices, including through Internet, this output is in the form of electrical pulses. The output data can also be recorded on to an external recording medium such as a DVD disk. The roles of software is to perform specific operations for various applications. These functions include writing reports, creating spreadsheets, manipulating images, keeping records, developing websites and calculating expenses. Examples of application software include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and desktop publishing applications. Depending on the specific application software being used, the function of the software varies from manipulating text, images, numbers and graphics to creating presentations and personal websites. Some application software packages concentrate on a single, specific task, such as word processing and presentation creation.