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What is Computer?

A computer is a device that can be instructed to carry out an arbitrary set of arithmetic or
logical operations automatically. The ability of computers to follow generalized sequences of
operations, called programs, enable them to perform a wide range of tasks.

Such computers are used as control systems for a very wide variety of industrial and
consumer devices. This includes simple special purpose devices like microwave ovens and
remote controls, factory devices such as industrial robots and computer assisted design, but also
in general purpose devices like personal computers and mobile devices such as smartphones. The
Internet is run on computers and it connects millions of other computers.

Since ancient times, simple manual devices like the abacus aided people in doing
calculations. Early in the Industrial Revolution, some mechanical devices were built to automate
long tedious tasks, such as guiding patterns for looms. More sophisticated electrical machines
did specialized analog calculations in the early 20th century. The first digital electronic
calculating machines were developed during World War II. The speed, power, and versatility of
computers has increased continuously and dramatically since then.

Conventionally, a modern computer consists of at least one processing element, typically


a central processing unit (CPU), and some form of memory. The processing element carries out
arithmetic and logical operations, and a sequencing and control unit can change the order of
operations in response to stored information. Peripheral devices include input devices
(keyboards, mice, joystick, etc.), output devices (monitor screens, printers, etc.), and input/output
devices that perform both functions (e.g., the 2000s-era touchscreen). Peripheral devices allow
information to be retrieved from an external source and they enable the result of operations to be
saved and retrieved.

History of Computer

The computer as we know it today had its beginning with 19th century English
mathematics professor name Charles Babbage. He designed Analytical Engine and it was this
design that the basic framework of the computers of today are based on.

Generally speaking, computers can be classified into three generations. Each generation
lasted for certain period of time, and each gave us either a new and improved computer or an
improvement to the existing computer.

First generation: 1937-1946- In 1937 the first electronic digital computer was built by Dr. John
V. Atansoff and Clifford Berry. It was called the Attansoff- Berry Computer (ABC). In 1943 an
electronic computer name the Colossus was built for the military. Other developments continued
until 1946 the first general- purpose digital computer, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Computer (ENIAC) was built. It is said that this computer weighed 30tons, and had 18,000
vacuum tubes which was used for processing. When this computer was turned on for the first-
time lights dim in sections of Philadelphia. Computers of this generation could only perform
single task, and they had no operating system.

Second generation: 1947- 1962- This generation of computers used transistors instead of vacuum
tubes which were more reliable. In 1951 the first computer for commercial use was introduced to
the public; the Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC 1). In1953 the International Business
Machine (IBM) 650 and 700 series computers made their mark in the computer world. During
this generation of computers over 100 computer programming languages were developed,
computers had memory and operating systems. Storage media such as tape and disk were in use
also were printers for output.

Third generation: 1963- present- The invention of integrated circuit brought us the third
generation of computers. With this invention computers became smaller, more powerful more
reliable and they are able to run many different programs at the same time. In 1980 Microsoft
Disk Operating System (MS-Dos) was born and in 1981 IBM introduced the personal computer
(PC) for home and office use. Three years later Apple gave us the Macintosh computer with its
icon driven interface and the 90s gave us Windows operating system.

As a result of the various improvements to the development of the computer we have seen the
computer being used in all areas of life. It is a very useful tool that will continue to experience
new development as time passes.

Parts of the Computer

Housing- the housing is the part of your computer that holds all the parts that make the
computer operate. In desktop tower, the housing does not include a monitor, keyboard or
mouse. An all- inclusive computer houses both a monitor and the components that make
the computer function, but does not include a mouse or a keyboard. A laptop includes the
monitor, keyboard, mouse (or mouse alternative) and the components that make the
computer function.
Motherboard- the motherboard is part of your computer that wires all of the other parts
together. It is a printed circuit board and includes CPU and memory. Every component of
your computer connects directly into the motherboard. It typically includes expansion
options for high-end graphic displays and additional devices. Motherboard specifications
are designed around which CPU your computer uses. For example, if your computer uses
an Intel processor, you need an Intel- compatible motherboard.
Processor (CPU)- the processor, or CPU, of a computer is basically the brains of the
computer. The processor is responsible for interpreting every code it receives from the
other computer components, and making it usable to your operating system. Though its
simply a single chip, the processors speed determines the overall speed of your
computer. The CPU contains a control unit and the Arithmetic Logic Unit, or ALU.
Hard Drive- the hard drive part of your computer is also called the hard disk. Essentially,
it is the part of the computer that stores your information. If you upload a picture to your
computer, it is stored on the hard drive. Hard drive capacity is measure in megabytes, or
MB, though some massive computer store in terabytes or TB. The hard drive is set of
disk platters that sit inside the computer housing. Though other devices store data, such
as thumb drives, hard drive is resident in your computer and cannot be removed.
Display Adapter- whether a graphic card or part of the other board, the display adapter is
the component of your computer that interprets video signal. They define how frequently
your monitor refreshes, how many colors the display supports and the maximum
resolutions. Gaming adapters are the most high- end type; they offer 3D graphics and
require significant power and cooling.
RAM (Memory)- Random Access Memory, or RAM, is the part of your computer that is
used as an instant memory. RAM is always in use as a temporary location to execute
instructions from your computer. For example, if you run many programs at once, you
may need to upgrade your RAM because your computer is using more memory. RAM
comes in many different configurations, such as Dynamic RAM, or DRAM, and SRAM,
which runs in a higher speed.
Optical Drive- an optical drive uses light to read and write data. It is the drive you use to
burn CDs, DVDs and Blu- Ray discs. Optical drives can be either slot loading, or tray
loading and come in many different configurations. Optical drives connect directly to the
motherboard of the computer.

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