Computer World: Unlocking the Wonders of World
Computer Fundamentals
In the present world, it is practically impossible to find any aspect of life that is not influenced by computers in some way. Computers play a vital role, and they are the backbone of the infrastructure of modern civilization, controlling everything, including bank accounts, the stock markets, medical records, power grid stations, utilities, nuclear weapons, and much more.
Although computers are being used by everyone in today’s circumstances in the form of smart phones like the iPhone, HTC, Blackberry, Samsung, Oppo, LG, Realme, Xiaomi, Infinix, Vivo, Techno, One Plus, and many other brands available on the market, they are all types of computers. But several people with phones like these don’t know about computer fundamentals. So, I am trying to elaborate on the essentials, working principles, benefits, hardware and software, and different applications.
- Are our daily-use appliances computers?
This is a major fact: some people think that the term computer only defines personal computers, laptops, or the ones we use in labs and offices. But here we should keep one thing in mind: a computer is a device that takes input, processes it, and gives an output. This is the simple definition of a computer. Many of us may be thinking, How is that even possible? Well, that’s true. We often use computers without even knowing it! For instance, toys, microwaves, washing machines, MP3 players, and even a clock (both analog and digital) are all computers.
Why is a clock a computer? Many of us might be thinking that if a clock does not take input or doesn’t have chips or a digital screen, then how is a clock a computer? Now if we concentrate on the definition of a computer, then a clock takes input in the form of electric current from the cell installed in it, processes it by turning the structures inside it, and as output, it tells us time. So, we can say that a clock is a computer.
- How do you define a perfect or accurate computer?
Now if we talk about the computers that we use in our daily lives for surfing the internet and creating documents, then we define a computer as an electronic device that accepts data (as input), performs operations (processing) on data at very high speed, and produces the results (as output). It is a programmable machine that executes a programmed list of instructions. This is the proper definition of an accurate computer.
Before proceeding further, we must know about the history of computers.
The first mechanical computer?
The first mechanical computer was invented in 1833 by Charles Babbage and his assistant, Lady Ada Lovelace. This was the first mechanical computer, called an analytical engine. This was an invention way ahead of its time. This computer was designed to perform mathematical functions.
This analytical engine was powered by steam power. This was a fully controlled digital device. If Babbage is called the father of computers, then Ada Lovelace is the mother of computers. She was the first programmer in the computer world. She wrote mathematical problems for the analytical engine. This device somehow resembled today’s computers, such as the separation of processors and memory, the digital operator, and the fact that it was a programmable device. This invention created a new field in which later many people and brands pursued it, such as early IBM (Lenovo), Dell, HP, Toshiba, later MAC, Envy series, etc.
The first electromechanical computer
The first electromechanical computer was invented in 1937. This was the first computer that worked on electricity and worked mechanically. This was a very large computer, which usually fits in a room. This computer, named MARK or IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC) 1, was invented by Howard Aiken. This was made for general-purpose use but was later used for war efforts in the last part of World War II.
- Structure of Mark 1
This computer was made by a combination of switches, relays, clutches, and a rotating shaft. It used 765,000 electromechanical parts and 100 miles of wire that comprised a volume of 816 cubic feet (23). Its height was about 2.4 meters, and its length was 16 meters and 0.61 meters deep. It weighed about 4.7 tons. The calculating unit was mechanically connected to a 5-horsepower electric motor, which was the basic source of power.
2.Operation
This computer operated or calculated basic mathematical operations such as subtraction, addition, multiplication, logarithms, and complex digits such as logarithms and trigonometric functions. There were 24 sets of 60 switches for manual input. It was able to store 72 digits and 23 decimal digits. It was able to do three additions and subtractions in a second. While multiplication took 6 seconds and division took 15.3 seconds. The most time was taken by logarithmic or trigonometric operations, which took about 1 minute.
3. Cost
The first electromechanical computer in the world cost $50,000, according to Grace Hopper (an American computer scientist and one of the first programmers of Mark 1), due to its multiple parts and its size.
This was all about a little history of the first computers. The computer was not made in a day; rather, it took decades to come to us in its current form. Many advancements were made in it. This is always a remarkable invention of humans.
Fundamentals of computer
Now that we know what a computer really is, it’s time to learn about the fundamentals of computers. A computer system is made up of a combination of the CPU (central processing unit), memory (RAM and ROM), input and output devices, storage devices, an operating system (e.g., Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS), hardware, software, etc. BIOS is stored in ROM, and the operating system executes on secondary memory (HDD).
We will be discussing this in more detail. These things, when combined, make a computer system. If any of these are absent, then there may be a fault in the system. For example, if hardware is missing, we will not be able to access the computer or give instructions to it. So, it is clear that a computer system should have the above items. See the below diagram to better understand the working principles of computers.
Fig 1.1
Input Devices
Each device that gives instructions or commands to the central processing unit is called an input device. Some of the input devices are given below: –
- Mouse
- Keyboard
- Joy Stick
- Camera
- Scanner
- USB
Output Devices
The devices that receive instructions or results from the central processing unit are called output devices. Some of them are enlisted below:
- Monitor
- Printer
- Projector
- Speaker
- USB
- Plotter
- Headphone
Conclusion
In conclusion, a computer is a device that takes input, processes it, and gives the result as output. An accurate computer is an electronic device that takes data as input, processes it according to a given set of instructions, and gives accurate output.
Computers have come a long way in decades, but this does not mean that this work is now going to stop. There are still many inventions yet to be made, e.g., now a days scientists are working on AI, which will be very soon fully part of life. Computers may have made our lives easier, but we must not forget that their bad use can cause some serious problems. So, always be careful while using it.
Test your mind.
After studying the above article, you may be able to solve the MCQs given below.
Q No. 1 The first mechanical computer was invented in
1983 b. 1883 c. 1783 d. 1963
Q No. 2 The _______ processes, analyzes, and then gives the result to the output devices.
Input devices b. RAM c. Cache d. CPU
Q No. 3: Which one is the input device?
Joystick b. Projector c. Plotter d. L1 Cache
Q No. 4 The computer BIOS is stored in _ memory.
RAM b. HDD c. USB d. ROM
Q No. 5 Microsoft Windows operating system, Linux, or any other operating system installed at _______ memory
RAM b. Cache c. HDD d. ROM
Additional Links
- Wikipedia: Wikipedia is a great place to start for general information about computers. The “Computer” page provides an overview, and you can follow links to more specific topics.Wikipedia – Computer
- HowStuffWorks: This website has detailed articles explaining various aspects of computers and technology.HowStuffWorks – Computers
- Ars Technica: Ars Technica provides in-depth analysis and reviews of computer hardware, software, and technology-related topics.Ars Technica – Technology Lab
- CNET: CNET offers a wide range of articles, reviews, and guides on computers and technology.CNET – Computers
- Tom’s Hardware: Tom’s Hardware specializes in hardware reviews, benchmarks, and guides for building and upgrading computers.Tom’s Hardware – Computers
