Basics of Computer | How Computer Works? | Computer Source

What is a 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

Computers are made up of two main parts: hardware and software:

Hardware: Includes the processor chip, input and output devices, which function on electrical signals

Software: Runs on the hardware and allows humans to interact with the computer Computers can come in many different shapes and sizes, from handheld smartphones to supercomputers.

Most computers use a binary system, which uses the variables 0 and 1 to complete tasks.

In this article we will describe everything about computers in details. Keep reading.

In the modern world, computers have become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we work, communicate, and entertain ourselves. From desktops to laptops, tablets to smartphones, computers come in various forms, yet many people are still unfamiliar with their inner workings and potential. In this article, we will discuss everything about the Computers.

A computer is an electronic device wherein we need to input raw data to be processed with a set of programs to produce a desirable output. Computers have the ability to store, process, and manipulate data. The term “computer” is derived from the Latin word “computare,” which means “to calculate.” A computer is made to run programs and apps by using both hardware and software. It also has a memory to store data, programs, and what they produce. The Full Form of Computer is “Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for Technological and Educational Research.”

Operation of a Computer

The operation of a computer can be divided into 3 steps:

Entering and encoding data and instructions
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Processing data and instructions
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Decoding the result and displaying the output

The storing of information occurs during the computing process. This process is also known as (IPO) Input-Process-Output cycle.

Characteristics of Computer

Computers are now an integral part of our daily lives, from managing student records in schools to handling patient records in hospitals. They have significantly simplified our tasks. Now, we can quickly access stored data and solve complex problems in just seconds. Some of the characteristics of Computers are listed below-

Saves Time: A computer saves time by completing tasks quicker and more efficiently. For example, it can solve big complex problems within seconds which can save many minutes of ours.

Internet: Computers connect us to the internet which can help us to know important information from around the world, it can connect us with people from around the world through social networking sites, etc.

Storage: The computer gives us enough storage space that can be used to store a large amount of data including your projects, ebooks, documents, movies, pictures, songs, etc.

Entertainment: Computers are also a big source of entertainment as you can play games, listen to songs, watch movies, and can also use social networking sites.

Organized Data: It not only stores the data for you for also organizes the data for you. You can create different folders for different types of data and can easily access them when required.

Helps the physically challenged: Computers are a big boon for the physically challenged people as Stephen Hawking, who was not able to speak used the computer to speak. It also can be used to help blind people by installing special software to read what is on the screen.

Features of Computer

We have discussed a few points that will highlight the different features of computers. These features collectively contribute to the versatility and functionality of computers.

Processing Power: Computers can execute instructions and perform calculations quickly.

Storage Capacity: They can store vast amounts of data, from documents to multimedia files.

Memory (RAM): Temporary storage used for actively running programs and processes.

Input Devices: Keyboards, mouse, and other peripherals allow users to input data.

Output Data: Monitors, printers, and speakers display or produce results.

Upgradability: Components like RAM, storage, and graphics cards can be upgraded.

Portability: Laptops and tablets offer mobility compared to desktop computers.

User Interface: Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) or command-line interfaces for interaction.

Security Features: Passwords, firewalls, and antivirus tools protect against unauthorized access.

Power Management: Features to optimize energy consumption.

History of Computers

To understand the development of computers, and how they evolved from simple mechanical devices to the complex electronic machines that we use today. The knowledge can help to appreciate the challenges that computer scientists have faced over the years and the ingenuity they have shown in overcoming them.

Studying the history of computers can help to anticipate future developments in the field. The history of computers can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who used the abacus to perform simple calculations. In the 17th century, Blaise Pascal invented the mechanical calculator, which could perform more complex calculations. In the 19th century, Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine, which is considered to be the first general-purpose computer. By understanding the history of computers that have shaped the development in the past.