Introduction of computer 🖥️🖥️🖱️

 

Introduction of Computer  

In this chapter you will learn about:

• Computer

• Data processing

• Characteristic features of computers

• Computers' evolution to their present form

Computer

• The word computer comes from the word "compute", which means, "to calculate"

• Thereby, a computer is an electronic device that can perform arithmetic operations at high speed

• A computer is also called a data processor because it can store, process, and retrieve data whenever desired

Data Processing

The activity of processing data using a computer is called data processing 

Data is raw material used as input to data processing and information is processed data obtained as output 

Computer Fundamentals: Pradeep K. Sinha & Priti Sinha

Characteristics of Computers

1. Automatic : it carries out a job normally without any human intervention. 

2. Speed : it can perform several billion (10 ^9) simple arithmetic operations per second .

3. Accuracy : it performs every calculation with the same accuracy

4. Diligence : It performs every calculation with the same accuracy

5. Versatility : It can perform a white variety of task.

6. Memory : It can store huge amount of information and can recall any piece of this information whenever required.

7. No I.Q.  : It cannot take its own decisions, and has to be instructed what to do and in what sequence

8. No Feelings : It cannot make judgments based on feelings and instincts. 

Evolution of Computers

• Blaise Pascal invented the first mechanical adding machine in 1642.

• Baron Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz invented the first calculator for multiplication in 1671.

 • Keyboard machines originated in the United States around 1880.

• Around 1880, Herman Hollerith came up with the concept of punched cards that were extensively used as input media until late 1970s.

• Charles Babbage is considered to be the father modern digital computers :

• He designed "Difference Engine" in 1822.

• He designed a fully automatic analytical engine in 1842 for performing basic arithmetic functions

• His efforts established a number of principles that are fundamental to the design of any digital computer.

Some Well Known Early Computers

• The Mark I Computer (1937-44)

• The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (1939-42)

• The Electronic Numerical Integrator And Calculator (ENIAC) (1943-46)

• The Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer (EDVAC) (1946-52)

• The Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC) (1947-49)

• Manchester Mark I (1948)

• The Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC) I (1951)

• IBM 701 (1952)

• IBM 650 (1953)