Introduction of Computer

In the modern age, we often see computers in many important and professional places. We see computers in offices, homes, etc. Therefore, it is quite understandable that computers are an important part of life. With the advancement of technologies, computers have evolved to be what we see today. Everybody uses computers. Students, teachers, professionals from various fields, etc. Computer manufacturing industries are having a business of billions of dollars. This means that people are buying computers extensively. Therefore, it is safe to say that computers have become one of the most important elements of human lives in the modern-day. Below is a full introduction to computers. 

What is a computer?

The computer may look like a simple device but it is difficult to define what a computer is. However, based on the working of a computer, we can say that a computer is a device that helps in computing and calculating data. We can give commands to a computer by inputting data. The computer registers the inserted data and then performs calculations according to the instructions and provides the user with the desired output. The computer can also be used to store data in its memory, making it accessible whenever the user wants. Computers are available in a plethora of different sizes and some of them are designed to perform certain functions. 

What is the history of computers?

In 1822 a man named Charles Babbage designed an engine that performed analysis and computation of different numbers. While making this first analytical device Lady Ada Lovelace helped Charles Babbage to program the engine. She is known as the first programmer. This is how the introduction of computers in English-speaking countries took place.

After the invention of the analytical engine, a man named Alan Turning came up with a machine that can compute anything. This happened one year after the discovery of the analytical machine. 

After this incident, another man named J.V.Atanasoff attempted to make the first computer. This man was an individual from the University of Iowa. , this was not a concrete effort that would provide a desirable result. Soon a couple of processors from the University of Pennsylvania came together to build the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC). This computer involved 18000 vacuum tubes. The room in which the computer was built became full of vacuum tubes. 

After these early inventions, many other efforts were made and those efforts were also successful. Then in 1976, Apple took over the market of producing computers and Microsoft soon followed them. Now, these two manufacturers are the biggest companies in the field of computers. 

Different types of computers

There are different types of computers present in the market. Following is a list of the 9 computers.

Analogue- These computers are one of the oldest models of computers. Although this computer is not known for its accuracy, they are very fast.

Digital- Digital computers are those which use the binary system of counting. These computers function on discrete values and thus, they are more accurate.

Hybrid- Hybrid computers are those computers that are a combination of both analog and digital. The analog part of a hybrid computer takes care of the mathematical computations and the digital part of the hybrid computer handles the numerical part.

Mainframes- These computers are made in such a way that thousands of people can gain access to a mainframe computer at once. They have usually used in the field of banking and telecoms. 

Supercomputers- supercomputers are used in the field of engineering and at another most advanced level where scientific computation is required. Supercomputers can perform millions of instructions in one second. 

There are more computers present in the market.

Conclusion

The computer has become such an important part of our lives that students are required to have a basic knowledge of it. Examinations are taken where students are asked to answer Introduction to computer and history objective type questions. Computers have gained their importance with time. With the rapid advancement of technologies, computers have only been modified to be more useful in the future.