What is a computer?
A computer consists of Hardware and Software. It is a programmable machine that performs four basic operations; Input, Processing, Storage and Output. These four operations are called the information processing cycle. A computer system is related components that have been designed to work together.
Components are classified into two groups:
Hardware: This category comprises the computer’s physical components, such as the system unit, as well as keyboards, monitors, speakers and mouse.
Software: It refers to all of the applications that guide the computer. In order for a computer system’s hardware to function, a computer needs software.
History of computer
The history of a programmable computer was created by Charles Babbage. He was an English mechanical engineer and mathematician. He was known as the “Father of the Computer” and designed and built the first mechanical computer. In 1833, he created the Analytical Engine, a general-purpose computer.
The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was the first electrical computer for general use. The creators of this computer was John W. Mauchly and J.Presper. The computer weighed 30 tons and covered an area of about 1,800 square feet. The ENIAC computer was created for the US Army to develop weaponry shooting tables.
Categories of computers
Analogue Computer
- Analogue computers are designed to process analogue data.
- Analogue data is nonstop data that changes often.
- Analogue computers are used where exact values are not needed.
Digital Computer
- Digital computer works on a separate signal.
- Digital computers are designed to perform calculations and logical operations.
- All modern computers like laptops, desktops and smartphones are all digital computers.
Hybrid Computer
- Hybrid computers have features of both analogue and digital computers.
- It is fast like an analogue computer and has memory precision like digital computers.
- It can process both nonstop and separate data.
Types of computers
Mainframe Computer
High Capacity and costly.
Used in big organizations.
Large amount of memory and processors.
Critical to commercial databases.
Super Computer
- High Capacity and very expensive.
- Mainly used for complex scientific problems.
Workstation Computer
- High-end and expensive.
- Designed for a single user.
- Made for complex work.
Personal Computer
- Low capacity.
- Developed for single users.
- It is a general-purpose computer.
Laptop Computer
- Laptops are portable computers.
- All component attached all together.
Smartphones & Tablets
- Smaller devices.
- Touchscreen.
- Pocket-friendly.
- Portable Mini Computers.
