Use of Computers Essay Example
Use of Computers Essay Example

Use of Computers Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
  • Pages: 10 (2708 words)
  • Published: January 27, 2018
  • Type: Essay
View Entire Sample
Text preview

A system consists of different components working together to perform an action. The computer, for instance, relies on various components to solve problems. Likewise, our bodies have systems like the Digestive System that involve eating and digesting food. To effectively utilize the food we eat, we rely on organs such as the mouth, tongue, teeth, and stomach.

The term "computer" originally referred to a person who performed numerical calculations, often with the help of a mechanical calculating device. Early examples of such devices include the abacus, the slide rule, and the Antikythera mechanism (dating from about 150-100 BC). Hero of Alexandria (c. 10-70 AD) constructed a mechanical theater that ran a 10-minute play. This theater operated through a complex system of ropes and drums, which determined which parts of the mechanism performed specific actions and when.

...

This is the essence of programmability. The "castle clock" was created by Al-Izard in 1206 and is considered the earliest programmable analog computer. It featured various elements such as displaying the zodiac, solar and lunar orbits, a crescent moon-shaped pointer opening automatic doors every hour, and five robotic musicians that played music when triggered by levers controlled by a camshaft attached to a water wheel. The length of day and night could be changed daily to account for the fluctuating durations throughout the year. In the middle Ages, European mathematics and engineering experienced renewed growth, with Wilhelm Churchyard's 1623 device being the first of many mechanical calculators constructed by European engineers. However, none of these devices met the modern definition of a computer as they were not programmable. Later in 1801, Joseph Marie Jacquard improved the textile loom

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

by using punched paper cards as templates, enabling the loom to automatically weave intricate patterns.

The resulting Jacquard loom was a significant advancement in computer development as the use of punched cards to define woven patterns can be seen as an early form of programmability, albeit with limitations. This fusion of automatic calculation and programmability led to the creation of the first recognizable computers. In 1837, Charles Babbage conceived and designed a fully programmable mechanical computer known as "The Analytical Engine". However, due to financial constraints and a tendency to constantly modify the design, Babbage was never able to construct his Analytical Engine.

In 1890, the U.S. Census utilized tabulating machines created by Herman Hollering and manufactured by the Computing Tabulating Recording Corporation (later known as MM) to perform large-scale automated data processing of punched cards. These machines were instrumental in the development of practical computers and were accompanied by other technologies such as the punched card, Boolean algebra, the vacuum tube (thermion valve), and the teleprompter that emerged in the late 19th century.

In the early 1900s, analog computers were used to fulfill scientific computing requirements. These computers were mechanical or programmable and lacked the versatility and accuracy of today's digital computers. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, computing devices became more advanced and versatile, eventually incorporating the essential features found in modern computers.

The use of digital electronics, largely invented by Claude Shannon in 1937, and the development of more flexible programmability were significant advancements. However, it is challenging to pinpoint a specific milestone as "the first digital electronic computer." Some notable achievements include the implementation of the stored program architecture of von

Neumann in the computer known as DEEDS. Another notable achievement was Conrad Use's electromechanical "Z machines," with the OZ (1941) being the first operational machine incorporating binary arithmetic, floating point arithmetic, and a level of programmability.

The OZ, which became the world's first operational computer in 1998, was proven to be Turing complete. Before that, there were earlier computers like the TANSTAAFL-Berry Computer (1941), which used vacuum tubes for computation, binary numbers, and regenerative capacitor memory. The secret British Colossus computers (1943) were also significant, as they showed that a device with thousands of tubes could be reliably reprogrammed, and were used to break German wartime codes. The Harvard Mark I (1944) was another important electromechanical computer with limited programmability. The U.S. Army's Ballistics Research Laboratory developed MANIAC (1946), considered by some to be the first general-purpose electronic computer, as it used decimal arithmetic. However, MANIAC had an inflexible architecture that required rewiring for programming changes. To overcome this limitation, developers of MANIAC created the "stored program architecture" or Von Neumann architecture, which was more flexible and elegant.

John von Neumann formally described this design in the paper "First Draft off Report on the ADVANCE" in 1945. Several projects to develop computers, based on the stored-program architecture, started around the same time, with the first one being completed in Great Britain. The Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine (SEEM or "Baby") was the first to demonstrate its workability, while the DEEDS, completed a year after SEEM, was the first practical implementation of the stored program design.

The machine originally described by von Newsman's paper was implemented by nearly all modern computers. This stored-program architecture is now the

defining trait of the word "computer". Although the technologies used in computers have greatly evolved since the first electronic, general-purpose computers of the sass, most still adhere to the von Neumann architecture. Miniaturized devices called microprocessors often incorporate stored program central processing units (JPL's). During the sass, vacuum tubes were commonly used as electronic elements.

During the 1960s, vacuum tube electronics were largely replaced by transistor-based electronics, which offered several advantages such as smaller size, faster speed, lower production costs, lower power requirements, and increased reliability. In the 1970s, computer technology advanced further with integrated circuit technology and microprocessors like the Intel 4004. As a result of these advancements, computers became even smaller and more affordable while also improving in terms of speed and reliability. This progress not only allowed computers to replace basic mechanical controls in household appliances like washing machines but also led to the introduction of home computers and widespread adoption of personal computers.

With the advent of the internet, personal computers have become as common in households as televisions and telephones. In 2005, Nooks started calling their advanced phones "multimedia computers" and with the introduction of the Apple Phone in 2007, smartphones are now widely acknowledged as legitimate computers. By considering smartphones in the tally, Nooks surpassed Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2008 to become the largest computer manufacturer worldwide based on units sold.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTERS

The types of computers can be classified based on the type of data they process, known as types of computers. Discrete data, such as head count and number of mangoes, is classified by statisticians through counting. On the other hand, continuous data is collected through measurement

and includes examples like temperature, height, and weight. Understanding these concepts helps in comprehending the various types of computers. Furthermore, computers can also be classified based on their generations, size, or intended purposes.

The text below provides information on the classification by type of data processed.

CLASSIFIC

ATION BY TYPE OF DATA PROCESSED

Analog Computers

Analog computers use physical variables like pressure and temperature to represent data in a continuous manner. They generate smooth curves or graphs that provide information. These computers are less precise compared to digital computers because their accuracy relies on the user or reader of the output. Analog computers are commonly used in scientific and engineering fields and do not handle commercial data processing.

Both analog and digital computers are different types of computer systems. An example of an analog computer is the blood pressure monitoring system used in hospitals, while gasoline pumps at filling stations also operate using analog processes to convert volume into price and fuel measurements. Other simple devices like slide-rules and car speedometers can also be classified as analog computers.

On the other hand, digital computers represent data using a binary system in a discrete or discontinuous manner. A digital watch serves as a typical example of a digital device. The output produced by digital computers consists of discrete values.

The business environment commonly includes a class of amputees such as Desk calculators, Adding machines, and most computers like MM, BBC, Radio Shack Personal Computers (PC), Laptops, Desktops etc. These computers combine the features of both

digital and analog computers and can have outputs in the form of discrete or continuous values or a combination of both. Hybrid computers are commonly found in highly scientific environments, such as electronic calculating scales used in food stores.

Digital computers are suitable for use in various environments, including business, scientific, and home settings.

CLASSIFICATION BY GENERATIONS

The classification of computers can be examined by looking at the various generations of computing devices. Each generation is characterized by a major technological breakthrough that had a significant impact on computer capabilities. Consequently, computers became smaller, cheaper, and more capable, while also becoming more efficient and reliable. Here is an overview of each generation and the advancements that have influenced the modern devices we utilize today.

The first computers were bulky in size because they used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory. They occupied entire rooms and operating them was expensive due to high electricity consumption and heat generation, often causing malfunctions. These initial computers relied on machine language, the simplest programming language understood by computers, to perform operations. Additionally, they could only solve one problem at a time. Input was provided through punched cards and paper tape, while output was presented as printouts.

The first-generation computing devices, such as the UNIVAC and MANIAC computers, were significant advancements in technology. The UNIVAC, which was delivered to the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951, became the first commercial computer for a business client. In the second generation of computers (1956-1963), transistors replaced vacuum tubes. Although transistors were invented in 1947, their widespread adoption in computers occurred later on. However, transistors proved to be much better than

vacuum tubes as they resulted in smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient, and more reliable computers compared to the first-generation ones.

Despite the heat risk linked to transistors, they represented a major advancement compared to vacuum tubes. Furthermore, upcoming computer models continued to depend on punched cards for input and printouts for output. There was also a transition from complex binary machine language to symbolic or assembly languages, allowing programmers to utilize words as instructions. Additionally, developers were actively engaged in creating high-level programming languages like early iterations of COBOL and FORTRAN.

These computers were the first to store instructions in their memory. Their memory technology shifted from genetic drum to magnetic core technology. The atomic energy industry was the initial focus for developing these computers. (iii) Integrated Circuits, which emerged during the third generation of computers, marked a major milestone. Transistors were made smaller and placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors, resulting in significant improvements in speed and efficiency. Instead of relying on punched cards and printouts, users interacted with third generation computers using keyboards and monitors.

The evolution of computer technology can be categorized into four generations. Initially, the first generation introduced smaller and more affordable computers that were connected to a central program for memory monitoring. As a result, they became accessible to a larger population. Moving onto the fourth generation, microprocessors emerged allowing thousands of circuits to integrate on a single silicon chip. Consequently, what previously occupied an entire room could now fit in the palm of one's hand.

The Intel 4004 chip was created in 1971 and consolidated all computer components into a single chip, including the central processing unit, memory,

and input/output controls. IBM introduced its initial home computer in 1981, while Apple's Macintosh followed suit in 1984. With the increasing power of microprocessors, they began to be integrated into different everyday items. These compact computers could connect with each other to form networks and eventually played a crucial role in establishing the Internet.

Fourth generation computers brought about the Graphical User Interface (GUI), mouse, and handheld devices. Currently, fifth generation computers are under development, driven by artificial intelligence. Certain applications such as voice recognition have already been put into practice. The progress of artificial intelligence is being accelerated by utilizing parallel processing and superconductors. In the future, computer technology will witness a revolution through quantum computation, molecular technology, and nanotechnology.

The objective of fifth-generation computing is to create devices that can understand and process natural language input, while also possessing the ability to learn and organize themselves.

CLASSIFICATION BY SIZE

When buying or building a computer, it is important to consider its intended use. There are different types of computer systems available for various purposes depending on the needs of the user. Specifying the purpose helps determine the capabilities and costs associated with different classes of computers. Personal computers, also called microcomputers, are designed for individual use and can be used for tasks like web browsing, gaming, music editing, etc. They can be found in schools, homes, and businesses. Personal computers can be categorized into two main types: desktop and laptop. Desktop computers come in different sizes such as mini, mid, or full tower but need to be placed in a fixed location.

To completely outfit your computer system, it is recommended to add

extra devices like a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. You have the option of selecting either a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) or Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) for the monitor. Additionally, if you need an advanced microcomputer for tasks such as game development, scientific calculations, engineering, or AD graphics, it is advisable to choose a workstation. Workstations not only provide faster speed compared to regular personal computers but also function as servers for network clients. Servers are mainly used to facilitate collaboration among multiple users on a network.

Servers necessitate robust processors, substantial amounts of hard disk drives, and RAM. (iii)l Mobile Computers I If you opt for a laptop, you will choose a mobile or portable system. Referred to as a notebook, laptops possess the advantage of having all components integrated. Despite being lightweight, the notebook offers the same computing power as a desktop machine. However, its portability makes it slightly pricier due to the higher cost of designing smaller components. For even greater portability, handheld microcomputers are now a popular choice.

To manage your phone book, schedule appointments, or take notes, you can use a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). Alternatively, you can choose to utilize a Palmtop, which is essentially a smaller version of a laptop with additional features. The Palmtop includes a compact keyboard and a flip-up screen that allows for convenient internet browsing while on the move. On the other hand, Mini Computers are larger computers that come equipped with multiple input and output terminals, disk drives, and sometimes tape drives for storing data. They offer greater storage capacity and faster speed compared to microcomputers.

Minicomputers have the ability to process multiple programs

at the same time and can be used by multiple users simultaneously. They are commonly used by small and medium-sized businesses for their data processing needs. In contrast, mainframe computers consist of many terminals, as well as several disk and tape drives. Mainframe computers have larger capacity and speed compared to minicomputers. Moreover, they can handle multiple programs concurrently and meet the data processing requirements of medium and large-sized businesses.

Network support includes Automatic Teller Machines (Tams) and Super Computers. Tams receive support for network connectivity, while Super Computers are designed for high-speed processing with fewer terminals but faster processors. Their main use is in scientific research or space exploration that involves complex mathematical calculations.

CLASSIFICATION BY PURPOSE


Computers designed for specific purposes

The mentioned computers are specially designed for particular tasks and have pre-installed programs in Read-only Memory (ROOM). Although the computer can access and execute the content in this memory, it is not possible for the programmer or user to modify it. Consequently, these computers' capabilities are determined during manufacturing and cannot be altered. Despite their restricted functionality, microcomputers (small computers) are reasonably priced and suitable for specific applications such as timekeeping.

General Purpose Computer

General-purpose computers such as microcomputers or PCs are versatile machines that can solve various problems by running different programs. These computers rely on Random Access Memory (RAM) for temporary storage, which is wiped clean when the computer is powered off. The ability to easily modify the contents of RAM enables the replacement of one program with another, making these computers well-suited for a wide range of tasks.

Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New