PUBLISHED ON: MAY 25, 2022
Computer Full Form
Some might say that the full form of COMPUTER is Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for Technological and Educational Research, but it is not actually an acronym. The word "Computer" is derived from "compute" which means to calculate. Therefore computer is an electronic device that can be used for calculations. The first mechanical computer was conceptualized and invented in the early 19th century by Charles Babbage, who is also known as the "father of computers". The first designed computers only read out the memory of the punch cards. Since then computers have evolved into versatile machines that can aid most of your daily activities.
To put it simply, a computer could be defined as a general-purpose electronic device for calculating and performing arithmetic and logical operations automatically. It has a central processing unit and some form of memory.
There are five different types of Computers on the basis of generation
- 1st gen. computers: (1940-1956) based on Vacuum tubes.
- 2nd gen. computers: (1956-1963) based on Transistors
- 3rd gen. computers: (1964-1971) based on Integrated Circuits
- 4th gen. computers: (1971- Present) Based on Microprocessors
- 5th gen. computers: (Present and After) based on Artificial Intelligence
There are three different types of Computers on the basis of Technology:
- Analog Computer: Computers using continuous variation aspects of physical phenomena, like mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved are called Analog computer
- Digital Computer: Computers that are capable of solving problems by processing information in discrete form. It operates on data that includes letters, magnitudes and symbols which are expressed in binary code.
- Hybrid Computer: These are computers that carry the features of both, digital and analog computers. The analog component often serves as a solver of differential equations and other mathematically complex problems, while the digital component normally serves as the controller and provides logical and numerical operations.
On the basis of their work and size there are numerous other types of computers:
- Work Frames
- Laptops
- Desktops
- Personal Computers
- Super Computers
- Gaming Computers, etc.
Basic Parts Crucial for Smooth Functioning of your Computer:
- Processor: Instructions from software to hardware are executed by the processor.
- Memory: The data transfer between storage and CPU happens through the primary memory, thus it is mandatory for the functioning of the computer.
- Motherboard: All the parts or components of a computer are connected through the motherboard.
- Storage Device: All the data of your computer is permanently stored in the storage device and it is very important to access the data. e.g., hard drive.
- Input Device: Input devices like the keyboard and the mouse are important to communicate with your computer or feed data to your computer.
- Output Device: The data fed into the computer and the other processes of the computer are viewed through the output devices like the monitor.
Benefits of using a Computer :
- Multitasking: One of the prime benefits of using a computer is the ability to multitask. On a computer, a person can do multiple operations at the same time. For instance, he/she can solve critical numerical problems while listening to music at the same time.
- Speed: Modern computers can perform substantial tasks at efficient speeds. In this fast-moving world, this extreme speed to perform difficult tasks can be immensely beneficial for you.
- Cost/ Stores huge: If you had to spend a large amount of money to store data in the past, the problem is solved just by using a computer. Here you can store all of your important data with just the click of a button and at nominal costs. Additional storage devices like external hard drives and pen drive also allow you to carry important data along with you very easily.
- Accuracy: The calculations or any other work which you perform on the computer can be done with absolute precision.
- Data Security: Data security is the act of protecting digital data. You can use antiviruses to protect your data on the computer.