The word
“Computer” is derived from the Latin word “Compute”, which means toCalculate.
A computer is a programmable electronic device that can accept
data, processesthe given data by performing arithmetic (+,-,x,/) & logical
(<,>,=,≠) operations on the data to produce the desired results.
Basic Terms in the Field of Computers
When we talk about computers, it involves the following
basic terms generally:
i.
Hardware:A
computer's hardware consists of electronic devices (every component);the
physical or tangible parts of the computer called hardware. Like Cables, Monitor,
Keyboard, CPU, Mouse, Mother Board, RAM etc.
ii.
Software:A
program or set of programs, used to give commands to the computer for the
desired results.
iii.
Data: A
collection of raw facts and figures is called data, which can include text,
numbers, images, audios and videos etc.
iv.
Information: The
processed form of data is called information. It is an organized but more
meaningful form of data.
v.
User: A
person who uses the computer system and its resources.
Information Processing Cycle (IPC)
Information processing cycle
consists of a series of tasks or steps required to convert data into
information.
Characteristics of Computers
Computers are powerful due to
variety of reasons. They operate with amazing speed,accuracy, huge storage, reliability, consistency,diligence (A computer is
free from monotony, tiredness, and lack concentration, No IQ and No Feelings).
Types
of Computers: There are three types of computers with respect to Operational
Principle:
- Analogue Computers
- Digital Computers, and
- Hybrid Computers
Classification of Digital Computers (By Size
& speed)
Computers
are mainly classified into four categories based on their processing speed, size,
storage capacity etc. These are:
- Micro
computer
- Mini
computers
- Mainframe
computers, and
- Super
computers.
1. MICRO COMPUTERS
Micro
computers are commonly known as personal computers. These are small computers
that are found in offices, schools, homes etc. (Figure1.1) these computers are
designed to be used by one person at a time.
They
have Microprocessor chip as the CPU. Many models of Microcomputers are there –
some sit on desktops, some stands on floors and some are portable. 1975, Ed
Roberts, the "father of the microcomputer" designed the first
microcomputer, the Altair 8800, which was produced by Micro Instrumentation and
Telemetry Systems (MITS).The original IBM Personal Computer (PC) is shown in
the picture.
2. MINI (Midrange) COMPUTERS
Mini
computers have more processing speed and larger storage capacity than
Microcomputers.
They are used in multi-user environments where more than one person is working
on the computer at the same time. Mini computers were introduced in 1960s. The
DEC PDP-12minicomputer of 1969 is shown in the picture.
3. MAINFRAME
COMPUTERS
Mainframe
computers are more powerful than Mini computers. They are large and expensive
computers that can handle a large number of users at the same time.
It was introduced in 1970s. Nearly all mainframes (Figure 1.2) have
the ability to run (or host) multiple operating systems.They are capable of storing large amount of instructions
and information. They are best suited for big organizations, where centralized
data storage and processing are required. The IBM 7094 Mainframe computer of
1970s is shown in the picture.
4. SUPER COMPUTERS
Super
computers are the most powerful and expensive computers. They are built to
process complex scientific calculations. They are mainly used in weather
forecasting, nuclear research, launching of rockets, monitoring of satellites
etc.The speed of a
supercomputer is generally measured in "FLOPS" (Floatingpoint
Operations Per Second).
Written by Faisal Gujjar
We are Creative Blogger Theme Wavers which provides user friendly, effective and easy to use themes. Each support has free and providing HD support screen casting.
0 comments:
Post a Comment