Computer
A computer is an advance electronic machine that accepts input from the users, processes the given data by performing defined operations on it, and generates the output in the form of useful information. They can store large volumes of information in the form of binary code and process it at a very high speed and accuracy to produce the desired result. Computer is based on IPO cycle.
Following are the basic working principle of a computer:
- It accepts raw data and instructions through the input device such as keyboard, mouse, webcam, etc.
- The data entered are processed by the processing unit i.e. CPU.
- After processing it provides the desired output to the user through various output devices such as monitor, speaker, printer, etc.
The working principal of computer can be summarized as Input, Processing and Output devices such as monitor, speaker, printer, etc.:
- Input:
This is the stage where data is entered into the computer system. Input can come from various sources such as keyboards, mice, touchscreens, scanners, sensors, and even other computers over a network. The data entered could be text, numbers, images, or any other form of digital information.
- Process:
Once the data is inputted into the computer, it undergoes processing. This involves the computer’s CPU (Central Processing Unit) performing various operations on the data according to the instructions provided by software programs or applications. These operations could include calculations, comparisons, sorting, searching, and many others. Essentially, this stage involves manipulating the input data to produce meaningful results.
- Output:
After the data has been processed, the results are produced as output. Output can take various forms depending on the nature of the processed data and the intended audience. Common output devices include monitors, printers, speakers, and storage media. The output could be in the form of text, images, sounds, videos, or any other format that conveys the processed information to the user.
The IPO cycle forms the basis of how computers operate and interact with users and other systems. It’s a continuous cycle, as the output from one process can often serve as the input for another process, enabling complex computations and interactions within the computer system.
Characteristics of computer
Computers possess several key characteristics that define their functionality and utility. Here are some of the most notable characteristics:
- Speed:
Computers can process data at incredibly high speeds, performing millions or even billions of operations per second. This rapid processing capability allows for efficient execution of tasks and applications.
- Accuracy:
Computers perform operations with a high degree of accuracy, making them reliable for tasks that require precision, such as mathematical calculations, data analysis, and scientific simulations.
- Storage:
Computers can store vast amounts of data in various forms, including text, images, videos, and software programs. Storage capacities have continued to increase over time, allowing for the accumulation and retrieval of large volumes of information.
- Versatility:
Computers are highly versatile machines capable of performing a wide range of tasks. They can be programmed to execute different types of software applications, from word processing and graphic design to gaming and scientific research.
- Automation:
Computers can automate repetitive tasks through software programs, increasing efficiency and productivity. Automation allows for the execution of complex processes with minimal human intervention, freeing up time for more creative or strategic endeavors.
- Reliability:
Modern computers are designed to operate reliably under various conditions, with built-in mechanisms for error detection, correction, and recovery. Redundancy measures and backup systems further enhance reliability and ensure continuity of operations.
- Versatility:
Computer are versatile in nature. It can used to perform a variety of tasks with the same accuracy and ease. It can be used to perform an array of tasks ranging from simple mathematical calculations to complex logical manipulations.
- Diligence:
Diligence is the capability of performing repeated operations without any tiredness and mistake. A computer is capable of performing the task continuously with the same speed, accuracy and efficiency without any errors.
Modern application of computer
Computers play a central role in countless application areas across various industries and domains. Here are some modern application areas where computers are extensively utilized:
- Business and Finance:
Computers are integral to financial institutions for tasks such as online banking, trading, risk management, and financial analysis. They are also used for enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and business intelligence.
- Healthcare:
Computers are used for electronic health records (EHR), medical imaging (MRI, CT scans), patient monitoring systems, telemedicine, medical research, drug discovery, and healthcare management systems.
- Education:
Computers are used in education for e-learning, online courses, digital textbooks, educational software, student management systems, virtual laboratories, and interactive multimedia content. - Communication:
Computers facilitate communication through email, instant messaging, video conferencing, social media platforms, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), and collaborative tools.
- Entertainment:
Computers are used in the entertainment industry for video games, streaming services, digital content creation (animation, graphics, special effects), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and digital art.
- Transportation:
Computers are essential for transportation systems, including traffic control systems, navigation systems (GPS), airline reservations, logistics and supply chain management, autonomous vehicles, and vehicle diagnostics.
- Manufacturing and Industry:
Computers are used in manufacturing for computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), robotics, process control systems, inventory management, quality control, and supply chain optimization.
- Science and Research:
Computers play a vital role in scientific research for simulations, modeling, data analysis, scientific visualization, genome sequencing, weather forecasting, and space exploration.
- Government and Defense:
Governments utilize computers for various purposes, including national security, law enforcement, public administration, electronic voting, taxation, census data analysis, and disaster management.
- Agriculture:
Computers are increasingly used in precision agriculture for crop monitoring, soil analysis, irrigation management, livestock monitoring, agricultural drones, and farm management software.
Classification of computers
Classifying computers according to various criteria can be done in several ways. Here’s a breakdown based on the criteria you mentioned:
- Size:
- Supercomputers:
These are extremely powerful computers used for complex calculations and simulations. They are typically very large and require special cooling systems.
- Mainframe Computers:
These are large, high-performance computers used by large organizations for bulk data processing such as census, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning, and transaction processing. - Minicomputers:
Also known as mid-range computers, they are smaller than mainframes but larger than microcomputers. They were popular in the 1970s and 1980s but have largely been replaced by servers. - Microcomputers:
Also known as personal computers (PCs), these are small, relatively inexpensive computers designed for individual use.it is further categorized. Examples include desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
A’ Desktop/ personal computer:
These microcomputers are the most common types which come in size that fit in desk or table hence named as desktop computers. Externally they consist of three unit: keyboards, monitors and CPU.
B’ Laptop:
They are portable computers having all the features of a desktop computer. It is so smaller in size that it can be placed on the lap, hence named as laptop.
C’ Notebook:
Notebook computers are smaller laptops optimized for low weight and low cost and are designed for accessing web-based application.
D’ handheld devices:
These are the portable devices that can be carried and held on the top of the palm. They are similar to laptop which uses pen or stylus for input instead of keyboard or mouse.
- Data Handling:
- Analog Computers:
These computers process analog data and are used for tasks such as scientific modeling and simulation. - Digital Computers:
These computers process digital data and are used for a wide range of tasks including data processing, calculation, and communication. - Hybrid computer:
These computers have combined features of both analog and digital computers and hence called hybrid. It converts analog data to digital data and vice-versa. They are used to solve special problems and hence referred as special purpose computer.
Different between Analog and Digital computer
| Analog computer | Digital computer |
| These computers process continuous data. | These computers process discrete data. |
| Analog computer is slower than digital. | Speed of digital computer is faster than analog. |
| It measures only physical or natural quantities such as pressure, current and voltage. | It is based on binary digits 0 and 1 or on and off state. |
| It is a special purpose computer. | It is general purpose computer. |
| Accuracy is low in analog computers. | Accuracy is comparatively high in digital computers. |
| Normally, it cannot be reprogrammed cost is low as compared to digital computers. | Digital computers can be reprogrammed cost is high as compared to analog computer. |
| The output is continuous. | Results are obtained after complete computation. |
- Purpose:
- General-Purpose Computers:
These are designed to perform a wide variety of tasks and are used for everyday computing needs. - Special-Purpose Computers:
These are designed to perform specific tasks or functions, such as gaming consoles, kiosks, and embedded systems.
Different between general purpose computer and special purpose computer
| General Purpose computer | Special Purpose computer |
| General purpose computers are used to solve large variety of problems. | Special purpose computer are used to solve a specific problem. |
| It consist of general hardware and general purpose OS for executing variety of applications. | It consists of special purpose hardware and embedded OS for executing special set of applications. |
| It consist of general purpose OS. | It may or may not contain OS. |
| They are versatile and are used by many businesses. | They are designed to carry out a special tasks only and are not versatile. |
| Example: Desktop PC, laptops, smartphones, etc. | Examples: ATM, Traffic-control computers, oil-exploration systems, etc. |
- Model:
- XT computer:
Extended technology computers were the first IBM computer with a hard drive. The processing speed of XT computer was 4.77 MHz and was based on 8086 processor. Later, the processor was upgraded to 8088 processor’. - AT computer:
Advance technology is an IBM computer that is faster than XT computers. The capacity of RAM in AT is more and has advanced processor hence can perform complex calculations. It supports GUI based operating systems. - PS/2 computer:
Personal system/2 is another model of IBM computer developed during the early 1990s. PS/2 computers come with advanced architectural design. Most of the laptops manufacture by IBM based on PS/2 architecture. It uses OS/2 operating system.
- Brand:
- IBM PC:
IBM computers are manufactured by IBM computer. IBM is one of the leading computer manufacture company. It manufactures mainframe, mini and personal computers. All of the components used in computer are developed by IBM itself. - IBM compatible:
IBM compatible computers are manufactured based on the principle of IBM computers. The architecture is similar to IBM, the processing jobs performed by IBM computers can be carried out with equal efficiency in IBM compatible computers. - Apple\ Macintosh:
The Macintosh is a family of personal computers from Apple Inc. the first Macintosh introduced in 1984 was a commercially successful PC. It had features such as a mouse and graphical user interface. The operating system of Apple computers Mac OS not licensed for non-apple computers. The apple computers are comparatively expensive than other brands.