Computer Awareness

 Introduction To Computer:

The word computer is been derived from the Latin word 'computare', which means 'to calculate'. A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information or data according to the set of instructions called 'programs'. It has the ability to store, retrieve and process data.

Functions of computer:

1.Input: Information or data that is entered into a computer is called input. It sends data and instructions to the Central Processing Unit(CPU).

2. Processing: It is the sequence of actions taken on data to convert it into information which is meaningful to the user. It can be calculations, comparisons or decisions taken by the computer.

3.Output: It makes processed data available to the user. It is mainly used to display the desired result to the user as per input instructions.

4.Storage: It stores data and programs permanently. It is used to store information during the time of program execution and possible to get any type of information from it.

Features of computer:

1.Speed: The computer can process data very fast at the rate of millions of instructions per second.

2.Accuracy: Computer provide a high degree of accuracy. they respond to the user as per the input instructions.

3.Storage Capacity: Computers are capable of store huge amount of data, which depends on the capacity of hard disk.

4. Versatility: Computer can do different types of work simultaneously. They can perform multiple tasks at a same time.

5. Diligence: Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, lack of concentration, etc., and can work for hours without creating any errors.

6. Secrecy: Leakage of information is reduced by creating login system with password protection.

7. Reliability: Computers are more reliable than human beings. Computers always produce exact results. The possibility of errors occur only if the input is wrong, i.e. the computers never make mistakes of their own accord.

8. Plug and Play: Computers have the ability to automatically configure a new hardware and software components.

History of Computer:

Computer is not the creation of one day, rather it took a long period for the development of modern computer.

* Abacus(1602): It is the first mechanical calculating device. Used for addition and subtraction operation. Calculations of square roots can also be performed.

*Napier's Bones(1617): It is three dimensional structure, Holding numbers from 0 to 9 only. Technology used for calculation called Rabdologia. It will perform multiplication of numbers.

*Pascaline(1642): This machine worked on the principle of odometer and watch. Mainly designed with regard to the pressure of liquid. It performs addition and subtraction of two numbers.

*Jacquard's Loom(1801): It was first mechanical loom. Used punched card for the sequence of operation. It simplified the process of textiles.