COMPUTER
A computer is a machine that uses electronics to
input, process, store, and output data. Data is
information such as numbers, words, and lists. Input
of data means to read information from a keyboard, a
storage device like a hard drive, or a sensor. The
computer This is an IBM System/360.
processes or changes the data by following the instructions in software programs. A
computer program is a list of instructions the computer has to perform. Programs
usually perform mathematical calculations, modify data, or move it around. The data
is then saved on a storage device, shown on a display, or sent to another computer.
Computers can be connected together to form a network such as the internet,
allowing the computers to communicate with each other.
The processor of a computer is made from integrated circuits (chips) that contains
many transistors. Most computers are digital, which means that they represent
information using binary digits, or bits. Computers come in different shapes and
sizes, depending on the brand, model, and purpose. They range from small
computers, such as smartphones and laptops, to large computers, such
as supercomputers.
Characteristics
The two things that define a
computer are that it responds to a
specific instruction set in a well-
defined manner, and that it can
execute a stored list of instructions
called a program. There are four main actions in a
computer: inputting, storing, outputting and processing.
Modern computers can do billions of calculations in a second. Being able to calculate
many times per second allows modern computers to multi-task, which means they
can do many different tasks at the same time. Computers do many different jobs
where automation is useful. Some examples are controlling traffic lights, vehicles,
security systems, washing machines and digital televisions.
Computers can be designed to do almost anything with information. Computers are
used to control large and small machines that, in the past, were controlled by humans.
Most people have a personal computer at home or at work. They are used for things
such as calculation, listening to music, reading, writing, or playing games.
Hardware
Modern computers are electronic computer hardware. They do
mathematical arithmetic very quickly, but computers do not really "think." They only
follow the instructions in their software programs. The software uses the hardware
when the user gives it instructions and produces useful outputs.
Controls
Computers are controlled with user interfaces. Input devices which
include keyboards, computer mice, buttons, and touch screens, etc.
Programs
Computer programs are designed or written by computer programmers. A few
programmers write programs in the computer's own language, called machine code.
Most programs are written using a programming language like C, C++, JavaScript.
These programming languages are more like the language with which one talks and
writes every day. The compiler converts the user's instructions into binary code
(machine code) that the computer will understand and do what is needed.
