Articles by "Computer"




 meaning

The abbreviation "www" stands for "World Wide Web." It is often used as a prefix in web addresses (URLs) to indicate that the address is for a website on the Internet. For example, "www.example.com" is a web address for a website called "Example" on the World Wide Web. The "www" is not always necessary to include in the web address, as many websites can be accessed without it. However, it is often included as a standard practice when writing out web addresses.



definition

The World Wide Web (WWW or Web) is a vast network of interconnected documents and other resources, linked by hyperlinks and URLs. It is a system that allows users to access and share information, communicate with others, and perform a wide range of other activities online. The Web is accessed through a web browser, which is a software application that retrieves and displays web pages and other content. Web browsers interpret HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and other web technologies, which are used to create and format the content that is displayed on the Web. The Web has become an essential part of modern life, as it enables people to access a wealth of information and resources from around the world.



The World Wide Web has a long and fascinating history that stretches back to the late 1960s. Here is a timeline of some key events in the development of the Web:

(1) 1969: The first computer network, ARPANET, is created by the U.S. Department of Defense.

(2) 1989: Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer scientist, proposes a new way of organizing and accessing information on the internet, which he calls the World Wide Web.

(3) 
1990: Berners-Lee develops the first web browser, called WorldWideWeb, and the first web server, CERN httpd. He also writes the first version of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), which is used to create and format web pages.

(4) 1991: The first website, info.cern.ch, goes live. It contains information about the World Wide Web project and is hosted on a NeXT computer at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research).

(5) 1993: The first search engine, Archie, is created. It allows users to search for files on anonymous FTP (File Transfer Protocol) servers.

(6) 1994: The first online shopping website, NetMarket, is launched.

(7) 1995: The first popular web browser, Netscape Navigator, is released.

(8) 1996: Google, the world's most popular search engine, is founded.

(9) 1998: Google launches its first search index.

(10) 2002: The first version of the Firefox web browser is released.

(11) 2007: The first version of the iPhone, which includes a built-in web browser, is released.

(12) 2010: The iPad, a tablet computer with a built-in web browser, is released.

(13) 2016: The World Wide Web celebrates its 27th anniversary.

This timeline only scratches the surface of the rich history of the World Wide Web. The development of the Web has had a profound impact on society and has changed the way we communicate, access information, and do business













 Computers play a role in every field of life. They are used in homes, businesses, educational institutions, research organizations, the medical field, government offices, entertainment, etc.

Home

Computers are used at home for several purposes like online bill payment, watching movies or shows at home, home tutoring, social media access, playing games, internet access, etc. They communicate through electronic mail. They help corporate employees work from home. Computers help the student community to access online educational support.

Medical Field

Computers are used in hospitals to maintain a database of patients' history, diagnosis, X-rays, live monitoring of patients, etc. Surgeons nowadays utilize robotic surgical devices to perform delicate operations and conduct surgeries remotely. Virtual reality technologies are also used for training purposes. It also helps to monitor the fetus inside the mother’s womb.

Entertainment

Computers help us to watch movies online, play games online; act as virtual entertainers in playing games, listening to music, etc. In the entertainment industry, MIDI instruments are crucial to recording music with artificial instruments. Videos can be fed from computers to full-screen televisions. There are many photo editors available with great features.

Industry

Computers are used to perform several tasks in industries like managing inventory, designing purposes, creating virtual sample products, interior designing, video conferencing, etc. With online marketing, it is now possible to sell products to remote areas such as the interior or rural areas. Stock markets have seen phenomenal participation from different levels of people through the use of computers.

Education

Computers are used in the education sector through online classes, online examinations, referring to e-books, online tutoring, etc. They help promote the use of audiovisual aids in the education field.

Government

In the government sector, computers are used for data processing, maintaining a database of citizens, and supporting a paperless environment. The country’s defined organizations have greatly benefitted from computers in their use for missile development, satellites, rocket launches, etc.

Banking

In the banking sector, computers are used to store details of customers and conduct transactions, such as withdrawal and deposit of money through ATMs. Banks have reduced manual errors and expenses to a significant extent through the extensive use of computers.

Business

Nowadays, computers are seamlessly integrated into business. The main objective of business is transaction processing, which involves transactions with suppliers, employees, or customers. Computers can make these transactions easy and accurate. People can analyse investments, sales, expenses, markets, and other aspects of business using computers.    

 








Computer: an electronic device that operates (works) under the control of programs stored in its own memory unit. A computer is an electrical machine that processes raw data to give information as output. An electronic device that accepts data as input, and transforms it under the influence of a set of special instructions called Programs, to produce the desired output (referred to as Information).

 Explanations;

A computer is described as an electronic device because it is made up of electronic components and uses electric energy (such as electricity) to function. Information and instructions are stored in a computer's internal memory awaiting processing, and the intermediate result (information) is also held before it is communicated to recipients through output devices. The data is processed based on the instructions given. This means the computer is unable to do anything useful on its own. It can only work as per the set of instructions issued. A computer will accept data in one form and produce it in another form. The data is normally held in the computer as it is being processed.

Program: A computer program is a set of related instructions written in the language of the computer & is used to make the computer perform a specific task (or, to direct the computer on what to do). A set of related instructions that specify how the data is to be processed. A set of instructions used to guide a computer through a process.

Data: This is a collection of raw facts, figures, or instructions that do not have much meaning for the user. Data may be in the form of numbers, alphabets/letters, or symbols, and can be processed to produce information.

 

TYPES OF DATA.

There are two types of data:

Digital (discrete) data: Digital data is discrete in nature. It must be represented in the form of numbers, alphabets, or symbols for it to be processed by a computer. Digital data is obtained by counting.

Analogue (continuous) data: Analogue data is continuous in nature. It must be physically represented to be processed by a computer. Analog data is obtained by measurement. E.g. Pressure, Temperature, Humidity, Length or currents, etc. The output is in the form of smooth graphs from which the data can be read.

Data Processing: It is the process of collecting all items of data together & converting them into information.

The term processing refers to the way in which data is manipulated (or handled) to make it into information. Calculations, comparisons, or any other logic may be used to obtain the result. The processing of data usually results in some meaningful information being produced.

The data has been refined, summarized & manipulated in the way that you want it, or in a more meaningful form for decision-making. The information must be accurate, timely, complete, and relevant.

 

Characteristics / Features of a Computer.


 Before the 20th century, most information was processed manually or by the use of simple machines. Today, millions of people use computers in offices and at home to produce and store all types of information.

 The following are some of the attributes that make computers widely accepted & used in day-to-day activities in our society:

 

1. Speed.

A computer's speed allows it to perform a wide range of tasks very quickly. They can perform much more complicated tasks much faster than anyone else. The speed of a computer is measured in.

Millisecond – a thousandth of a second (10-3)

Microsecond—a millionth of a second (10-6)

Nanosecond—a thousand millionth of a second (10-9)

Microsecond—a million millionth of a second (10-12)

 

2. Accuracy:

Unlike humans, computers are very accurate, so they never make a mistake. A computer can work for very long periods without doing anything wrong. However, when an error occurs the computer has several in-built, self-checking features in its electronic components that can detect & correct such errors.

3. Reliability:

The computer can be relied upon to produce the correct answer if it is given the correct instructions & supplied with the correct data.

 

4. Consistency:

Computers are usually consistent. This means that, given the same data & the same instructions, they will produce the same answer every time that particular process is repeated.

 

5. Storage:

A computer can store a large amount of information in a small space. It is possible for a computer to store data & instructions for later use and to retrieve/produce this data when needed by the user.

6. Diligence:

Unlike humans, computers can work continuously without getting tired or bored. Even if it has to do a million calculations, it will do the last one with the same speed and accuracy as the first one.

 

7. Automation:

 Automated devices, such as computers, perform tasks automatically. Upon receiving instructions, it is guided by them and can carry out its job automatically until it is completed. It can also perform a variety of jobs as long as there is a well-defined procedure.

8. Imposition of a formal approach to working methods:

Because a computer can only work with a strict set of instructions, it identifies and imposes rigid rules for dealing with the data it is given to process. 

 


Almost everyone has used a computer at one time or another. Perhaps you have played computer games or used a computer to write a paper or balance your checkbook. Computers are used to predict the weather, design airplanes, make movies, run businesses, perform financial transactions, and control factories. Have you ever stopped to wonder what exactly a computer is? How can one device perform so many different tasks? These basic questions are the starting point for learning about computers and computer programming. A modern computer can be defined as “a machine that stores and manipulates information under the control of a changeable program.” There are two key elements to this definition. The first is that computers are devices for manipulating information. This means we can put information into a computer, it can transform the information into new, useful forms, and then output or display the information for our interpretation. Computers are not the only machines that manipulate information. When you use a simple calculator to add up a column of numbers, you are entering information (the numbers) and the Calculator is processing the information to compute a running sum which is then displayed. Another simple example is a gas pump. As you fill your tank, the pump uses certain inputs: the current price of gas per gallon and signals from a sensor that reads the rate of gas flowing into your car. The pump transforms this input into information about how much gas you took and how much money you owe. We would not consider either the calculator or the gas pump as full-fledged computers, although modern versions of these devices may actually contain embedded computers. They are different from computers in that they are built to perform a single, specific task. This is where the second part of our definition comes into the picture: Computers operate under the control of a changeable program. What exactly does this mean? A computer program is a detailed, step-by-step set of instructions telling a computer exactly what to do. If we change the program, then the computer performs a different sequence of actions, and hence, performs a different task. It is this flexibility that allows your PC to be at one moment a word processor, at the next moment a financial planner, and later on, an arcade game. The machine stays the same, but the program controlling the machine changes. Every computer is just a machine for executing (carrying out) programs. There are many dive-ferment kinds of computers. You might be familiar with Macintoshes and PCs, but there are literally thousands of other kinds of computers both real and theoretical. One of the remarkable discoveries of computer science is the realization that all of these different computers have the same power. with suitable programming, each computer can basically do all the things that any other computer can do. In this sense, the PC that you might have sitting on your desk is really a universal machine. It can do anything you want it to do, provided you can describe the task to be accomplished in sufficient detail. Now that’s a powerful machine!

                           Component of a Computer

.Computer system is composed of hardware, software, data, and users, this is called a component of a computer


1) Hardware:




The hardware consists of the mechanical parts that make the computer a machine. The hardware consists of physical devices 01 the computer. The devices are required for input, output, storage, and processing of the data. Keyboard, monitor, hard disk drive, Hoppy dink drive, printer, processor, and motherboard are some of the hardware devices.


2) Software:






Software - also called programs - consists of organized sets of instructions for controlling the computer. Some programs exist for the computer's use, to help it manage its own tasks and devices. Other programs exist for the user and enable the computer to perform tasks for you, such as creating documents.


3) Data:




Data consists of raw facts, which the computer can manipulate and process into information that is useful to people. Computerized data is digital, meaning that it has been reduced to digits, or numbers, The computer stores and reads all data as numbers. Although computers use data in digital form, they convert data into forms that people can understand, such as text, numerals, sounds, and images.


4) People/Users: 



People are the computer's operators or users, either the programmer who designs the program in programming languages, the end user who uses the application programs in managing daily terms, or the administrator who manages computer networks. Some types of computers can operate without much intervention from people, but personal computers are designed specifically for use by people.


                           Anatomy of Digital Computer

It is otherwise called parts of a Computer System Block Diagram of a Computer or Basic Functional Units of a Computer or Component of a Computer System or Basic Functional Units of a Computer. A computer as shown in the figure performs basically five major operations or functions, irrespective of their size and make. These are:

1) it accepts data or instructions by way of input.
2) it stores data.
3) it can process data as required by the user.
4) it gives results in the form of output.
5) it controls all operations inside a computer.

We discuss below each of these operations:

1. Input:

This is the process of entering data and programs into the computer system. You should know that a computer is an electronic machine like any other machine which takes as inputs raw data and performs some processing, giving out processed data. Therefore, the input unit takes data from us to the computer in an organized manner for processing.



2. Storage:

The process of saving data and instructions permanently is known as storage. Data has to be fed into the system before the actual processing starts. It is because the processing speed of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is so fast that the data has to be provided to the CPU at the same speed. Therefore, the data is first stored in the storage unit for faster access and processing. This storage unit or the primary storage of the computer system is designed to do the above functionality. It provides space for storing data and instructions. 

The storage unit performs the following major functions:

1) All data and instructions are stored here before and after processing.

2) Intermediate results of processing are also stored here.



3. Processing:

The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is called processing. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the storage unit and makes all sorts of calculations based on the instructions given and the type of data provided. It is then sent back to the storage unit.


4. Output:

This is the process of producing results from the data for getting useful information. Similarly, the output produced by the computer after processing must also be kept somewhere inside the computer before being given to you in a human-readable form. Again, the output is also stored inside the computer for further processing.


5. Control:

How instructions are executed, and the above operations are performed. Controlling of all operations like input, processing, and output are performed by the control unit. It takes care of the step-by-step processing of all operations inside the computer.

                        MEANING OF COMPUTER


“Computer” is a word derived from “Compute” which means to calculate. “Computer” is defined as an electronic computing device, characterized by high speed and accuracy. It can handle data processing, storing, and retrieval following a set of instructions and orders to get the required results.

“Computer” is one of the electronic devices which can perform a set of integrated and consequent operations on a set of input data. The computer can process these operations according to a set of instructions and orders which are logically and algorithmically coordinated to solve a specific problem to get useful information and results. The instructions and orders are called “Statements”, which are consequently called a program. The person who designs this program is called a programmer.

The computer can be defined as an electronic device for processing data that takes data input from its user, stores, processes data, and generates the required output as per the processing instructions given to it by the user.

The set of instructions is called Program and can be written using artificial languages like C, C++, Java, etc. The programs run under the supervision of an Operating System. Example of popular operating systems is Windows, UNIX, LINUX, Solaris, etc.





It performs the following three operations in sequence.

1. It receives data and instructions from the input device
2. Processes the data as per instructions.  
3. Provides the result (output) in the desired form.


Characteristics of a Computer

The characteristics of computers are high speed of operations, accuracy, reliability, flexibility, and economy coupled with efficiency in storing and processing data.

High Speed: Computers can perform routine tasks at a greater speed than human beings. They can perform millions of calculations in seconds.

Accuracy: Computers are used to perform tasks in a way that ensures accuracy.

Storage: Computers can store a large amount of information. Any item of data or any instruction stored in the memory can be retrieved by the computer at lightning speed.

Automation: Computers can be instructed to perform 'complex tasks automatically (which increases productivity).

Diligence: Computers can perform the same task repeatedly & with the same accuracy without getting tired.

Versatility: Computers are flexible to perform both simple and complex tasks.

Cost-effectiveness: Computers reduce the amount of paperwork and human effort, thereby reducing costs.


Areas of Applications / Uses of Computers in different fields

Computers have their application or utility everywhere. We find their applications in almost every sphere of life-particularly in fields where computations are required to be done at a very fast speed and where data is so complicated that the human brain finds it difficult to cope with it.

As you must be aware, computers nowadays are being used almost in every department to do work at a greater speed and accuracy. Some prominent areas of computer applications are:


Applications of Computers in Education

Computers are used in colleges to provide methods of teaching in different ways. Computer education is becoming mandatory in most universities across the world. They basically teach the subjects which enable the students to acquire a job in the software engineering Industry. Teachers use computers as teaching aids, which leaves some time for discussion at the end of the session. Nowadays, colleges are setting up such a system where student and faculty attendance, syllabus, schedule of tests, exams, etc are put on the web, and students, their parents' and faculties can access it from anywhere and get updated.



Applications of Computers in Industries

Mostly, the software or the hardware that is produced by companies would be used to automate the manual task. One kind of industry will have the task of producing such products and is called the software industry. Other companies which use these services are called clients. Computers Can be used to produce patterns in textile industries, colour combinations in paint industries, automate the operation of a machine in 'an industry using robotics, etc.



Applications of Computers in Business

They are used in commercial organizations for clerical and administrative purposes. Tax calculations, salary slip preparations, etc. can be done using computers. Stock market predictions can be done. Banks are using computers to maintain account details and transactions. E-banking is picking up popularity because of the flexibility of banking sitting at a terminal anywhere. Excluding the matter of much-talked-about security, they are used comfortably by the customers. E-Shopping is one more concept gaining popularity in an industry where a customer can buy the displayed items by paying using a credit card or cash on delivery options.


Applications of Computers in Entertainment

Animations and Special Effects for the movies are done using high-end workstations. In the Titanic film, they used 100 high-end Linux workstations in parallel to produce the special effects. Also, movies and music are available in the form of CDs, VCDs, and DVDs which cost less compared to watching movies at theatres. People prefer to watch them through these media in their leisure time. Kids enjoy playing games using computers.


Applications of Computers in Home

Nowadays, people have computers at home, and it has become a necessity for electrical home appliances used in the home. Children play games; keep track of the stamp collections, draw pictures, play music, view movies, and do some sort of reading and writing according to their needs. A typical domestic system consists of a PC with a relatively small hard disk; printer, modem and DVD-Writer Drive, etc. people can utilize computers for keeping records, making home budgets, using electronic mail and internet services to learn and increase their knowledge. The uses of microprocessor technology in the manufacturing of electronic home appliances like microwaves, air-conditioning, washing machines, sewing machines, etc. have completely changed our way of life.


Applications of Computers in Weather Forecasting

Computer-based weather forecasting depends on the accurate collection of data from weather stations, airports, satellites, and different sensitive devices all around the world. The computer depends on building a model of hot, cold air, dry and humid air interaction, and how this is interactions are affected by land and sea temperature, season, and so on. Once this is done, the data is collected on atmospheric phenomena over a region. The computer model then generates a forecast of how the air will change. The necessary parameters can never be measured with total accuracy, and it is impossible to make a perfect representation of all the factors that impact weather. Some businesses, however, are so dependent on the weather that they need constantly updated information. SPAR CO's weather forecasting department offers an analysis of live weather data and provides help to make business decisions based on weather forecasting.


Applications of Computers in Airline Systems

In airline systems, computers are used to control passenger aircraft and vehicles. Early aircraft were controlled by moving parts attached to the controls using cables. In a modern, fly-by-wire system, electronic signals from the cockpit are sent to that adjusts the flight surfaces. The computer is embedded in the pilot's or driver's controls. It is linked up among different cities and gives full information about its flight and seat reservation.


     (THE END INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER)


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