Computer - The Need Of Modern Life
Author: Roberto Sedycias

Computers simply mean a machine which can compute. Let us peek
into the past and find out who were the geeks who thought about
having a device that could perform calculative tasks by
recognizing inputs and giving the appropriate outputs.

Abacus developed in 3000 BC can be called the first ever
computer as it was a simple counting device. In 1941 a German
engineer Konard Zuse developed a first programmable calculator
using binary math and Boolean logic. UNIVAC was developed in
1951 and the real breakthrough came in 1952 when Texas
Instrument developed the Integrated Circuit. In 1964, IBM
introduced a mainframe computer called IBM 360. Apple introduced
Apple I in 1976 and Apple II in 1977. The Computer that is
familiar to most of us in terms of looks and functionality was
unveiled in 1981 when IBM introduced the Personal Computer.

The main characteristics of a Computer are:

1 - It follows and is capable of following a special set of
instructions.

2 - It can execute preset list of instructions generally known
as a computer program.

The basic components which are essential to make a computer
are:

1 - Input Device comprising of a Keyboard and Mouse which are
used for entering instructions and data into the computer.

2 - Output device such as the Visual Display Unit or the
Screen, Printer etc, which lets us see what the computer has
done.

3 - The Central Processing Unit which is known as the brain of
the Computer where all the processing of data is done and
instructions are executed.

4 - Memory is the powerhouse of the computer which stores data
and instructions in it.

5 - Mass Storage Devices are those which permanently stores and
retain large amount of data. The common ones are floppy drives,
CD-ROMs, Hard disks etc.

Computers come in various types designed for various purposes
keeping in mind different categories of its users. According to
their type they have different capabilities and are priced
accordingly. The most popular computer is the Personal Computer
which is for personal use of a single user at one time. They
come in two types; A Desktop and a Laptop. Then there is an even
smaller computer known as the Palmtop which can be held in the
palms of the user. While these are the smaller and personal
types of computers, The Mainframe, Workstation and
Supercomputers are the larger high end computers used by big
organizations.

Computers can perform a wide range of functions such as word
processing, Digital Audio/Video composition, Internet,
Communications and Networking and Desktop Publishing. Computers
word processing capability includes automatic correction of
spelling and grammar mistakes. Internet is one of the greatest
inventions of human beings. It connects infinite number of
computers in the manner of a web.

Ungodly amounts of information are available on the Internet
and facilities of communications such as messaging, audio and
video conferencing are available for free. Graphic engineers are
using computers for editing audio and video compositions. No
media production can be completed without the help of computers.
Nowadays Computers are indispensable for Banking, Railway and
Flight Reservations, Education and even defense of a country.
There is hardly any sector of business which does not utilize
Computers. Important and critical business tasks cannot be
accomplished without the help of computers.

Just like human beings, computers are also prone to diseases
which are created by attack of viruses. Proper back up of all
data stored in computer must be maintained to provide back up in
case of storage media failure. Computers must be secured from
unauthorized use by passwords and must be protected from viruses
by installing anti-virus programs in them. Computers, if
safeguarded and used properly can create wonders for human kind
and can produce results which are unachievable without them.


About The Author: This article can also be accessed in
Portuguese language from the Article section of page
http://www.polomercantil.com.br/computador-pc.php Roberto
Sedycias works as IT consultant for
http://www.polomercantil.com.br