Fundamental Concept
Fundamental Concept
A computer is basically a programmable machine capable to
perform arithmetic and logicals operations automatically and sequentially. It
is known as a data processor, as it can store, process, and retrieve data as
per the wish of the user.
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Data processing involves the following three activities –
- Input of data
- Manipulation / Processing data
- Giving output (i.e. management of output result)
- In computer system, data is arranged orderly and systematically
The term “computer” is derived from a Latin term “compute,”
which mean ‘to calculate.’ Initially the computer system has been designed to
calculate; it was intended to be a computing device. However, over a period of
time, this device technically advanced; at present, it can perform a wide range
of desirable works apart from data processing.
Major
function of Computer System
Following are the core of a computer system –
- A computer accepts the command and/or data as input given by the user.
- A computer follows te instruction and store the data given by the user.
- A computer processes the as per the instructions given by the user.
- A computer gives the desirable result in the form of output.
Salient
Feature of Computer System
Following are the salient features of computer system –
- Automation – The operating system of a computer system is automatic as into human intervention is required; simply you need to give the command and then it will do the work automatically.
- Speed – Depending upon the power of the computer, it can perform, it can take Millions of instructions per second.
- Storage – a computer system can store enormous quantity of data in different format. The storage capacity of computer system is normally expressed in terms of Kilobytes (KB), Megabytes (MB), Gigabytes (GB),or Terabytes (TB).
- Accuracy – The accuracy of a computer system is very high.
- Versatility – A computer system is capable of performing a wide range of task.
- Deligence – A computer neither get tired nor loss concentration.
- Reliability – As a computer system always give accurate result; therefore it’s reliability is very high.
- Vast memory – a computer system can have a wide range of memory which can recall the desired data at any point of time.
Evolution
of Computer System
The present Computer System has evolved centuries of efforts
different intellectuals who contributed their works during different periods of
time.
Abacus is (most likely) considered s the earlier
counting device.
Let us now read about the innovators who contributed
immensely in the development of a computer system.
John
Napier
Napier was a Scottish mathematician who invented logarithm.
Further, Napier also invented a counting device which
consisted of stick with numbers imprinted on them. Napier named sticks ‘bones’
as they were made up of bones.
Blaise
Pascal
Pascal was a French mathematician who invented a machine based
on gear wheel, which helped greatly in calculation.
Charles
Babbage
Charles was a English Polymath, Mathematician, Mechanical
Engineer, Philosopher and inventor. In 1822, he developed a machine capable to
calculate the successive difference of expression and prepared a table which
helped him in his calculations.
Lady Ada
Lovelace
Lovelace was an English Polymath, Mathematician, who research
on Babbage’s work. She has given the concept that ‘computers can be
programmed.’ Her work helped a great deal in the advancement of computer
system.
John
Aantoff
With the assistance of Berry John Atanstoff develop the
Atanstoff Berry Computer (more popular as ABC) in 1937. It marked the beginning
of the development of electronic digital computer.
John
Mauchly and Eckart
In 1947 John Mauchly and Eckart developed the first large
scale Electronic Digital Computer. It was called the Electronic Numerical Integrator
and Calculator (ENIAC).
Maurice
V. Wilkes
In 1949, Wilkes (at Cambridge University) designed
Electronic Delay Storage automatic Calculator (EDCAC). It was the first
computer that started its operating on the stored program concept.