Introduction to Computers
'Foundations of Computing' blog thread gives the fundamental knowledge about Computers and Logical Computation required for Computer Science students.
In this blog, let us discuss about the basics of Computers.
COMPUTER
A computer is an electronic device that takes input, processes it according to stored instructions and produces results as output.
ETYMOLOGY
The word 'Computer' was used in 1613 in a book 'The Yong Mans Gleanings' by Richard Braithwait. He mentioned in his book as follows 'I have read the truest computer of Times and the best Arithmetician that reduces days into a short number'. This term is used to refer a person who carried out calculations or computations.
The word continued with the same meaning until 20th century.
BASIC FUNCTIONALITY
Any Digital computer carries out the following functions:
- Take Data or Instructions as Input
- Stores the data/instructions in its memory and uses them as required
- Processes the data and convert into useful information
- Generates the Output
ADVANTAGES
- High Speed
- Accuracy
- Storage capability
- Diligence
- Versatility
- Reliable
- Automation
- Reduction in Paper work and cost
APPLICATIONS
- BUSINESS
- Payroll calculations
- Budgeting
- Sales analysis
- Financial forecasting
- Managing employee database
- Maintenance of stocks
- BANKING
- Online accounting facility, which includes checking current balance, making deposits and overdrafts, checking interest charges, shares, and trustee records.
- ATM machines which are completely automated are making it even easier for customers to deal with banks.
- INSURANCE
- Procedure to continue with policies
- Starting date of the policies
- Next due installment of a policy
- Maturity date
- Interests due
- Survival benefits
- Bonus
- EDUCATION
- E-Learning involves control, delivery, and evaluation of learning. Computer education is rapidly increasing the graph of number of computer students.
- There are a number of methods in which educational institutions can use a computer to educate the students.
- It is used to prepare a database about performance of a student and analysis is carried out on this basis.
- MARKETING
- Advertising − With computers, advertising professionals create art and graphics, write and revise copy, and print and disseminate ads with the goal of selling more products.
- Home Shopping − Home shopping has been made possible through the use of computerized catalogs that provide access to product information and permit direct entry of orders to be filled by the customers.
- HEALTHCARE
- Diagnostic System − Computers are used to collect data and identify the cause of illness.
- Lab-diagnostic System − All tests can be done and the reports are prepared by computer.
- Patient Monitoring System − These are used to check the patient's signs for abnormality such as in Cardiac Arrest, ECG, etc.
- Pharma Information System − Computer is used to check drug labels, expiry dates, harmful side effects, etc.
- Surgery − Nowadays, computers are also used in performing surgery
- ENGINEERING DESIGN
- Structural Engineering − Requires stress and strain analysis for design of ships, buildings, budgets, airplanes, etc.
- Industrial Engineering − Computers deal with design, implementation, and improvement of integrated systems of people, materials, and equipment.
- Architectural Engineering − Computers help in planning towns, designing buildings, determining a range of buildings on a site using both 2D and 3D drawings.
- MILITARY
- Missile Control
- Military Communication
- Military Operation and Planning
- Smart Weapons
- COMMUNICATION
- Chatting
- Usenet
- FTP
- Telnet
- Video-conferencing
- GOVERNMENT
- Budgets
- Sales tax department
- Income tax department
- Computation of male/female ratio
- Computerization of voters lists
- Computerization of PAN card
- Weather forecasting
Hence, I have enlisted you the basic functionality and Applications of Computers. In the next blog, let us continue with the History of Computers.
Comments
Post a Comment