What is a computer?
A computer or computer is defined as one of the electronic devices that exist in different types and sizes, and which can store, process, or even retrieve data. It combines what is known as software and equipment together to form a computer. The computer performs calculations, and operations, and implements various applications through a group, from the commands given to him by this software or equipment.
Origin of the word computer
The word computer goes back to the word arithmetic, and this resulted from the first definition of the computer, which defined the device as a high-speed calculating machine. The work of the computer in the past was limited to solving arithmetic operations very quickly in addition to its ability to deal with complex arithmetic operations, before it was Computer tasks are evolving to include other types of procedures, such as selecting, sorting, comparing, transferring information, and many other different operations that the computer can perform today.
Computer mechanism
The principle of the computer's operation is to convert the data and information that are entered into the device into a binary number system that relies on the numbers zero and one, so that the number - whether it is zero or one - is stored in a storage capacity on the device's hard disk known as a bit, as a bit cannot contain Except for the number zero or the number one, and the data received into the computer, whether letters, numbers, or complete words, is stored in many bits, where each bit encodes a multiple of the number 2, and is then used in some simple mathematical operations to convert these inputs into words or Orders are executed.
For example: When you enter the letter A, for example, into the computer, it is translated into a set of binary numbers. Then the electrical circuits in the computer convert these binary numbers into electrical pulses, where these numbers are decoded by the existing electrical circuits to understand their meaning. The string of binary numbers 1000001 indicates that the information entered is the letter A, and converting data and information into binary types of numbers (zero or one) in the computer helps facilitate the process of storing and transferring this data easily. Computer Components Computer components are divided into software components and physical components. The following is the definition of the computer and its components:
Software components
Software is known as one of a computer's main components, consisting of a set of commands or information written in a specific language, to guide the device on what to do. Software is divided according to the task it is concerned with into three types, which are as follows:
- Application software: This type of software is concerned with directly dealing with the computer user, as it implements specific programs or tasks that are of benefit and importance to the user. There are many examples of this type of software in the computer, such as word processing software, web browsers, games, and programs. Photo editing and calculator. System software: It is a group of software that is designed to form a basis for other software.
- System software is designed to provide services for these programs, and system software does not concern the direct user of the device. One of the best examples of this type of software is the operating system in which the device runs, such as a system. Run Windows or Mac OS.
hardware components
- Motherboard: It is the main board on the computer. The motherboard contains many components, such as the central processing unit, memory, and others.
- Central Processing Unit: Or what is known as the processor, this unit executes commands in the computer.
- RAM: The memory stores used data temporarily, and its components disappear when the device is turned off.
- Hard disk: It is the main place to store user data and information.
- Power source: It is a device located inside the computer, which converts the electricity supplied to the device through the socket into energy suitable for the device.
- Other parts of a computer: A computer has many other components, such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, optical drive, and video card.
Types of computers
- Desktop computer: These are computers that are designed to be suitable for placement on the user’s desktop, whether at work, at home, or even at school. The computer box, or what is known as the case, in addition to the screen, keyboard, and mouse, are considered essential parts that make up this type of computer. Computers.
- Laptop computer: It is a computer that can be operated by battery, so transporting this type of device is considered easier than its desktop counterpart, and since the mobile computer is easy to move, it can be used anywhere.
- Tablet computer: This type does not contain a mouse and keyboard. It is a computer that works through a touch screen, which is used for writing, pointing, and navigating between programs. The iPad is one example of this type.
- Server devices: A server is defined as one of the types of computers that provides other devices connected to the same network with information and shares it with them. The server device can work on a global scale, like server devices that operate over the Internet, and it can also be used via an internal network to store files and share them within the same Place.
- Other types of computers: Many electronic devices can be classified as computers, examples of which are smartphones and smart TVs
Computer operating system
- Kernel: It is considered the basic part of the operating system. It controls most of the operations that occur through the device, such as reading and writing data to memory. The kernel also determines the mechanism for receiving and sending data across many devices available on the computer, such as the screen, keyboard, and mouse.
- User Interface: This part is concerned with the means that help the user interact with the computer, through many tools such as the desktop or through drawn icons.
- Application Programming Interfaces (APIs): These are intended for people who develop and create applications.
The difference between data and information
in a computer The concepts of data and information are confused among many people, as some see them as two terms synonymous with one meaning, but the truth of the matter is otherwise. Data represents a group of numbers, letters, or words that are not understood by themselves and do not form a clear and deep meaning for humans when used individually.
While information refers to an arranged and formatted set of data where its meaning can be understood, read, or even used in a useful way, the computer converts data into clear information by processing it through many formats, programs, or applications that are designed to do this.
From the previous two terms, the concept of knowledge emerges, which is based on the principle of understanding the information resulting from data processing, using it, and employing it to solve various problems.
Inventor of the computer and its development stations
The truth of the matter is that there is no real inventor who can be credited with inventing the computer in its current form. The current device is the result of many stages of development that it has gone through throughout modern history, which are as follows:
- The first computer in the world In the year 1822 AD, Charles Babbage invented the first device capable of calculating several numbers and displaying the results of these calculations on paper. Then, in 1837 AD, he developed what is considered the first computer for general purposes; Which contained a unit for arithmetic and logic and a built-in memory. This device was the first mechanical computer, but Charles did not finish building this device due to a lack of funding, and its construction was completed in 1910 AD.
- Z1 computer: In the period between 1936 and 1938 AD, the Z1 computer was invented by Konrad Suse, which is considered the first programmable computer in history.
- The first electrical computer At the end of 1943, Tommy Flowers was able to create the first electrical computer that could be programmed.
- The first digital computer. In the period extending between the years 1937 AD to 1942 AD, a computer called (Atanasoff-Perry Computer) was developed by John Vincent Atanasoff and Cliff Perry. They were granted a patent for the first digital computer.
- However, the ENIAC, completed in 1946 by Presper Eckert and John Mauchly, is believed by many to be the world's first digital computer.
- UNIVAC 1101 The invention of the digital computer was followed by new inventions of computers capable of storing and executing programs. The UNIVAC 1101 device, which was introduced in 1950 AD, is considered the first computer capable of running a program stored within the device’s built-in memory.
The decade of the fifties of the last century witnessed many adoptions of computers. Some specialized devices were developed for clear sale, and devices that were not directly connected to the computer by accessing memory (RAM) were developed. In the last decade, computers have become widely sold in international specialties. So, she took up scientific work in the field of computers little by little until she reached what she is at the present time.
The controller was invented by Intel, the first personal computer and the first computer were issued, then IBM introduced the first computer, which was known as the IBM 5100, and other achievements that contributed to the development of the computer and the widespread use of it in the twenty-first century. I say here that they are competing to produce the world's leading computer
Specifications that the computer must have when purchasing it
Many specifications must be available in computers that the user may wish to purchase, and these specifications include the following:
- Central Processing Unit: It is recommended that the device's processor be made by Intel and that it be of the fifth generation (Core i5) or of the seventh generation (Core i7).
- Storage capacity: There are multiple types of storage spaces in the computer. It is preferable to own a computer with a storage capacity of no less than 500 GB, and for the hard disk to be an SSD.
- Random access memory: It is recommended that the computer's random access memory (RAM) capacity be no less than 8 GB.
- Network card: It is a good idea to use a computer that supports the use of wireless networks. Screen: The recommended screen size for laptops is 14 inches and 24 inches for desktop computers.
- Operating system: The 64-bit Windows 10 operating system is the recommended operating system for the device.
- Other extras: It is preferable to purchase a device that has some extras, such as a webcam and an external disk to save backups of the device.
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