How many of us have not thought about the purpose of the computer? How much this “robot” does for us helps us both on a working day and on a day off! How much time we devote to him, but how much we save! A computer is a device that is firmly rooted in our lives, helps to perform the simplest and most difficult tasks, entertains and develops.
What is it?
How often do you think about why computers are needed? Few people fully understand the entire array of tasks that these “machines” are working on. But where did they come from and how quickly entered our life? A computer from English translates as a “computer”. This function was the very first task of the device. Roughly speaking, at first the car served as a calculator.
Now such a mechanism is capable of performing certain assigned tasks. It is believed that most of these tasks are computational or manipulative. But recently, with the development of social networks, the input-output function is also important. In order for all operations to be performed with the correct sequence, they use a program that is created specifically for this.
Story
In general, recalling the very first computer, historians delve into the analysis of the events of the times of Ancient Babylon. It was then that the first variations of computing were invented - abacus scores. But if you do not go so far, you can return in time for less than 100 years. It was in 1941 that the world saw the first such device. It was developed by Harvard American mathematician Howard Aixon.
He and a couple of engineers from IBM created the very first computer based on the achievements of Charles Babbage. Officially, the car was launched only in 1944. She was given the name "Mark 1". They placed the equipment at Harvard University.
It is interesting that at that time 500 thousand dollars were spent on the development of such a PC. At the same time, the computer was assembled from expensive and high-quality materials. The mechanism was placed in stainless steel and glass. In length, the device took more than 17 meters, its height was about 2.5 meters. According to these parameters, the weight of the equipment amounted to more than 4 tons. To bring the computer to work, it was necessary to use various levers, relays, switches, of which there were more than 750 pieces.
Interestingly, the car acquired wires, the length of which was 800 kilometers. However, a powerful computer performed quite primitive tasks. He coped with a limited number of numbers - only 72, they consisted of 23 decimal places. The system could subtract and add and spent no more than 3 seconds on all these processes. For multiplication, he needed 6 seconds already, the division was carried out in 15 seconds.
As a result, scientists managed to get an improved arithmometer, for which they used a perforated paper tape to enter data. Despite his obvious weakness before the current technical monsters, he still did all the calculations without human help, which means that a huge step towards automation has already taken place.
Other theories
Actually, the fact that “Mark 1” is the first computer is a moot point. There are a huge number of theories on this subject. It often recalls Konrad Zuse with his Z1 machine, which was created back in 1938. Also known is the first electronic digital computer from the United States, which was talked about in 1942. Although it was not finally completed, it could still be the prototype and inspirer of subsequent machines.
Diversity
When a person poses the question: “Why do we need computers?”, He often presents a standard version of a PC or, in extreme cases, a laptop. But this is only a small part of devices under this name. Among other things, desktop PCs can be divided into home and server ones, there are workstations, personal options, all-in-ones, game consoles, media centers, etc.
Computers include more simplified devices, including netbooks, tablets, nettops. There are supercomputers, which include mini, supermini, personal and mainframe. The last option is a very powerful computer designed for high-performance and resource-intensive tasks. He usually has a huge amount of RAM and external memory, the device is used for batch processing and other tasks.
Small and mobile computers include our favorite smartphones, laptops, personal digital assistants, tablets, e-books, and more. Many people forget that the terminal in restaurants and shops is also a computer, like an electronic translator, calculator, etc.
From such a huge number of devices, it becomes clear that their purpose can be very different and sometimes quite unexpected.
Design
For all the time of improvement, modern machines have acquired a wide variety of design methods. Assembling a computer that many users have is almost nothing compared to the design of server stations and similar powerful models. But still there are certain standards and an algorithm by which all types of computers are assembled.
When they start thinking about designing a device, they often think about whether it will be a digital type machine or with an analog system. For the first option, discrete numerical or character variables are applicable. The analog type is designed to process a large flow of information. Naturally, the first option is the most popular among users.
Nomograms, sliders, astrolabes, oscilloscopes, televisions, and even the brain are now classified as analogue ones.
Application
Returning to the main topic of the article “Why can I use a computer”, it is important to understand that so far the full range of tasks performed by him is difficult to investigate. And it is unlikely that all the current processes that the computer executes are the limit of its capabilities.
Nevertheless, if we talk about well-known methods of use, the first thing that comes to mind: a PC is in demand in work and for entertainment. The latter is now especially popular, and together with the educational component it helps many students to automate their studies and get more information.
Entertainment
Everyone remembers playing chess with a computer. When this opportunity appeared, people were simply amazed at the capabilities of the machine. Then various card games and other puzzles began to be introduced. Now covering all the games with one review is unrealistic. Major computer game tournaments are taking place in the world, which are collected by fan stadiums, and prize pools exceed $ 20 million.
Not only gaming PCs and laptops, but also game consoles, handheld PCs and smartphones remind us of entertainment. The latter, of course, have working functions, but they are often used as an entertaining device that helps pass the time on the road.
In addition to playing chess with a computer and in general a variety of gaming projects, entertainment includes watching movies, clips and TV shows, listening to audio recordings, radio stations or books. Virtual trips to museums, theaters, exhibitions, shows, etc.
Education
Many young people began to forget that the computer, in addition to entertainment, is designed for learning. This is one of the most important functions, which allows not only to supplement existing knowledge, but also to acquire new ones. So, sitting at a computer, we easily go through distance learning, engage in self-education, read books, listen and watch video courses, master various processions and expand our horizons.
The scope of the computer is so diverse that it is often intertwined. So, for example, communication and education easily helps us learn new languages or find friends around the world.
Communication
The fact that the PC is used as a means of communication is not worth mentioning. Everyone knows about it. Now the use of a computer as a platform for dating and communication, on the contrary, causes certain problems of society. People become addicted to social networks, forums, and blogs. Although, if we consider this option from the positive side, the computer really made it easier for us to meet people from different parts of the world.
He made operational communication easier to obtain data both for work, for study and other tasks.
Work
A computer for work is undoubtedly also an important tool. Now it’s hard to imagine someone from the staff who would not use this device. In stores, sellers add products to PCs, make cashless payments through terminals, etc.
Thanks to computers, large companies set up a working network for data transfer, their quick correction and adjustment. Some large enterprises install huge system programs on their PCs to manage the company. It is also not surprising to meet a PC on the desktop of a writer, journalist or copywriter, because typewriters have long gone out of fashion and have become only an interesting accessory or decoration of the interior.
As a result, if you still don’t know why computers are needed, then think about how people create images, drawings, edit them, found websites, typeset books, magazines, newspapers, various printed materials and electronic formats. How music and movies are being created, how they work with mathematical calculations. Finally, who designs, constructs, draws, or programs.
Professions
If we talk about more specific tasks, now almost everything and everyone can tell you why computers are needed and where they are used. So, in military affairs, a missile defense system or space is controlled by a PC. All physical phenomena or studies of constructed models are developed using automated techniques.
Mathematical, chemical, physical and other analyzes and calculations are carried out by machines. Workplaces have long been automated, not only among those involved in calculations, but even among doctors.
Construction at the design stage is also automated and regulated by PC systems. All major events, including competitions, entertainment shows, etc. supported by the computer and the people who control it.
In general, it is very difficult to describe the importance of PCs in the life of every person, society and the state as a whole. Now, wherever you look, we see the computer in its various modifications. With the advent of the Internet, this mechanism has firmly penetrated our lives, for some it has replaced television and traditional media, chatting with friends and relatives. Another became an indispensable assistant in work and study, and for someone - an employer.