A computer
is programmable machine, which
processes data quickly and accurately. It converts data into meaningful
information.
Notice: Some people believe that the computers have a very
short history. Long ago, a need to count was recognized. The abacus was an instrument used for
calculations. It consists of beads that could move from left to right. The
first calculating machine appeared in the 1800s.
Notice: In the 1835 a
British engineer, Charles Babbage, designed a machine which became the basis for
today's computers. He called it "Analytical Engine". It was the world's first
programmable computer. It work with steam power and used gears. Since then
computers have gone through four generations using vacuum tubes in the 1950s, transistors in the
early 1960s,
integrated circuits (ICS) in the mid-60s and a single chip in the 1970s.
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Q:- Do you have
any idea about uses of the computer?
A: Yes, we use it for typing letters,
articles, and documents, by using a program called (Word Processor).
In business,
it is used for calculating budgets. One of the famous programs used to carry
out this task is called (Excel).
Q:- Can a computer be used in engineering?
A:- Of
course, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Auto CAD programs help engineers in
designing technical drawings. Beside that a program called (PowerPoint) is used for presentations
And Computer
is used to browse the internet which helps researchers and scientists to
collect, store, and analyze data. It also helps in searching for information.
In brief : whatever the job, computer is needed to
make it easier.
Nowadays it
is an important tool of our everyday life.
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*A mainframe:
is the largest kind of computers. It has very
high speed and a very large storage capacity. It is used in banks, governments,
departments, and large organizations. Many different people can use one
mainframe at the same time.
*A microcomputer
is: commonly called personal computer (PC)
because only one person can use it at a
time. It can be put on a desktop. Microcomputers are not expensive, therefore , they are very popular such
computers are found in offices and schools.
* Laptop computers:
are
small, briefcase-size and portable. A laptop has a small screen and keyboard.
Sometimes it is powerful as a microcomputer but more expensive.
Nowadays,
we have another kind of computers. It is called a palm computer.
It is
hand-held and has a small screen and a keyboard. It does the same special
functions that the laptop does but it is cheaper.
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Computers
are made up of many parts. These parts perform one or more functions including
input, output, processing and storage. They are called (hardware).
v
Output
devices send information from the computer to the user. These data are usually
visual or audio in form. Some common output devices are monitors, printers, and
speakers.
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Input
devices are parts that let you insert and manipulate information in a computer.
The keyboard and mouse are examples of input devices. Touch screen monitors are
devices that can be considered input and output (input by touch, output by
display).
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Computers
need to have instructions to work. Without instructions a computer is merely a
bunch of parts. These instructions or programs are known as (software). It can be said that it is the software
that makes the hardware works.
Q1:
1-
Name Some functions which are done by computer hardware?
A1:
Input , output , Processing and
Storage.
Q2:
2- What is the function of output
devices?
A2:
The function of output devices :
Send information from the computer to
the user.
Q3:
3- How can you insert and manipulate
information on a computer?
A3:
By input devices I can insert and
manipulate the information on a computer.
Q4:
4- What does the computer need to work?
A4:
The computer needs Software (instructions) to work, and without Software (instructions) the computer is a bunch of parts.
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1- A computer went through many stages.
2- Vacuum tubes were an assistant in computer development.
3- Babbage called his first
computer an analytical engine.
4- An integrated circuit was used in a computer in the mid-60s.
5- In the 70,s a single chip was an
important part of a computer.
