Computer Its Uses
Introduction: The computer is one of the
wonders of modern science. It is a fairly recent invention. It has now become
an essential part of modern life. It has greatly benefited us and brought about
revolutionary changes in our lives. It has made our way of life easy and less
complicated.
What is a computer: Any device that
helps people perform mathematical calculations may be called a computer. A
computer is basically a processor of information. In 1937 Mr. Howard Akin, an
American scientist, invented a machine that could do difficult sums and it
is called the computer. Today, however, the term ‘computer’ refers to a special
kind of electronic machine that can perform mathematical calculations and
process large masses of information at a great speed. In a few minutes a
computer can perform calculations that trained mathematics would need years to
do. What gives it such tremendous power and versatility is the fact that the
information contained in it may be processed in many different forms, with
text, sound, video, and computer-generated graphics being just a few common
examples. The fastest computer can handle millions of problems in a few
seconds.
A computer consists of five major
components. These are –
- The input unit
- The output unit
- The memory unit
- The control unit and
- The arithmetic unit.
A computer performs three functions.
Firstly, it receives data. Secondly, it processes data by various computations.
Thirdly, it emits data. Every computer has a machine language of its own and
accordingly, it works. The machine language varies from machine to machine.
Nowadays computer means digital computer. A digital computer can do hundreds of
things more than an Analogue computer. It not only keeps accounts but also
finds out defects in other machines and tells about their solution. It has got its
special language. The question is arranged through certain signals. This
signaling is called programmes. The question is sent to the receiver machine
and the receiver machine sends it to the preservation machine. In the
preservation machine, thousands of words and numbers are arranged. They are its
memory brain. The central machine carries out the order of the preservation
machine and finds out the solution. Eventually, the result comes out of the exit
machine.
Type of computer: Modern-day Digital
Computers are of four types – microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframe
computers, and supercomputers, each varying in physical size, speed,
processing, capabilities, memory size, disk-storage capacity, and cost.
Computers come in many different forms. It is not only a monitor and CPU
(Central Processing Unit). Embedded systems such as ones in washing
machines or air-conditioners are also computers designed to do a single
specific task rapidly. Expert systems which are capable of emulating human
reasoning and Artificial Intelligence are also other forms of computer systems.
Various uses of computers: Computers
can be used in various sections. It is widely used in banks, insurance,
companies, and educational institutions for data storage, processing, and
output. Computers are also used for telecommunications, air traffic control, and navigation of ships and aircraft. It has brought new speed and accuracy to
weather forecasting. In the field of medical diagnosis and printing, computers
are doing wonders. At present, this machine has enabled mankind to cross
thousands of miles within an hour. He can see the events of the countries
thousands of miles away sitting in his room through the glass screen of his
monitor by using a TV card on his computer. Nowadays computers can perform many
complicated tasks. It can run a business, play chess, or even compose music. So
many people call the computer ‘an electronic brain’.
A new developing section of computer
technology is robotics derived from the word ‘robotnik1’ meaning slave. As the
name implies, they are made to help human in their tasks, especially the
dangerous and hard ones. Until now, the uses of robots have been very limited,
most commonly in car factories. But by the end of the century, it is expected
that the use of robots will be worldwide.
Conclusion: The computer has made our life
easier and more enjoyable. It has brought mankind such comforts as a man
can never dream of even in a fairyland. It is the latest miracle that has
brought a revolution in the application of science for the benefit of mankind.
