computers summary (Sem 4 unit 1)
Computers is an informative essay which was probably written in 1980s. It is divided into three parts. First part deals with what computer is and its history. Second part deals with various functions that computer does in daily life. Last part talks about software and programming languages.
There are three basic functions a computer can perform.
- mathematical processes
- compare values
- store, search and retrieve
However, computer has zero IQ, it only follows commands by a human user. But it can work way faster and without mistake. It can perform same task multiple times. That makes computer an important object.
History of computers goes on like this:
- first generation computers-primary mathematical tasks-around 1940
- second generation computers-primary tasks and storage process-around 1960
- third generation computers-secondary tasks like saving data and retrieving it-after 1965
- fourth generation computers-decreased size but increased speed and capacity-after 1970
- fifth generation computers-with IQ and ability of reason logically-after 2000
Kindly play following video for summary in Gujarati
Then author describes how computer memory works. The relations between various units of the memory is as follow:
- 1 bit
- 8 bits=1 byte
- 1024 bytes= 1 kilo byte
- 1024 kilo bytes=1 mega bytes
- 1024 mega bytes=1 giga bytes
- 1024 giga bytes=1 tera bytes
For a comparative understanding, Our document files are generally in KB. Our photo files are generally in MB. Our Movie files are in GB. Pendrives generally have storage capacity of 32 GB. Hard disk drives generally have storage capacity of 2 TB.
Computers can be used in various kinds of work. Here are some of major functions a computer can do:
- office work
- accounting
- record keeping and searching
- planning projects
- hotel management
- verbal or visual data producer
- factory automation
- process control
- networking
- reservations and bookings
- banking
- learning tool
Then author talks about what a program is in world of computers. It is a pre-determined plan of action- a set of instructions to be carried out by the computer. There are some languages which helps us build programs. They always work by some logic. Here are some programing languages mentioned in the essay:
- FORTRAN- formula translator
- COBOL- common business oriented language
- BASIC
- PASCAL
- ADA
At last author concludes with a positive note that computer will become a part of our daily lives soon.
As he had written it in 1980s, it was necessary to provide all these information and make positive remarks for them. In our times, we know how technology is affecting the way we live. Smartphones are the latest form of computers. They can million time betters than third generation computers, still they can be placed into our pockets. We can call or text someone with it. We can book tickets, watch videos, click photos, store and listen to music in little devices. But they are also consuming our time and energy. We waste so much time in application and softwares which are designed to lure us deep into its databases.
Anyway, this essay is an informative one. So, it would be better if you could understand what is being stand and than try to remember.
Very informative and to the point..!!!
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