Computer is an advanced
electronic device used to calculate, create , deceive and
calculate a large amount data
and informations about something related to human’s life. Computer is
very complementary with the programmes
such as Microsoft Word,
Microsoft Power Point, Microsoft Excel
,Microsoft Office and others. The computer is useless without these
matters to accept the data from the
people and this important to process
the data under set of instructions,
reveal the results from data and save
the output for the future purpose. We have to know the meaning of these
three expressions, input ,process and output. Input also called as a data which
a raw information that
get into the computer from the input devices , so the data can
become a collection of images, letters ,
numbers and others. Process is an operation
of data in given instruction and output is defined as the processed data that produced after data
processing in the programmes and another
name for output is a result. It has a variety of
forms, colors and functions according to the
criteria and the respective
class such as digital
computers, analog computers and hybrid
computers.
Computers can undergo repeated and complicated procedures promptly,
instantly, and swiftly. Modern computer consists of two basic components. There
are hardware and software. The meaning of hardware here is the physical thing
that we can see and touch, or we can say it as real, that building the blocks
to form an appliance or device called computer. Whereas, software is opposite
to the hardware which it cannot be seen (for real) and untouchable. It is a
virtual component of the computer. Software can be defined as instruction or
data or anything that can be stored electronically. The basic components of all
general-purpose computers are central processing unit (CPU), input unit, output
unit, memory unit, and mass storage unit. Firstly, CPU is the brain of the
computer which carried all the instruction and data to be processed and tell
the computer what to do. Next are memory and storage devices. The differences
between these two are memory units are faster and expensive but only short-term
memory whereas, storage unit is slower, cheaper and long-term memory. The
examples of memory devices are Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory
(ROM). For storage devices, the examples are CD ROM, hard disk, compact disk
(CD), and digital video disk (DVD). Furthermore, input device is the machine or
appliances which will give input in the computer such as keyboard and mouse.
Lastly, output unit is the device that will display or present the information
received to the users such as monitor, printer and speaker.
There are many types of Computers which are classified by size and power such as personal computer , Supercomputer,
Mainframe ,Workstation and Minicomputer. Generally,
Supercomputer is a computer that extremely fast that can perform hundreds of
millions of instructions per second. They are very expensive and are employed for
specialized applications especially for mathematical calculations (number
crunching). For example , in weather forecasting. They also uses as scientific simulations, (animated) graphics,
fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and
analysis of geological data (e.g. in petrochemical prospecting).
Besides that, Mainframe is a computer that has powerful multi-user
capable of supporting higher number of users simultaneously. Mainframe referring
to the cabinet containing the central processor unit or "main frame"
of a room-filling Stone Age batch machine. Mainframe is a very large and also
expensive computer. The main difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe
is that a supercomputer can run a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a
mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently. In some ways,
mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more
simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster
than a mainframe. Moreover, minicomputer is a midsize computer which is a multiprocessing system capable of
supporting from up to 200 users simultaneously .
Furthermore, workstation
computer is a powerful, single-user computer which like a personal
computer, but it has a more powerful microprocessor and has a higher-quality monitor. It also consider as
a computer used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing,
software development, and other types of applications that related to the
moderate computing power and high quality graphics capabilities. Workstations
generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics screen, at large amount
of RAM, built-in network support, and a graphical user interface.
Other than that, personal computer is a latest,small single-user
computer that used microprocessor. it relatively
inexpensive computer that designed for individual users. Looking at the price,
personal computer range can be seen now anywhere from a few hundred ringgits to
over ten thousand ringgits. All computers are based on their microprocessor
technology which enables manufacturers to put the entire CPU on one chip. Many
businesses use personal computers for word processing, accounting, desktop
publish, and for running spreadsheet and database management applications. On
the other hand, for home users, computer is used as for them to play games and
recently for surfing the internet.
Personal computer actually can
be classified by size and chassis/ case. The case is the metal frame that
serves as the structural support for the electronic components. Every computer
usually requires one case to house the circuit board and wiring. The case also
contains slots for expansion boards if for instance you want to expand or
insert more boards than there are slots, you will need an expansion case, which
provides additional slots. There are two basic types of case designs-desktop
models and tower model but still, there are many variations on these two basic
types. After that, come the portable computers that are smaller which enough to
be carry everywhere. Portable computers include notebook and subnotebook
computers, handheld computers palmtops, and finally PDAs.
In Conclusion, nowadays, the uses of
computers is crucial in human ‘s life
in all aspects. This device has reduced a lot of human’s
effort in daily activities for
instance working in office , collecting
samples and chatting with people in
overseas. Many sophisticated technological tools are designed from day to day keeping up with the development of the
science and technology.
