![]() Peripheral devices include input devices (keyboards, mice, joystick, etc.), output devices (monitor screens, printers, etc.), and input/output devices that perform both functions (e.g., the 2000s-era touchscreen). The processing element carries out arithmetic and logical operations, and a sequencing and control unit can change the order of operations in response to stored information. The speed, power and versatility of computers have been increasing dramatically ever since then, with transistor counts increasing at a rapid pace (as predicted by Moore's law), leading to the Digital Revolution during the late 20th to early 21st centuries.Ĭonventionally, a modern computer consists of at least one processing element, typically a central processing unit (CPU) in the form of a microprocessor, together with some type of computer memory, typically semiconductor memory chips. The first semiconductor transistors in the late 1940s were followed by the silicon-based MOSFET (MOS transistor) and monolithic integrated circuit chip technologies in the late 1950s, leading to the microprocessor and the microcomputer revolution in the 1970s. The first digital electronic calculating machines were developed during World War II. More sophisticated electrical machines did specialized analog calculations in the early 20th century. Early in the Industrial Revolution, some mechanical devices were built to automate long, tedious tasks, such as guiding patterns for looms. Simple manual instruments like the abacus have aided people in doing calculations since ancient times. Computers power the Internet, which links billions of other computers and users.Įarly computers were meant to be used only for calculations. Simple special-purpose devices like microwave ovens and remote controls are included, as are factory devices like industrial robots and computer-aided design, as well as general-purpose devices like personal computers and mobile devices like smartphones. ![]() This term may also refer to a group of computers that are linked and function together, such as a computer network or computer cluster.Ī broad range of industrial and consumer products use computers as control systems. A computer system is a nominally complete computer that includes the hardware, operating system (main software), and peripheral equipment needed and used for full operation. These programs enable computers to perform a wide range of tasks. Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs. ![]() It works in essentially the same way.Computers and computing devices from different eras – clockwise from top left:ĭesktop computer (IBM ThinkCentre S50 with monitor)Ī computer is a machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations ( computation) automatically. There is a Japanese version of the abacus called the 'soroban'. The user of an abacus is called an abacist (soft or hard 'c'). The Latin word came from ancient Greek ἄβαξ ( abax) which means something without base, or (improperly) any piece of rectangular board or plank.īoth abacuses' and abaci are used as plurals. The use of the word abacus dates from before 1387 AD, when the word was got from Latin to describe a sandboard abacus. Every column represents a different digit. For example, 8 is one bead on top and 3 below, because 5 + 3 = 8. There are one or two beads in the top rows, and four or five beads in the bottom ones. This abacus is split into two kinds of basic rows, the top is for the "5"s, and the bottom is for the "ones". Expert abacus users can sometimes do math faster than basic calculators. They can be used to find the square root of whole numbers. Ībacuses can do addition, subtraction, multiplication, division. The most common abacuses work by moving beads on rods. Sometimes blind people use an abacus, because they can feel the numbers easily. It is still used in some parts of the world, and it is well suited for use in shops and street markets. A English abacus, Suanpan Calculating-Table by Gregor Reisch An abacus or bead frame from a Danish elementary schoolĪn abacus is an old tool used for arithmetic.
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