How To Understand Computers

By Dan Handle, 22 Jan 14:57

For most of us, it's hard to remember life without computers. Calculators, digital alarm clocks, VCRs, the Internet - they are all run by computers.

What are they? Computers are machines capable of understanding and executing high-speed tasks based on instructions (programming). Most consider the abacus to be the first real computer, but soon people started building machines to conduct mathematical equations.

First Generation. The first modern computers were huge, capable only of handling one specific function. They executed their instructions in machine language, long strings of mathematical data, which meant the computers were large and inefficient.

Second Generation. Second generation computers used assembly language, based on smaller strings of data, which allowed the computers to be smaller. They were used for businesses, universities and the government.

Third Generation. Integrated circuits and semiconductors (early versions of the computer chip) were invented, which allowed large amounts of data to be stored on small computer chips. Computers became even smaller and started using operating systems, which allow multiple programs to run at once on a computer.

Fourth Generation. Improvements in computer chips increased computer efficiency while decreasing size. Mini computers were introduced in the 1970s, as manufacturers hoped to bring computers to consumers instead of just businesses, and have boomed ever since.

Types of Computers
Supercomputers. The fastest computers available, supercomputers contain enormous amounts of data and execute instructions with incredible speed, up
to millions per second. Designed mainly for one specific task, supercomputers usually run only one or a few programs at a time. They are incredibly expensive and used mainly for highly complex calculations such as scientific research and meteorology.

Mainframes. Developed after supercomputers, mainframes are large computers that can support thousands of users and multiple programs at a time. They are not always as fast as supercomputers, but are capable of executing more tasks at one time.

Mini Computers. Improvements in computer chips increased computer efficiency while decreasing size. Mini computers were introduced in the 1970s, as manufacturers hoped to bring computers to consumers instead of just businesses. These computers are much like small mainframes, supporting multiple users at one time.

Workstations. A more powerful version of the PC, workstations are designed for one user but have extremely powerful microprocessors (see How-To Understand Microprocessors) and high-capacity monitors. Workstations are usually used for tasks that require more power than a PC, such as engineering, desktop publishing, programming, etc. Workstations typically run on the UNIX and Windows NT operating systems.

Personal Computers. Small computers designed for one user, although they are often networked, or linked to other computers for business purposes. PCs work by using microprocessors, the brain of the computer that executes instructions from a small chip. Prices usually range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

1. IBM-Compatible PC. In the 1980's, IBM introduced the personal computer (PC), small enough for use in the home, in the office, in schools, etc. Since then PCs have evolved from desktop size, to laptop (briefcase size), and now handheld or palm devices.

2. Apple Macintosh. Apple came out with another type of personal computer, the Macintosh (MAC), which was designed for ease of use. The MAC was popular because it allowed users to move things around on the screen more easily than the IBM-compatible.

What does the Future Hold?
There is no doubt that computers and computer-related technology is here to stay. The question is, in what form? Already we have hand-

held computers, "personal digital assistants," and cell phones that can manage our contacts and schedules, send and receive e-mail, and even access the Internet. The obvious trend is toward smaller size with more capability. GPS systems are being built into cars, with in-dash Internet access possibly on the horizon. Now television and movies are starting to air on the Internet, and programming guides are becoming more interactive. Ultimately, integration will be the key, computers of the future combining communication, entertainment and information in smaller and more portable forms, and likely becoming more a part of our everyday lives than we can even imagine now.

"I asked for a car, I got a computer. How's that for being born under a bad sign?" - Ferris Bueller, Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

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