A computer is a
general purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a set of arithmetic or
logical operations. Since a sequence of operations can be readily changed, the
computer can solve more than one kind of problem.
Conventionally, a computer consists of at least one
processing element, typically a central processing unit (CPU) and some form of memory. The processing element carries out
arithmetic and logic operations, and a sequencing and control unit that can
change the order of operations based on stored information. Peripheral devices
allow information to be retrieved from an external source, and the result of operations
saved and retrieved.
The first electronic digital computers were developed between 1940
and 1945. Originally they were the size of a large room, consuming as much
power as several hundred modern personal
computers (PCs).[1] In this era mechanical analog computers were used for military applications.
Modern computers based on integrated circuits are millions to billions of times more
capable than the early machines, and occupy a fraction of the space.[2] Simple computers are small enough to
fit into mobile devices,
and mobile computers can be powered by small batteries. Personal computers in their
various forms are icons of the Information Age and are what most people think of as
“computers.” However, the embedded
computers found in
many devices from MP3 players to fighter aircraft and from toys to industrial
robots are the most
numerous.
by;avanthika.rajesh
