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Computer:

Computer is an electronic device which takes input with the help of input devices, processes input with the help of CPU and gives output with the help of output devices.

History of computer:

Computer has passed through many processes. Which are following.

Abacus:

Before abacus man used stones and pebbles for counting. The history of computer started, 200 years ago, with the invention of abacus. The Abacus is a wooden device which was first made in china a simple abacus consists of a wooden frame in which many parallel wires are arranged. On these wires specific numbers of beads are threaded. These beads are used to solve mathematical problems.

John Napier:

John Napier was a Scottish mathematician. John Napier made logarithm table using decimal numbers. This logarithm table is used for calculations. This device was used by the bookkeepers on a large scale. The idea of John Napier’s logarithm table gave rise to a very useful device which is called slide roll.

Pascal’s Pascalline Calculator:

In the invention of automatic calculator next step was taken by Blaze Pascal in 1642. This machine consists of dials and pulleys. Decimal numbers were written on every pulley. These pulleys were fitted in a drum in that way that the numbers written on the dials could be seen from the holes made in the drum. Pascal’s calculator was a trade success because a large amount of money was not needed by using this method.

Leibniz Machine:

Vaughn Leibniz was a German mathematician. Leibniz made a calculating machine in 1671. Which apart from addition and subtraction could also multiple and divide.

Difference Engine:

The idea of Difference Engine was presented by Charles Babbage in 1812. Charles Babbage was a British mathematician. In 1822, he had working model of Difference Engine. Difference Engine was completely automatic and worked with steam. Difference Engine could calculate accurately up to 20 digits and could also print out.

Analytical Engine:

In 1833, Charles Babbage designed another device which was named analytical Engine. Analytical Engine was completely automatic device. Today. The computers have many properties of analytical Engine designed by Charles Babbage. That why Charles Babbage is known as Father of computer.

Mark-I:

Mark-I was an electronic machine which was designed by Dr. H-Aiken in 1944.Mark-I was literally very first computer. Which could save information and instructions? The completion of Mark-I was the first step in the progress of computer.

ENIAC (Electrical Numerical Integrator and Calculator):

During 2^nd World War, in Morey School of Electrical Engineering University of Pennsylvania, John P. Acrat, W. McCauley and his subordinates decided to make a fast computer and named this computer (Electrical Numerical Integrator and Calculator). 18,000 vacuum tubes were used in ENIAC and ENIAC used 150 watts power.

UNIVAC-I:

In 1950 first computer was made for trade purposes which could automatically process data. The name of that computer was UNIVAC-I

EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer):

After ENIAC, EDVAC was made. EDVAC was constructed in 1952.EDVAC could store program without any operator.

Types of computer:

There are following types of computer.

1. Analog computers.
2. Digital computers.
3. Hybrid computers.

1: Analog Computers:

These computers use electronic or mechanical methods to convert one form of natural quantity in to another to solve a problem. Those computers which calculate data continuously are called Analog computers. Analog computers are provided with the data in a continuous manner and it completes various scientific steps by showing it with suitable symbols. Analog data consists of any natural quantity like distance, speed, pressure, temperature, current etc. Analog Computer can extraordinarily solve problems. These computers are used in different industrial units in controlling various things. These computers were made in 1930. On the basis of these computers, latest digital computers were made. Analog computers are very fast in processing but their results are not that accurate. Analog computers were used in controlling air crafts and to fire a gun in 2^nd World War. Analog pump, Analog thermometer and Analog watches are examples of Analog devices.

2: Digital Computers:

Digital Computers process data in the form of digits using digital circuits. These computers solve algebraic problems intelligently. These computers are very fast and solve mathematical problems accurately. These computers do only one task at a time. These computers are used for simple purposes and the results can be obtained by various methods. These are very important in calculating high volume numerical problems. In the beginning of 1940, Professor Howard H. Aiken made first General Press Digital Computer Mark-I. Now a day these computers are being used extensively in business, educational institutions and hospitals. IBM PC, Apple Macintosh are the examples of digital computers.

3: Hybrid Computers:

These computers are the combination of Analog and Digital Computers. This computer uses conversion from analog to digital or from digital to analog and input or output and analog or digital data. Hybrid Computers have double capability. Hybrid Computers do different works speedily like analog computers and accurately like digital computers. These computers are used to process continuous and discontinuous data. Hybrid Computers display the results in the form of graphs and digits. Those problems which need time to be solved can now be unfolded with in no time. Computers robotics are used in medical laboratories.