The Computer الكمبيوتر
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 digitalcomputers were developed between 1940 and 1945 in the United Kingdom and United States. Originally they were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several hundred modern personal computers (PCs). 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. 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.
Desktop computer system
System unit Hard disk drive CD Floppy disk Mouse Keyboard
LCD monitor (left); CRT monitor (right) Inkjet printer (left); laser printer (right) Computer speakers Cable modem
Other hardware topics
- The first computer:
In (1944) enables the world, "Howard Aiken" from the University of "Harvard" of American innovation first computer-to-digital and many considered the inventor of the computer. Wasa computer "Kahrumik **** Z" hugewidth of approximately (15) meters, and a height about2.4 meters, andit takes about(3.0) seconds tocomplete the processof adding orsubtracting, and about(4) seconds to complete the hit, and about 12 secondsto complete theprocess of dividingone.
The first electronic digitalcomputers were developed between 1940 and 1945 in the United Kingdom and United States. Originally they were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several hundred modern personal computers (PCs). 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. 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.
The first use of the word "computer" was recorded in 1613 in a book called "The yong mans gleanings" by English writer Richard Braithwait I haue read the truest computer of Times, and the best Arithmetician that euer breathed, and he reduceth thy dayes into a short number. It referred to a person who carried out calculations, or computations, and the word continued with the same meaning until the middle of the 20th century. From the end of the 19th century the word began to take on its more familiar meaning, a machine that carries out computations.
Parts of a computer
If you use a desktop computer, you might already know that there isn't any single part called the "computer." A computer is really a system of many parts working together. The physical parts, which you can see and touch, are collectively called hardware. (Software, on the other hand, refers to the instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do.)
The illustration below shows the most common hardware in a desktop computer system. Your system may look a little different, but it probably has most of these parts. A laptop computer has similar parts but combines them into a single notebook-sized package.
Let's take a look at each of these parts.
System unit
The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed on or underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process information. The most important of these components is the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as the "brain" of your computer. Another component is random access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores information that the CPU uses while the computer is on. The information stored in RAM is erased when the computer is turned off.
Almost every other part of your computer connects to the system unit using cables. The cables plug into specific ports (openings), typically on the back of the system unit. Hardware that is not part of the system unit is sometimes called a peripheral device or device.
Storage
Your computer has one or more disk drives—devices that store information on a metal or plastic disk. The disk preserves the information even when your computer is turned off.
Hard disk drive
Your computer's hard disk drive stores information on a hard disk, a rigid platter or stack of platters with a magnetic surface. Because hard disks can hold massive amounts of information, they usually serve as your computer's primary means of storage, holding almost all of your programs and files. The hard disk drive is normally located inside the system unit.
CD and DVD drives
Nearly all computers today come equipped with a CD or DVD drive, usually located on the front of the system unit. CD drives use lasers to read (retrieve) data from a CD, and many CD drives can also write (record) data onto CDs. If you have a recordable disk drive, you can store copies of your files on blank CDs. You can also use a CD drive to play music CDs on your computer.
DVD drives can do everything that CD drives can, plus read DVDs. If you have a DVD drive, you can watch movies on your computer. Many DVD drives can record data onto blank DVDs.
Tip
- If you have a recordable CD or DVD drive, periodically back up (copy) your important files to CDs or DVDs. That way, if your hard disk ever fails, you won't lose your data.
Floppy disk drive
Floppy disk drives store information on floppy disks, also called floppies or diskettes. Compared to CDs and DVDs, floppy disks can store only a small amount of data. They also retrieve information more slowly and are more prone to damage. For these reasons, floppy disk drives are less popular than they used to be, although some computers still include them.
Why are floppy disks "floppy"? Even though the outside is made of hard plastic, that's just the sleeve. The disk inside is made of a thin, flexible vinyl material.
Mouse
A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen. Although mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual mouse. It's small, oblong, and connected to the system unit by a long wire that resembles a tail. Some newer mice are wireless.
A mouse usually has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button. Many mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows you to scroll smoothly through screens of information.
When you move the mouse with your hand, a pointer on your screen moves in the same direction. (The pointer's appearance might change depending on where it's positioned on your screen.) When you want to select an item, you point to the item and then click (press and release) the primary button. Pointing and clicking with your mouse is the main way to interact with your computer. For more information, see Using your mouse.
Keyboard
A keyboard is used mainly for typing text into your computer. Like the keyboard on a typewriter, it has keys for letters and numbers, but it also has special keys:
- The function keys, found on the top row, perform different functions depending on where they are used.
- The numeric keypad, located on the right side of most keyboards, allows you to enter numbers quickly.
- The navigation keys, such as the arrow keys, allow you to move your position within a document or webpage.
You can also use your keyboard to perform many of the same tasks you can perform with a mouse. For more information, see Using your keyboard.
Monitor
A monitor displays information in visual form, using text and graphics. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen. Like a television screen, a computer screen can show still or moving pictures.
There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors and LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. Both types produce sharp images, but LCD monitors have the advantage of being much thinner and lighter. CRT monitors, however, are generally more affordable.
Printer
A printer transfers data from a computer onto paper. You don't need a printer to use your computer, but having one allows you to print e‑mail, cards, invitations, announcements, and other materials. Many people also like being able to print their own photos at home.
The two main types of printers are inkjet printers and laser printers. Inkjet printers are the most popular printers for the home. They can print in black and white or in full color and can produce high-quality photographs when used with special paper. Laser printers are faster and generally better able to handle heavy use.
Speakers
Speakers are used to play sound. They may be built into the system unit or connected with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.
Modem
To connect your computer to the Internet, you need a modem. A modem is a device that sends and receives computer information over a telephone line or high-speed cable. Modems are sometimes built into the system unit, but higher-speed modems are usually separate components.
Our Recommended Computer Specifications
Currently, ITS recommends that faculty, staff and students request the following specifications when buying new personal computers:
When ordering from the HP store ITS recommends purchasing from the EliteBook series for Laptops and from the Elite series for Desktops
- Processor - dual core 2.4 GHz+ (i3, i5, or i7 series Intel processor or equivalent AMD)
- RAM - 4 GB
- Hard Drive - 160 GB
- Graphics Card - any with DVI support - desktop only
- Wireless (for laptops) - 802.11a/b/g/n (WPA2 support required)
- Monitor - 19" LCD with DVI support - desktop only
- Operating System - Windows 7 Home Premium Service Pack 1
- Warranty - 3 year warranty - desktop only
- Warranty - 4 year warranty with accidental damage protection - laptop only
- Backup Device - External hard drive, USB Flash Drive and/or DVD+/-RW drive
- Please note: The extended warranties listed above must be added at the enhancement page when selecting your hardware for purchase.
Minimum Specifications
The current minimumcomputer specifications to ensure the ability to run the basic software most end users operate is:
- Processor - dual core @ 2.0 GHz (Core Duo Intel processor or equivalent AMD)
- RAM - 2 GB
- Hard Drive - 80 GB
- Wireless (for laptops) - 802.11b (WPA2 support required)
- Monitor - 19" LCD - desktop only
- Operating System - Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 or Apple OS X 10.5.8
- Backup Device - External hard drive, USB Flash Drive and/or DVD+/-RW drive
Other Specifications
The majority of Clark's computing resources and backend systems are built on the Windows platform. Support is available for Apple's OS X operating system, but we currently do not provide support for the Windows operating system on an Apple computer. Since the choice between an Apple and a Windows system is usually a personal preference, we recommend that you come to campus with a Windows computer - especially if you would like to use Clark ITS for the majority of your support. If you are coming to Clark with a particular program of study in mind, you may want to check with your academic department to see if they have a preferred computing platform.
History of computing hardware
Main article: History of computing hardware
First generation (mechanical/electromechanical) | Calculators | Pascal's calculator, Arithmometer, Difference engine, Norden bombsight |
Programmable devices | Jacquard loom, Analytical engine, Harvard Mark I, Z3 | |
Second generation (vacuum tubes) | Calculators | Atanasoff–Berry Computer, IBM 604, UNIVAC 60, UNIVAC 120 |
Programmable devices | Colossus, ENIAC, Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine, EDSAC, Manchester Mark 1, Ferranti Pegasus, Ferranti Mercury, CSIRAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC I, IBM 701, IBM 702, IBM 650, Z22 | |
Third generation (discrete transistors and SSI, MSI, LSI integrated circuits) | Mainframes | IBM 7090, IBM 7080, IBM System/360, BUNCH |
Minicomputer | PDP-8, PDP-11, IBM System/32, IBM System/36 | |
Fourth generation (VLSI integrated circuits) | Minicomputer | VAX, IBM System i |
4-bit microcomputer | Intel 4004, Intel 4040 | |
8-bit microcomputer | Intel 8008, Intel 8080, Motorola 6800, Motorola 6809, MOS Technology 6502, Zilog Z80 | |
16-bit microcomputer | Intel 8088, Zilog Z8000, WDC 65816/65802 | |
32-bit microcomputer | Intel 80386, Pentium, Motorola 68000, ARM architecture | |
64-bit microcomputer[53] | Alpha, MIPS, PA-RISC, PowerPC, SPARC, x86-64 | |
Embedded computer | Intel 8048, Intel 8051 | |
Personal computer | Desktop computer, Home computer, Laptop computer, Personal digital assistant (PDA), Portable computer, Tablet PC, Wearable computer | |
Theoretical/experimental | Quantum computer, Chemical computer, DNA computing, Optical computer, Spintronics based computer |
Other hardware topics
Peripheral device (input/output) | Input | Mouse, keyboard, joystick, image scanner, webcam, graphics tablet, microphone |
Output | Monitor, printer, loudspeaker | |
Both | Floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, optical disc drive, teleprinter | |
Computer busses | Short range | RS-232, SCSI, PCI, USB |
Long range (computer networking) | Ethernet, ATM, FDDI |
Software
Main article: Computer software
Software refers to parts of the computer which do not have a material form, such as programs, data, protocols, etc. When software is stored in hardware that cannot easily be modified (such as BIOSROM in an IBM PC compatible), it is sometimes called "firmware".Operating system | Unix and BSD | UNIX System V, IBM AIX, HP-UX, Solaris (SunOS), IRIX, List of BSD operating systems |
GNU/Linux | List of Linux distributions, Comparison of Linux distributions | |
Microsoft Windows | Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 | |
DOS | 86-DOS (QDOS), PC-DOS, MS-DOS, DR-DOS, FreeDOS | |
Mac OS | Mac OS classic, Mac OS X | |
Embedded and real-time | List of embedded operating systems | |
Experimental | Amoeba, Oberon/Bluebottle, Plan 9 from Bell Labs | |
Library | Multimedia | DirectX, OpenGL, OpenAL |
Programming library | C standard library, Standard Template Library | |
Data | Protocol | TCP/IP, Kermit, FTP, HTTP, SMTP |
File format | HTML, XML, JPEG, MPEG, PNG | |
User interface | Graphical user interface (WIMP) | Microsoft Windows, GNOME, KDE, QNX Photon, CDE, GEM, Aqua |
Text-based user interface | Command-line interface, Text user interface | |
Application | Office suite | Word processing, Desktop publishing, Presentation program, Database management system, Scheduling & Time management, Spreadsheet, Accounting software |
Internet Access | Browser, E-mail client, Web server, Mail transfer agent, Instant messaging | |
Design and manufacturing | Computer-aided design, Computer-aided manufacturing, Plant management, Robotic manufacturing, Supply chain management | |
Graphics | Raster graphics editor, Vector graphics editor, 3D modeler, Animation editor, 3D computer graphics, Video editing, Image processing | |
Audio | Digital audio editor, Audio playback, Mixing, Audio synthesis, Computer music | |
Software engineering | Compiler, Assembler, Interpreter, Debugger, Text editor, Integrated development environment, Software performance analysis, Revision control, Software configuration management | |
Educational | Edutainment, Educational game, Serious game, Flight simulator | |
Games | Strategy, Arcade, Puzzle, Simulation, First-person shooter, Platform, Massively multiplayer, Interactive fiction | |
Misc | Artificial intelligence, Antivirus software, Malware scanner, Installer/Package management systems, File manager |
Languages
There are thousands of different programming languages—some intended to be general purpose, others useful only for highly specialized applications.Programming languages | |
Lists of programming languages | Timeline of programming languages, List of programming languages by category, Generational list of programming languages, List of programming languages, Non-English-based programming languages |
Commonly used assembly languages | ARM, MIPS, x86 |
Commonly used high-level programming languages | Ada, BASIC, C, C++, C#, COBOL, Fortran, Java, Lisp, Pascal, Object Pascal |
Commonly used scripting languages | Bourne script, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, Perl |
In (1944) enables the world, "Howard Aiken" from the University of "Harvard" of American innovation first computer-to-digital and many considered the inventor of the computer. Wasa computer "Kahrumik **** Z" hugewidth of approximately (15) meters, and a height about2.4 meters, andit takes about(3.0) seconds tocomplete the processof adding orsubtracting, and about(4) seconds to complete the hit, and about 12 secondsto complete theprocess of dividingone.