Difference between revisions of "Computer"
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A '''computer''' is a machine that is designed to perform [[mathematical]] calculations. Most computers manipulate data in the form of [[binary|binary code]], which consists of 1s and 0s. | A '''computer''' is a machine that is designed to perform [[mathematical]] calculations. Most computers manipulate data in the form of [[binary|binary code]], which consists of 1s and 0s. | ||
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| + | Prior to the advent of computing machines, the definition for ''computer'' was a human being who performed complex mathematical calculations. This was accomplished with the aid of a manual counting device, such as an abacus or a slide rule, and was mainly used by traders and early bankers to keep a reliable record of funds | ||
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| + | Charles Babbage, an English scientist who lived in the 19th century, has been credited as the designer of the original computer, the Analytical Engine, a programmable machine set to do calculations reliably up to six decimal places. However, the Engine was never constructed, being deemed as "had derived no emolument whatsoever from the government" by a member of parliament. His other prototype, the Difference Engine, was built after his death by his son.[http://ei.cs.vt.edu/~history/Babbage.html] | ||
[[Image:Babbage.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine.]] | [[Image:Babbage.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine.]] | ||
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| − | + | The first computer comparable to the modern day computer, an electronic calculation machine, was the ENIAC. Built as a artillery support machine, it was unveiled in early 1946.[http://ftp.arl.army.mil/~mike/comphist/] | |
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 22:30, January 10, 2008
A computer is a machine that is designed to perform mathematical calculations. Most computers manipulate data in the form of binary code, which consists of 1s and 0s.
Prior to the advent of computing machines, the definition for computer was a human being who performed complex mathematical calculations. This was accomplished with the aid of a manual counting device, such as an abacus or a slide rule, and was mainly used by traders and early bankers to keep a reliable record of funds
Charles Babbage, an English scientist who lived in the 19th century, has been credited as the designer of the original computer, the Analytical Engine, a programmable machine set to do calculations reliably up to six decimal places. However, the Engine was never constructed, being deemed as "had derived no emolument whatsoever from the government" by a member of parliament. His other prototype, the Difference Engine, was built after his death by his son.[1]
The first computer comparable to the modern day computer, an electronic calculation machine, was the ENIAC. Built as a artillery support machine, it was unveiled in early 1946.[2]
