The Computer

A computer is a programmable machine. It can execute a programmed list of instructions and answer to all new instructions that is given to it. Most people in the world use the personal computer that includes the motherboard, CPU, memory (or RAM), hard and video card. There are several types of computers like minicomputers, mainframes, supercomputers and laptops. The history of the modern computer started with the use of an analytical engine designed by Charles Babbage using the mathematical ideas of George Boole, the mathematician who first stated the principles of logic inherent in digital computers used today, Ada Lovelace, Babbage's assistant and collaborator was the first programmer of the computer. Modern computers store the programmes in their memory. This programme is read by the computer and then performs the operations. Today, more than 10,000 application programmes are available for use on personal computers. They include word processing programs, spreadsheet programmes, database programmes and communication programmes. The word processing programmes are used to type, correct, rearrange, or delete the text. The spreadsheet programmes enable individuals to prepare tables easily. They are used for preparing budgets and financial plans, balancing a chequebook or keeping the path of personal investments.

Whereas the database programmes allow a computer to store large amounts of data (information) in a proper way. These data include the names, addresses, telephone numbers, salaries and starting dates of every employee in a company.

Apart from this, there are communication programmes that connect a personal computer to other computers. People can thereby exchange information with one another via their personal computers. Other programmes consist of recreational and educational programmes for playing games, composing and hearing music and learning a variety of subjects. People buy personal computers mainly to learn about computers and their usages.

Computers play an important role in all aspects of life like astronomy, medicine, education etc. Computers guide telescopes and control devices that are used by the astronomers. They also use computers to make out designs for new telescopes and to analyse data collected by telescopes.

Apart from this no other field is left where computers are not used in today's world.