A computer is an electronic device that processes the data and information according to our needs. We can save the data and convert it into information. Computers are used in many ways, and they are available in different shapes – laptops, tablets and even smart phones are computers. This chapter covers the pioneers of the computer, the five generations of computers, data and information, software and hardware.
1. Where Are Computers Used?
- Computers are used in textile shops for billing.
- They are used not only in textile shops but also in railway stations, banks, ATMs and in many places.
- They are used even in our local post offices, and in schools.
- At home, a computer can be used to draw, paint, play games, and to learn and develop general knowledge.
ATM stands for Automated Teller Machine.
2. Different Forms of Computers
- We usually think that a computer should be like a big TV with a box attached to it. But computers are available in different shapes.
- A mobile phone is also like a computer. The works which are done with a computer can also be done using a smart phone.
- There may be a difference in their speed, but their operations remain the same.
- The big computers are shrunk into small smart phones nowadays because of technological development.
- Most of us think that smart phones are only to make calls because of their handy look – but it is not so.
- Laptops and tablets are also computers. There are different types of computers, but their performance varies according to their capacity.