The Nature of Computing Paper - Essay Example

The Nature of Computing By A computer is a wonderful machine which is used in every field of life to perform different kind of tasks. Atthe present, almost all kinds of businesses and individuals use computers to perform their business operations and daily tasks (Norton, 2001; Shelly et al., 2005). This is the era of information technology where the significance of computer machines cannot be undermined. We believe that computer and its related applications have become an important part of our daily lives.

Almost each mandatory task in our daily life is linked directly or indirectly with computer or information technology (Kevin, 2009). Though, a computer is basically an electronic device, but IT professionals also say this machine is a programmable machine. A computer machine cannot only make valuable storage of data but it can also convert input to output. Although, the entire processing power depends on an important part known as central processing unit (CPU) and from CPU the whole data is further pushed inside a pert called hard drive.

CPU is considered as the vital component of a computer machine while computer’s motherboard is the place where each and every part of computer gets together. Generally a computer consists of following key components: (Shelly et al., 2005; What is Computer, 2012) Mouse Keyboard CPU Hard Drive Monitor In addition, currently computer and other technology based systems are based on digital and electronic architecture. Additionally, the internal machinery is composed of transistors, wires and circuits known as instructions, hardware on the other hand data is also known as software (Webopedia, 2012).

It is also important to discuss inside of computer memory because the major functions are related to storage of data either temporarily or permanently. In this scenario, majority of key functions have versatile functionalities. In this regard there are 2 types of computer memory. One memory location is allocated for executions of computer programs while other memory segment is allocated for mass storage of data and information (What is Computer, 2012). It is the potential to get instructions, which are normally recognized as programs in the parlance of computers systems and run them to perform different tasks, differentiates a computer system from a mechanical calculator.

However, they both are capable to make calculations; a data calculator reacts basically to direct input. Actually, the majority of contemporary calculators are in fact computers, with a number of pre-installed applications to help resolve complex tasks (McGuigan, 2012). If we study the history of computers, we will see name of Konrad Zuse (1910-1995) at the top of inventors. Basically, Konrad Zuse was a construction engineer at Henschel Aircraft Corporation in Berlin, Germany in start of World War 2.

In fact, Zuse received the semiofficial identity of "discoverer of the contemporary computer systems" because of inventing a series of automatic machines like calculators. However, the basic purpose of their development was to help him perform huge and complex engineering calculations. Konrad Zuse has self-effacingly unconfined the identity that admiring a lot of discoveries of his generation and successors as being evenly if not more significant as compared to his own. In 1936, Zuse created a mechanical calculator known as Z1, which was the first binary computer.

However, Z1 has been used to discover numerous groundbreaking technologies areas of modern calculator technology development including high capability memory, floating point arithmetic and modules or communication functioning on the yes/no standard. Zuse's ideas, to not completely put into practice the Z1, succeeded more with each Z prototype. Moreover, in 1939, Konrad Zuse had completed the development of Z2 that was the initial fully working version of electro mechanical computer (Shelly et al.

, 2005; Bellis, 2012). In 1941, Konrad Zuse completed the development of Z3 with recycled materials. However, in this development other university fellows, employees and students also contributed. In fact, it was the world's initial electronic, completely programmable and manageable digital computer system that was completely based on binary floating point number and switching arrangements. In this system, Zuse made use of old movie film to store his programs and data, instead of making use of tape, paper or punched cards (Shelly et al.

, 2005; Bellis, 2012). In 1944, John von Neumann joined the ENIAC development group. He had turn out to be 'intrigued' (Goldstine's word) with Turing's universal machine as Turing was at Princeton University during 1936-1938. At Moore School, John von Neumann highlighted the significance of the idea of stored program for electronic computing, comprising the likelihood of permitting the machine to change its own application in practical methods while executing (for instance, so as to control loops as well as branching) (Copeland, 2000).

In conclusion, with the developments that are still taking place in today’s growing hi tech environment, now we have different functionalities along with numerous innovative computer machines. We have examples of Tablet pc machines, net books; pocket PCs, mobile PC, laptops etc. The definition of computer has changed. Now computer has become a very important part of everybody’s life. In other words, in today’s’ world without a computer there is no concept of life. A computer can perform any task which was impossible before.

References Bellis, M., 2012. Inventors of the Modern Computer. [Online] Available at: http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa050298.htm [Accessed 19 February 2012]. Copeland, J., 2000. A Brief History of Computing. [Online] Available at: http://www.alanturing.net/turing_archive/pages/Reference%20Articles/BriefHistofComp.html#UTM [Accessed 19 February 2012]. Kevin, S., 2009. Brief History of Computers. [Online] Available at: http://ksspaulding.wordpress.com/article/brief-history-of-computers-3smazt4fj02nv-24/ [Accessed 19 February 2012].

McGuigan, B., 2012. What Is a Computer? [Online] Available at: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-computer.htm [Accessed 20 February 2012]. Norton, P., 2001. Introduction to Computers, Fourth Edition. Singapore: McGraw-Hill. Shelly, Cashman & Vermaat, 2005. Discovering Computers 2005. Boston: Thomson Course Technology. Webopedia, 2012. Computer. [Online] Available at: http://www.webopedia.com/term/c/computer.html [Accessed 20 February 2012]. What is Computer, 2012. What is Computer. [Online] Available at: http://www.

whatiscomputer.org/ [Accessed 19 February 2012].