Computer

Computer is one of the greatest inventions of the twentieth-century. It has made a very vital impact on society. It has made our life easier and more comfortable and our activities nearer to the perfection.

A computer is generally a device which can be programed to carry out a set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. It takes information, processes it and makes new information. So each computer consists of an input unit, such as- keyboard, mouse or touchscreen; a central processing unit; a memory unit, such as- Random Access Memory and Read-Only Memory and an output unit, such as- monitor, speaker, printer etc. The parts of computer with physical existence are called Hardware and the parts with mathematical instructions, known as program, are called Software.

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Computers can be analogue or digital. The Castle-Clock, an astronomical clock, invented by Al-Jazari in 1206, is the first known analogue computer. However, the British scientist, Charles Babbage, is regarded as the father of modern computer for his invention of Difference and Analytical Engine in 1822 and 1834.  Ada Lovelace is considered to be the first computer programmer. In 1944, the first digital computer was made and it was Harvard’s Mark I. Apple Computers Inc. introduced personal computers and Microsoft Corporation made software for personal computers. Thus computer has been being developed gradually.

We are doing numerous applications with the help of computer. We can now type texts and publish them smoothly. We can store thousands of data in computer. Thus we can listen to music, watch video and enjoy gaming. Many organizations are keeping the records of their customers in computers. Banks are using computers for maintaining accounts and managing financial transactions. 

In addition to these, computer’s applications have been much increased after the advent of internet. We can send emails to others instead of writing letters and save time. We can also share our thoughts and chat with friends through social networking sites. The students can also help themselves with educative websites and video tutorials. The use of multimedia projector and PowerPoint Presentation has improved the quality of teaching. Computer can also be used for distance-learning through apps like Skype. In medical field, computers are used to keep patient history, monitor them and diagnose diseases.

Computer is also a bane for us. Many of us waste time and energy by playing games and chatting with friends. Using computers for hours at a stretch can cause us optical and backbone hazards. The unscrupulous fellows are committing cyber-crimes, making our lives hell.

But the contribution of computer to our civilisation cannot be ignored. The authority concerned should monitor the unauthorised access to data and other cyber-crimes. Thus the proper use of computer will make it the ultimate boon.