Basic Computer Information

Computer: A machine that performs tasks, such as math and communications. Programs are installed within the computer and are retrieved and processed by the computer's electronics. Computers are used for many, many things such as Medical Technology.

How Computers Work: Computer hardware includes the memory that stores data and instructions; the central processing unit (CPU) that carries out instructions; the bus that connects the various computer components; the input devices, such as a keyboard or mouse, that allow the user to communicate with the computer; and the output devices, such as printers and video display monitors, that enable the computer to present information to the user.

Memory: also called randon access memory or RAM. Memory is an array of chips which the computer puts everything. The more memory you have the faster your computer will go.

History: The history of computing began with an analog machine. In 1623 German scientist Wilhelm Schikard invented a machine that used 11 complete and 6 incomplete sprocketed wheels that could add and, with the aid of logarithm tables, multiply and divide.In the early 19th century French inventor Joseph-Marie Jacquard devised a specialized type of computer: a loom. Jacquard's loom used punched cards to program patterns that were output as woven fabrics by the loom. Herman Hollerith, an American inventor, used an idea similar to Jacquard's loom when he combined the use of punched cards with devices that created and electronically read the cards. Hollerith's tabulator was used for the 1890 U.S. census, and it made the computational time three to four times shorter than the time previously needed for hand counts. Hollerith's Tabulating Machine Company eventually merged with other companies in 1924 to become IBM.