What is a Computer - 762 Words

What is a computer? When trying to explain the computer to my grandparents I realizing just how complicated it is Explaining what it is and why it’s so powerful, the differences between data and information and how the computer knows what to do. First what is a computer? A computer is a general purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a set of arithmetic or logical operations. Since a sequence of operations can be readily changed, the computer can solve more than one kind of problem. Conventionally, a computer consists of at least one processing element, typically a central processing unit (CPU) and some form of memory. The processing element carries out arithmetic and logic operations, and a sequencing and control unit that can†¦show more content†¦ARPANETs main job was to research computer networking in order to provide a safe, secure communications system in case of war. (Internet) If we didn’t have computers we wouldn’t have so much information at our finger tips it is astonishing to think how computers came about, how would we get answers so quickly. A second reason why computers are powerful is because people make them powerful by putting mass information and data into them for easy access latter. Third there is a difference between data and information Data is raw, unorganized facts that need to be processed. Data can be something simple and seemingly random and useless until it is organized. And information is when data is processed, organized, structured or presented in a given context so as to make it useful, it is called Information (contributors.) Information is interpreted data. An example of data is a single person’s bowling score is one piece of data and information is The Bowling team’s average score is the information that can be concluded from the given data. (Introductory com2) Finally how does a computer know what to do? Computers cannot run unless they have a commander computers have programs that have special language telling it tasks to do. It is hard to believe somebody just thought of an idea like this and was able to make it happen. In the past 50 years we have came up with several billion ideas that actually work out well! It is crazy to look around everydayShow MoreRelatedWhat Is Computer Security?936 Words   |  4 PagesWHAT IS COMPUTER SECURITY? The process of preventing and detecting the use of data in the computer by any individuals without authorization is referred to as Computer Security. It is also known as cybersecurity or IT security. It involves the process of protecting computer resources from intruders for their own gains. Anti-virus, firewalls, data encryption, password protection are the main measures that encompass the computer security. It is mainly concerned with four main areas: 1. 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