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About Computers





[Columbia (supercomputer)]..

A computer is a [machine] which manipulates [Data (computing)] according to a list of [Code (computer programming)].

Computers take numerous physical forms. The first devices that resemble modern computers date to the mid-[20th century] (around [1940] - [1941]), although the computer concept and various machines similar to computers existed prior. Early electronic computers were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several hundred modern personal computers.In 1946, [ENIAC] consumed an estimated 174 kW. By comparison, a typical personal computer may use around 400 W; over four hundred times less. Modern computers are based on comparatively tiny [integrated circuit]s and are millions to billions of times more capable while occupying a fraction of the space. Early computers such as [Colossus computer] and [ENIAC] were able to process between 5 and 100 operations per second. A modern "commodity" microprocessor (as of [2007]) can process billions of operations per second, and many of these operations are more complicated and useful than early computer operations. Today, simple computers may be made small enough to fit into a [Watch] and be powered from a [watch battery]. [Personal computer]s in various forms are icons of the [information age] and are what most people think of as "a computer". However, the most common form of computer in use today is by far the [embedded computer]. Embedded computers are small, simple devices that are often used to control other devices — for example, they may be found in machines ranging from [fighter aircraft] to [industrial robot]s, [digital camera]s, and even [toy].

The ability to store and execute lists of instructions called programs makes computers extremely versatile and distinguishes them from [calculator]s. The [Church – Turing thesis] is a mathematical statement of this versatility: Any computer with a certain minimum capability is, in principle, capable of performing the same tasks that any other computer can perform. Therefore, computers with capability and complexity ranging from that of a [personal digital assistant] to a [supercomputer] are all able to perform the same computational tasks given enough time and storage capacity.

History of computing was one of the first programmable devices.

It is difficult to identify any one device as the earliest computer, partly because the term "computer" has been subject to varying interpretations over time.

Originally, the term "computer" referred to a person who performed numerical calculations (a [human computer]), often with the aid of a [mechanical calculating device]. Examples of early mechanical computing devices included the [abacus], the [slide rule] and arguably the [astrolabe] and the [Antikythera mechanism] (which dates from about 150-100 BC). The end of the [Middle Ages] saw a re-invigoration of European mathematics and engineering, and [Wilhelm Schickard]'s 1623 device was the first of a number of mechanical calculators constructed by European engineers.

However, none of those devices fit the modern definition of a computer because they could not be programmed. In 1801, [Joseph Marie Jacquard] made an improvement to the [loom] that used a series of [punch card] as a template to allow his loom to weave intricate patterns automatically. The resulting Jacquard loom was an important step in the development of computers because the use of punched cards to define woven patterns can be viewed as an early, albeit limited, form of programmability.

In 1837, [Charles Babbage] was the first to conceptualize and design a fully programmable mechanical computer that he called "The [Analytical engine]".The Analytical Engine should not be confused with Babbage's [difference engine] which was a non-programmable mechanical calculator. Due to limited finance, and an inability to resist tinkering with the design, Babbage never actually built his Analytical Engine.

Large-scale automated data processing of punched cards was performed for the [United States Census, 1890] by [tabulating machine]s designed by [Herman Hollerith] and manufactured by the [Computing Tabulating Recording Corporation], which later became [IBM]. By the end of the 19th century a number of technologies that would later prove useful in the realization of practical computers had begun to appear: the [punch card], [Boolean algebra (logic)], the [vacuum tube] (thermionic valve) and the [teleprinter].

During the first half of the 20th century, many scientific computing needs were met by increasingly sophisticated [analog computer]s, which used a direct mechanical or [electricity] model of the problem as a basis for [computation]. However, these were not programmable and generally lacked the versatility and accuracy of modern digital computers.

A succession of steadily more powerful and flexible computing devices were constructed in the 1930s and 1940s, gradually adding the key features that are seen in modern computers. The use of digital electronics (largely invented by [Claude Shannon] in 1937) and more flexible programmability were vitally important steps, but defining one point along this road as "the first digital electronic computer" is difficult . Notable achievements include:

was one of the first computers to implement the stored program ([von Neumann architecture]) architecture.
  • [Konrad Zuse]'s [Electromechanics] "Z machines". The [Z3] (1941) was the first working machine featuring [Binary numeral system] arithmetic, including floating point arithmetic and a measure of programmability. In 1998 the Z3 was proved to be [Turing completeness], therefore being the world's first operational computer.
  • The non-programmable [Atanasoff – Berry Computer] (1941) which used vacuum tube based [computation], binary numbers, and [regenerative capacitor memory].
  • The secret British [Colossus computer] (1944), which had limited programmability but demonstrated that a device using thousands of tubes could be reasonably reliable and electronically reprogrammable. It was used for [cryptanalysis] German wartime codes.
  • The [Harvard Mark I] (1944), a large-scale electromechanical computer with limited programmability.
  • The U.S. Army's [Ballistics Research Laboratory] [ENIAC] (1946), which used [decimal] arithmetic and is sometimes called the first general purpose [Electronics] computer (since [Konrad Zuse]'s [Z3] of 1941 used [electromagnets] instead of [electronics]). Initially, however, ENIAC had an inflexible architecture which essentially required rewiring to change its programming.


Several developers of ENIAC, recognizing its flaws, came up with a far more flexible and elegant design, which came to be known as the stored program architecture or [von Neumann architecture]. This design was first formally described by [John von Neumann] in the paper "[First Draft of a Report on the EDVAC]", published in 1945. A number of projects to develop computers based on the stored program architecture commenced around this time, the first of these being completed in [Great Britain]. The first to be demonstrated working was the [Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine] (SSEM) or "Baby". However, the [EDSAC], completed a year after SSEM, was perhaps the first practical implementation of the stored program design. Shortly thereafter, the machine originally described by von Neumann's paper — [EDVAC] — was completed but did not see full-time use for an additional two years.

Nearly all modern computers implement some form of the stored program architecture, making it the single trait by which the word "computer" is now defined. By this standard, many earlier devices would no longer be called computers by today's definition, but are usually referred to as such in their historical context. While the technologies used in computers have changed dramatically since the first electronic, general-purpose computers of the 1940s, most still use the [von Neumann architecture]. The design made the universal computer a practical reality.

are miniaturized devices that often implement stored program [CPU]s.

[Vacuum tube]-based computers were in use throughout the 1950s, but were largely replaced in the 1960s by [transistor]-based devices, which were smaller, faster, cheaper, used less power and were more reliable. These factors allowed computers to be produced on an unprecedented commercial scale. By the 1970s, the adoption of [integrated circuit] technology and the subsequent creation of [microprocessor]s such as the [Intel 4004] caused another leap in size, speed, cost and reliability. By the 1980s, computers had become sufficiently small and cheap to replace simple mechanical controls in domestic appliances such as [washing machines]. Around the same time, computers became widely accessible for personal use by individuals in the form of [home computer]s and the now ubiquitous [personal computer]. In conjunction with the widespread growth of the [Internet] since the 1990s, personal computers are becoming as common as the [television] and the [telephone] and almost all modern electronic devices contain a computer of some kind.


Stored program architecture The defining feature of modern computers which distinguishes them from all other machines is that they can be [computer programming]. That is to say that a list of [Instruction (computer science)] (the [Computer program]) can be given to the computer and it will store them and carry them out at some time in the future.

In most cases, computer instructions are simple: add one number to another, move some data from one location to another, send a message to some external device, etc. These instructions are read from the computer's [Computer storage] and are generally carried out ([Execution (computers)]) in the order they were given. However, there are usually specialized instructions to tell the computer to jump ahead or backwards to some other place in the program and to carry on executing from there. These are called "jump" instructions (or [Branch (computer science)]). Furthermore, jump instructions may be made to happen [Conditional statement] so that different sequences of instructions may be used depending on the result of some previous calculation or some external event. Many computers directly support [subroutine]s by providing a type of jump that "remembers" the location it jumped from and another instruction to return to the instruction following that jump instruction.

Program execution might be likened to reading a book. While a person will normally read each word and line in sequence, they may at times jump back to an earlier place in the text or skip sections that are not of interest. Similarly, a computer may sometimes go back and repeat the instructions in some section of the program over and over again until some internal condition is met. This is called the [control flow] within the program and it is what allows the computer to perform tasks repeatedly without human intervention.

Comparatively, a person using a [calculator] can perform a basic arithmetic operation such as adding two numbers with just a few button presses. But to add together all of the numbers from 1 to 1,000 would take thousands of button presses and a lot of time — with a near certainty of making a mistake. On the other hand, a computer may be programmed to do this with just a few simple instructions. For example:

mov #0,sum ; set sum to 0 mov #1,num ; set num to 1 loop: add num,sum ; add num to sum add #1,num ; add 1 to num cmp num,#1000 ; compare num to 1000 ble loop ; if num {| class="wikitable"|+[Programming Languages]], [Categorical list of programming languages], [Generational list of programming languages], [Alphabetical list of programming languages], [Non-English-based programming languagess || [ARM architecture], [MIPS architecture], [X86 assembly language]|-| rowspan="1" | Commonly used [High level language]s ], [C (programming language)], [C++], [C Sharp], [COBOL], [Fortran], [Java (programming language)], [Lisp (programming language)], [Pascal (programming language)]|-| rowspan="1" | Commonly used [Scripting language]s ], [JavaScript], [Python (programming language)], [Ruby (programming language)], [PHP], [Perl]|-|}

Professions and organizations As the use of computers has spread throughout society, there are an increasing number of careers involving computers. Following the theme of hardware, software and firmware, the brains of people who work in the industry are sometimes known irreverently as wetware or "meatware".

{| class="wikiInformation Reference: Wikipedia.org


Computers

Questions and Answers

Computers ?

Q) Im a little thick when it comes to Computers,so help needed,I have a Packard Bell which only has a CD-R,there is another slot which looks like it's been left for a DVD-R which ive been told you can buy and fit,i was wondering if there is any software i could buy which i could use to make the player i have play both for me.....told you i was thick. Thanks

A) short answer no there is no software. unless the cd-rom manufacturer has any firmware updates or upgrades available. however you can easily buy a DVD-RW which can use any dvd format except high def or blue ray discs. theses dvd recorders cost from as little as £25 delivered, depending on your requirements. take a look at http://www.dabs.com and look up optical dri ves. adding or replacing the drive is one of the easiest jobs you can do on a computer. all you need to do is find a screw driver or two that will be used to open your computers chasis and then remove the screws holding in the existing drive. you need to remove the cables from the back of the drive before removing the screws to make your life a little easier. once removed make a note of the jumper position (the piece of plastic with ametal insert surrounded by pins) normally it would be on cable select CS. make sure your new drive has the jumper in the same position. insert the drive in your computer chasis now connect the cables and finally screw the drive back in place. close the chassis and boot up your computer. install the software that may have come with your drive (depends on what drive you buy). once done your new DVD will be ready to be used as your old CD-rom was (or was your existing drive a CD-RW) either way your DVD will read and write to CD-rw, and DVD-RW (depending on the model you decide to buy, your drive will read multiple or different formats) the replacement is so simple a child of two could do it with a little adult supervision. Though i would not reccomend you let your kids do the work. however remember when you do do the internal work be careful not to touch the printed circuit boards in the system. for best results turn off the power at the mains and at the switch on your computers Power supply (at the rear of the chassis where the mains lead plugs in) leave the cable connected between your computer and the power supply. this will be or in my experiance is adequate to ground yourself in order to work on the internals of your computer without fear of frying the components. just make sure during your work you keep at least one part of your flesh touching the internal bare metal on the chasis. you only need to ground yourself when actually working on the inside of the computer where you expect or think you may inadvertantly make contact with the internal circuit boards which are could be killed by the static electricty that builds up naturally in your body. be careful and if you can use an antistatic wrist strap and connect it to a properly earthed area then you can unplug the mains supply while you work. personally I work with my system plugged in but off at the mains and i have never yet had a problem. However it should be stressed that for your safety you should in a perfect world remove the plug from the mains when you are working on the inside of your computer. good luck.

Computers?

Q) If you used your computer for about 12 hours a day, how many years/months do you think it would last for? I use mine a lot and am worried it will die one day soon

A) You can always buy a new one if your computer stops working!

computers...?

Q) at the bottom of my moniter on the right hand side i have things that i can open like volume, windows live messenger, but theres one thats come up saying hotbar weather service which i want to get rid of because my norton security is telling me it contains spyware can you please tell me how to remove it plus any others i wish to so that my computer will load quicker.

A) Add remove programs in control panel

I have two computers in my house ?

Q) I have two computers in my house. computer A is wired to the internet and has a wireless router connected to the server Computer B has a Belkins Wireless USB adaptor to pick network connections. Computer B has found a network connection which is Computer A but what i need to know is how to set up Computer B to pick up an internet connection ?

A) Go into your wireless router and ensure that wireless is enabled. I would suggest setting it up with a wireless name and also some form of encryption key to prevent outsiders from using your wireless network for free. Then, on the wireless pc, scan the network and connect to the name that you specified on the wireless router, just like you would do at a motel when they tell you the name of their wireless network. Also, make sure your router is running NAT (Network Address Translation), as some home Ethernet devices will not allow more than one IP address on them. The NAT router "hides" your entire network behind a single IP address that the router gets from your DSL or Cable modem. In some cases, these modems require fixed IP addresses and the service makes you pay for more than one by locking out multiple MAC addresses (the unique address assigned to the hardware network card and not changable). If this is the case, you will have to pay for another IP address, but then you can use just a wireless switch and don't need a NAT compatible router. If my service restricted me to only one device and a NAT router wouldn't work, I would change services fast!

Can I connect two computers to one ADSL broadband service with one modem for each?

Q) I'm in the UK and my broadband provider is wanadoo. I currently have a 512k broadband connection on my main computer using the broadband modem that was supplied by wanadoo. I recently bought another computer and I have a spare broadband modem left over from an old ISP I used to be with. Can I use this spare modem to set up my new computer in another room on my current wanadoo broadband? There is a phone socket in the other room so I don't see why there should be a problem. The main difficulty I've had trying to do it is I don't know how to configure the spare modem to work on my current broadband service. It came with a different ISP and the installation programme on the cd for it sets up a connection for the old ISP. I don't want this, I want both my computers to share my current ISP subscription. Can anyone lead me through the steps to configuring my spare modem on my new computer for my current ISP? If get a 'router' won't I have wires all over the place? Or is it wireless? I want one computer upstairs and one downstairs.

A) In regards to two ADSL modems on a single line, the answer is no. Due to the way ADSL works using the spare space in your phoneline a second ADSL modem would interfere(pretty much the same as when not using filters on your phone lines), which would mean that you would get cut off whenever either modem tried to send information. Your only real option is to get a router, of which there are various wireless options. Main brands i'd recommend would be Linksys or Netgear. A side note for wireless networking is that it will require a wireless adapter on each computer you wish to use, although some wireless routers come with one included.

networking two computers with a crossover cable?

Q) I'm trying to connect my laptop to my main desktop PC with a crossover cable but not having much luck so far. I've give them static IP adresses which is working fine, they can ping one another no problem but when i go into 'my network places' the shared files aren't there (I've enabled sharing on the hard drives of both computers and 'file and print sharing' is installed and enabled). When I go to 'view workgroup computers' i can see the computer i want to connect to but when i try and explore it, it says it's not accessible and to check i have permission (I'm the only user account on both computers). What am I doing wrong?

A) You also need to configure your computers firewall to allow the network connection. The computer you cant access is were the firewall is blocking you.

Alienware computers?

Q) I'm looking to spend about £1200 on a new desktop computer. Alienware computers look very snazzy, but are they any good? Good performance for money etc? Mainly used for internet and games. Someone also mentioned that Mesh computers are worth looking at. Forgot to metnion that the £1200 needs to include the screen, mouse keyboard etc.

A) Cyberpowerpc.com is a pretty good site to check out. You can completely customize a PC to your specs and they'll build it for you. My brother just recieved a pretty beefy gaming PC for about $1200.

Need help with connecting two computers on wireless network?

Q) I have just set up a router which is connected to my main computer by ethernet cable and via wireless card to my laptop. The internet connection is working really well on both terminals but I now want to share files between computers. I have tried mapping the network drive but the laptop does not find the main computer and vice versa. I also got a USB adapter with the router pack and I have that connected to the router (even though i think I don't need this) How do i go about setting up the computers to share files when the laptop can't find the main computer. Main Hub is on XP and laptop is on VISTA, just want to share music and pictures really. Thanks Dan

A) How to connect a wireless network between two or more computers Using networking to connect computers helps users to share files between computers as well as transfer files. A wireless network is a better option as it comes in with the benefit of a wire free system and hence provides more mobility. To set up a wireless network between two or more computers you have to take the following steps: This is what you will need: 1) A wireless router, 1 wireless network adapter for each client computer you wish to connect to on the network. Of course, you won't need an adapter for the computer that has the router connected to it. 2) Install the network adapters on your computers. If its a PCI connection then you will need to open the back of the computer and attach it by inserting it into one of the available slots. If its an USB connection then it is much more stright forwarward. Either way you will need to run the software provided to install it on to your system. Location for the wireless router Choose a location where there won't be too much interference from thick walls, doors, etc. The throughput fo connection will be greater if there is less interference and fewer breakages in connection. Network your computers wirelessly over radio waves using a special type of router called an access point. One access point can serve most average-sized homes. The trade name for this technology is Wi-Fi or 802.11b, or its faster cousin, 802.11g. Wi-Fi products should be compatible with each other regardless of brand. Wireless networks work for people who move from room to room with their laptops, or want to use them in cafes, airports and other places with wireless service. 3) Your router should automatically detect IP settings when installin the first time. 4) Restart the computers. Turn on the devices one by one. Try this link. http://www.howtoall.com/Computingfiles/Howtoconnectwirlessnetworkathome.htm If you get stuck contact this guy. http://www.mike10613.talktalk.net/

Are there any computers in the world that start up as soon as their button is turned on?

Q) Most computers I have used have taken at least 3 minutes to get to the Windows logon area and then have taken 5 minutes to load up Windows fully after the password has been entered. Think how much electricity this wastes. It also takes 3-5 minutes to shut down the average computer. Multiply this waste by the number of computer owners in the world and you have a massive wastage of electricity - something we're in short supply of any way. I wonder how many tonnes of coal/fossil fuels have to be burned to power up/down all of the computers worldwide?

A) Nope computers have to go thru a logical start up and bring all sorts of little programs up in a specific order. Lots of little programs you don't even know about. A computer is not a TV.

Do you have any spare computers, or computer spares, that you could donate?

Q) Second-hand computers and or spares needed to build a computer lab for Thaba-Phatchoa Primary&Seconadary School. Thaba Phatchoa is a small couloured comunity situated between Tweespruit and Hobhouse in the Freestate Province of South Africa. Any and all donations will be HIGHLY appreciated, as the community are VERY poor, and subsequently - do not have access to computers AT ALL! The thought of enabling the students at this school to be able to learn computer science, will not only boost morale of the community, but also give these children a fair chance in life! Please reply to zs2ljj@yahoo.co.uk, if you have any questions or would like to make a donation. Thank You!!!! Please, this is not a SCAM, it is genuine, you can gladly phone the school and verify my request. The schools headmaster is Mr. Steven Botha. My wife grew up in that community, and I only wish to do something good back for the communty of Thaba Phatchoa. My name is Louis du Toit, and you can phone me at +27 83 880 7125 SAST (Greenwitch +2) between 08:00 and 16:00. Thank you...

A) Look into MIT's OLPC program. They are $100 laptops (One Laptop Per Child) being built and funded by charities and governments for just this purpose. Find out how to participate.

computers???

Q) i have to do a project on how computers have changed from 1950 till now. i can't find any good pictures of computers from the 50s, 60s, ect. anyone know a good website?? PLEASE HELP!!! thanks=]

A) http://inventors.about.com/library/blcoindex.htm http://www.softlord.com/comp/ Hows that. Or go to google and type in history of the computer K?

computers !?

Q) do you think one day computer could replace human at workplace ,completely?and if that happens what then people be doing? i guess the only demand would be then for someone to mind the computers!

A) They have been replacing people for years already! Some hi tech warehouses are fully automated now.

computers???

Q) what the best type of computers

A) The best type of computer is one that you build yourself. Building a computer is not hard. All you need to know is how to use a screwdriver and what parts to get. There are plenty of people on the internet that will help you with that. This way you can get quality parts. A computer from Dell(et al) uses the cheapest parts possible. I built the computer I'm using now. It would have cost 3300 from Dell with their crap parts. I built it for under 2000 using top quality parts. And don't buy Windows. use Linux. It's free, more secure, and more powerful. That's my two cents.

computers?

Q) what are computers and the internet for anyway?

A) KNOWLEDGE

computers?

Q) i was wondering if i coudl better my chances of being hired for any job in the field of computers i am a teenager and think that is what i want to do with my life all ansers welcomed.

A) its still a good field to go into, but all the Asian and Indian get the jobs first...

Computers?

Q) How many computers do you have in your house. This includes desktops and laptops?

A) 2 but soon to be three, we actually need two laptops and a desktop.

Computers??

Q) Where can I get computers really cheap or free.

A) There is a Yahoo group, Freecycle with chapters in your area. Join this group and list what you want and some one will give it to you.

Computers?

Q) what's a better buy in computers, a pc or a mac? i have a sony Viao P.C and while the years go by the slowers it gets, how does the mac fair in a family environment whre you surf the net, print out reports?

A) PC is Better

Computers???

Q) our home computer is on the verge of crashing from all of my video games. i was wondering where is the cheapest place to buy a computer. and can u give me some price range in that store. i need to buy a used computer for my games so i dont bog down the family computer

A) A trusted site: www.newegg.com they go from web type computers only (300.00) to the high end gamers dream come true (3000.00 or higher). They have a good reputation, and have been around for a long time. the same type of stores with the same kind of prices: www.tigerdirect.com www.pricewatch.com - gives you lists of various stores and computer types WARNING: before you decide to buy any computer from any on line store, read the main paragraph, which will tell you if it is a refurbished (repaired) computer or not. I have had good luck with refurbished computers, but some people are leary of them. Though they usually have a good warranty.

Computers??

Q) i am looking for a used computer to play my sims games on. how many megahertz should the computer have on it to play the sims 2 plus the expansion packs. cuz i found a computer in the classifieds that is 500 Mhz and it is 65 dollars and it has upgraded memory and it is a Pentium 3 so do u think this would get the job done well there is a 1.0 ghz in the same ads but we have called at least 100 times and they wont answer here is the ad Computer sys w/monitor/printer, 1.0GHz, WinXP Pro, Office 03, hi-spd internet, $100 firm, cash only do u think that would be ok

A) The system requirments should be on the back of the games box, but im pretty sure that a 500mhz pentium 3 is not gunna cut it even of it does have 128mb of ram. You probably need at least 800mhz and at least 128mb of ram. (This is the minimum which means your probably not gunna enjoy the game because it will be slow). You should really look into investing more than $65 if you want a computer that will support those kinds of games. If you just need basic stuff, get at least 1.0GHz processor and at least 512mb of ram to enjoy the games.

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