Computers have been making advancements for as long as many of us have been alive. Technology has been advancing so much that newer generations will have to visit a museum to learn what a VHS is. Despite technology being only what can be seen, there are many other factors that impact how we use technology and what we use it for.
Basic Computer Parts
Computers come in various shapes and sizes, whether it is laptops, tablets, phones, all-in-one, or desktops. The main components will include a motherboard, a central processing unit, a video card – or graphics processing unit, Random Access Memory (RAM), and a drive, Solid State or Hard Disk drive. (Tech, 2019) The motherboard is the main housing unit that encompasses the other components. Through time, technology is developing to reduce the size of these components and improve their function.
History
According to BBC news, ‘Scientists Unlock mysteries of the world’s oldest computer’, have reported on a 2000-year-old computer known as an Antikythera Mechanism. (BBC, 2021) This device is fragmented - as if it were to still be intact, there’s a possibility humans could be occupying mars currently. The Article ‘Oldest Computers in the World’ by oldest.org show images dating back from the Antikythera Mechanism to the Universal Automatic computer of 1951.
How do computers work?
Computers comprise algorithms and calculations purely based on logic. This is considered an algorithm or “a sequence of events that solves a problem”. (Vahid, Lysecky, Wheatland, & Siu, 2019) The language that computers use is called binary, which uses 0’s-1’s to communicate tasks or functions. These tasks can be simple or complex. These tasks are operated through programming.
Programming
Programming is the core of the unseen. There are several computer languages that can be used to communicate with a machine to give it directives or create an algorithm. “There are five main types of programming languages:
1.) Object-Oriented
2.) Logic
3.) Procedural Programming
4.) Functional Programming
5.) Scripting
There are several mainstream programming languages that exist, such as Python, C++, Linux, Java, etc. Each language will apply to a task or situation more applicable compared to some other languages. According to the text, Python is very popular due to its accessibility; however, Java is very present in many applications. With the usage of PDF files and other applications that are used for the secure transfer of files, documents, or signatures, several languages are used in an ever-increasing technological era.
Understanding programming languages is like understanding how to cook. There is a sequence of events that need to take place prior to achieving the result. Mistakes can be made and corrected or adjusted when required that would still have no bearing on the result. The language type would be like the method of cooking – even that of cookware used. Is Python the equivalent of a cast iron, whereas Java is a stainless-steel pan? In a society driven primarily by technology, understanding the basics is almost as significant as eating. The better the program, the better application to real life will ensue – and when making a roux, be sure to melt the binder prior to browning the flour, otherwise, you will have clumpy burnt flour and nothing eatable to eat.” (Stone, 2022)
How does programming relate to other components?
If a person has a pen and a sheet of paper – the paper is not going to write itself. Having physical components mean nothing without instructions and thus not function. Having a plastic block would be nothing more than a paperweight without the other components working together to comprise a function. Those components must subsequently work together. That is what programming is – commands or a prompt to instruct a machine. The tech topic of programming is fundamental for information technology – and dates to astrological studies roughly 2000 years ago.
Programming is central to the basic concepts of network architecture, management, and cybersecurity. Programming is the basic concept of database and database management. Without correct programming, the database would not function. Programming is also software. As prior mentioned, programming languages are how a program will execute tasks, makes and controls software, and is directly linked to the price ranges and functions of various computer systems.
When AOL and Yahoo were the main internet sources in the 1990s – the idea of gaming computers, WIFI, and other technological advances would have seemed far stretched. Today, we can connect multiple devices. As a novice – this was incredibly eye-opening. Daily tasks, through someone else’s programming, can help monitor so many different things – let alone taking calculus without a calculator. Perhaps I have piqued an interest in learning a computer language.
References
BBC. (2021, March 12 ). Scientists unlock mysteries of world's oldest 'computer'. Retrieved from BBC News : https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56377567
Stone, K. (2022, November 04). Post #1 - Programming languages and it's likeness to cooking. . Retrieved from Blogger: https://informationtechblogks.blogspot.com/2022/11/history-and-future-of-computers.html
Tech, i. (2019, June 11). The 5 different parts of a computer—taking a look under the hood. Retrieved from iD Tech: idtech.com/blog/parts-of-a-computer
Vahid, F., Lysecky, S., Wheatland, N., & Siu, R. (2019). TEC 101: Fundamentals of Information Technology & Literacy. Retrieved from zyBooks: https://learn.zybooks.com/zybook/TEC101:_Fundamentals_of_Information_Technology_&_Literacy_(TED2241A)?modal_name=about-zybook
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