A digital computer can be defined as a device that can process information at very high speeds. A digital computer needs input data that it can process and then return output data. Some examples of digital computers are laptops, mobile phones, tablets, etc.
The digital computers we have today are capable of completing many types of tasks in a very short time. They are reliable and can work continuously without fatigue.
A digital computer can receive information understandable to the user. The input is then converted to machine language and back to human readable language. The input and output of digital computers is inbinary codethat's 0 and 1. Digital computers are only capable of understanding machine language.
The first digital computer:
The first electronic digital computer was invented byJuan Vicente Atanasoff🇧🇷 He invented it in the 1940s, Clifford E. Berry, one of his students, was also involved in this invention. The first digital electronics.Computerwas calledA B C(Atanasoff-Berry computer).
heavy around700 poundsand could solve up to 29 simultaneous linear equations. It had no CPU but used vacuum tubes for digital computing. ABC had a computing speed of 30 actions per second. The design concepts used in ABC remain strong and are used in computing devices to this day.
From weighing 700 pounds to fitting in your pocket, there's no denying that technology has come a long way.
Evolution of digital computers:
The development of digital computers took place in two eras.
- mechanical age
- the electronic age
mechanical age:
The mechanical age is when we first saw the connections between our current technology and its ancestors. This age can be defined as a period between 1450 and 1840.
After many attempts, Charles Babbage built a mechanical computer in 1823. This mechanical computer was capable of performing mathematical calculations.
Later he improvised and built a more powerful programmable mechanical computer with astorage unit🇧🇷 This marked the beginning of the mechanical age that later led to the creation of IBM.
The electronic age:
The electronic age is what we live in today. The electronic age began in 1940, and yet new inventions amaze us every day.
The first digital computer was the ENIAC, which could be reprogrammed and solved many arithmetic problems. The ENIAC was developed for use by the United States Army. This machine was large, and as the features state, it occupied an area of 680 square feet and weighed a staggering 30 tons. this digitalComputers mainly use vacuum tubes.for your calculations
Digital data processing has developed over four generations. Is it so:
- The first generation of digital computers used punched cards and vacuum tubes like the ENIAC. It used rotating magnetic drums for internal storage.
- Second generation digital computers used transistors instead of vacuum tubes. This generation of computers used magnetic tapes and magnetic cores. This generation introduced high-level computer languages such as COBOL and FORTRAN.
- Third generation digital computers used integrated circuits. They also used magnetic tape and the magnetic core used in the second generation has now been replaced by metal oxide semiconductors. This generation introduced the advanced BASIC programming language and a real operating system.
- The fourth and final generation introduced central processing units (CPUs), which contained logic, memory, and control circuitry on a single chip. The GUI was also developed in this generation.
Types of digital computers:
There are two categories of digital computers:
- general purpose
- special purpose
general purposeComputers can be defined as those computers that can provide the applications and time needed to perform the most common computing tasks. Examples of general-purpose computers are desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
special purpose computersthey are built to perform specific tasks, such as washing machines or refrigerators.
Computer Architecture:
Computer architecture deals with the behavior and structure of the computer from the point of view of the user. It includes information formats, memory addressing techniques, and the instruction set.
It represents how the transmission and processing of data takes place. Computer architecture can also be defined as the organization of the components that make up the computer system. Governs the design of a family of computers
- The basic architecture has aUPCwith main memory together with the input-output system.
- The second configuration of the computer is the central input/output controller.
- The third computer architecture uses main memory for all of its data flow.
- The fourth architecture uses a common control and data bus to connect all devices together.
The various components involved in the computer system architecture are the input unit, the output unit, the storage unit, the arithmetic logic unit, and the control unit.
- input unit:The computer needs data from the external environment to carry out its operations. The input unit provides external input to the computer system using various input devices.
- output unit:After the computer finishes processing the data, the processed data is sent to the output drive where the user can interact with it.
- storage unit:The storage unit is divided into primary storage and secondary storage and consists of severalcomputer components.
- Arithmetic logic unit:This unit does all the calculations. You can perform all basic arithmetic calculations, including addition, subtraction, division, etc.
- control unit:This unit can be thought of as the central nervous system of the CPU. This unit controls all other units. This unit decides how all other units should behave.
Some useful types of digital computer architectures are:
- From Nuemann Architecture:
This architecture was proposed byJohn Von NeumanInside1945🇧🇷 This architecture consists of a control unit, an arithmetic and logic unit, a memory unit, registers and inputs/outputs.
The computer architecture proposed by von Neumann is based on the concept of a stored-program computer in which instruction data and program data are stored in the same memory.
The Von Neumann architecture is still used in many computer architectures.
- Harvard Architecture:
This computer architecture includes separate memories and separate buses for instructions and data.
Harvard architecture components include buses, operational registers, program counters, arithmetic and logic unit, control unit, input/output system.
The Harvard architecture, unlike the VonNeumann architecture, can access instructions and read/write data at the same time.
- Architecture instruction set:
This computer architecture is more concerned with the analysis and design than the instruction set architecture.
This architecture defines the instruction types, the maximum instruction length, and the instruction format for each instruction type.
- Microarquitectura:
A microarchitecture is a digital logic that allows executing a set of instructions.
A microarchitecture combined with an instruction set architecture forms a complete computer system architecture.
Operation of digital computers:
A typical digital computer consists of four units:
- input and output
- principal memory
- control unit
- arithmetic logic unit
The basic working model of any digital computer:
- Input devices are used to provide input to your computer. Input devices can be keyboard, mouse, etc.
- Information received from input devices is stored in main memory or an auxiliary storage device. (Auxiliary storage is nothing more than external storage devices or secondary storage)
- The controller selects and retrieves instructions from memory in the correct order and sends the appropriate instructions to the appropriate units.
- Synchronizes the speed of input and output devices to ensure proper data transfer throughout the system.
- The arithmetic and logic unit performs the necessary calculations at very high speed
- The processed data is then sent to the output device where the user can interact with the data.
The CPU forms the main memory, the control unit, and the ALU, while the input-output devices and the auxiliary storage unit form the peripheral devices.
Advantages of digital computers:
We live in a digital world where most data is transmitted or stored digitally. Digital computers have made our lives much easier. Some of the advantages of digital computers are:
- Digital computers have enabled people to advance in all fields that would not otherwise have been possible.
- Large amounts of data can be easily stored and take up a lot of space.
- Unlike humans, digital computers never tire of completing repetitive tasks, making them more efficient than humans in many areas.
- Huge amounts of scientific calculations can be performed on these digital computers.
The benefits of digital computers seem endless. Technology has proven to be a blessing for all. We can be more connected with people who live far from us. We can easily share data with literally anyone around the world.
But even that turned out to be a curse. Since all data is readily available, it can also be misused. With data comes exploration of data exploration. We are so busy seeking the benefits of the digital age that we can hardly focus on the potential dangers it poses for us as well.
What steps do you think can be taken to make the digital world safer for everyone?
FAQs
What is digital computer computer? ›
digital computer, any of a class of devices capable of solving problems by processing information in discrete form. It operates on data, including magnitudes, letters, and symbols, that are expressed in binary code—i.e., using only the two digits 0 and 1.
What are digital computers for Class 8? ›Digital computers are the computer systems/machines which uses the binary number system, which has two digits: 0 and 1 and performs many computational tasks. It processes the data represented in discrete and the main three components of digital computers are input, processing and output.
What are digital computers with examples? ›In computer science, a digital electronic computer is a computer machine which is both an electronic computer and a digital computer. Examples of a digital electronic computers include the IBM PC, the Apple Macintosh as well as modern smartphones.
What is a digital computer class 7? ›Digital computers are devices that are capable of solving problems by processing information in discrete form. It operates on data including magnitudes, letters and symbols that are expressed in binary forms and are also known as electronic computers.
Why is it called digital computer? ›Computers are digital machines because at their most basic level they can distinguish between just two values, 0 and 1, or off and on. There is no simple way to represent all the values in between, such as 0.25. All data that a computer processes must be encoded digitally, as a series of zeroes and ones.
Where is digital computer used? ›It is used to run everything from spacecraft to factories, healthcare systems to telecommunications, banks to household budgets. Since its invention during World War II, the electronic digital computer has become essential to the economies of the developed world.
What is a computer for 4 class? ›Ans. A computer system is defined as a machine that is used to generate information from data. It consist of four types of devices: Input devices, Processing device, Output devices, Storage devices. ii.
What was the first digital computer? ›The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) was the world's first electronic digital computer.
What is a desktop computer class 4? ›A desktop computer is a personal computing device designed to fit on top of a typical office desk. It houses the physical hardware that makes a computer run and connects to input devices such as the monitor, keyboard and mouse users interact with.
What are types of digital computer? ›Based on the types and size of the device, these digital computers are divided into 4 types namely Micro computer, Mini computer, Mainframe computer, and Super computer.
When was digital computer used? ›
It was generally believed that the first electronic digital computers were the Colossus, built in England in 1943, and the ENIAC, built in the United States in 1945.
What are 5 examples of digital devices? ›- Personal Computers.
- Servers.
- Mobile Devices.
- Entertainment Systems.
- Navigation Systems.
Answer: A computer is a machine that can be instructed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically via computer programming. Modern computers have the ability to follow generalized sets of operations, called programs.
Why are digital computers important? ›that they can store loads of data and it is very accurate. they are comparatively less expensive. digital computers are more reliable, flexible, and compatible. the upgradation of new features in digital devices is very easy.
Why digital system is important? ›Digital Systems can provide accuracy (dynamic range) limited only by the number of bits used to represent a variable. Digital systems are less prone to error than analog systems. Data representation in a digital system is suitable for error detection and correction.
What a digital computer contains? ›A digital computer contains a (1) processor and (2) memory . The (1) processor executes simple (3) instructions very quickly. It can decide what to do next based on the results of earlier computations and (4) input from the outside world.
What is a computer 5 lines? ›A computer is an electronic device which is very important and useful for us. It has a CPU, a keyboard, a mouse, speakers, monitor and several wires. It runs on electricity. A computer has many uses. It is used for making documents, lists, software, invoices, etc.
What are the uses of computer? ›Computers are used at homes for several purposes like online bill payment, watching movies or shows at home, home tutoring, social media access, playing games, internet access, etc. They provide communication through electronic mail. They help to avail work from home facility for corporate employees.
What is a computer 6 class? ›A computer is an electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory that can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules, produce information (output), and store the information for future use.
Who is the father digital computer? ›Charles Babbage — Father of the Digital Computer.
What was before digital computers? ›
Machines such as the Z3, the Atanasoff–Berry Computer, the Colossus computers, and the ENIAC were built by hand, using circuits containing relays or valves (vacuum tubes), and often used punched cards or punched paper tape for input and as the main (non-volatile) storage medium.
What is a taskbar Class 3? ›The taskbar on a computer screen is the narrow strip of icons, usually located at the bottom of the screen, that shows you which windows are currently open and that allows you to control functions such as the Start button and the clock. Compare toolbar.
What is screen saver class 3? ›A screen saver or screensaver is a software program that becomes activated after the computer is inactive for a specified amount of time. Screensavers were originally designed to help prevent images or text from being burned into older monitors.
What is a desktop class 1? ›: the top surface of a desk. also : an area or window on a computer screen in which icons are arranged in a manner analogous to objects on top of a desk.
What are the 4 types of computer? ›Mainframe computer. Minicomputer. Workstation. PC (Personal Computer)
What are the 3 main types of computer? ›- Analog computers.
- Digital computers.
- Hybrid computers.
- Input or inserting data and instructions.
- Processing.
- Output or retrieving data or information.
- Storing data or information/file management.
- Controlling of devices and functions.
- i) Automatic:
- ii) Speed:
- iii) Accuracy:
- iv) Flexibility:
- v) Memory:
- The high ownership of smartphones in the US is in line with the number of cellular mobile connections. ...
- Computers (both desktops and laptops) and tablets are the second- and third-most-popular electronic devices.
Digital device means an electronic device that can create, generate, send, share, communicate, receive, store, display, or process information, and such electronic devices shall include, but not limited to, desktops, laptops, tablets, peripherals, servers, mobile telephones, smartphones, and any similar storage device ...
What are the most used digital devices? ›
According to recent data, mobile phones top the list of the most popular electronics, worldwide. In 2022, pretty much all (96.1%) consumers own a mobile phone. Of the different types of mobile phones, smartphones are the most popular. They're owned by 95.8% of global consumers.
What is a computer basic answer? ›A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a computer to type documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web.
What is a computer class 6 short answer? ›A computer is an electronic device which consists of hardware and software. Hardware components describe the physical parts of the computer and software controls hardware and run the operating system, different programs & applications like Microsoft Windows, Microsoft word, Microsoft Excel etc. 1.
What is computer Class 9 short answer? ›A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to accept data (input), process it and generate result (output).
What is a computer class 8 answer? ›a) Computer is an electronic machine, that works under instructions given by you.
What does the word digital mean Class 8? ›b) What does the word "digital" means? Ans: Digital mean discrete on/off or discontinuous form of data.
What is digital computer and its advantages? ›Digital computers are computers that process data in binary forms ie. 0's and 1's. The main benefit of digital computers is that they are quick and re-programmable. Some examples are laptops, smartphones, and calculators.
What is digital computer and explain with block diagram? ›A digital computer is considered to be a calculating device that can perform arithmetic operations at enormous speed. It is defined as a device that operates upon information/data. To be able to process data the computer is made of various functional units to perform its specified task.
What is base in computer class 7? ›A base is the available numbers in a numbering system. For example, the most commonly known base is a base-10 numbering system or decimal numbers, which are 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and 9. Another common base when dealing with computers is the binary base-2, which only has the numbers 0 and 1.
What is computer short answer 4? ›A computer is a device that accepts information (in the form of digitalized data) and manipulates it for some result based on a program, software, or sequence of instructions on how the data is to be processed.
What is a computer 3 class answer? ›
What is computer? Ans : A computer is an electronic device that takes input process it and gives the desired output.
What is digital data Short answer? ›Digital data is the electronic representation of information in a format or language that machines can read and understand. In more technical terms, digital data is a binary format of information that's converted into a machine-readable digital format.
What is a computer class 6? ›A computer is an electronic device which consists of hardware and software. Hardware components describe the physical parts of the computer and software controls hardware and run the operating system, different programs & applications like Microsoft Windows, Microsoft word, Microsoft Excel etc.
Why is digital system important? ›Digital Systems can provide accuracy (dynamic range) limited only by the number of bits used to represent a variable. Digital systems are less prone to error than analog systems. Data representation in a digital system is suitable for error detection and correction.
What are the five functions of a digital computer? ›Any digital computer carries out five functions in gross terms: • Data input. Data processing. Information output. Data and information storage.
What does a digital computer contain? ›A digital computer contains a (1) processor and (2) memory . The (1) processor executes simple (3) instructions very quickly. It can decide what to do next based on the results of earlier computations and (4) input from the outside world.
What are three main components of a digital computer? ›Computer systems consist of three components as shown in below image: Central Processing Unit, Input devices and Output devices. Input devices provide data input to processor, which processes data and generates useful information that's displayed to the user through output devices.