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22.PNE
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1987-04-22
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119 lines
COMPUTING FOR THE COMPLETE NOVICE
*********************************
by
**
KEEFY
*****
This, we hope, will become a regular
feature in STOSSER. The aim of this
section is not to make you all into
expert programmers, but simply to
explain how a computer works. What
makes it tick, and all that. If
you're already handy with a computer
then maybe this section won't tell
you anything you don't know, but you
never know. If you're pretty new to
computing then you might find
something useful.
THE COMPUTER
************
A computer is an electronic device
which processes data and supplies
results. They do not have the
ability to take in large ammounts of
data from their surroundings - they
do not have eyes, ears, noses etc;
but they can store and retrieve
information quickly and efficiently,
and process several million simple
instructions every second. They
always process data accurately -
provided the program requests the
correct actions and the information
given for processing is correct.
Computers can save a lot of time and
effort - quickly completing routine
work meaning you've got more time for
other stuff.
Therefore computers are useful
problem solvers because they offer:
SPEED OF OPERATION
STORAGE CAPACITY
CONSISTENCY
ACCURACY
TYPES OF COMPUTERS
******************
There are three main types of
computers:
MAIN-FRAME
MINI-COMPUTER
MICRO-COMPUTER
The differences between the 3 is
size, cost and processing ability...
The MAIN-FRAME computer is the
largest type of computer. In the
early 1970s they would have needed
air-conditioning and a cooling
system. The developement of micro-
processors meant smaller computers
that didn't need as many special
conditions. They are faster in
operation and suited to high
presision maths, and can usually
support a larger number of connected
devices.
MINI-COMPUTERS would fit under a
desk or in a cupboard. They are
cheaper and smaller than main-frames,
and can support several devices.
MICRO-COMPUTERS do not require
highly trained operators. They are
portable and can be found in many
homes and offices (a là ST). They
are inexpensive (usually), and work
as soon as they are switched on.
However, when calculating, they work
to less decimal places than larger
computers, often using integers, and
are therefore less accurate.
Some computers are DEDICATED. This
means they are only programmed to
deal with one type of processing eg:
WORD PROCESSING
PAYROLLS
GAMES
Non-dedicated computers are suitable
for a variety of uses.
Well, that's it for this issue, next
issue we'll go inside a computer and
talk about the CPU and memory. Hope
someone out there found it
interesting.
BYE! KEEFY!