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What is a computer?
The basic definition explains that it is a device that is used for storing and processing data. Computers would typically work using binary which is a counting system only consisting of 1 and 0 rather than the 1 to 10 system. Additionally, these binary system are how computers think and how they complete the various instructions that are asked of them. For instance, when entering a web browser a computer must recognize the command it is being asked of and execute accordingly. -
When was it first created?
The first computer ever created can vary depending on how one defines a computer. However, the oldest recording of a device that was able to store and process data is the Hewlett-Packard 200A. It was a device that was able to record and store audio created in 1939. At the time, it was a revolutionary invention which took years of research to complete and costed about $54 dollars. Considering how little dollar was worth back then, this would equate to about $930 USD in 2017. -
What can it do?
The Hewlett-Packard 200A and other computers alike were only able to do specific tasks, and they were created to ONLY be able to do those specific tasks unlike today computers. For instance, the Complex Number Calculator (CNC) was a computer able to calculate and do math, however, that was about all it could do and was not able to do any complex tasks such as opening a program such as paint. -
How did it change over the years? (1940-2017)
Computers have changed significantly over the years because of the vast amount of tasks and programs it is able to run today. In the past, computers would not have any clear sign of visual graphics such as the things we see on our monitor and were only made to do specific tasks such as calculate, record audio, and save documents rather than the broad amount of things they are able to do now. Additionally, they are made much more compact and powerful than it ever was before. -
How popular were computers?
In the past, it was revolutionary and was never seen before but was only made available to specific consumers rather than the public solely due to how expensive they were. It was documented that sales results were very low and was believed to be because the purpose of the device and it's functions was not enough for price they released them at. Hence why like mentioned before, only specific companies and organizations such as Walt Disney invested into them. -
When were computers made available to the public?
Computers were made available to the public consumer around 1982. At this point, they were much more powerful than it's older brother like the HP 200A and were capable of running basic programs such as paint and eventually use the internet when it was introduced two years after. Additionally, while it was still priced extremely high, the idea of owning a personal computer interested many and it began a trend to own a PC. -
How significantly did the release of the internet affect sales of personal computers?
It affected it very significantly as it opened up a gate of many different possibilities and activities in which consumers with a PC could do. They were able to open basic web browser and do things 'online' which was never heard of before. The idea of a worldwide network made the consumers feel connected to each other and caught so much interest to the point where anyone who owned a PC could almost have bragging rights, similar to how someone may talk about having the newest phone or MacBook. -
Are phones also considered computers? And when were they introduced?
While the first phone call ever recorded was made in 1876. Technically, phones that can be considered computers were not introduced until around the 1980s in which they were large but still handheld and were able to make calls wirelessly. Eventually, phones became more powerful and even had built-in cameras which was introduced in the 2000 in Japan, leading to what we have today which are 100x more powerful than the computers of the past yet made in such a small form factor. -
How powerful are modern-day computers?
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How does the advancement of computers and technology affect society as a whole?
The advancement of computers and technology alike has changed the society, for the most part, positively as it allows us to be more connected with each other around the world as well as advance other important things such as the effectiveness of medicines and hospital equipment. Additionally, it made basic life activities much more efficient and easy such as cooking and cleaning.
