X86 and Technical Specification
WHAT IS COMPUTER? The word “Computer” is derived from the word “compute” which means to calculate. In the past, the computer was normally considered to be a calculating device which used to calculate arithmetic operations. But today, computer is used in every field of daily life to solve problems of different kinds. Therefore, a computer can be defined as:
Definition:
Computer is an electronic device that is used to solve different kinds of problems depending on a set of instructions given to it.
Functions:
A computer can perform following functions:
1) Accepts data and instructions as an input.
2) Processes or manipulates the data according to the given instructions.
3) Produces the output known as information.
4) Stores information for future use.
HISTORY OF COMPUTER The history of computers goes back to a very long way. For many years, people used their own brain power to perform calculations. So the first computers were people! Electronic computers were given this name because they performed the work that had previously been assigned to people. The brief history of some of the old computers is described below:
Abacus:
It is earliest and the simplest form of calculating device, it used rods with beads on them to perform calculations.
Napier’s Bone:
John Napier developed Napier’s Bone in 17th century to perform arithmetic calculations.
Pascaline:
Blaise Pascal developed Pascaline in 1642. It consisted of wheels and gears numbered from 0 to 9 to perform arithmetic calculations.
Difference Engine and Analytical Engine:
In 1822, Charles Babbage developed a special calculator named as ‘Difference Engine’ which was powered by steam of calculations. Later on in 1842, he also designed ‘Analytical Engine’. It was first automatic programmable computer which could perform arithmetic calculations at a speed of 60 additions per minute.
Boolean algebra:
It is known as algebra of logic. It was introduced by George Boole on 1847 for
Definition:
Computer is an electronic device that is used to solve different kinds of problems depending on a set of instructions given to it.
Functions:
A computer can perform following functions:
1) Accepts data and instructions as an input.
2) Processes or manipulates the data according to the given instructions.
3) Produces the output known as information.
4) Stores information for future use.
HISTORY OF COMPUTER The history of computers goes back to a very long way. For many years, people used their own brain power to perform calculations. So the first computers were people! Electronic computers were given this name because they performed the work that had previously been assigned to people. The brief history of some of the old computers is described below:
Abacus:
It is earliest and the simplest form of calculating device, it used rods with beads on them to perform calculations.
Napier’s Bone:
John Napier developed Napier’s Bone in 17th century to perform arithmetic calculations.
Pascaline:
Blaise Pascal developed Pascaline in 1642. It consisted of wheels and gears numbered from 0 to 9 to perform arithmetic calculations.
Difference Engine and Analytical Engine:
In 1822, Charles Babbage developed a special calculator named as ‘Difference Engine’ which was powered by steam of calculations. Later on in 1842, he also designed ‘Analytical Engine’. It was first automatic programmable computer which could perform arithmetic calculations at a speed of 60 additions per minute.
Boolean algebra:
It is known as algebra of logic. It was introduced by George Boole on 1847 for