Main characteristics of the computer. Basic terms, definitions and concepts of computers. General information about computers and computing systems

Computer and microprocessor

Electronic computer (computer) – this is a device that performs data input operations, processes them according to a program, and outputs the results of processing in a form suitable for human perception.

A computer can include information input devices (keyboard, mouse, ...), arithmetic-logical unit (ALU), random access memory (RAM), control device (CU), information output devices (display screen, printer, ...).

The ALU directly processes data: adding two numbers, multiplying one number by another, transferring information from one place to another. The control unit coordinates the interaction of all computer devices. RAM is intended for recording, reading and temporary storage of programs (when the computer is turned off, the information in RAM is erased), initial data, intermediate and final results. Direct access to memory elements. All memory cells are combined into groups of 8 bits (1 byte) and each such group has an address at which it can be accessed.

The first miniature computer housed in one ultra-large computer integrated circuit(VLSI) on a silicon chip was developed and released in 1971 by Intel (USA). This VLSI was called microprocessor (MP) type i8008. This circuit contained several thousand active elements (transistors) implementing schematic diagram COMPUTER (ALU, UU, RAM).

The number of such active elements in an MP crystal is called its degree of integration. Together with clock frequency, bit depth And address space they determine main parameters of MP.

MP clock frequency characterizes its performance. It is set by a microcircuit called a clock generator. Modern MPs have clock frequency up to two or more GigaHertz (GHz).

MP bit depth– this is the number of simultaneously processed MP bits (8, 16, 32, 64 bits). The higher the bit capacity of the MP, the more information it can process per unit of time, the higher its efficiency.

The maximum amount of memory that the MP can handle is called its address space. The address space is determined by the bit width of the address bus.

Today it is customary to divide MPs according to the features of their architecture into the following 4 groups.RISC- These are high-speed MPs with a reduced set of commands. Their main manufacturers are Sun, DEC, HP, IBM. CISC is an MP with a complex set of commands. These include all MP x86, Pentium, Pentium Pro, Pentium II, III, 4. Their main manufacturers are Intel and AMD. VLIW– this is an MP with an extra-long command word (Intel Itanium). EPIC– this is an MP of computing with “explicit parallelism” (Intel Itanium).

A personal computer whose central device is a microprocessor is called personal computer. Those. personal computer (PC) is a computer implemented on the basis of microprocessor technology and focused on personal use by humans.

2. Classification of modern computers

A variant of division has been proposed in the literature modern computers into the following categories.

1) Pocket PCs much simpler than PCs of other categories, however, complete with cell phone, fax modem and printer, they can represent full-fledged mobile office equipment. OS Windows CE. RAM at least 4 MB. Communication with desktop PCs is wireless infrared. Weight about 200 gr. The batteries last about 10 hours without recharging.

2) Laptops are full-fledged PCs. They use mobile Intel Celerone/Pentium III/IV MP and SVGA displays. OS - Windows 2000. CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drives available. Weight 3-4 kg. Thickness - 5 cm.

3) PC for home automation (HomePC) appeared relatively recently (in 1998). Two lines of such PCs are being developed. The first is eHome (developed by MicroSoft) for controlling home electronics (refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioner), for working with a game console and browsing the Internet. The second is a wireless PC (developed by Intel). Provides connection between a PC and a TV or stereo system via a wireless network.

4) Basic desktop PCs are the most common. Since 2002, they have been based on the Intel Pentium 4 microprocessor.

In RS 99 specification(these are recommendations from Intel and MicroSoft) suggested by PCs from 2000 divide into categories: Consumer PC (consumer PC), Office PC (office PC), Entertainment PC (entertainment PC), Mobile PC (mobile PC), Workstation PC ( workstation).

Specification RS 2001(also developed by Intel and MicroSoft) contains PC requirements:

The PC should not have ISA slots, PS/2 ports, 1.2/1.44 MB floppy drives and MS-DOS.

USB bus support is required, because All keyboards, mice, joysticks must have a USB interface.

Processor from 500 MHz (workstation - from 700 MHz).

Cache from 128 KB (workstation - from 512 KB).

Memory from 64 MB (workstation - from 128 MB).

The system must control the built-in fan.

Video in a format of at least 1024*768 pixels (with a refresh rate of at least 85 Hz).

The audio subsystem must support 2 key formats 44.1-48 KHz, without loading the MP by more than 10%.

CD-ROM drives must run at 8x speed or faster.

If you have a DVD-ROM, then it should play DVD-RAM, DVD+RW discs, as well as all CD-ROM disc formats.

ASDN, ADSL and wireless adapters are welcome.

PC specification forWindowsXPrequires:

RAM 128 MB, video memory 64 MB, PC boots faster than 30 s, exits from temporary shutdown in 20 s.

HDD of at least 40 GB.

Magneto-optical drives CD-R/W, DVD and combined.

The system must have 4 USB ports.

Graphics subsystem 1024*768 (but better than 1280*1024).

Have a DVI digital interface connector for LCD monitors.

Have network Ethernet 10/100 adapter, built-in DSL or cable modem.

The noise from the PC is no higher than 37 db.

5) Network PCs promoted by Sun, IBM, Oracle, as well as Intel, MicroSoft and HP. Such PCs typically do not have a hard drive and depend on the server's disk storage. They have low cost. Often this is a sealed PC without the ability to install expansion cards.

6) High-performance desktops and entry-level servers are more expensive devices. They are designed for desktop publishing users who need to work with complex graphics. They usually have a midi tower chassis with a large number expansion connectors. Can support multiple drives. They have a large cache memory. Their main quality is reliability and fault tolerance.

7) High-end multiprocessor workstations and servers have from two to eight powerful processors. For them, the concept of “scalability” is important – i.e. the ability to increase the number of processors, memory modules and other resources to perform higher-level practical tasks.

8) Supercomputers intended for scientific research, for meteorology, aerodynamics, seismology, atomic and nuclear physics, mathematical modeling, etc. The performance and price of these computers are enormous.

9) Cluster system is a combination of computers that is a single whole for the operating system, system software, application programs and users. They provide a high degree of fault tolerance and at the same time, these systems are cheaper than supercomputers.

Selecting a personal computer (PC) for solving applied problems– this is a serious task. Usually it does not have a unique solution and largely depends on the intended scope of the PC (the class of applied problems being solved).

For example, for computer control of students’ knowledge, the following requirements for equipment in a modern computer lab can be formulated.

1) Equipping personal computers with the Russian version of Windows 2000/XP.

2) Availability of Internet access (it is enough to have one access to all classes to transfer files with protocols via the Internet to the university server).

3) The presence in the classroom of one computer with a sound card and speakers for the “Listening” subtest when testing in English, Russian as a foreign language, etc.

4) Special requirements for additional equipment in the classroom (false panels, video camera, panoramic glass, etc.), related to the specifics of the computer testing procedure and the need to ensure information security.

What is a computer?

Computer (English computer - computer) - a programmable electronic computing device for data processing, transmission and storage of information. That is, a computer is a complex of software-controlled electronic devices.

The term " computer" (or " personal computer") is synonymous with the abbreviation " computer"(electronic computer) or "PC" ( personal computer). After the advent of personal computers (from the English personal computer, PC), the term computer was subsequently practically driven out of use and replaced by the borrowed term “computer”, “PC” or “PC”. The fact is that if the designations “PC” and “PC” characterize a computer as a “single-user general purpose computer,” then the term “PC” means precisely an IBM PC-compatible computer.

With the help of calculations, a computer is able to process information according to a predetermined algorithm. In addition, a computer, using software, is able to receive, store and search for information, display information on various types output devices. Computers got their name from their main function - carrying out calculations. Currently, in addition to direct computing functions, computers are used for processing and managing information, as well as games.

The computer design scheme was proposed by the famous mathematician John von Neumann in 1946; its operating principles have largely been preserved in modern computers.

First of all, a computer, according to von Neumann's principles, must have the following devices:

* an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) that performs arithmetic and logical operations;
* control device (CU), which organizes the process of program execution;
* storage device (memory), or memory for storing programs and data;
* external devices for input/output of information.

The computer's memory must consist of a certain number of numbered cells, each of which can contain either processed data or program instructions. All memory cells must be equally easily accessible to other computer devices.

In addition to computer architecture, Neumann proposed the fundamental principles of the logical structure of a computer.

John von Neumann's principles:

1. Principle program control(a program consists of a set of commands that are executed by the processor one after another in a certain sequence);

2. The principle of memory homogeneity (programs and data are stored in the same memory);

3. The principle of addressing (the main memory consists of numbered cells, and any cell is available to the processor at any time).

Computers built on these principles are referred to as “von Neumann” computers. Today these are the vast majority of computers, including IBM PC-compatible ones. But there are also computer systems with a different architecture - for example, systems for parallel computing.

Typically, a computer is designed based on the open architecture principle:
* Description of the operating principle of a PC and its configuration, which allows you to assemble a PC from individual components and parts;
* The presence of internal expansion slots in the PC into which the user can insert various devices that meet a given standard.

In most modern computers, a problem is first described in a form they can understand, with all the necessary information represented in binary form (in the form of ones and zeros), after which the steps to process it are reduced to the application of simple algebra of logic. Since almost all mathematics can be reduced to doing Boolean operations, a sufficiently fast electronic computer can be used to solve most mathematical problems (as well as most information processing problems that can be easily reduced to mathematical ones).

The result of the completed task can be presented to the user using various information output devices, such as lamp indicators, monitors, printers, projectors, etc.

It was discovered that computers still cannot solve any math problem. Problems that cannot be solved by computers were first described by the English mathematician Alan Turing.

Applications of computers

The first computers were created directly for computing (as reflected in the names “computer” and “computer”). It's no coincidence that I'm the first high level language programming was Fortran, intended solely for performing mathematical calculations.

The second major application was databases. First of all, governments and banks needed them. Databases require more complex computers with developed input-output and information storage systems. For these purposes, the Cobol language was developed. Later, DBMS (database management systems) appeared with their own programming languages.

The third application was to control all kinds of devices. Here the development went from highly specialized devices (often analogue) to the gradual introduction of standard computer systems, on which control programs are launched. In addition, more and more equipment is beginning to include a control computer.

Finally, computers have developed so much that the computer has become the main information tool both in the office and at home. That is, now almost any work with information is carried out through a computer - be it typing or watching movies. This applies to both storing information and sending it over communication channels.

Modern supercomputers are used to simulate complex physical and biological processes - for example, nuclear reactions or climate change. Some projects are carried out using distributed computing, when a large number is relatively weak computers works on small parts of the overall problem at the same time, thus forming a very powerful computer.

The most complex and underdeveloped application of computers is artificial intelligence- the use of computers to solve problems where there is no clearly defined more or less simple algorithm. Examples of such tasks are games, machine translation of text, expert systems.

A computer (from the English computer - calculator) is a programmable electronic computing device designed for storing and transmitting information, as well as processing data. That is, a computer is a complex of software-controlled electronic devices.

The term “personal computer” is a synonym for the abbreviation “computer” (electronic computer). When did they appear personal computers, the term mainframe soon fell out of use, being replaced by the term "computer", "PC" or "PC".

A computer can use calculations to process information according to a specific algorithm. Besides this, software allows the computer to store, receive, and retrieve information, as well as output it to various input devices. The name of computers comes from their main function - computing, but today, in addition to computing, computers are used for processing information, as well as for games.

The computer circuit was proposed in 1949 by mathematician John von Neumann, and since then the principle of the device has remained almost unchanged.

According to von Neumann's principles, a computer should consist of the following devices:

an arithmetic logic device that performs logical and arithmetic operations;

a storage device for storing data;

a control device that organizes the process of program execution;

information input/output devices.

Computer memory must consist of a certain number of numbered cells, each of which contains program instructions or processed data. Cells are available to all computer devices.

Most computers are designed using an open architecture principle:

a description of the configuration and operating principle of a PC, allowing you to assemble a computer from individual parts and assemblies;

the presence in the computer of expansion slots into which you can insert devices that comply with a given standard.

In most computers today, a problem is first described in an understandable way by providing information in binary form, and then it is processed using logic and simple algebra. Since almost all mathematics can be reduced to performing Boolean operations, using a quick electronic computer Most math problems can be solved. The result of calculations is presented to the user by information input devices - printers, lamp indicators, monitors, projectors.

However, it was found that computers cannot solve any mathematical problem. English mathematician Alan Turing described the first problems that could not be solved by a computer.

Applications of computers

The first computers were created only for calculations (as the name suggests), and the first high-level programming language was Fortran, which was intended only for performing mathematical calculations.

Then computers found another use - databases. First of all, banks and governments needed them. Databases required more complex computers with developed information storage and input-output systems. The Cobol language was developed to meet these requirements. After some time, database management systems (DBMS) appeared, which had their own programming languages.

Another use of computers is control various devices. The field has evolved gradually, from highly specialized devices (often analog) to standard computer systems that run control programs. Besides this, more and more modern technology includes a control computer.

Today, the development of the computer has reached such a level that it is the main information tool both at home and in the office. Thus, almost all work with information is carried out through a computer - from typing texts to watching films. This also applies to storing and forwarding information.

Scientists use modern supercomputers to simulate complex biological and physical processes, such as climate change or nuclear reactions. Some projects are carried out using distributed computing, in which large number Not good powerful computers simultaneously solves different parts of the same problem, thereby forming one powerful computer.

The most complex and not yet highly developed area of ​​​​using computers is artificial intelligence - the use of computers in solving problems that do not have a clear, relatively simple algorithm. Examples of such tasks are games, expert systems, and machine translation of text.

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Test assignment - ICT assignments

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Final work: preparation of the abstract “History of the development of computer technology”

1. In a word processor, create a new document and sequentially copy the contents of the files into it Introduction.rtf, The beginning of the era EBM.rtf, First generation EBM.rtf, Second generation EBM.rtf, Third generation EBM.rtf, Fourth generation EBM.rtf, Conclusion .rtf.

2. Save the result of your work in a personal folder under the name Abstract.rtf.

3. Head each of the six sections of the document (the section names may be the same as the corresponding file names).

4. Format the document according to the requirements for the abstract.

5. Add the title page you previously prepared (Title.rtf) to the beginning of the document.

6. Add a header to the document pages with the title of the abstract.

7. After the words “The first electronic computer (computer)” in the section “The beginning of the computer era”, add a footnote in which you explain how the concepts of “computer” and “computer” are related.

8. Find information about S. A. Lebedev on the Internet and supplement the text of the abstract with it.

9. Find out when and by whom the first mass-produced personal computer was developed, and add this information to the appropriate section of the essay.

10. Find images of computers of different generations on the Internet. Insert one of the most interesting images into the appropriate sections.

11. Add to the abstract the section “Comparative characteristics of computer generations” and include a table in it:

12. Find the necessary information on the Internet and enter it in the appropriate cells of the table.

13. Add a section “List of references and Internet resources” and include in it a list of information sources that you used when preparing your abstract.

14. Apply style formatting to each of the section headings by selecting the “Heading 1” style for them. Automatically generate a new “Table of Contents” section.

15. Save the file with the changes in your personal folder, print it and submit it to your teacher for review.

Completion of items 1–5 of the job description corresponds to the rating “satisfactory”; items 1–10 – “good”; items 1–14 – “excellent”.

urok28-7klass.blogspot.ru

A computer (from the English computer - calculator) is a programmable electronic computing device designed for storing and transmitting information, as well as processing data. That is, a computer is a complex of software-controlled electronic devices.

The term " personal computer r" is a synonym for the abbreviation " computer"(electronic computer). When personal computers appeared, the term computer soon fell out of use, being replaced by the term "computer", " PC" or " PC».

A computer can use calculations to process information according to a specific algorithm. In addition, software allows the computer to store, receive, and retrieve information, as well as output it to various input devices. The name of computers comes from their main function - computing, but today, in addition to computing, computers are used for processing information, as well as for games.

The computer circuit was proposed in 1949 by mathematician John von Neumann, and since then the principle of the device has remained almost unchanged.

According to von Neumann's principles, a computer should consist of the following devices:

an arithmetic logic unit that performs logical and arithmetic operations;

a storage device for storing data;

a control device that organizes the process of program execution;

information input/output devices.

Computer memory must consist of a certain number of numbered cells, each of which contains program instructions or processed data. Cells are available to all computer devices.

Most computers are designed using an open architecture principle:

a description of the configuration and operating principle of a PC, allowing you to assemble a computer from individual parts and assemblies;

the presence in the computer of expansion slots into which you can insert devices that comply with a given standard.

In most computers today, a problem is first described in an understandable way by providing information in binary form, and then it is processed using logic and simple algebra. Since almost all mathematics can be reduced to Boolean operations, most mathematical problems can be solved with a fast electronic computer. The result of calculations is presented to the user by information input devices - printers, lamp indicators, monitors, projectors.

However, it was found that computers cannot solve any mathematical problem. English mathematician Alan Turing described the first problems that could not be solved by a computer.

Applications of computers

The first computers were created only for calculations (as the name suggests), and the first high-level programming language was Fortran, which was intended only for performing mathematical calculations.

Then computers found another use - databases. First of all, banks and governments needed them. Databases required more complex computers with advanced information storage and input-output systems. The Cobol language was developed to meet these requirements. After some time, database management systems (DBMS) appeared, which had their own programming languages.

Another use of computers is to control various devices. The field has evolved gradually, from highly specialized devices (often analog) to standard computer systems that run control programs. In addition, more and more modern technology includes a control computer.

Today, the development of the computer has reached such a level that it is the main information tool both at home and in the office. Thus, almost all work with information is carried out through a computer - from typing texts to watching films. This also applies to storing and forwarding information.

Scientists use modern supercomputers to simulate complex biological and physical processes such as climate change or nuclear reactions. Some projects are carried out using distributed computing, in which a large number of not very powerful computers simultaneously solve different parts of the same problem, thereby forming one powerful computer.

The most complex and not yet highly developed area of ​​​​using computers is artificial intelligence - the use of computers in solving problems that do not have a clear, relatively simple algorithm. Examples of such tasks are games, expert systems, and machine translation of text.