Introduction to Computers

Computer Components

• The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is responsible for making simple comparisons in a computer.

What is COMPUTER?

• COMPUTER stands for Common Operating Machine Particularly Used for Technical and Educational Research.

Limitations of Computers

• One of the limitations of computers mentioned in the text is that they are not capable of thinking on their own.

Input Processing Unit

• The input processing unit in a computer is responsible for interpreting and executing instructions from the user.

Advantages of Computers

• Some advantages of computers mentioned in the text include their ability to perform calculations quickly and accurately, process large amounts of data, and automate repetitive tasks.

Invention of Calculating Machines

• Blaise Pascal is credited with inventing the first mechanical calculating machine.

Early Calculating Devices

• The Pascaline, invented by Blaise Pascal, was capable of performing multiplication and division by adding and subtracting.
• The abacus, an ancient calculating device, was limited to the computation of additions and subtractions.

Slide Rule

• The purpose of the slide rule used by NASA engineers in the 1960s was to perform calculations quickly and accurately.

Logarithmic Calculations

• The slide rule was based on the principles of logarithms to perform calculations.