FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER

Detailed explanation-1: -The term “computer", in use from the early 17th century (the first known written reference dates from 1613), meant “one who computes": a person performing mathematical calculations, before electronic computers became commercially available.

Detailed explanation-2: -The first use of the word “computer” was recorded in 1613, referring to a person who carried out calculations, or computations, and the word continued to be used in that sense until the middle of the 20th century. This means that at first, “a computer” was a “person".

Detailed explanation-3: -Shakuntala Devi (4 November 1929 – 21 April 2013) was an Indian mental calculator and writer, popularly known as the “Human Computer". Her talent earned her a place in the 1982 edition of The Guinness Book of World Records.

Detailed explanation-4: -As a rule, the English term “computer” and the equivalent German term “Rechner” describe calculating machines. But until the middle of the 2oth century, computers were, in fact, humans who performed calculations. This is shown in older specialized books and numerous printed reference works.

Detailed explanation-5: -The earliest known calculating device is probably the abacus. It dates back at least to 1100 bce and is still in use today, particularly in Asia. Now, as then, it typically consists of a rectangular frame with thin parallel rods strung with beads.