computer components
the different parts of computers
Here are some of the main computer components
motherboard
The motherboard holds the computer together. All other components connect to it in some way.
cpu
The CPU (central processing unit) does all the calculations and runs programs.It sits on the motherboard and under the cooling fan and heatsink (which keep the computer cool). for more information, see the video below.
RAM
RAM (random access memory) stores data while it is running. It is called "random access" as data can be processed in any order. The opposite to this is serial access memory (SAM). Where data has to be processed in order.
Understanding the CPU for beginners
notable people
Alan Turing
Alan Turing is often considered the "father of computing". He created the first computer in the second world war to crack the german enigma code, and is thought to have shortened the war by 2 years, saving thousands of lives. He then created electronic computers and dreamed of artificial intelligence. Unfortunately, Turing was gay when homosexuallity was illegal. He committed suicide by eating an apple laced with cyanide. He has since received a pardon. A film has been made about Alan Turing's life, Called the imitation game.
The Imitation Game - Official UK Teaser Trailer
Tim Berners-Lee
Without Tim Berners-Lee, there would be no world wide web. He created the world wide web in the early 90's. It was originally used to link business but was later made public. He has made no money for it and has been knighted by the Queen.
The four generations of conputing
First generation (1945-55)
The fist generation of computers were huge, often taking up whole rooms. they were made up of vacuum tubes and were often programed in binary by wiring plugboards. They were used for calculations.
Second generation (1956-63)
Transistors replaced vacuum tubes, making computers smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy efficient and more reliable. Better coding languages were also invented.
Third generation (1964-71)
transistors were miniaturized and put on silicon chips and keyboards and monitors replaced punched cards.
Fourth generation (1971-present)
microprocessors started the fourth generation, where thousands of circuits were placed on one silicon chip. Home computers and handheld devices were invented.