Computers are machines that can receive and execute instructions, ranging from small to large and with various functions. PCs are just one type of computer, while embedded computers serve specific purposes. Computers have revolutionized human history and will continue to advance in the future.
We all know what a computer is in a specific and contemporary sense. Personal computers (PCs) are found in most aspects of daily life, and for some it is difficult to even imagine a world without them. But the term doesn’t simply mean the Macs and PCs we’re familiar with. A computer is, in its most basic form, a machine that can receive instructions and perform calculations based on those instructions.
It is the ability to take instructions, often known as programs, and execute them that distinguishes a computer from a mechanical calculator. While both are capable of performing calculations, a calculator simply responds to immediate input. In fact, most modern calculators are actually computers, with a number of pre-installed programs to help with complex tasks.
Computers range from very small to very large. Some are capable of performing millions of calculations in just one second, while others can take long periods of time to perform even the simplest calculations. But in theory, anything that one computer can do, another will be able to do as well. Given the right instructions and enough memory, a computer found in a wristwatch should be able to do anything a supercomputer can do, even though it may take thousands of years for the wristwatch to complete the task.
Computers were once extremely large and required enormous amounts of energy. This made them useful for only a small amount of tasks, such as trajectory calculations for astronomical or military applications, or code breaking. Over time, with advances in technology, they have been downsized and their energy requirements have reduced immensely. This has allowed the power to be harnessed for an impressive array of uses.
As widespread as PCs are, they haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of computer use in our world. Interactive devices of all kinds contain their own computers. Cell phones, GPS units, portable organizers, ATMs, gas pumps, and millions of other devices make use of them to streamline their operations and to offer features that would be impossible without them.
A computer like this is often referred to as an embedded computer. The embedded type differs from a PC because it is essentially static in its function. While a PC, some cell phones, and some personal organizers are capable of installing new software and using a wide range of features, an integrated computer usually serves only a few purposes, which are relatively solved once the device is manufactured.
Embedded systems vary in the amount of changes that can occur after production. An MP3 player, for example, is a built-in computer, but it can have some interaction and changes made. It can allow the user to change the colors used, change the clock, update the firmware and change the songs or playlists in memory. One within a semaphore, to take another example, is probably quite fixed. It’s set up to respond to a few certain agendas: time of day, a trigger when a car approaches, and perhaps input from a central database in the case of more advanced systems. These programs are not built for interactivity and will probably never change in the life of the system.
The computer is one of the most powerful innovations in human history. With their use, people are suddenly able to perform a staggering amount of calculations at staggering speeds. Information can be processed, organized and visualized in the blink of an eye. As technology continues to advance, the computer will no doubt become even more pervasive and, in many cases, likely even less recognizable.
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