A computer is a machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. Modern computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs. These programs enable computers to perform a wide range of tasks. A computer system is a "complete" computer that includes the hardware, operating system (main software), and peripheral equipment needed and used for "full" operation. This term may also refer to a group of computers that are linked and function together, such as a computer network or computer cluster.
A broad range of industrial and consumer products use computers as control systems. Simple special-purpose devices like microwave ovens and remote controls are included, as are factory devices like industrial robots and computer-aided design, as well as general-purpose devices like personal computers and mobile devices like smartphones. Computers power the Internet, which links hundreds of millions of other computers and users.
Early computers were meant to be used only for calculations. Simple manual instruments like the abacus have aided people in doing calculations since ancient times. Early in the Industrial Revolution, some mechanical devices were built to automate long tedious tasks, such as guiding patterns for looms. More sophisticated electrical machines did specialized analog calculations in the early 20th century. The first digital electronic calculating machines were developed during World War II. The first semiconductor transistors in the late 1940s were followed by the silicon-based MOSFET (MOS transistor) and monolithic integrated circuit (IC) chip technologies in the late 1950s, leading to the microprocessor and the microcomputer revolution in the 1970s. The speed, power and versatility of computers have been increasing dramatically ever since then, with transistor counts increasing at a rapid pace (as predicted by Moore's law), leading to the Digital Revolution during the late 20th to early 21st centuries.
Conventionally, a modern computer consists of at least one processing element, typically a central processing unit (CPU) in the form of a microprocessor, along with some type of computer memory, typically semiconductor memory chips. The processing element carries out arithmetic and logical operations, and a sequencing and control unit can change the order of operations in response to stored information. Peripheral devices include input devices (keyboards, mice, joystick, etc.), output devices (monitor screens, printers, etc.), and input/output devices that perform both functions (e.g., the 2000s-era touchscreen). Peripheral devices allow information to be retrieved from an external source and they enable the result of operations to be saved and retrieved.
Hello Moderators,
Why there isn't any sub-section dedicated to "Computer Science & Engineering" in Engineering Section. It'll be very helpful for Computer Science students to share their doubts through that sub-section. We some group of CSE students had trouble clearing our doubts. So, we use to...
hi (Wave). this thread is a complete no-joke thread (Blush). anways my question is, what are the different "subs" of computer engineering. all i know is hardware and software. I am thinking software but is there anything else? also what can you do with it? you know, careers and stuff.
Homework Statement
Let R be the region in the first quadrant bounded by all three of the curves x = 2, y = 1, and y = (x−4)^2.
Compute the volumes V1, V2, and V3 of the solids of revolution obtained by revolving R about the x-axis, the y-axis, and the x = 5 line, respectively.
FIRST, I...
Is it possible to upload photos from your desktop computer to your instagram account? Or are the ONLY photos you can upload are the ones taken with the camera on your smart phone?
Hi,
I am 28 years old. I have completed my B.Sc(Maths, Physics, Computer Science) in 2007. Immediately after that I have got job as a Software Engineer and worked for 2 years(2007-2009). But due to my interest in pursuing Masters in Physics. I have joined in M.Sc(Physics) in 2009 and in final...
I'm starting university really soon and my course is BSc Honours Physics and Computer Science (http://www.qub.ie/home/StudyatQueens/CourseFinder/UCF2014-15/Physics/GF43/ ).
I'm able to switch to a single major in either of these subjects and I've been thinking it would be better for me to do...
I am getting an opportunity to do PhD in semiconductor devices. The professor is quite active in the field and publishing good research. I have no background in solid state physics. How difficult it could be with a computer science background? Also where should I start once enrolled in a...
I'm creating a alternate history/soft sci-fi novel with a company that developed and tested MONIAC Computers for the military before programming for profit in the 1960's. I'm looking to determine a fictional development timeline as well as a way to figure out the commercial use and profitability...
My friend who's job is to work with computers all day told me to delete my registry completely to speed up my computer. Now obviously this raises a couple red flags. Is he right? Is it really ok to completely wipe out the registry on my computer?
Do you think we will ever be able to create a simplified computer simulation of the universe using the cosmic microwave background as the initial state that would generate the true locations of galaxies or at least galaxy clusters, and then be able to find our own galaxy or galaxy cluster within...
Hi all.
Obligatory subjects are:
Algorithms and Data Structures
Probability and Statistics
Computer Networks
Electives are:
Formal languages and Automata
Advanced Programming (Java mainly. generic programming etc. etc.)
Logic and functional programming(Prolog and Lisp)...
So I want to major in Computer Science but the school I will be attending only offers BA degrees(even in the sciences) since they are a small liberal arts school. Will it be a problem for me in the future when looking for jobs if I have a BA in Computer Science?
Also,
A lot of people tell...
I have a BFA in computer animation and currently work in that field, specifically game development. Since I was in high school, I've had an interest in Physics. Lately, I started brushing up on my math (the highest level I took in college was Precal) and decided that I wanted to start studying...
Hi,
I have a computer set up with a KVM switch.
When using the computer and not opening a browser, IE or Firefox, the radio is fine.
When I open a browser I get interference on the radio ... Low frequency on the fm bW in the 80 Mhz range. If I open both browsers it completely kills the...
Hi guys I have a bachelor in Electrical Engineering and I have been working in Testing field which is not hard at all ofcourse. I have just been offered a computer hardware engineering position which will involve design development and testing...am not quite sure if I would be able to do it or...
Hi folks,
I'm interested in unlocking a computer for network folder sharing. After I installed ZoneAlarm for firewall, I haven't been able to open folders from the computer running it.
"Locked" computer information:
- Windows 7
- ZoneAlarm (zones on Medium and all IP's of interest have...
Hey guys!
I am in community college, and this will be my first semester. But I am basically confused in making perfect choice for my major. And the reason is I am good at Math, but bad at Chemistry and Biology.
Following are the courses required to obtain an Associate degree in respective...
I haven't made my official major change yet, but I want some advice.
So I transferred from a local community college to go into Electrical Engineering. I went into it, and I sucked at "hands on" activities in EE. Building circuits just didn't seem like my thing. I mainly went into Electrical...
I am trying to integrate a very messy expression using Wolfram online integrator but I get the message:
"You need to use Mathematica to evaluate this expression".
The online integrator works only for relatively simple expressions.
Unfortunately I do not have a license for Mathematica.
Any...
Mine does, its old but still in good condition, its as fast as i am because i am putting in the input, its shinny on top like me and procrastinate like me.
If you haven't followed what this company has been doing, you probably don't understand my trepidations at posting about it here - but I do want to hear reaction to Professor Matthias Troyer test results from this sector of the Physics community. It involves "Engineering", "Quantum Physics"...
Hello,
I need some advice regarding my plan to apply for a masters in EE.
I have a BS in physics, and I have been in the workforce for about 5-6 years now. I work in the IT field, with a focus on networking, security, LAN/WAN, etc. I have been offered an exciting opportunity of becoming...
I've been programming on and off for a few years just recently taking it seriously. Something I've always wondering about is how the computer understands the commands I type in. Is it essentially binary? and if so how could 1's and 0's possibly create something as complex as a video game or an...
I am Post Graduate in Physics and working as a researcher in Non Destructive testing. I have heard about multi-scale simulations and its applications to material modelling. Iam intersted in learning mutiscale simulations for materials modelling. can anyone provide me links that would let me...
I've been wandering about the protocol or method by which computer monitors receive and interpret information it is sent. Can the information be send down a single wire in a series of pulses? Say for example, you had a monitor that could interpret the following string of code: 1111 1010 1010...
I'm currently a sophomore (finishing up my second year) and want to get some of your guys's opinions on this matter. I'm on track to finish a degree in CS while finishing premed requirements, and then head off to med school after graduating. The thing is, I don't like CS. I'm close to finishing...
Does a person need to have an interest in technology, in general, in order to be a (successful?) computer programmer? I ask, because I believe I saw this mentioned in another thread somewhere not too long ago and I've been looking into the computer programming field the past week.
I think...
I am going to be a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and I (for-sure) plan on majoring in astrophysics as it is my foremost passion. I also happen to have a liking for the computer related fields and having those skills makes myself more marketable for jobs. I plan on adding...
I understand what Computer and Electrical Engineering are in the sense that computer engineering is electronics and some programming and electrical deals more with hardware whether it's power lines or electronics.
What I want to know is whether or not one job market is better than the other. I...
I am not taking any courses this summer and was wondering what computer programming would be ideal to learn for someone focusing on a particle astrophysics major?
Context:
I am entering my Junior year in a computer engineering undergraduate program, and have not yet taken any course involving quantum physics. The only course I am required to take involving quantum physics is Semiconductor Device Physics. I am doing well academically, and am considering...
Hello to everyone at Physicsforums. I want to pursue Computer Engineering, but wondering whether or not I should. I understand that Computer Engineering is a field of study that lies between EE and CS, and that is my problem. I would know less EE than an actual EE and less CS than an actual CS...
Can I get a Phd in physics after bachelor in computer science I would like know if I'll be eligible for applying to physics or applied physics PhD programs? And if yes, do I have any realistic chance of getting into one?
I've been contemplating the possibility of pursuing a minor (or maybe even a dual major, but probably not) in Computer Science to go along with my Physics major. But I must wonder, is it worth it? Will it help me at all when I look for a job in tens of millions of years after getting a PhD...
I've always had an inferiority complex. In high school, i felt very insecure about my looks and now i feel very insecure about my intelligence.
When i was about 5 and learning to count, my parents told me that I sucked at math, so I am very insecure about my math ability, even though i know...
Does quantum computer can to send the information faster than light ??
I have read many of paper about quantum computer that come from quantum entanglement. The Quantum Entanglement may be use in Quantum computer.Does it can use to send the information faster than light or it can surpass the...
I am a freshman in high school, and I need to conduct an interview for my English class of my future career. If any computer engineers out there could answer these questions, it would be much appreciated. I realize that these interviews are no longer allowed, so if I could get a PM that would be...
I am considering majoring in statistics. The school (a mediocre state uni, by the way) calls the major "statistics", but the curriculum is that of an "applied statistics" program, in that it requires you to choose an emphasis that you could apply statistics to. I'm going to choose science...
i am well aware that the job field may be narrower in view but would this be a smart move? i didn't do too well the past two semesters and I am being forced to switch majors. the reason i didn't do well was because of a complete lack of interest and effort on my behalf. I couldn't stand...
Greetings.
I know what both electrical and computer engineering entail as majors.
I just wanted to get some feelers on what some people think would fit me best.
I've always been really interested in circuitry and taking apart small devices. I don't really have any experience working on...
The thing is I love computers, and I think a degree in Computer science can amplify that passion. However, just this time, I began to have interest in Physics to which I have no idea that I have. I am sincerely considering taking a double degree in both of these areas. Unfortunately, I don't...
My laptop restarts on it's own more and more often. At first I thought it's because of Windows updates or Norton updates that did that. But it's been like every other day and right in the middle of me typing in a message on different forums.
Is my computer dying, what can I do?
Another...
I am majoring in Computer Science and have wondered, is computer science a science? as in the physical and natural sciences or is more appropriate to call it engineering? If not is it proper to call someone that has a career in Computer Science a Scientist? I am dealing with the terms and...