Understanding Computers

Computer definition comes from the Latin computare which implies counting. Because the extent of arable fields of computer science, experts and researchers differ slightly in defining termininologi computer.

   1.
      According to Hamacher [1], the computer is an electronic calculating machine that quickly and can receive a digital input information, then process it in accordance with programs stored in memory, and generate output information.
   2.
      According Blissmer [2], a computer is an electronic device that can perform several tasks as follows:
         1.
            receive input
         2.
            process the input was in accordance with the program
         3.
            keep the commandments and the results of processing
         4.
            provides output in the form of information
   3.
      Sedangan Fuori [3] argued that the computer is a data processor that can perform large calculations quickly, including arithmetic and logic operations, without intervention from humans.
To realize the conception of computers as a data processor to generate some information, then the required computer system (computer system) which consists of hardware elements, software and brainware. These three elements of the computer system must be interconnected and form a unity. Hardware will not work if without the software, and vice versa. And both are not useful when there is no human (brainware) who operate and control it.

   1.
      Hardware or Hardware: equipment that is physically visible and can be touched.
   2.
      Software or Software: programs that provide instructions / commands to perform data processing.
   3.
      Brainware: people who operate and control computer systems.

 Computer classification of the latest literature on the computer do the classification of computer based tigal things: data that is processed, use, capacity / size, and generation. Based on the Data Processed

   1.
      Analog Computer
   2.
      Digital Computers
   3.
      Hybrid Computer

 Based on its consumer

   1.
      Computers For Special Purpose (Special Purpose Computer)
   2.
      For General Purpose Computers (General Purpose Computer)

 Based on the capacity and size

   1.
      Micro Computer (Micro Computer)
   2.
      Computer Mini (Mini Computer)
   3.
      Small Computer (Small Computer)
   4.
      Computer Medium (Medium Computer)
   5.
      Big Computer (Large Computer)
   6.
      Super Computer (Super Computer)

 Based on the generation

   1.
      First Generation Computers (1946-1959)
   2.
      Second Generation Computers (1959-1964)
   3.
      Third Generation Computers (1964-1970)
   4.
      Fourth Generation Computers (1979-present)
   5.
      Fifth Generation Computer

 Reference

   1.
      V. Carl Hamacher, Zvonko G. Vranesic, Safwat G. Zaky, Computer Organization (5th Edition), McGraw-Hill, 2001.
   2.
      Robert H. Blissmer, Annual Computer, An Introduction to Information Systems 1985-1986 (2nd Edition), John Wiley & Sons, 1985.
   3.
      William M. Fuori, Introduction to the Computer: The Tool of Business (3rd Edition), Prentice Hall, 1981.