Computer Hope
Software => Computer software => Topic started by: ComputerStudent on October 01, 2009, 05:25:48 PM
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I am in the very first class of pursuing a Network Security degree. This is a question I have been asked to research the answer:
"Do all types of computers have operating systems? "
Can anyone point me to articles, etc that would answer this quetsion?
Many thanks
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"Do all types of computers have operating systems? "
No, analog computers do not.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog_computer
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Actually NO computers have operating systems until someone installs one.
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NO for me too...
I remember the telecommunication switches... they are computers but do their function by just receiving electrical pulses from other end of the line... IMO they are also computer without OS
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Anticipating the next question you will be asked to research:
What was the first personal computer? (http://www.blinkenlights.com/pc.shtml)
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What was the first personal computer?
Answer is hidden below in the blue bar.
To reveal the answer, run mouse over it holding left button.
Tthe abacus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abacus << click here
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Answer is hidden below in the blue bar.
To reveal the answer, run mouse over it holding left button.
Tthe abacus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abacus << click here
Nice attempt at hiding the answer... can see it fine on my screen. The blues are two different shades. ::)
Besides, more accurately, that would be called a calculator, not a personal computer.
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Besides, more accurately, that would be called a calculator, not a personal computer.
Computers are calculators. That is how they evolved.
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a computer is a calculator in many ways.
However a calculator is NOT a computer and therefore, an abacus (calculator) is not a computer.
additionally if we are to be so pedantic as to include the abacus in the definition, is it not true that human beings created the abacus to make it easier on themselves, whereas they would normally do it with their heads?
Does it not stand to reason in such a case that the human mind would be the first calculator?
Ahh, but that is not true! many other animals have minds as well and respond to stimuli in a way that usually depends on the different stimuli. OMG! this means that animal brains support the concept of a function, which is even better then the abacus!
of course if we were to drop the pedanticism and face facts we would realize that taking advantage of the vague phrasing of the question "what was the first computer" which implicitly and quite obviously meant computers that were based on the concepts of electrical logic gates, and instead twisting it to present some misinformed argument about how pieces of wood on rods somehow constitutes the same class as the intel microprocessor is not only wrong but also insulting to the work that has been done to make the microprocessor possible.
The same pedantic argument could be used to say that a box with a hole in it is a camera.
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The same pedantic argument could be used to say that a box with a hole in it is a camera.
Very true. Thee were sold by Kodak. :P
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Every Human is a calculator....some have evolved into computers...others have continued this trek...
Who knows where we're headed from here...
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Forgive me but wasnt one of the first computers a weaving machine using punch cards a bit like the old ones in the fifties or the code cracker at bletchley park used to crack enigma codes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Babbage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Difference_engine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bletchley_park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colossus_computer
to his first question the looming machine used punched cards so technically is that on O.P and the colossus did not use one
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacquard_loom
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Computers are calculators. That is how they evolved.
Indeed, that is correct, but that's not what I said. I said an abacus isn't a personal computer. Saying an abacus is a personal computer is like saying a Laufmaschine is a motorcycle. You might be able to compare a Laufmaschine to a velocipede or even a more modern bicycle, but it is still by no means a motorcycle.
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Indeed, that is correct, but that's not what I said. I said an abacus isn't a personal computer. Saying an abacus is a personal computer is like saying a Laufmaschine is a motorcycle. You might be able to compare a Laufmaschine to a velocipede or even a more modern bicycle, but it is still by no means a motorcycle.
The early computers were made to do extensive calculations. They were to produce long lists of numbers that could be used to translate numerical information. For example, a table of numbers that would indicate ate the range of a battle ship gun for different variables.
Later, the tern computer came to be used to identify the modern device as being superior. Do you want to re write history to suit modern usage?
Generally speaking, compute refers to the use of reasoning, formulæ, etc., dealing with quantities of any kind, and calculate refers to the manipulation of numbers. The distinction is not very clear cut though.
Source is from a senior member of the WordReference.com (http://WordReference.com) Language Forums
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Generally speaking, compute refers to the use of reasoning, formulæ, etc., dealing with quantities of any kind, and calculate refers to the manipulation of numbers. The distinction is not very clear cut though.
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The early computers were made to do extensive calculations. They were to produce long lists of numbers that could be used to translate numerical information. For example, a table of numbers that would indicate ate the range of a battle ship gun for different variables.
Later, the tern computer came to be used to identify the modern device as being superior. Do you want to re write history to suit modern usage?
Source is from a senior member of the WordReference.com (http://WordReference.com) Language Forums
Again, you've not completely read what I said. There is a difference between just a computer and a personal computer. The original statement said personal computers. My reply said personal computers. Early computers were not personal computers.