Bea's+Report

Today, we’ll be talking about a common household object (no, sir, it’s not your oven!).That object is …**__YOUR COMPUTER!__** To be more specific, you’ll learn all about computer parts and why computers were even made! Here’s a hint: **ENIAC** and **UNIVAC.** Enjoy! **Computer Parts, Inside and out! ** Have you ever wondered what the inside of a computer is like? Well, you’re about to find out! The input is where the codes go in. Next the codes go to processing, where they are arranged so the computer can read them. After that, they go to output, where they are changed yet again into stuff we understand, like melodies, text, entertaining games, and photos. Bits are miniscule switches that turn information into code. The code is **l** for on and **0** for off. Programs, like ones on CDs and floppy disks, are completely necessary because they switch the bits on and off, making the codes. Without programs, a computer would just be an unattractive and absolutely insignificant chunk of metal! Monitors (screens) turn codes into pixels (miniature dots) that make up images. Beneath every key is a switch to tell the computer what letter or numeral on the keyboard was pushed. A mouse moves the miniature arrow on the screen, and when you select an object, the mouse sends codes to the computer. **Why computers? ** Believe it or not, fun and games wasn’t the original purpose of computers. In fact, computers were the military’s scientific machines! At one time, a computer wasn’t a machine, it was an occupation label! Women were computing answers to complex arithmetic problems. They most likely used abaci to find addition or subtraction, or maybe they used logarithms, slide rules, or a calculating clock. Computers are capable of helping businesses with accounting, movie special effects, car tire rotation, word processing, entertaining games, virtual reality, and much, __much__ more!

The “granddaddy of computers” was called the Analytic Engine. Powered by 6 steam engines, this programmable press-producer was one mighty machine!

The census used to take years, But in 1890, along came the Hollerith Desk, made by Mr. Herman Hollerith, which sped the process up a whole lot! Computers, as mentioned before, were completed for the military. **ENIAC** and **UNIVAC** deciphered codes for the Britain army in World War II while fighting against Germany. **ENIAC** was about the size of a small house, while **UNIVAC** was the size of a bedroom!  As my technology teacher says, “Computers are powerful, but STUPID!!! ” But, how would we live without them?