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How to Use a Laptop Effectively As a Student

Last Updated: July 10, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was reviewed by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger . Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 350,347 times.

A laptop can be a great tool for helping you in your studies. Being able to type up your notes and papers makes writing and editing easier, and it can help keep you organized. In addition, accessing the Internet puts you in touch with a world of information that can help you understand any subject. However, being on your laptop can leave you vulnerable to distractions, both in the classroom and at home, so it's important to be mindful of how you use this technology.

Things You Should Know

  • Follow the guidelines for laptops in class placed by your teacher or school.
  • Be aware of your classmates and make sure your laptop isn't causing an interruption or being a distraction.
  • Retype your notes so you can organize them better or make them easier to read.

Best Strategies For Using a Laptop In Class

Step 1 Type up your notes in your own words.

  • You can also include questions that you might have. Then, when you're studying, you can try to find the answer to those questions in your notes or textbook.

Step 2 Close or uninstall programs that might distract you.

  • Even if it only takes a second to close a notification, it could cause you to miss something important that your teacher says.
  • You can also use airplane mode to disable your internet completely while you're in class.

Step 3 Use productivity software to help you stay disciplined during class.

  • For instance, you might install an extension on your web browser that blocks you from going to certain websites during school hours or while you're studying, or that limits how many hours you can use those sites during the day.

Step 4 Be considerate of your classmates.

  • Consider sitting toward the back of the class if laptops aren't commonly used by the students in your course. That way, anyone who might be distracted by it is free to sit ahead of you where they can't see the screen.

Step 5 Consider leaving your laptop at home if it's not required for class.

  • This will also help protect your laptop from being damaged in your backpack or during class.

Step 6 Follow the guidelines set by your teacher or school.

  • For instance, you may not be allowed to have your laptop open during lectures, or you may only be permitted to access specific programs or websites. You may also only be allowed to bring your laptop on certain days.
  • In some cases, these policies may be set by the school, rather than by an individual teacher.

Tip: If your teacher asks you to install a specific software for their course, do that before class starts if possible.

Working out of Class

Step 1 Do an Internet search to learn more about whatever you're studying.

  • For instance, you might use scholarly search engines like Google Scholar, LexisNexis, or JSTOR. These have already vetted their sources to ensure they're credible and authoritative.
  • You can typically rely on websites with the extension .gov, since these are run by government institutions. Most .edu sources are also credible since these are hosted on school websites. However, students may sometimes have access to post on these sites, so evaluate these sources critically.
  • Sources from credible institutions like the Mayo Clinic or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are reputable. However, avoid sources with an obvious bias, like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), as their information may be skewed to fit their agenda.

Step 2 Retype your notes and save them in organized files.

  • Save your notes in separate folders for each class. For instance, you might have a folder for English, one for History, and one for Biology. You can even have subfolders for different chapters if you prefer.
  • If there's anything in your notes that doesn't quite make sense, you'll know you need to focus on this area as you study.

Tip: Typing up your notes helps protect you against losing all your work if you accidentally misplace your school notebook or binder.

Step 3 Type out your papers so they'll be easier to read.

  • Typing your papers is also helpful for editing since it allows you to easily make changes without having to start all over.

Step 4 Download any study aides recommended by your teacher.

  • You can also download your own apps to learn more about a subject. For instance, if you're taking Spanish, you might use software like Rosetta Stone to help you learn the language.

Step 5 Reach out to your teachers, professors, or classmates if you need help.

  • You can also use apps like Google Hangouts or Skype to form study groups with your fellow students!

Community Q&A

wikiHow Staff Editor

  • Never open files or programs that you don't recognize. They could contain viruses that will damage your laptop. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0

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assignment about laptops

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  • ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/effective-note-taking-in-class/
  • ↑ https://www.masterstudies.com/article/five-ways-to-make-the-most-of-your-laptop-as-a-student/
  • ↑ https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/missing-manual/high-school/top-10-best-productivity-apps-students
  • ↑ https://bokcenter.harvard.edu/technology-and-student-distraction
  • ↑ https://guides.lib.uw.edu/research/faq/reliable
  • ↑ https://info.lse.ac.uk/current-students/Assets/Articles/10-best-apps-for-students
  • ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/help-obstacles.html

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Analog computers

Mainframe computer.

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A laptop computer

What is a computer?

Who invented the computer, what can computers do, are computers conscious, what is the impact of computer artificial intelligence (ai) on society.

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A laptop computer

A computer is a machine that can store and process information . Most computers rely on a binary system , which uses two variables, 0 and 1, to complete tasks such as storing data, calculating algorithms, and displaying information. Computers come in many different shapes and sizes, from handheld smartphones to supercomputers weighing more than 300 tons.

Many people throughout history are credited with developing early prototypes that led to the modern computer. During World War II, physicist John Mauchly , engineer J. Presper Eckert, Jr. , and their colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania designed the first programmable general-purpose electronic digital computer, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC).

What is the most powerful computer in the world?

As of November 2021 the most powerful computer in the world is the Japanese supercomputer Fugaku, developed by RIKEN and Fujitsu . It has been used to model COVID-19 simulations.

How do programming languages work?

Popular modern programming languages , such as JavaScript and Python, work through multiple forms of programming paradigms. Functional programming, which uses mathematical functions to give outputs based on data input, is one of the more common ways code is used to provide instructions for a computer.

The most powerful computers can perform extremely complex tasks, such as simulating nuclear weapon experiments and predicting the development of climate change . The development of quantum computers , machines that can handle a large number of calculations through quantum parallelism (derived from superposition ), would be able to do even more-complex tasks.

A computer’s ability to gain consciousness is a widely debated topic. Some argue that consciousness depends on self-awareness and the ability to think , which means that computers are conscious because they recognize their environment and can process data. Others believe that human consciousness can never be replicated by physical processes. Read one researcher’s perspective.

Computer artificial intelligence's impact on society is widely debated. Many argue that AI improves the quality of everyday life by doing routine and even complicated tasks better than humans can, making life simpler, safer, and more efficient. Others argue AI poses dangerous privacy risks, exacerbates racism by standardizing people, and costs workers their jobs leading to greater unemployment. For more on the debate over artificial intelligence, visit ProCon.org .

computer , device for processing, storing, and displaying information.

Computer once meant a person who did computations, but now the term almost universally refers to automated electronic machinery . The first section of this article focuses on modern digital electronic computers and their design, constituent parts, and applications. The second section covers the history of computing. For details on computer architecture , software , and theory, see computer science .

Computing basics

The first computers were used primarily for numerical calculations. However, as any information can be numerically encoded, people soon realized that computers are capable of general-purpose information processing . Their capacity to handle large amounts of data has extended the range and accuracy of weather forecasting . Their speed has allowed them to make decisions about routing telephone connections through a network and to control mechanical systems such as automobiles, nuclear reactors, and robotic surgical tools. They are also cheap enough to be embedded in everyday appliances and to make clothes dryers and rice cookers “smart.” Computers have allowed us to pose and answer questions that were difficult to pursue in the past. These questions might be about DNA sequences in genes, patterns of activity in a consumer market, or all the uses of a word in texts that have been stored in a database . Increasingly, computers can also learn and adapt as they operate by using processes such as machine learning .

Technician operates the system console on the new UNIVAC 1100/83 computer at the Fleet Analysis Center, Corona Annex, Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach, CA. June 1, 1981. Univac magnetic tape drivers or readers in background. Universal Automatic Computer

Computers also have limitations, some of which are theoretical. For example, there are undecidable propositions whose truth cannot be determined within a given set of rules, such as the logical structure of a computer. Because no universal algorithmic method can exist to identify such propositions, a computer asked to obtain the truth of such a proposition will (unless forcibly interrupted) continue indefinitely—a condition known as the “ halting problem .” ( See Turing machine .) Other limitations reflect current technology . For example, although computers have progressed greatly in terms of processing data and using artificial intelligence algorithms , they are limited by their incapacity to think in a more holistic fashion. Computers may imitate humans—quite effectively, even—but imitation may not replace the human element in social interaction. Ethical concerns also limit computers, because computers rely on data, rather than a moral compass or human conscience , to make decisions.

Analog computers use continuous physical magnitudes to represent quantitative information. At first they represented quantities with mechanical components ( see differential analyzer and integrator ), but after World War II voltages were used; by the 1960s digital computers had largely replaced them. Nonetheless, analog computers, and some hybrid digital-analog systems, continued in use through the 1960s in tasks such as aircraft and spaceflight simulation.

assignment about laptops

One advantage of analog computation is that it may be relatively simple to design and build an analog computer to solve a single problem. Another advantage is that analog computers can frequently represent and solve a problem in “real time”; that is, the computation proceeds at the same rate as the system being modeled by it. Their main disadvantages are that analog representations are limited in precision—typically a few decimal places but fewer in complex mechanisms—and general-purpose devices are expensive and not easily programmed.

Digital computers

In contrast to analog computers, digital computers represent information in discrete form, generally as sequences of 0s and 1s ( binary digits, or bits). The modern era of digital computers began in the late 1930s and early 1940s in the United States , Britain, and Germany . The first devices used switches operated by electromagnets (relays). Their programs were stored on punched paper tape or cards, and they had limited internal data storage. For historical developments, see the section Invention of the modern computer .

During the 1950s and ’60s, Unisys (maker of the UNIVAC computer), International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), and other companies made large, expensive computers of increasing power . They were used by major corporations and government research laboratories, typically as the sole computer in the organization. In 1959 the IBM 1401 computer rented for $8,000 per month (early IBM machines were almost always leased rather than sold), and in 1964 the largest IBM S/360 computer cost several million dollars.

These computers came to be called mainframes, though the term did not become common until smaller computers were built. Mainframe computers were characterized by having (for their time) large storage capabilities, fast components, and powerful computational abilities. They were highly reliable, and, because they frequently served vital needs in an organization, they were sometimes designed with redundant components that let them survive partial failures. Because they were complex systems, they were operated by a staff of systems programmers, who alone had access to the computer. Other users submitted “batch jobs” to be run one at a time on the mainframe.

Such systems remain important today, though they are no longer the sole, or even primary, central computing resource of an organization, which will typically have hundreds or thousands of personal computers (PCs). Mainframes now provide high-capacity data storage for Internet servers, or, through time-sharing techniques, they allow hundreds or thousands of users to run programs simultaneously. Because of their current roles, these computers are now called servers rather than mainframes.

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Attention, Students: Put Your Laptops Away

James Doubek

assignment about laptops

Laptops are common in lecture halls worldwide. Students hear a lecture at the Johann Wolfang Goethe-University on Oct. 13, 2014, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images hide caption

Laptops are common in lecture halls worldwide. Students hear a lecture at the Johann Wolfang Goethe-University on Oct. 13, 2014, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

As laptops become smaller and more ubiquitous, and with the advent of tablets, the idea of taking notes by hand just seems old-fashioned to many students today. Typing your notes is faster — which comes in handy when there's a lot of information to take down. But it turns out there are still advantages to doing things the old-fashioned way.

For one thing, research shows that laptops and tablets have a tendency to be distracting — it's so easy to click over to Facebook in that dull lecture. And a study has shown that the fact that you have to be slower when you take notes by hand is what makes it more useful in the long run.

In the study published in Psychological Science, Pam A. Mueller of Princeton University and Daniel M. Oppenheimer of the University of California, Los Angeles sought to test how note-taking by hand or by computer affects learning.

"When people type their notes, they have this tendency to try to take verbatim notes and write down as much of the lecture as they can," Mueller tells NPR's Rachel Martin. "The students who were taking longhand notes in our studies were forced to be more selective — because you can't write as fast as you can type. And that extra processing of the material that they were doing benefited them."

Mueller and Oppenheimer cited that note-taking can be categorized two ways: generative and nongenerative. Generative note-taking pertains to "summarizing, paraphrasing, concept mapping," while nongenerative note-taking involves copying something verbatim.

And there are two hypotheses to why note-taking is beneficial in the first place. The first idea is called the encoding hypothesis, which says that when a person is taking notes, "the processing that occurs" will improve "learning and retention." The second, called the external-storage hypothesis, is that you learn by being able to look back at your notes, or even the notes of other people.

Because people can type faster than they write, using a laptop will make people more likely to try to transcribe everything they're hearing. So on the one hand, Mueller and Oppenheimer were faced with the question of whether the benefits of being able to look at your more complete, transcribed notes on a laptop outweigh the drawbacks of not processing that information. On the other hand, when writing longhand, you process the information better but have less to look back at.

Don't Write Off Paper Just Yet

Don't Write Off Paper Just Yet

In A Digital Chapter, Paper Notebooks Are As Relevant As Ever

In A Digital Chapter, Paper Notebooks Are As Relevant As Ever

For their first study, they took university students (the standard guinea pig of psychology) and showed them TED talks about various topics. Afterward, they found that the students who used laptops typed significantly more words than those who took notes by hand. When testing how well the students remembered information, the researchers found a key point of divergence in the type of question. For questions that asked students to simply remember facts, like dates, both groups did equally well. But for "conceptual-application" questions, such as, "How do Japan and Sweden differ in their approaches to equality within their societies?" the laptop users did "significantly worse."

The same thing happened in the second study, even when they specifically told students using laptops to try to avoid writing things down verbatim. "Even when we told people they shouldn't be taking these verbatim notes, they were not able to overcome that instinct," Mueller says. The more words the students copied verbatim, the worse they performed on recall tests.

And to test the external-storage hypothesis, for the third study they gave students the opportunity to review their notes in between the lecture and test. The thinking is, if students have time to study their notes from their laptops, the fact that they typed more extensive notes than their longhand-writing peers could possibly help them perform better.

But the students taking notes by hand still performed better. "This is suggestive evidence that longhand notes may have superior external storage as well as superior encoding functions," Mueller and Oppenheimer write.

Do studies like these mean wise college students will start migrating back to notebooks?

"I think it is a hard sell to get people to go back to pen and paper," Mueller says. "But they are developing lots of technologies now like Livescribe and various stylus and tablet technologies that are getting better and better. And I think that will be sort of an easier sell to college students and people of that generation."

Become a Writer Today

Essays About Computers: Top 5 Examples Plus Prompts

Computers are helpful technology that many of us use on a daily basis; if you are writing essays about computers, use our essay examples and prompts below. 

We often recognize computers as the devices we use to browse the internet, communicate with others, and type down notes, but there is more to a computer than this. A complex set of processes, calculations, and operations performs everything we do on a computer. Without a doubt, computers make our lives easier and enhance our personal and working life.

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5 Top Essay Examples

1. types of computers by brent dawson, 2. uses of computers in education by kristina barroso, 3. our dependency on computers by nora fox, 4. neural networks: is your brain like a computer by shamli prakash.

  • 5. ​​The Human Brain vs. Supercomputers… Which One Wins? By John Staughton

1. The Many Uses of Computers

2. can computers take over society, 3. is computer science a worthwhile program to study, 4. pros and cons of computers, 5. can computers compete with the human brain.

“Calculations for things such as automotive design, weather forecasting, and aerospace use supercomputers. Embedded computers are used for functions in a larger product. They are located in things such as automobiles, consumer electronics and office machines. As we all know computers come in many shapes and sizes. They can be used for many different things and can be located anywhere. Technology has increased so much that the most unheard compact thing can be a computer.

Dawson stresses that computers can come in all shapes and sizes. There are different types of computers, such as personal computers, mobile computers, game consoles, and supercomputers, each with its own functions and specialties. He briefly touches on each type of computer and its uses. Technology has come a long way, as the most complex computers are everywhere, whether in laboratories, offices, or even our mobile phones or watches. 

“Critics argue that spell check and other computer features that automatically correct errors in spelling and punctuation make students too lazy to learn and apply the rules themselves. These features, however, help point out where students went wrong and offer valuable learning opportunities that can help students enhance their understanding of appropriate spelling and punctuation.”

In her essay, Barroso discusses the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating computers into education. They allow schools to maximize online resources, foster student engagement, and make it easier for teachers and students to perform school-related tasks. However, they may make students lazy to check mistakes, thinking that the computers will automatically check them. Ultimately, the pros outweigh the cons. 

“As far as I concerned, computer is a great invention and it is useful to human life. It should be impossible to live without computer as we get too much used of computers nowadays. However, we should use it wisely. We know the fact that the more we rely on computer, the more we will lose in our life. So, we should also find ways to make our dependence on computers less dangerous to us, so that we will not rely on computer completely.”

Fox discusses the state of society today where we rely far too much on computers. They help us greatly in our daily lives, but they have made us depend on technology for information rather than thinking for ourselves. And if something goes wrong, like the servers crash, the world is at a standstill. Computers are a net good for society, but we must avoid revolving our lives around technology. 

“In data science terms, this phase is somewhat akin to ‘Model Training’ — the more things a child is exposed to the more the synapses associated with it get built. A good example is language — the more a child is exposed to linguistics in early years, the more evolved the area of her brain that is associated with languages would get. Ditto for other cognitive and non-cognitive abilities.”

Prakash discusses the different ways in which our brains operate as computers. An information processing system has five components: input, output, storage, processing, and program. The human brain does have all of these components, which are used to perform our daily functions. She looks into how human intelligence can be “trained,” like computers are developed. 

5. ​​ The Human Brain vs. Supercomputers… Which One Wins? By John Staughton

“When the brain identifies a more efficient or effective way to compute and function, it can morph and alter its physical and neuronal structure, hence the term “plasticity“. Until we achieve true Artificial Intelligence (in which computers should theoretically be able to re-wire themselves), neuroplasticity will always keep the human brain at least one step ahead of “static” supercomputers.”

Staughton writes about how much more advanced computers have become in recent decades, with some of them being able to outsmart humans in tasks such as chess. However, he explains that our brains are very different from technology and are inherently superior to even the most powerful computers in terms of efficiency, adaptability, and many other factors. However, he keeps the door on computers, eventually developing beyond our capabilities in the future. 

5 Helpful Writing Prompts on Essays About Computers

Essays About Computers: The many uses of computers

Computers aid us in many tasks; it is undeniable that they make our lives easier. Think of the different uses of computers, both in your life and in general, and list them. Briefly explain each, and if you want, also explain how computers have been most helpful in your life. You can also check out these essays about the internet .

This is a question many have grappled with and is the subject of many science-fiction and dystopian stories. Many believe that only good can come from greater technological advancement, while others believe humanity will be subject to much conflict and suffering. Based on research, decide whether we should introduce computers into more aspects of our lives. You can cite articles, essays, books, or even movies to prove your point. 

Is computer science a worthwhile program to study?

In your essay, discuss how helpful an education in computer science would be. Research the course’s requirements, benefits, disadvantages, and expectations and, based on your personal opinion, write about whether it would be worth it to pursue this program. This essay is more suited for those with experience, but if not, consult online sources or interview people with experience for a solid evidence base.

Computers have many advantages as well as disadvantages. List down the pros and cons of computers you can come up with, and discuss a few of them in your essay. Then, based on the evidence you’ve provided, decide whether computers are a net good or bad for society in the long run. 

A few essay examples above have compared technology and artificial intelligence to the human brain, as they are both “computers,” so to speak. In your opinion, will technology ever come to a point where it will rival our abilities? Conduct research and cite credible sources for a strong essay .  

For help with this topic, read our guide explaining “ what is persuasive writing ?”If you’d like to learn more, our writer explains how to write an argumentative essay in this guide.

Center for Teaching

From the student’s view: laptops in (and outside) the classroom.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2002 issue of the CFT’s newsletter, Teaching Forum .

by Derek Bruff

In this column, we feature the perspectives of Vanderbilt students, focusing particularly on what they find effective in their coursework experiences. In this issue, we interview a number of students at the Owen Graduate School of Management and the School of Engineering. Both of these schools now require each incoming student to purchase a laptop computer, and both schools have equipped buildings (Management and Featheringill Halls) to provide wireless Internet access to laptop users. We asked the students to comment on how these technologies have affected their education at Vanderbilt.

How do these technologies affect student/faculty interaction?

Kendall Cruickshanks, Owen MBA Student: I think one of the most valuable things about everyone not only having a laptop, but also being familiar with how it works and using it as a mode of communication, is that professors and students can correspond at any time of the day or night. Since we operate on seven-week modules at Owen, things move pretty quickly, and assignments are due fairly soon after a class is taught. It’s really valuable to have professors and students able to communicate and interact at all times of the day or night, even if they’re not in the same building. I don’t think it removes one of what I consider to be the best elements of Owen, namely the student-faculty interaction. We have small classes. Professors’ doors are always open. It’s nice to be able to go upstairs and speak to professors and know that they’re available. I don’t think having a laptop detracts from that. I don’t think it removes the element of personal interaction that you get with professors, but it’s nice to be able to communicate if they’re at home or if you’re at home.

In what ways do these technologies facilitate in-class group work?

Alan Loprete, Engineering Senior: One of the courses is using this new kind of teaching style called the studio classroom. We’ve split into groups, and each group has chosen a certain technology or company to represent. We’re developing marketing plans for a product or company. At the start of class, the professor gives an overview of the lecture. Since he makes his annotated PowerPoint presentations available online, he expects us to have read the lecture before class. After the overview, we start working on particular assignments. In that time we research about companies or work as a group to write up the assignments. The laptops are handy for this. Since our work is done on the computer, having the computers right there to work on in our groups in class speeds up the problem resolution. You’re don’t come up with questions until you start working on something. Since we work on our assignments in class, these questions come up earlier and so the professor can address them in class with us.

How do laptops assist with out-of-class group work?

Todd Garlitz, Owen MBA Student: One thing about the laptop set-up here at Owen is how it facilitates communication. Given that we are always trying to coordinate schedules for our group work, editing papers at the last minute, bouncing ideas off each other, and so on, having a laptop with wireless network access makes this communication process very easy and quick. Not having this or having to run to a desktop computer all the time would be very inconvenient.

Cruickshanks: The majority of the work I do here is in groups. Coordinating four or five people is a mess, so most of us use scheduling calendars on Microsoft Outlook. You can see what other people’s schedules look like, and it enables you to schedule meetings and find common times when people are available. Since the members of my group are in their second year, we have gotten pretty efficient. We’ll meet for fifteen minutes to divvy out an assignment, and the rest of the assignment will be completed over email. We’ll all respond to the questions that we were assigned, send drafts back and forth to each other, and do final editing all through Word and through email, which is great.

Trisha Gramata, Owen MBA Student: I think the main purpose of laptops with wireless access is not so much for classroom learning, as for enhancing team-based activities, such as case projects. The wireless laptops make it easier to facilitate group meetings, as one group member can be the scribe who types up notes during the meeting, then can send them out immediately afterwards. Also, Microsoft NetMeeting is quite effective for times that require many group members to work on a single problem that may have many quantitative facets, such as a challenging accounting or finance problem. By using NetMeeting, all group members can follow along with the progress on a problem in real time, using their own laptops. This is a popular application within Owen.

Does having a laptop help you make better use of your time?

Niels Hauff, Engineering Freshman: It saves a lot of time since I don’t have to go back to my room to do things. If I get out of a class early and I have my laptop, I can do something productive, especially over near Stevenson Center and Featheringill. Those places have a lot of wireless connections, so you can always be more productive and not have to just sit there for thirty minutes with nothing to do between classes. A lot times I’m doing things for different classes that I couldn’t do unless I had the laptop with me. It helps out with time efficiency.

In what ways are laptops helpful in classes focusing on software applications?

Gramata: One of my classes was about analyzing financial and operational models, and finding ways to implement the models in a variety of situations; it made sense for students to follow along with Microsoft Excel on their laptops while the professor was running through the exercises.

Rhiannon Ervin, Engineering Freshman: Having laptops in class does make you more engaged with the material if you want to be. Having my laptop allows me to follow along with the teacher. This helps me remember the different ways to solve the problems because, not only do I see how to do it, I actually do it. I feel that if I were just sitting there watching, or even taking notes, I would not remember what I learned as well. I would be more likely to zone out or just not remember it later. For me, being able to follow along with my laptop has helped a great deal.

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How To Choose A Laptop, From Gaming Rigs To Portable Workstations

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Upgrading to a new laptop means better performance, more storage, a prettier display and faster and more capable ports and connections for all your computing needs. But with the sheer number of laptop models out there with their myriad of configurations and hard-to-decipher naming schemes, buying a new laptop is a minefield of difficult decisions. As a laptop and PC expert who’s tested most of the top models available, I know the ins and outs of how to choose a laptop across a range of needs. From gaming rigs like the Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 8 , to business laptops like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 , you can get a great power station no matter what your needs.

If you're not sure how to choose a laptop to fit your needs, no need to stress. We break down how to ... [+] choose a device for gamers, remote workers and more.

The easiest way is to just to grab one of the best laptops that’s within your budget and get on with your day. But if you want to dig into the details on how to choose a laptop, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to choose a laptop, plus some of our top recommendations based on our testing.

Simplify Your Home Network With The Best Modem-Router Combos

The best wireless headphones, tested and reviewed, how to choose a laptop: before you buy, check major retailers: which stores should i buy a laptop from.

It’s tempting to buy a laptop from a second hand marketplace, or a third-party seller on Amazon or Walmart. But if you’re not entirely sure what you’re buying, it’s best to shop at a reputable store.

That’s not to say that you can’t shop from either of those places—if it’s sold and shipped by Amazon and Walmart, there are secure return policies in place. And with those return policies, that’s greater ability to recover any potential refunds if necessary, a warranty on the laptop itself and any accessories your laptop may come with.

And, of course, you can also troubleshoot device concerns with some retailers. Not only does the retailer Best Buy have a great selection of computers, but it also has a healthy selection of extra accessories like mice, monitors and more. You get 15 days to return most products, and if you’re a Best Buy Plus or Best Buy Total member, you get up to 60 days of hassle-free returns. You can also schedule a repair with Best Buy’s Geek Squad service with any troubleshooting problems, too.

Next-Gen Performance In An Ultralight Chassis

Asus zenbook s 13 oled.

I'm a tech journalist working and living in Gloucestershire, in the UK. I ran my own PC hardware review website for many years before transitioning into freelance writing. I've covered everything from the rise of Bitcoin and the encroachment of anti-privacy laws, to tabletop wargaming and advances in virtual reality. I've written, authored, edited, and copywritten for a broad array of the most prominent publications, including Digital Trends, Lifewire, PCGamer, The Inquirer, and KitGuru. I've also written two novels, and contributed backstory and dialogue to a handful of games. I am passionate about all the cutting-edge hardware inside and out the latest gadgets, PCs, and consoles, even if I can't always afford them.

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If you have an idea of what you’re seeking, i.e., you know you want the latest Microsoft Surface Pro, Copilot+ PC (11th Edition) , you can also shop at the brand name stores, themselves, such as Lenovo, Dell, Apple and many more. These branded stores are not only reputable, but sometimes you can find a better deal on a device compared to shopping at a major retailer.

Check The Laptop’s Age: What Generation Laptop Should I Buy?

One of the best ways to ensure the laptop you’re buying will do what you want it to do is to buy modern. That means choosing a device that is no more than two years—or two generations, as it’s sometimes known—old. Opting for a newer device ensure that you can enjoy most of the features of a modern laptop without risking being locked out of future upgrades. Most choices, like our top gaming laptop pick, the Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 8 , have launched within the past year. Even if you aren’t buying a laptop that’s at the top of its line, it’s also a matter of ease of use: Newer devices offer better compatibility with your other devices.

A Sleek And Speedy Modern Gaming Machine

Lenovo legion 5 gen 8.

The latest versions of the operating systems from Apple and Microsoft have cut-off points for hardware, too. The last thing you want to do is buy an old laptop that will not be able to keep up with software updates a few years down the line. After all, Apple’s latest generation MacBooks with its own M-series processors are so much faster and efficient than anything that came before, it’s night and day.

For the latest generation of MacBooks, we recommend the MacBook Air M2 if you want a great deal or the MacBook Pro M3 Max for real power and efficiency. We also named the MacBook Air M3 as the best MacBook for college students, too.

A Perfect Blend Of Power And Portability

Apple macbook air m3 15-inch.

The one exception to this rule is buying certified refurbishments from major retailers. You can readily buy a MacBook from Apple’s refurbished store with peace of mind that you’re getting a quality laptop. Just avoid the bevy of unknown electronics retailers on Amazon and the like. They often sell old, outdated machines as if they’re new.

Cross-Check Brands: Which Brands Offer Gaming Or Work Laptops?

Among major laptop brands you have many excellent options that all produce fantastic laptops for various uses and users—and at a range of prices. The good news is that most brands offer both gaming and business laptop options. We’ve extensively covered various brands, including Dell laptops , Lenovo laptops , Acer laptops , MacBooks and more. In addition to these brands, others we recommend include:

  • Asus: This company makes our top pick for the best laptops , the Asus Zenbook S13 OLED .
  • Microsoft: The Microsoft Surface Pro, Copilot+ PC (11th Edition) is a great choice for those that want a tablet/laptop combination. It’s also our pick for the best 2-in-1 laptop for working from home.
  • MSI: For a great gaming laptop, MSI stands out from the crowd. The MSI Raider G68 is the fastest gaming laptop you can get right now.

No matter what device you choose from any of these brands, just be sure to consider what you’ll be using the device for.

How To Choose A Laptop: When It’s Time To Buy

Pick the right configuration for you.

Let’s be real here: You can go deep into the weeds when it comes to laptop components. While that’s exciting for the hardware nerds out there like us, you don’t need to know all that to buy a good laptop for your needs. There are some components you need to look out for to make sure you’re buying a laptop that’s fast enough for you now and will continue to be fast enough for a few years at least, but you don’t need to sweat the tiniest of details unless you really want to.

Here’s how to pick the right laptop configuration for your needs.

Operating System

Before you start choosing what processor and graphics chip you want, you need to consider the operating system. You can only get macOS on Apple’s MacBooks, so if you want to use Final Cut Pro, you’ll need to buy a MacBook. If you want to use Windows applications, you’re better off buying a Windows machine.

Lightweight With Superior Battery Life

Microsoft surface pro, copilot+ pc (11th edition).

Both Windows and macOS offer an excellent array of applications for professional tasks, though Windows holds a significant advantage in gaming. Apple’s MacBooks are arguably a little more secure, but it comes at a cost for gamers.

If you want a super low-cost laptop for lightweight everyday tasks like web browsing and writing documents, then consider one of our picks for the best Chromebooks . They run Google’s Chrome OS and are lightweight, lean devices that are fast and effective for simple tasks. They're less well suited to more demanding applications, though, and are much more limited for gaming. In recent years, we’ve seen gaming Chromebooks take center stage, but keep in mind you’ll need to pay for a gaming hub subscription in order to access most games.

If you’re buying a MacBook, the choice of processors is simple: The Apple M3 as seen in the MacBook Air M3 is the latest generation of Apple’s amazing processors, with the M3 Pro and M3 Max offering greater performance with more cores. Again, you’ll find this configuration in the MacBook Pro M3 Max , and it will be pricier. The M1 and M2 processors are still perfectly viable as seen in the MacBook Air M2 , but they are slower.

For Windows laptops, AMD and Intel CPUs dominate your choices. For Intel, the latest generations to look out for are the Core Ultra 100 series, and the 13th and 14th generation. Core Ultra 5 and Core i5 and up models tend to be where you want to focus, unless you're looking for a super-budget model. CPUs with an H suffix are more powerful, while the U suffix models are more energy efficient.

Do note, however, that in 2024 it came to light that many of Intel’s fastest 13th and 14th generation CPUs have had stability and longevity issues, with many suffering irreparable physical damage due to poorly configured microcode in the chips themselves. Intel has stated that this does not affect its mobile CPUs, although its HX chips are desktop processors built for mobile, so that may not be entirely true.

The situation is still ongoing and Intel has suggested newer processors do not have this problem, but be a little more careful if considering a high-end Intel laptop.

Powerful, Gorgeous, Lightweight

Asus zenbook 14 oled.

AMD’s latest generations are the Ryzen 6000 and 7000 series. Ideally, stick to Ryzen 5 or better, as that will give you a good number of cores and high-enough clocks for fast every day use as a strong baseline, provided you plan on overclocking your CPU. Avoid the 7020 series (7520U and 7320U) models, as they use an older architecture.

AMD CPUs with a U suffix are its more energy-efficient models, while the H suffix models are designed more for performance. HS suffix models are somewhere in between, and the fastest AMD mobile CPUs come with an HX suffix.

Although RAM speed can impact laptop performance, the most important metric is to make sure you have enough . For the most budget of laptops where you just plan to surf the web, 8GB of RAM is fine, but ideally you want 12GB or more. If you plan to do any kind of gaming or more-demanding productivity work, like photo editing, then you want at least 16GB of RAM—and 32GB will help in some situations.

Consider more if you know that your work will benefit from it, but if not, don’t waste the money on something you won’t use.

All laptops come with some form of graphics processor, but for most laptops that will be onboard the CPU and won’t be particularly powerful. That doesn’t matter for anything but gaming and 3D CAD work. If you aren’t doing either of those, don't worry about graphics.

If you want to do 3D design, make sure you have a recent-generation dedicated graphics chip—preferably an Nvidia one as its CUDA cores are used by more applications to accelerate 3D workloads. For gaming, you’ll want a recent-generation GPU from AMD or Nvidia. For AMD, the preferred graphics card will be titled with an RX 6000/7000, with the higher-end models offering better in-game performance and support for higher detail settings.

AMD’s S model graphics chips are designed to be more efficient, while its M and XT models are performance-first.

Strong Graphics And Processor For Great Gaming

Alienware m16 r2.

For Nvidia, focus on RTX 3000 or RTX 4000 graphics chips—the higher the number, the stronger and more capable the chipset is. The 4000 series chips give you access to deep learning super sampling frame generation, which can massively enhance frame rates in compatible games. A great example of a great gaming laptop with the RTX series is the Alienware M16 R2 , which comes with a range of powerful gaming GPUs, ranging from a 4050 to a 4070.

Buy a laptop with a display that’s good for what you want to use it for. Want to just do some light work and stream YouTube? Any old display will do—1080p resolution is more than fine, and you don’t need it to be particularly bright or fast for office-like applications.

Want to play games? A higher refresh rate makes a difference, giving your games a smoother look and feel. Aim for 144Hz if your budget isn’t crazy high, but 240Hz laptops do exist for an even more responsive gaming experience. Higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K are worth considering to make your games look prettier, but they place much more strain on the GPU and can tank your battery life.

A Gorgeous Display For Creatives

Dell xps 15.

If you want to watch HDR movies, or have a richer image for gaming or photo editing, then look for an OLED display. They’re not only super fast for gaming, but have a near-infinite contrast and can give you more vibrant colors and a picture quality that traditional LCDs just can't match. For creatives, take a look at the Dell XPS 15 , which has a large 15.6-inch display for editing your footage.

If you want to use your laptop like a tablet, too, make sure it has a touchscreen and ideally, has a fold flat hinge design—or a detachable keyboard to make it even more lightweight.

Double The Screen, Double the Productivity

Asus zenbook duo.

You don’t have to stick to one screen for remote workers and multitaskers, though. The Asus Zenbook Duo doesn’t have just one, but two amazing OLED displays.

All modern laptops come with an SSD for storage, so you only really need to be concerned with capacity. For light work, you can probably get away with just 256GB of storage, but you’ll likely bump up against that capacity in a year or two. For most, 512GB is perfectly reasonable and gives you enough space for apps, games, documents and even a few videos.

For more power-users or gamers, consider 1TB the minimum so you have some room to grow into your new laptop. There are laptops with more that you may be willing to pay for, but past 2TB consider using an external drive or cloud storage instead, as laptops with default storage configurations higher than that tend to get very expensive.

Connectivity

Want to connect lots of devices like a gaming mouse, external drive, standalone webcam or an external monitor? Make sure the laptop has the ports for it, or budget for an adapter or docking station. Especially look out for technologies like USB4 and Thunderbolt 3/4, which can give you fast charging of other devices, external display support and fast data transfers. Other useful connection options include HDMI outputs for additional monitors, a 3.5mm headphone jack and networking capabilities like Wi-Fi (5 or better) and Gigabit Ethernet.

Battery Life

Battery life depends on two things: The laptop itself, and what you do with it. While more efficient laptops can give you up to 20 hours of battery life in some cases, they won’t last that long if you run the most demanding apps constantly and leave it out in the sun to let the battery overheat.

In contrast, you can be as gentle as you like on your high-end gaming laptop, its battery isn’t going to last more than a few hours. Battery life ratings are worth looking at, but they rarely reflect an accurate reality of how you will use the laptop, because your habits and needs are unique.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted tech team has published a large collection of tech and electronics guides , including dozens of recommendations on the best computers, tablets and accessories .

  • Forbes Vetted contributor Jon Martindale is a tech journalist with 20 years of experience covering laptops and computers. As a former owner of a PC review site, Martindale evaluates all sorts of computer hardware, from the best business laptops to computer monitors .
  • Consumer tech and electronics editor Rebecca Isaacs is an industry veteran who has been covering computer hardware for over four years. She oversees this guide and its updates, as well as our large library of laptop articles.

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412 Computers Topics & Essay Examples

🏆 best computers topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics about computers, 💡 easy computer science essay topics, 🥇 computer science argumentative essay topics, 🎓 good research topics about computers, 🔍 interesting computer topics to write about, ❓ computer essay questions.

Looking for interesting topics about computer science? Look no further! Check out this list of trending computer science essay topics for your studies. Whether you’re a high school, college, or postgraduate student, you will find a suitable title for computer essay in this list.

  • Life Without Computers Essay One of the major contributions of the computer technology in the world has been the enhancement of the quality of communication.
  • How Computers Affect Our Lives In the entertainment industry, many of the movies and even songs will not be in use without computers because most of the graphics used and the animations we see are only possible with the help […]
  • The Causes and Effect of the Computer Revolution Starting the discussion with the positive effect of the issue, it should be stated that the implementation of the computer technologies in the modern world has lead to the fact that most of the processes […]
  • Impact of Computers on Business This paper seeks to explore the impact of the computer and technology, as well as the variety of its aspects, on the business world.
  • Computer Technology: Evolution and Developments The development of computer technology is characterized by the change in the technology used in building the devices. The semiconductors in the computers were improved to increase the scale of operation with the development of […]
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Graphics Essay One is able to put all of his/her ideas in a model, carry out tests on the model using graphical applications, and then make possible changes.
  • Computer Use in Schools: Effects on the Education Field The learning efficiency of the student is significantly increased by the use of computers since the student is able to make use of the learning model most suited to him/her.
  • Impact of Computer Based Communication It started by explaining the impact of the internet in general then the paper will concentrate on the use of Instant Messaging and blogs.
  • Print and Broadcast Computer Advertisements The use of pictures and words to bring out the special features in any given computer and types of computers is therefore crucial in this type of advertisement because people have to see to be […]
  • Computers Have Changed Education for the Better Considering the significant effects that computers have had in the educational field, this paper will set out to illustrate how computer systems have changed education for the better.
  • Dependency on Computers For example, even the author of this paper is not only using the computer to type the essay but they are also relying on the grammar checker to correct any grammatical errors in the paper. […]
  • Computers vs. Humans: What Can They Do? The differences between a human being and a computer can be partly explained by looking at their reaction to an external stimulus. To demonstrate this point, one can refer to chess computers that can assess […]
  • Apex Computers: Problems of Motivation Among Subordinates In the process of using intangible incentives, it is necessary to use, first of all, recognition of the merits of employees.
  • Computer Hardware: Past, Present, and Future Overall, one can identify several important trends that profoundly affected the development of hardware, and one of them is the need to improve its design, functionality, and capacity.
  • Impact on Operations Resources of JIT at Dell Computer JIT inventory system stresses on the amount of time required to produce the correct order; at the right place and the right time.
  • The Use of Computers in the Aviation Industry The complicated nature of the software enables the Autopilot to capture all information related to an aircraft’s current position and uses the information to guide the aircraft’s control system.
  • History of Computers: From Abacus to Modern PC Calculators were among the early machines and an example of this is the Harvard Mark 1 Early man was in need of a way to count and do calculations.
  • Bill Gates’ Contributions to Computer Technology Upon examination of articles written about Gates and quotations from Gates recounting his early childhood, several events stand out in significance as key to depicting the future potential of Gates to transform the world with […]
  • The Popularity of Esports Among Computer Gamers E-sports or cybersports are the new terms that can sound odd to the men in the street but are well-known in the environment of video gamers.
  • Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction It is a scope of study that explores how individuals view and ponder about computer related technologies, and also investigates both the human restrictions and the features that advance usability of computer structures.
  • Computer-Based Technologies That Assist People With Disabilities The visually impaired To assist the visually impaired to use computers, there are Braille computer keyboards and Braille display to enable them to enter information and read it. Most of these devices are very expensive […]
  • Impact of Computer Technology on Economy and Social Life The rapid development of technologies and computer-human interactions influences not only the individual experience of a person but also the general conditions of social relations.
  • How to Build a Computer? Preparation and Materials In order to build a personal computer, it is necessary to choose the performance that you want by considering the aspects such as the desired processor speed, the memory, and storage capacity. […]
  • Computers Brief History: From Pre-Computer Hardware to Modern Computers This continued until the end of the first half of the twentieth century. This led to the introduction of first-generation computers.
  • Viruses and Worms in Computers To prevent the spread of viruses and worms, there are certain precautionary measures that can be taken. With the correct measures and prevention, the spread of online viruses and worms can be controlled to a […]
  • Computers in Education: More a Boon Than a Bane Thus, one of the greatest advantages of the computer as a tool in education is the fact that it builds the child’s capacity to learn things independently.
  • The Concept of Computer Hardware and Software The physical devices can still be the components that are responsible for the execution of the programs in a computer such as a microprocessor.
  • Solutions to Computer Viruses Efforts should also be made to ensure that once a computer system is infected with viruses, the information saved in it is salvaged.
  • Computer Laboratory Staff and Their Work This will depend on the discretion of the staff to look into it that the rules that have been set in the system are followed dully. This is the work of the staff in this […]
  • Human-Computer Interface in Nursing Practice HCI in the healthcare impacts the quality of the care and patients’ safety since it influences communication among care providers and between the latter and their clients.
  • Key Issues Concerning Computer Security, Ethics, and Privacy The issues facing computer use such as defense, ethics, and privacy continue to rise with the advent of extra ways of information exchange.
  • Mathematics as a Basis in Computer Science For example, my scores in physics and chemistry were also comparable to those I obtained in mathematics, a further testament to the importance of mathematics in other disciplines.
  • Advantages of Using Computers at Work I have learned what I hoped to learn in that I have become more aware of the advantages of using computers and why I should not take them for granted.
  • Use and Benefit of Computer Analysis The introduction of computers, therefore, has improved the level of service delivery and thus enhances convenience and comfort. Another benefit accruing from the introduction of computers is the ability of the world to manage networks […]
  • Computers Will Not Replace Teachers On the other hand, real teachers can emotionally connect and relate to their students; in contrast, computers do not possess feeling and lack of empathy.
  • Tablet Computer Technology It weighs less than 500g and operates on the technology of AMOLED display with a resolution of WVGA 800 480 and a detachable input pen.
  • The American Military and the Evolution of Computer Technology From the Early 1940s to Early 1960s During the 1940s-1960, the American military was the only wouldriver’ of computer development and innovations.”Though most of the research work took place at universities and in commercial firms, military research organizations such as the Office […]
  • Computer Hardware Components and Functions Hardware is the physical components of a computer, while the software is a collection of programs and related data to perform the computers desired function.
  • How Computer Works? In order for a computer to function, stuff such as data or programs have to be put through the necessary hardware, where they would be processed to produce the required output.
  • Computer System Electronic Components The Random Access Memory commonly referred to as RAM is another fundamental component in a computer system that is responsible for storing files and information temporarily when the computer is running. The other storage component […]
  • Pointing Devices of Human-Computer Interaction The footpad also has a navigation ball that is rolled to the foot to move the cursor on a computer screen.
  • Doing Business in India: Outsourcing Manufacturing Activities of a New Tablet Computer to India Another aim of the report is to analyse the requirements for the establishment of the company in India, studying the competitors in the industry and their experience.
  • Computer Viruses: Spreading, Multiplying and Damaging A computer virus is a software program designed to interfere with the normal computer functioning by infecting the computer operating system.
  • Ethical and Illegal Computer Hacking For the ethical hackers, they pursue hacking in order to identify the unexploited areas or determine weaknesses in systems in order to fix them.
  • Overview of Computer Languages – Python A computer language helps people to speak to the computer in a language that the computer understands. Also, Python Software Foundation, which is a not-for-profit consortium, directs the resources for the development of both Python […]
  • How Computers Negatively Affect Student Growth Accessibility and suitability: most of the school and student do not have computers that imply that they cannot use computer programs for learning, lack of availability of internet facilities’ availability also makes the students lack […]
  • Computer’s Memory Management Memory management is one of the primary responsibilities of the OS, a role that is achieved by the use of the memory management unit.
  • Computer Network Types and Classification For a computer to be functional it must meet three basic requirements, which are it must provide services, communications and most of all a connection whether wireless or physical.the connection is generally the hardware in […]
  • The Usefulness of Computer Networks for Students The network has enabled us to make computer simulations in various projects we are undertaking and which are tested by other learners who act as users of the constructed simulations.
  • Computer Technician and Labor Market When demand for a certain profession is high, then salaries and wages are expected to be high; on the other side when the demands of a certain profession is low, then wages and demand of […]
  • Are We Too Dependent on Computers? To reinforce this assertion, this paper shall consider the various arguments put forward in support of the view that computers are not overused. This demonstrates that in the education field, computers only serve as a […]
  • Computers and Transformation From 1980 to 2020 The humanity dreams about innovative technologies and quantum machines, allowing to make the most complicated mathematical calculations in billionths of a second but forgets how quickly the progress of computers has occurred for the last […]
  • How Computers Have Changed the Way People Communicate Based upon its level of use in current society as it grows and expands in response to both consumer and corporate directives, it is safe to say that the internet will become even more integrated […]
  • Computer Evolution, Its Future and Societal Impact In spite of the computers being in existence since the abacus, it is the contemporary computers that have had a significant impact on the human life.
  • Challenges of Computer Technology Computer Technologies and Geology In fact, computer technologies are closely connected to any sphere of life, and it is not surprisingly that geology has a kind of dependence from the development of computers and innovative […]
  • Computer Technology Use in Psychologic Assessment The use of software systems in the evaluation may lead a practitioner to misjudge and exceed their own competency if it gives the school psychologists a greater sense of safety.
  • Use of Robots in Computer Science Currently, the most significant development in the field of computer science is the inclusion of robots as teaching tools. The use of robots in teaching computer science has significantly helped to endow students with valuable […]
  • The History of Computer Storage Thus, the scope of the project includes the history of crucial inventions for data storage, from the first punch cards to the latest flash memory storage technology.
  • Computer Security and Computer Criminals The main thing that people need to know is how this breach of security and information occurs and also the possible ways through which they can be able to prevent it, and that’s why institutions […]
  • Ethics in Computer Technology: Cybercrimes The first one is the category of crimes that are executed using a computer as a weapon. The second type of crime is the one that uses a computer as an accessory to the crime.
  • Purchasing and Leasing Computer Equipment, Noting the Advantages and Disadvantages of Each In fact, this becomes hectic when the equipment ceases to be used in the organization before the end of the lease period. First, they should consider how fast the equipment needs to be updated and […]
  • Computer-Aided Design in Knitted Apparel and Technical Textiles In doing so, the report provides an evaluation of the external context of CAD, a summary of the technology, and the various potential applications and recommendations of CAD.
  • Are We Too Dependent on Computers? The duration taken to restore the machine varies depending on the cause of the breakdown, expertise of the repairing engineer and the resources needed to restore the machine.
  • How to Teach Elderly Relatives to Use the Computer The necessary safety information: Do not operate the computer if there is external damage to the case or the insulation of the power cables.
  • Computer Network: Data Flow and Protocol Layering The diagram below shows a simplex communication mode Half-duplex mode is one in which the flow of data is multidirectional; that is, information flow in both directions.
  • Personal Computer Evolution Overview It is important to note that the first evolution of a personal computer occurred in the first century. This is because of the slowness of the mainframe computers to process information and deliver the output.
  • The Influence of Computer on the Living Standards of People All Over the World In the past, people considered computers to be a reserve for scientist, engineers, the army and the government. Media is a field that has demonstrated the quality and value of computers.
  • Internship in the Computer Service Department In fact, I know that I am on track because I have been assessed by the leaders in the facility with the aim of establishing whether I have gained the required skills and knowledge.
  • How Computers Work: Components and Power The CPU of the computer determines the ultimate performance of a computer because it is the core-processing unit of a computer as shown in figure 2 in the appendix.
  • Computer Aided Software Tools (CASE) The use of the repository is common to both the visual analyst and IBM rational software with varying differences evident on the utilization of services.
  • Globalization Influence on the Computer Technologies In spite of the fact that globalization may be defined as a serious problem in different spheres of life, it is wrong to believe that the future of IT may undergo negative effects; it seems […]
  • HP: Arguably the Best Computer Brand Today With this age of imitations, it is easy to get genuine HP computers as a result. While this is commendable, it is apparent that HP has stood out as the greatest computer brand recently.
  • Introduction to Computer Graphics: Lesson Plans Students should form their own idea of computer graphics, learn to identify their types and features, and consider areas of application of the new direction in the visual arts.
  • Career Options for a Computer Programmer Once the system or software has been installed and is running, the computer programmer’s focus is on offering support in maintaining the system.
  • How to Sell Computers: PC Type and End User Correlation The specification of each will depend on the major activities the user will conduct on the computer. The inbuilt software is also important to note.
  • Computers: The History of Invention and Development It is treated as a reliable machine able to process and store a large amount of data and help out in any situation.”The storage, retrieval, and use of information are more important than ever” since […]
  • Computer-Based Information Systems The present essay will seek to discuss computer-based information systems in the context of Porter’s competitive strategies and offer examples of how computer-based information systems can be used by different companies to gain a strategic […]
  • Negative Impacts of Computer Technology For instance, they can erase human memory, enhance the ability of human memory, boost the effectiveness of the brain, utilize the human senses in computer systems, and also detect anomalies in the human body. The […]
  • Computer Addiction in Modern Society Maressa’s definition that, computer addiction is an accurate description of what goes on when people spend large amount of time working on computers or online is true, timely, and ‘accurate’ and the writer of this […]
  • Preparation of Correspondences by Typewriters and Computers On the other hand, the computer relies on software program to generate the words encoded by the computer user. The typewriter user has to press the keys of the typewriter with more force compared to […]
  • Computer Components in the Future It must be noted though that liquid cooling systems utilize more electricity compared to traditional fan cooling systems due to the use of both a pump and a radiator in order to dissipate the heat […]
  • Computer Science: Threats to Internet Privacy Allegedly, the use of the Internet is considered to be a potential threat to the privacy of individuals and organizations. Internet privacy may be threatened by the ease of access to personal information as well […]
  • Computer System Review and Upgrade The main purpose of this computer program is going to be the more effective identification of the hooligan groups and their organisation with the purpose to reduce the violation actions.
  • Strategic Marketing: Dell and ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Another factor contributing to the success of iPad is the use of stylish, supreme marketing and excellent branding of the products.
  • Online Video and Computer Games Video and computer games emerged around the same time as role playing games during the 1970s, and there has always been a certain overlap between video and computer games and larger fantasy and sci-fi communities.
  • Computer Communication Network in Medical Schools Most medical schools have made it compulsory for any reporting student to have a computer and this point the place of computer communication network in medical schools now and in the future.
  • Computer Sciences Technology: Smart Clothes In this paper we find that the smart clothes are dated back to the early 20th century and they can be attributed to the works of artists and scientists.
  • Human Mind Simply: A Biological Computer When contemplating the man-like intelligence of machines, the computer immediately comes to mind but how does the amind’ of such a machine compare to the mind of man?
  • Boot Process of a CISCO Router and Computer An understanding of the processes that would help in setting up the configuration of a router and its various elements can lead to relating the booting process of the router to that of any other […]
  • Computer Security: Bell-Lapadula & Biba Models Cybersecurity policies require the formulation and implementation of security access control models like the Bell-LaPadula and the Biba, to successfully ensure availability, integrity, and confidentiality of information flows via network access.
  • Computer Forensics Tools and Evidence Processing The purpose of this paper is to analyze available forensic tools, identify and explain the challenges of investigations, and explain the legal implication of the First and Fourth Amendments as they relate to evidence processing […]
  • The Drawbacks of Computers in Human Lives Since the invention of computers, they have continued to be a blessing in many ways and more specifically changing the lives of many people.
  • Computers and Information Gathering On the other hand, it would be correct to say that application of computers in gathering information has led to negative impacts in firms.
  • Dell Computer Company and Michael Dell These numbers prove successful reputation of the company and make the organization improve their work in order to attract the attention of more people and help them make the right choice during the selection of […]
  • Computer-Based Testing: Beneficial or Detrimental? Clariana and Wallace found out that scores variations were caused by settings of the system in computer-based and level of strictness of examiners in paper-based. According to Meissner, use of computer based tests enhances security […]
  • Computer-Based Communication Technology in Business Communication: Instant Messages and Wikis To solve the problems within the chosen filed, it is necessary to make people ready to challenges and provide them with the necessary amount of knowledge about IN and wikis’ peculiarities and properly explain the […]
  • Purchasing or Leasing Computer Equipment: Advantages and Disadvantages When the organization decides to lease this equipment for the installation, will be on the part of the owners and maintenance, as well.
  • Concept and Types of the Computer Networks As revealed by Tamara, authenticity is one of the most important elements of network security, which reinforces the security of the information relayed within the network system.
  • Computer-Based Learning and Virtual Classrooms E-learning adds technology to instructions and also utilizes technologies to advance potential new approaches to the teaching and learning process. However, e-learners need to be prepared in the case of a technology failure which is […]
  • Apple Inc.’s Competitive Advantages in Computer Industry Competitive advantage is significant in any company A prerequisite of success It enhances sustainable profit growth It shows the company’s strengths Apple Inc.explores its core competencies to achieve it Apple Inc.is led by Tim […]
  • Dependability of Computer Systems In the dependability on computer systems, reliability architects rely a great deal on statistics, probability and the theory of reliability. The purpose of reliability in computer dependability is to come up with a reliability requirement […]
  • Evolution of Computers in Commercial Industries and Healthcare Overall, healthcare information systems are ultimately vital and should be encouraged in all organizations to improve the quality of healthcare which is a very important need for all human beings.
  • History of the Personal Computer: From 1804 to Nowadays The Analytical engine was a far more sophisticated general purpose computing device which included five of the key components that performed the basic of modern computers. A processor/Calculator/Mill-this is where all the calculations were performed.
  • Recommendations for Computer to Purchase This made me to look into and compare the different models of computers which can be good for the kind of work we do.
  • Computer Literacy: Parents and Guardians Role Filtering and monitoring content on the internet is one of the most important roles that parents in the contemporary world should play, and it reveals that parents care about their children.
  • Graph Theory Application in Computer Science Speaking about the classification of graphs and the way to apply them, it needs to be noted that different graphs present structures helping to represent data related to various fields of knowledge.
  • Computer-Mediated Communication Aspects and Influences The development of computers and the ease of internet’s accessibility have played a vital role in improving the efficiency of communication.
  • Corporate Governance in Satyam Computer Services LTD The Chief Executive Officer of the company in the UK serves as the chairman of the board, but his/her powers are controlled by the other board members.
  • The Future of Human Computer Interface and Interactions The computer is programmed to read the mind and respond to the demands of that mind. The future of human computer interface and interactivity is already here.
  • Ethics and Computer Security The introduction of computers and the internet in the 1970s marked the end and the beginning of a new era where human labour was no longer required in the production of goods and services.
  • Security of Your Computer and Ways of Protecting Authentication is used to mean that the information in the computer is only available and accessible to the authorized parties. This method is more effective as it can include hardware using multiple versions of software […]
  • Computer Safety: Types and Technologies The OS of a computer is a set of instructions communicating directly to the hardware of the computer and this enable it to process information given to it.
  • HP Computer Marketing Concept The marketing concept is the criteria that firms and organizations use to meet the needs of their clients in the most conducive manner.
  • Social Implications of Computer Technology: Cybercrimes In reading the discussion above it becomes clear that the term cybercrime actually refers to computer-related crime; however, some consider computer crime to be a subdivision of cybercrime that warrants its own definition and understanding.
  • Information Technology: Computer Software Computer software is a set of computer programs that instructs the computer on what to do and how to do it.
  • Effects of Computer Programming and Technology on Human Behavior Phones transitioned from the basic feature phones people used to own for the sole purpose of calling and texting, to smart phones that have amazing capabilities and have adapted the concepts of computers.
  • Writing Argumentative Essay With Computer Aided Formulation One has to see ideas in a systematic format in support of one position of the argument and disproval of the other.
  • Levels of Computer Science and Programming Languages For the programmer to create low-level programming languages, computer architecture is very necessary for machine coding in the Central Processing Unit of a computer.
  • Computer Systems in Hospital The central database will be important to the physician as well as pharmacy department as it will be used to keep a record of those medicines that the hospital has stocked.
  • How to Build a Desktop Personal Computer The processor will determine the speed of the system but the choice between the two major types-Intel and AMD- remains a matter of taste.
  • Networking Concepts for Computer Science Students The firewall, on the other hand, is a hardware or software that secures a network against external threats. Based on these a single subnet mask is sufficient for the whole network.
  • Computer Problems I was referred to the these three websites by my peers who told me they had experienced problems with their computers in the past and were of the opinion that these websites could provide me […]
  • Computer Financial Systems and the Labor Market This paper aims to describe the trend of technological progress, the causes and advantages of developments in computer financial systems, as well as the implications of the transition to digital tools for the labor market.
  • Computer Technology in the Student Registration Process The registration process became more efficient due to the reduction in the number of registration staff because they are only tasked with the transfer of the students’ information to their respective departments.
  • Melissa Virus and Its Effects on Computers The shutting down of the servers compromises the effectiveness of the agencies, and criminals could use such lapses to carry out acts that endanger the lives of the people.
  • Hands-on Training Versus Computer Based Training From the above comparison of hands-on training and computer based training, it can be concluded that a company or an institution should choose its training methodology carefully.
  • Microsoft Operating System for Personal Computers a Monopoly in the Markets Microsoft operating system has penetrated most of the markets and is considered to be the most popular of the operating systems in use today.
  • Preparing a Computer Forensics Investigation Plan However, if the information is thought to be contained in the permanent storage, then a computer has to be shut down before transporting it to a laboratory for forensic analysis. The first step in the […]
  • The Impact of Computer-Based Technologies on Business Communication The Importance of Facebook to Business Communication Facebook is one of the most popular social networking tools among college students and businesspersons. Blogs and Facebook can be used for the benefit of an organization.
  • How to Build a Gaming Computer The first step to creating a custom build for a PC is making a list of all the necessary components. This explanation of how to build a custom gaming computer demonstrates that the process is […]
  • Pipeline Hazards in Computer Architecture Therefore, branch instructions are the primary reasons for these types of pipeline hazards to emerge. In conclusion, it is important to be able to distinguish between different pipeline types and their hazards in order to […]
  • PayPal and Human-Computer Interaction One of the strong points of the PayPal brand is its capacity to use visual design in the process of creating new users. The ability of the Paypal website to transform answers to the need […]
  • Personal Computer: The Tool for Technical Report In addition to this, computers, via the use of reification, make it feasible to reconfigure a process representation so that first-time users can examine and comprehend many facets of the procedures.
  • Altera Quartus Computer Aided Design Tool So, the key to successful binary additions is a full adder. The complete adder circuit takes in three numbers, A, B, and C, adds them together, and outputs the sum and carry.
  • Computer Graphics and Its Historical Background One of the examples of analog computer graphics can be seen in the game called Space Warriors, which was developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Hence, the entertainment industry was one of the main […]
  • The Twelve-Cell Computer Battery Product: Weighted Average and Contracts Types There is a need to fully understand each of the choices, the cost, benefits, and risks involved for the individual or company to make the right decision.
  • Computer Usage Evolution Through Years In the history of mankind, the computer has become one of the most important inventions. The diagnostics and treatment methods will be much easier with the help of computer intervention.
  • How to Change a Computer Hard Drive Disk These instructions will allow the readers to change the HDD from a faulty computer step by step and switch on the computer to test the new HDD.
  • Researching of Computer-Aided Design: Theory To draw a first-angle projection, one can imagine that the object is placed between the person drawing and the projection. To distinguish the first angle projection, technical drawings are marked with a specific symbol.
  • Systems Development Life Cycle and Implementation of Computer Assisted Coding The potential risks the software must deal with are identified at this phase in addition to other system and hardware specifications.
  • Why Is Speed More Important in Computer Storage Systems? While there are indications of how speed may be more significant than storage in the context of a computer system, both storage and speed are important to efficiency.
  • Researching of Computer Simulation Theory Until then, people can only continue to study and try to come to unambiguous arguments regarding the possibility of human life in a computer simulation.
  • Choosing a Computer for a Home Recording Studio The motherboard is responsible for the speed and stability of the system and should also have a large number of ports in case of many purposes of the computer in the studio.
  • Computer Programming and Code The Maze game was the one I probably enjoyed the most since it was both engaging and not challenging, and I quickly understood what I needed to do.
  • Computer-Aided-Design, Virtual and Augmented Realities in Business The usual applications of these technologies are in the field of data management, product visualization, and training; however, there is infinite potential in their development and integration with one another and this is why they […]
  • Computer-Mediated Communication Competence in Learning The study showed that knowledge of the CMC medium was the strongest influence on participation with a =.41. In addition to that, teachers can use the results of this study to improve students’ experience with […]
  • Anticipated Growth in Computer and Monitor Equipment Sales This presentations explores the computer equipment market to identify opportunities and device ways of using the opportunities to the advantage of EMI.
  • Current Trends and Projects in Computer Networks and Security That means the management of a given organization can send a request to communicate to the network the intended outcome instead of coding and executing the single tasks manually.
  • Acme Corp.: Designing a Better Computer Mouse The approach that the company is taking toward the early stages of the development process is to only include design engineers and brainstorm ideas.
  • Computer Forensic Incident All evidence should be collected in the presence of experts in order to avoid losing data as well as violating privacy rights.N.
  • Computer Science Courses Project Management Second, the selected independent reviewers analyze the proposal according to the set criteria and submit the information to the NSF. The project is crucial for the school and the community, as students currently do not […]
  • The Computer Science Club Project’s Budget Planning The budget for the program is provided in Table 1 below. Budget The narrative for the budget is provided below: The coordinator will spend 100% of his time controlling the quality of the provided services […]
  • How Computer Based Training Can Help Teachers Learn New Teaching and Training Methods The content will be piloted in one of the high schools, in order to use the teachers as trainers for a reaching more schools with the same methodology.
  • Approaches in Computer-Aided Design Process Challenges: The intricacy of the structure that resulted in the need to understand this process was the reason for this study.
  • Acquiring Knowledge About Computers One of the key features of A.I.U.’s learning platform is the use of the Gradebook. The best feature of the instant messaging tool is the fact that it is easy to install with no additional […]
  • Future of Forensic Accounting With Regards to Computer Use and CFRA There are different types of accounting; they include management accounting, product control, social accounting, non assurance services, resource consumption accounting, governmental accounting, project accounting, triple accounting, fund accounting and forensic accounting among others.
  • Computer Museum: Personal Experience While in the Revolution, I got a chance to see a working replica of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, which was the first real model of a working computer.
  • Computer-Based Search Strategy Using Evidence-Based Research Methodology In this case, the question guiding my research is “Can additional choices of food and places to eat improve appetite and maintain weight in residents with dementia?” The population in this context will be the […]
  • Recovering from Computer System Crashes In the event of a crash, the first step is to identify the type of crash and then determine the best way to recover from the crash.
  • Effective Way to Handle a Computer Seizure Thus, it is important to device a method of investigation that may enhance the preservation and maintenance of the integrity of the evidence.
  • VisualDX: Human-Computer Interaction
  • Computer-Aided Software Engineering Tools Usage
  • Training Nurses to Work With Computer Technologies and Information Systems
  • Computer Crime in the United Arab Emirates
  • Computer Science: “DICOM & HL7”
  • Majoring in Computer Science: Key Aspects
  • Trusted Computer System Evaluation Criteria
  • Advanced Data & Computer Architecture
  • Computer Hardware: Structure, Purpose, Pros and Cons
  • Assessing and Mitigating the Risks to a Hypothetical Computer System
  • Computer Technology: Databases
  • The Reduction in Computer Performance
  • Advancements in Computer Science and Their Effects on Wireless Networks
  • Choosing an Appropriate Computer System for the Home Use
  • Global Climate and Computer Science
  • Threats to Computer Users
  • Computer Network Security Legal Framework
  • Computer Forensics and Audio Data Retrieval
  • Computer Sciences Technology: E-Commerce
  • Computer Forensics: Data Acquisition
  • Computer Forensic Timeline Visualization Tool
  • The Qatar Independence Schools’ Computer Network Security Control
  • Human-Computer Interaction and Communication
  • Computer Sciences Technology: Influencing Policy Letter
  • Computer Control System in a Laboratory Setting
  • Property and Computer Crimes
  • Current Laws and Acts That Pertain to Computer Security
  • Computer Network: Electronic Mail Server
  • Honeypots and Honeynets in Network Security
  • The Life, Achievement, and Legacy to Computer Systems of Bill Gates
  • Life, Achievement, and Legacy to Computer Systems of Alan Turing
  • Building a PC, Computer Structure
  • Computer Sciences Technology and HTTPS Hacking Protection
  • Protecting Computers From Security Threats
  • Computer Sciences Technology: Admonition in IT Security
  • Research Tools Used by Computer Forensic Teams
  • Maintenance and Establishment of Computer Security
  • Computer Tech Company’s Medical Leave Problem
  • Sales Plan for Computer Equipment
  • Smartwatches: Computer on the Wrist
  • Purpose of the Computer Information Science Course
  • Technological Facilities: Computers in Education
  • Computers’ Critical Role in Modern Life
  • Malware: Code Red Computer Worm
  • Sidetrack Computer Tech Business Description
  • Strayer University’s Computer Labs Policy
  • Computer Assisted Language Learning in English
  • TUI University: Computer Capacity Evaluation
  • The Effectiveness of the Computer
  • “Failure to Connect – How Computers Affect Our Children’s Minds and What We Can Do About It” by Jane M. Healy
  • Computer Security System: Identity Theft
  • Analogical Reasoning in Computer Ethics
  • Dell Computer Corporation: Management Control System
  • Computer Mediated Communication Enhance or Inhibit
  • Technical Communication: Principles of Computer Security
  • Why to Choose Mac Over Windows Personal Computer
  • Biometrics and Computer Security
  • Computer Addiction: Side Effects and Possible Solutions
  • Marketing: Graphic and Voice Capabilities of a Computer Software Technology
  • Computer Systems: Technology Impact on Society
  • State-Of-The-Art in Computer Numerical Control
  • The Increasing Human Dependence on Computers
  • Computer Adventure Games Analysis
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Computer Security
  • Resolving Software Problem: Timberjack Company
  • Computer and Information Tech Program in Education
  • Computer Software and Wireless Information Systems
  • Computer Vision: Tracking the Hand Using Bayesian Models
  • Computer Virus User Awareness
  • Firewalls in Computer Security
  • Computer Engineer Stephen Wozniak
  • Gaming System for Dell Computer: Media Campaign Issues
  • Computers: Science and Scientists Review
  • Uniform Law for Computer Information Transactions
  • Computer Science. Open Systems Interconnection Model
  • Computer Forensics in Criminal Investigation
  • Keystone Computers & Networks Inc.’s Audit Plan
  • Computer Crimes: Viewing the Future
  • Computer Forensics and Cyber Crime
  • Computer Forensics: Identity Theft
  • Computer Crime Investigation Processes and Analyses
  • Dam Computers Company’s Strategic Business Planning
  • Computer and Internet Security Notions
  • Technical Requirements for Director Computer Work
  • Allocating a Personal Computer
  • Graphical Communication and Computer Modeling
  • Computer-Based Systems Effective Implementation
  • Computers and Web 2.0
  • Computer Games and Instruction
  • IBM.com Website and Human-Computer Interaction
  • Computer Hardware and Software Policies for Schools
  • Education Goals in Computer Science Studies
  • Enhancing Sepsis Collaborative: Computer Documentation
  • Computers R Us Company’s Customer Satisfaction
  • Apple Ipad: History of the Tablet Computers and Their Connection to Asia
  • Dell Computer Corporation: Competitive Advantages
  • Computer Emergency Readiness Team
  • Computer Viruses, Their Types and Prevention
  • Computers in Security, Education, Business Fields
  • Epistemic Superiority Over Computer Simulations
  • Fertil Company’s Computer and Information Security
  • Computer-Assisted Language Learning: Barriers
  • Computer-Assisted Second Language Learning Tools
  • Computer-Assisted English Language Learning
  • Computer Gaming Influence on the Academic Performance
  • Computer Based Learning in Elementary Schools
  • Computer and Digital Forensics and Cybercrimes
  • Computer Reservations System in Hotel
  • VSphere Computer Networking: Planning and Configuring
  • Human Computer Interaction in Web Based Systems
  • Cybercrime, Digital Evidence, Computer Forensics
  • Human Overdependence on Computers
  • Medical Uses of Computer-Mediated Communication
  • Computer Architecture for a College Student
  • HP Company’s Computer Networking Business
  • Foreign Direct Investment in the South Korean Computer Industry
  • Computer Mediated Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication
  • Computer Apps for Productive Endeavors of Youth
  • Dell Computers Company Planning and Organization
  • Humanities and Computer Science Collaboration
  • Euro Computer Systems and Order Fulfillment Center Conflict
  • Computer Science Program in Colleges and Universities
  • EFL and ESL Learners: Computer-Aided Cooperative Learning
  • Computer Science Corporation Service Design
  • Computer Security – Information Assurance
  • Computer Technology in the Last 100 Years of Human History
  • Computer Mediated Learning
  • Environmental Friendly Strategy for Quality Computers Limited
  • Human-Computer Interaction: Tangible Video Bubbles
  • “Interaction” in Human Computer Interaction: iPad’s Design Framework
  • Computer R Us Company: Initiatives for Improving Customer Satisfaction
  • Corporate Governance: Satyam Computer Service Limited
  • Quasar Company’s Optical Computers
  • Implementing Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) in EFL Classrooms
  • Computer Adaptive Testing and Using Computer Technology
  • Computer Games: Morality in the Virtual World
  • How Computer Based Training Can Help Teachers Learn New Teaching and Training Methods
  • Human Computer Interaction – Heptic Technology in PlayMotion
  • Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business
  • Computer Forensics and Digital Evidence
  • Human Computer Interface: Evolution and Changes
  • Computer and Digital Music Players Industry: Apple Inc. Analysis
  • Computer Manufacturer: Apple Computer Inc.
  • Theft of Information and Unauthorized Computer Access
  • Supply Chain Management at Dell Computers
  • Turing Test From Computer Science
  • The Computer-Mediated Learning Module
  • Computer Security and Its Main Goals
  • Apple Computer Inc. – History and Goals of This Multinational Corporation
  • Computer Technology in Education
  • Telecommunication and Computer Networking in Healthcare
  • The Convergence of the Computer Graphics and the Moving Image
  • Information Security Fundamentals: Computer Forensics
  • Computer Forensics Related Ethics
  • People Are Too Dependent on Computers
  • Computer-Mediated Communication: Study Evaluation
  • Computer Assisted Language Learning in the Middle East
  • Apple Computer, Inc. Organizational Culture and Ethics
  • Computer-Based Information Systems and E-Business Strategy
  • Analyses and Model Forms: Computer Sciences Corporation Case Study
  • Computer Sciences Corporation: Michael Horton
  • Review: “Computers Learn to Listen, and Some Talk Back” by Lohr and Markoff
  • The Role of Computer Forensics in Criminology
  • Paralinguistic Cues in Computer-Mediated Communications in Personality Traits
  • Computer-Mediated Communication
  • Comparison of Three Tablet Computers: Ipad2, Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy
  • Decker Computers: E-Commerce Website App
  • Apple Computer Inc. Marketing
  • Third Age Living and Computer Technologies in Old Age Learning
  • Human-Computer Interaction in Health Care
  • Computer Technology and Networked Organizations
  • Reflections and Evaluations on Key Issues Concerning Computer
  • ClubIT Computer Company: Information and Technology Solutions
  • The Impact of Computers
  • Tablet PCs Popularity and Application
  • The Alliance for Childhood and Computers in Education
  • The Evolution of the Personal Computer and the Internet
  • Advancement of the Computer: Microchips and Semiconductors
  • Computers in the Classroom: Pros and Cons
  • Computer Cookies: What Are They and How Do They Work
  • Modeling, Prototyping and CASE Tools: The Inventions to Support the Computer Engineering
  • Ergotron Inc Computer Workstation Environment
  • Experts Respond to Questions Better Than Computers
  • Through a Computer Display and What People See There: Communication Technologies and the Quality of Social Interactions
  • Computer Based Training Verses Instructor Lead Training
  • Leasing Computers at Persistent Learning
  • Ethics in Computer Hacking
  • Computer Forensics and Investigations
  • Basic Operations of Computer Forensic Laboratories
  • Project Management and Computer Charting
  • Computer Networks and Security
  • The Computer Microchip Industry
  • Network Security and Its Importance in Computer Networks
  • Company Analysis: Apple Computer
  • Responsibilities of Computer Professionals to Understanding and Protecting the Privacy Rights
  • Computers & Preschool Children: Why They Are Required in Early Childhood Centers
  • Computer and Telecommunication Technologies in the Worlds’ Economy
  • Computer Survey Analysis: Preferences of the People
  • Computer Security: Safeguard Private and Confidential Information
  • Computer Fraud and Contracting
  • Introduction to Computers Malicious Software (Trojan Horses)
  • Computer Security Breaches and Hacking
  • State Laws Regarding Computer Use and Abuse
  • Apple Computer: The Twenty-First Century Innovator
  • Computer Crimes Defense and Prevention
  • How Have Computers Changed the Wage Structure?
  • Do Computers and the Internet Help Students Learn?
  • How Are Computers Used in Pavement Management?
  • Are Americans Becoming Too Dependent on Computers?
  • How Are Data Being Represented in Computers?
  • Can Computers Replace Teachers?
  • How Did Computers Affect the Privacy of Citizens?
  • Are Computers Changing the Way Humans Think?
  • How Are Computers and Technology Manifested in Every Aspect of an American’s Life?
  • Can Computers Think?
  • What Benefits Are Likely to Result From an Increasing Use of Computers?
  • How Are Computers Essential in Criminal Justice Field?
  • Are Computers Compromising Education?
  • How Are Computers Used in the Military?
  • Did Computers Really Change the World?
  • How Have Computers Affected International Business?
  • Should Computers Replace Textbooks?
  • How Have Computers Made the World a Global Village?
  • What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages for Society of the Reliance on Communicating via Computers?
  • Will Computers Control Humans in the Future?
  • Cyber Security Topics
  • Electronics Engineering Paper Topics
  • Virtualization Essay Titles
  • Dell Topics
  • Intel Topics
  • Microsoft Topics
  • Apple Topics
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  • Chicago (N-B)

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Introduction

  • 1 About This Tutorial arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn what's covered in this free course.
  • 2 What is a Computer? arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn what a computer is and how it functions.

Hardware Basics

  • 3 Basic Parts of a Computer arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn the basic parts of a computer, including the monitor, computer case, and keyboard.
  • 4 Buttons and Ports on a Computer arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn the various ports and buttons on a computer.
  • 5 Inside a Computer arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn what's inside a computer.
  • 6 Laptop Computers arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn more about laptop computers and how they differ from traditional desktop computers.
  • 7 Mobile Devices arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn how mobile devices work.

Software Basics

  • 8 Understanding Operating Systems arrow_forward_ios ✓ Get a better understanding of operating systems and how they function.
  • 9 Understanding Applications arrow_forward_ios ✓ Better understand applications and how they work.

Using a Computer

  • 10 Setting Up a Computer arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn know how to set up a computer.
  • 11 Getting Started with Your First Computer arrow_forward_ios ✓ Get started with your first computer.
  • 12 Getting to Know the OS arrow_forward_ios ✓ Get to know your computer's operating system.

Using the Internet

  • 13 Connecting to the Internet arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn how to get online and start using the Internet.
  • 14 Getting Started with the Internet arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn how to get started with and navigate the Internet.
  • 15 Understanding the Cloud arrow_forward_ios ✓ Gain a greater understanding of the cloud and how it works.

Safety and Maintenance

  • 16 Keeping Your Computer Clean arrow_forward_ios ✓ Use these tips to keep your computer clean.
  • 17 Protecting Your Computer arrow_forward_ios ✓ Employ these strategies to keep your computer well protected from threats.
  • 18 Creating a Safe Workspace arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn tips for creating a safe space at work.
  • 19 Basic Troubleshooting Techniques arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn these basic troubleshooting techniques.
  • 20 How to Use Your Computer's Built-in Help arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn how to use your computer's built-in help function.
  • 21 Learning a New Program arrow_forward_ios ✓ Use these tips for learning a new program, whatever it may be.
  • 22 Bringing Your Files with You arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn how you can bring your computer files and folders with you wherever you go.
  • 23 Using Accessibility Features arrow_forward_ios ✓ Here's how to use your computer's various accessibility functions.
  • 24 Computer Basics Quiz arrow_forward_ios ✓ Test your knowledge of computer basics by taking our quiz.

History of computers: A brief timeline

The history of computers began with primitive designs in the early 19th century and went on to change the world during the 20th century.

History of computers: Apple I computer 1976

  • 2000-present day

Additional resources

The history of computers goes back over 200 years. At first theorized by mathematicians and entrepreneurs, during the 19th century mechanical calculating machines were designed and built to solve the increasingly complex number-crunching challenges. The advancement of technology enabled ever more-complex computers by the early 20th century, and computers became larger and more powerful.

Today, computers are almost unrecognizable from designs of the 19th century, such as Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine — or even from the huge computers of the 20th century that occupied whole rooms, such as the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator.  

Here's a brief history of computers, from their primitive number-crunching origins to the powerful modern-day machines that surf the Internet, run games and stream multimedia. 

19th century

1801: Joseph Marie Jacquard, a French merchant and inventor invents a loom that uses punched wooden cards to automatically weave fabric designs. Early computers would use similar punch cards.

1821: English mathematician Charles Babbage conceives of a steam-driven calculating machine that would be able to compute tables of numbers. Funded by the British government, the project, called the "Difference Engine" fails due to the lack of technology at the time, according to the University of Minnesota . 

1848: Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician and the daughter of poet Lord Byron, writes the world's first computer program. According to Anna Siffert, a professor of theoretical mathematics at the University of Münster in Germany, Lovelace writes the first program while translating a paper on Babbage's Analytical Engine from French into English. "She also provides her own comments on the text. Her annotations, simply called "notes," turn out to be three times as long as the actual transcript," Siffert wrote in an article for The Max Planck Society . "Lovelace also adds a step-by-step description for computation of Bernoulli numbers with Babbage's machine — basically an algorithm — which, in effect, makes her the world's first computer programmer." Bernoulli numbers are a sequence of rational numbers often used in computation.

Babbage's Analytical Engine

1853: Swedish inventor Per Georg Scheutz and his son Edvard design the world's first printing calculator. The machine is significant for being the first to "compute tabular differences and print the results," according to Uta C. Merzbach's book, " Georg Scheutz and the First Printing Calculator " (Smithsonian Institution Press, 1977).

1890: Herman Hollerith designs a punch-card system to help calculate the 1890 U.S. Census. The machine,  saves the government several years of calculations, and the U.S. taxpayer approximately $5 million, according to Columbia University  Hollerith later establishes a company that will eventually become International Business Machines Corporation ( IBM ).

Early 20th century

1931: At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Vannevar Bush invents and builds the Differential Analyzer, the first large-scale automatic general-purpose mechanical analog computer, according to Stanford University . 

1936: Alan Turing , a British scientist and mathematician, presents the principle of a universal machine, later called the Turing machine, in a paper called "On Computable Numbers…" according to Chris Bernhardt's book " Turing's Vision " (The MIT Press, 2017). Turing machines are capable of computing anything that is computable. The central concept of the modern computer is based on his ideas. Turing is later involved in the development of the Turing-Welchman Bombe, an electro-mechanical device designed to decipher Nazi codes during World War II, according to the UK's National Museum of Computing . 

1937: John Vincent Atanasoff, a professor of physics and mathematics at Iowa State University, submits a grant proposal to build the first electric-only computer, without using gears, cams, belts or shafts.

original garage where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard started their business

1939: David Packard and Bill Hewlett found the Hewlett Packard Company in Palo Alto, California. The pair decide the name of their new company by the toss of a coin, and Hewlett-Packard's first headquarters are in Packard's garage, according to MIT . 

1941: German inventor and engineer Konrad Zuse completes his Z3 machine, the world's earliest digital computer, according to Gerard O'Regan's book " A Brief History of Computing " (Springer, 2021). The machine was destroyed during a bombing raid on Berlin during World War II. Zuse fled the German capital after the defeat of Nazi Germany and later released the world's first commercial digital computer, the Z4, in 1950, according to O'Regan. 

1941: Atanasoff and his graduate student, Clifford Berry, design the first digital electronic computer in the U.S., called the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC). This marks the first time a computer is able to store information on its main memory, and is capable of performing one operation every 15 seconds, according to the book " Birthing the Computer " (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2016)

1945: Two professors at the University of Pennsylvania, John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, design and build the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC). The machine is the first "automatic, general-purpose, electronic, decimal, digital computer," according to Edwin D. Reilly's book "Milestones in Computer Science and Information Technology" (Greenwood Press, 2003). 

Computer technicians operating the ENIAC

1946: Mauchly and Presper leave the University of Pennsylvania and receive funding from the Census Bureau to build the UNIVAC, the first commercial computer for business and government applications.

1947: William Shockley, John Bardeen and Walter Brattain of Bell Laboratories invent the transistor . They discover how to make an electric switch with solid materials and without the need for a vacuum.

1949: A team at the University of Cambridge develops the Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC), "the first practical stored-program computer," according to O'Regan. "EDSAC ran its first program in May 1949 when it calculated a table of squares and a list of prime numbers ," O'Regan wrote. In November 1949, scientists with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), now called CSIRO, build Australia's first digital computer called the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Automatic Computer (CSIRAC). CSIRAC is the first digital computer in the world to play music, according to O'Regan.

Late 20th century

1953: Grace Hopper develops the first computer language, which eventually becomes known as COBOL, which stands for COmmon, Business-Oriented Language according to the National Museum of American History . Hopper is later dubbed the "First Lady of Software" in her posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom citation. Thomas Johnson Watson Jr., son of IBM CEO Thomas Johnson Watson Sr., conceives the IBM 701 EDPM to help the United Nations keep tabs on Korea during the war.

1954: John Backus and his team of programmers at IBM publish a paper describing their newly created FORTRAN programming language, an acronym for FORmula TRANslation, according to MIT .

1958: Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce unveil the integrated circuit, known as the computer chip. Kilby is later awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work.

1968: Douglas Engelbart reveals a prototype of the modern computer at the Fall Joint Computer Conference, San Francisco. His presentation, called "A Research Center for Augmenting Human Intellect" includes a live demonstration of his computer, including a mouse and a graphical user interface (GUI), according to the Doug Engelbart Institute . This marks the development of the computer from a specialized machine for academics to a technology that is more accessible to the general public.

The first computer mouse, invented in 1963 by Douglas C. Engelbart

1969: Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie and a group of other developers at Bell Labs produce UNIX, an operating system that made "large-scale networking of diverse computing systems — and the internet — practical," according to Bell Labs .. The team behind UNIX continued to develop the operating system using the C programming language, which they also optimized. 

1970: The newly formed Intel unveils the Intel 1103, the first Dynamic Access Memory (DRAM) chip.

1971: A team of IBM engineers led by Alan Shugart invents the "floppy disk," enabling data to be shared among different computers.

1972: Ralph Baer, a German-American engineer, releases Magnavox Odyssey, the world's first home game console, in September 1972 , according to the Computer Museum of America . Months later, entrepreneur Nolan Bushnell and engineer Al Alcorn with Atari release Pong, the world's first commercially successful video game. 

1973: Robert Metcalfe, a member of the research staff for Xerox, develops Ethernet for connecting multiple computers and other hardware.

1977: The Commodore Personal Electronic Transactor (PET), is released onto the home computer market, featuring an MOS Technology 8-bit 6502 microprocessor, which controls the screen, keyboard and cassette player. The PET is especially successful in the education market, according to O'Regan.

1975: The magazine cover of the January issue of "Popular Electronics" highlights the Altair 8080 as the "world's first minicomputer kit to rival commercial models." After seeing the magazine issue, two "computer geeks," Paul Allen and Bill Gates, offer to write software for the Altair, using the new BASIC language. On April 4, after the success of this first endeavor, the two childhood friends form their own software company, Microsoft.

1976: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak co-found Apple Computer on April Fool's Day. They unveil Apple I, the first computer with a single-circuit board and ROM (Read Only Memory), according to MIT .

Apple I computer 1976

1977: Radio Shack began its initial production run of 3,000 TRS-80 Model 1 computers — disparagingly known as the "Trash 80" — priced at $599, according to the National Museum of American History. Within a year, the company took 250,000 orders for the computer, according to the book " How TRS-80 Enthusiasts Helped Spark the PC Revolution " (The Seeker Books, 2007).

1977: The first West Coast Computer Faire is held in San Francisco. Jobs and Wozniak present the Apple II computer at the Faire, which includes color graphics and features an audio cassette drive for storage.

1978: VisiCalc, the first computerized spreadsheet program is introduced.

1979: MicroPro International, founded by software engineer Seymour Rubenstein, releases WordStar, the world's first commercially successful word processor. WordStar is programmed by Rob Barnaby, and includes 137,000 lines of code, according to Matthew G. Kirschenbaum's book " Track Changes: A Literary History of Word Processing " (Harvard University Press, 2016).

1981: "Acorn," IBM's first personal computer, is released onto the market at a price point of $1,565, according to IBM. Acorn uses the MS-DOS operating system from Windows. Optional features include a display, printer, two diskette drives, extra memory, a game adapter and more.

A worker using an Acorn computer by IBM, 1981

1983: The Apple Lisa, standing for "Local Integrated Software Architecture" but also the name of Steve Jobs' daughter, according to the National Museum of American History ( NMAH ), is the first personal computer to feature a GUI. The machine also includes a drop-down menu and icons. Also this year, the Gavilan SC is released and is the first portable computer with a flip-form design and the very first to be sold as a "laptop."

1984: The Apple Macintosh is announced to the world during a Superbowl advertisement. The Macintosh is launched with a retail price of $2,500, according to the NMAH. 

1985 : As a response to the Apple Lisa's GUI, Microsoft releases Windows in November 1985, the Guardian reported . Meanwhile, Commodore announces the Amiga 1000.

1989: Tim Berners-Lee, a British researcher at the European Organization for Nuclear Research ( CERN ), submits his proposal for what would become the World Wide Web. His paper details his ideas for Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), the building blocks of the Web. 

1993: The Pentium microprocessor advances the use of graphics and music on PCs.

1996: Sergey Brin and Larry Page develop the Google search engine at Stanford University.

1997: Microsoft invests $150 million in Apple, which at the time is struggling financially.  This investment ends an ongoing court case in which Apple accused Microsoft of copying its operating system. 

1999: Wi-Fi, the abbreviated term for "wireless fidelity" is developed, initially covering a distance of up to 300 feet (91 meters) Wired reported . 

21st century

2001: Mac OS X, later renamed OS X then simply macOS, is released by Apple as the successor to its standard Mac Operating System. OS X goes through 16 different versions, each with "10" as its title, and the first nine iterations are nicknamed after big cats, with the first being codenamed "Cheetah," TechRadar reported.  

2003: AMD's Athlon 64, the first 64-bit processor for personal computers, is released to customers. 

2004: The Mozilla Corporation launches Mozilla Firefox 1.0. The Web browser is one of the first major challenges to Internet Explorer, owned by Microsoft. During its first five years, Firefox exceeded a billion downloads by users, according to the Web Design Museum . 

2005: Google buys Android, a Linux-based mobile phone operating system

2006: The MacBook Pro from Apple hits the shelves. The Pro is the company's first Intel-based, dual-core mobile computer. 

2009: Microsoft launches Windows 7 on July 22. The new operating system features the ability to pin applications to the taskbar, scatter windows away by shaking another window, easy-to-access jumplists, easier previews of tiles and more, TechRadar reported .  

Apple CEO Steve Jobs holds the iPad during the launch of Apple's new tablet computing device in San Francisco

2010: The iPad, Apple's flagship handheld tablet, is unveiled.

2011: Google releases the Chromebook, which runs on Google Chrome OS.

2015: Apple releases the Apple Watch. Microsoft releases Windows 10.

2016: The first reprogrammable quantum computer was created. "Until now, there hasn't been any quantum-computing platform that had the capability to program new algorithms into their system. They're usually each tailored to attack a particular algorithm," said study lead author Shantanu Debnath, a quantum physicist and optical engineer at the University of Maryland, College Park.

2017: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is developing a new "Molecular Informatics" program that uses molecules as computers. "Chemistry offers a rich set of properties that we may be able to harness for rapid, scalable information storage and processing," Anne Fischer, program manager in DARPA's Defense Sciences Office, said in a statement. "Millions of molecules exist, and each molecule has a unique three-dimensional atomic structure as well as variables such as shape, size, or even color. This richness provides a vast design space for exploring novel and multi-value ways to encode and process data beyond the 0s and 1s of current logic-based, digital architectures."

2019: A team at Google became the first to demonstrate quantum supremacy — creating a quantum computer that could feasibly outperform the most powerful classical computer — albeit for a very specific problem with no practical real-world application. The described the computer, dubbed "Sycamore" in a paper that same year in the journal Nature . Achieving quantum advantage – in which a quantum computer solves a problem with real-world applications faster than the most powerful classical computer —  is still a ways off. 

2022: The first exascale supercomputer, and the world's fastest, Frontier, went online at the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF) in Tennessee. Built by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) at the cost of $600 million, Frontier uses nearly 10,000 AMD EPYC 7453 64-core CPUs alongside nearly 40,000 AMD Radeon Instinct MI250X GPUs. This machine ushered in the era of exascale computing, which refers to systems that can reach more than one exaFLOP of power – used to measure the performance of a system. Only one machine – Frontier – is currently capable of reaching such levels of performance. It is currently being used as a tool to aid scientific discovery.

What is the first computer in history?

Charles Babbage's Difference Engine, designed in the 1820s, is considered the first "mechanical" computer in history, according to the Science Museum in the U.K . Powered by steam with a hand crank, the machine calculated a series of values and printed the results in a table. 

What are the five generations of computing?

The "five generations of computing" is a framework for assessing the entire history of computing and the key technological advancements throughout it. 

The first generation, spanning the 1940s to the 1950s, covered vacuum tube-based machines. The second then progressed to incorporate transistor-based computing between the 50s and the 60s. In the 60s and 70s, the third generation gave rise to integrated circuit-based computing. We are now in between the fourth and fifth generations of computing, which are microprocessor-based and AI-based computing.

What is the most powerful computer in the world?

As of November 2023, the most powerful computer in the world is the Frontier supercomputer . The machine, which can reach a performance level of up to 1.102 exaFLOPS, ushered in the age of exascale computing in 2022 when it went online at Tennessee's  Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF) 

There is, however, a potentially more powerful supercomputer waiting in the wings in the form of the Aurora supercomputer, which is housed at the Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) outside of Chicago.  Aurora went online in November 2023. Right now, it lags far behind Frontier, with performance levels of just 585.34 petaFLOPS (roughly half the performance of Frontier), although it's still not finished. When work is completed, the supercomputer is expected to reach performance levels higher than 2 exaFLOPS.

What was the first killer app?

Killer apps are widely understood to be those so essential that they are core to the technology they run on. There have been so many through the years – from Word for Windows in 1989 to iTunes in 2001 to social media apps like WhatsApp in more recent years

Several pieces of software may stake a claim to be the first killer app, but there is a broad consensus that VisiCalc, a spreadsheet program created by VisiCorp and originally released for the Apple II in 1979, holds that title. Steve Jobs even credits this app for propelling the Apple II to become the success it was, according to co-creator Dan Bricklin .

  • Fortune: A Look Back At 40 Years of Apple
  • The New Yorker: The First Windows
  • " A Brief History of Computing " by Gerard O'Regan (Springer, 2021)

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Timothy is Editor in Chief of print and digital magazines All About History and History of War . He has previously worked on sister magazine All About Space , as well as photography and creative brands including Digital Photographer and 3D Artist . He has also written for How It Works magazine, several history bookazines and has a degree in English Literature from Bath Spa University . 

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assignment about laptops

EnglishPost.org

50 Conversation Questions about Computers

Times are changing really fast and technology keeps getting better and better so computers make a good topic of conversation.

A computer is a programmable machine. The two principal characteristics of a computer are:

  • It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner
  • it can execute a prerecorded list of instructions.

Let’s explore what you know and how much you know about computers with this comprehensive list of questions

Table of Contents

Questions about Computers: General Questions

Questions about computers: software, questions about computers: websites, questions about computers: security, questions about computers: devices, questions about computers: the cloud, questions about computers: entertainment, questions about computers: emails, learning about computers, computers and note taking apps, quotes about computers, more information.

These are some general questions about computers

  • Do you know a lot about computers?
  • How often do you use computers?
  • Can you access the internet at home?
  • What type of computer would you like to have in the future?
  • Do you have a printer at home?
  • What are two disadvantages of using smartphones and tablets?
  • What do you think about Cybercafes? are they still useful?
  • What are you looking for in a good computer?
  • Do you like a job in which you have to use computers?
  • Do you spend too much time online?
  • Does your mother of father know how to use a computer?
  • Do computers make life easier?

These computer questions deal with software related matters

  • Do you use Microsoft Office or Open Office?
  • Do you use Windows or Linux?
  • What Linux distribution do you use?
  • What software should come pre-installed on computer?
  • What software do you use to keep your computer clean?

These are some questions about computers and your website habits

  • Do you visit English websites?
  • What websites do you visit in a regular basis?
  • What is your favorite internet browser?
  • What are two browser that you would recommend?

Something we should worry about computers is security.

  • What antivirus do you have on your computer?
  • What antivirus have you tried in the past?
  • Do you use antivirus software on Linux or Mac?
  • Do you rely on a freemium version of antivirus to protect your computer?
  • What measures do you take to protect yourself from hackers?
  • Are you concerned about making bank transactions on your computer?
  • How would you protect yourself from keyloggers when using your computer?
  • What measures do you take to keep your data safe online and/or offline?
  • Have you ever had a virus, worm, or another type of malware on your computer?
  • How much would you be willing to pay for antivirus software if there was no free version available?

These are some questions about devices

  • What do you think is more useful? Smartphones or Tablet?
  • Have you ever used an Apple computer? what do you think about them?
  • What do you think about the Apple MacBook Air?
  • What do you use more? Cellphones or Computers?
  • What do you think about desktop computer?
  • Do you have a laptop? What’s your laptop brand?
  • Have you ever considered buying a Chromebook?

Computers can store a lot of information but you can also store it somewhere else

  • What cloud services have you used to save your files?
  • Do you have a cloud storage device?
  • Where do you save your photos?
  • Have you ever used Dropbox?
  • Will you considered paying for cloud storage?
  • What do you think are the advantages of cloud storage?
  • What do you have to consider about saving your files online?

Computers are also a source of entertainment

  • Do you play computer games in your computer?
  • Do you download movies or music from the Internet?
  • Do you use your computer to check or update your social media profiles?
  • Do you usually store movies and music in your computer?
  • Do you use your computer to play video games?
  • What are some advantages of using social networks?

These are some computer questions about emails.

  • What email service do you use?
  • What do you like to use the most? Gmail or Outlook?
  • Have you ever tried the Yahoo email service?
  • Do you get a lot of junk mail?
  • Do you know what phishing is?
  • Do you usually check email in your computer or another device?

These are some questions that have to do with learning about computers

  • Do you know any computer programming languages?
  • Do you take computer classes in school?
  • Did you take computer classes when you were in school?
  • Do you really need classes to learn how to use a computer?
  • What do you think about computer classes taught in schools?
  • What do you think about computer- related jobs?

These are questions about note taking apps

  • Do you use any other tools for note-taking and document creation besides Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Notability?
  • How often do you use Google docs?
  • Have you ever used Evernote?
  • Will you consider using Evernote?
  • What do you like about Evernote versus OneNote?

Give your students a chance to analyze these quotes so you can discuss them in class.

One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man. –Elbert Hubbard
Humanity is acquiring all the right technology for all the wrong reasons. –R. Buckminster Fuller
The great myth of our times is that technology is communication. –Libby Larsen
All of our technology is completely unnecessary to a happy life. –Tom Hodgkinson
Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master. –Christian Lous Lange

You can check other conversation questions by topic in this page or you can check some of these pages.

  • Friends Conversation Questions
  • 30 Questions about Pollution
  • 50 Sport Conversation Questions
  • My List of Favorite Questions
  • 70 Questions about Love: Dating & Marriage
  • Questions about the Environment
  • 50 Questions about Facebook

Manuel Campos

Manuel Campos

I am Jose Manuel, English professor and creator of EnglishPost.org, a blog whose mission is to share lessons for those who want to learn and improve their English

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  • History of Computers

When we study the many aspects of computing and computers, it is important to know about the history of computers. Charles Babbage designed an Analytical Engine which was a general computer   It helps us understand the growth and progress of technology through the times. It is also an important topic for competitive and banking exams.

Suggested Videos

What is a computer.

A computer is an electronic machine that collects information, stores it, processes it according to user instructions, and then returns the result.

A computer is a programmable electronic device that performs arithmetic and logical operations automatically using a set of instructions provided by the user.

Early Computing Devices

People used sticks, stones, and bones as counting tools before computers were invented. More computing devices were produced as technology advanced and the human intellect improved over time. Let us look at a few of the early-age computing devices used by mankind.

Abacus was invented by the Chinese around 4000 years ago. It’s a wooden rack with metal rods with beads attached to them. The abacus operator moves the beads according to certain guidelines to complete arithmetic computations.

  • Napier’s Bone

John Napier devised Napier’s Bones, a manually operated calculating apparatus. For calculating, this instrument used 9 separate ivory strips (bones) marked with numerals to multiply and divide. It was also the first machine to calculate using the decimal point system.

Pascaline was invented in 1642 by Biaise Pascal, a French mathematician and philosopher. It is thought to be the first mechanical and automated calculator. It was a wooden box with gears and wheels inside.

  • Stepped Reckoner or Leibniz wheel

In 1673, a German mathematician-philosopher named Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz improved on Pascal’s invention to create this apparatus. It was a digital mechanical calculator known as the stepped reckoner because it used fluted drums instead of gears.

  • Difference Engine

In the early 1820s, Charles Babbage created the Difference Engine. It was a mechanical computer that could do basic computations. It was a steam-powered calculating machine used to solve numerical tables such as logarithmic tables.

  • Analytical Engine 

Charles Babbage created another calculating machine, the Analytical Engine, in 1830. It was a mechanical computer that took input from punch cards. It was capable of solving any mathematical problem and storing data in an indefinite memory.

  • Tabulating machine 

An American Statistician – Herman Hollerith invented this machine in the year 1890. Tabulating Machine was a punch card-based mechanical tabulator. It could compute statistics and record or sort data or information. Hollerith began manufacturing these machines in his company, which ultimately became International Business Machines (IBM) in 1924.

  • Differential Analyzer 

Vannevar Bush introduced the first electrical computer, the Differential Analyzer, in 1930. This machine is made up of vacuum tubes that switch electrical impulses in order to do calculations. It was capable of performing 25 calculations in a matter of minutes.

Howard Aiken planned to build a machine in 1937 that could conduct massive calculations or calculations using enormous numbers. The Mark I computer was constructed in 1944 as a collaboration between IBM and Harvard.

History of Computers Generation

The word ‘computer’ has a very interesting origin. It was first used in the 16th century for a person who used to compute, i.e. do calculations. The word was used in the same sense as a noun until the 20th century. Women were hired as human computers to carry out all forms of calculations and computations.

By the last part of the 19th century, the word was also used to describe machines that did calculations. The modern-day use of the word is generally to describe programmable digital devices that run on electricity.

Early History of Computer

Since the evolution of humans, devices have been used for calculations for thousands of years. One of the earliest and most well-known devices was an abacus. Then in 1822, the father of computers, Charles Babbage began developing what would be the first mechanical computer. And then in 1833 he actually designed an Analytical Engine which was a general-purpose computer. It contained an ALU, some basic flow chart principles and the concept of integrated memory.

Then more than a century later in the history of computers, we got our first electronic computer for general purpose. It was the ENIAC, which stands for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer. The inventors of this computer were John W. Mauchly and J.Presper Eckert.

And with times the technology developed and the computers got smaller and the processing got faster. We got our first laptop in 1981 and it was introduced by Adam Osborne and EPSON.

Browse more Topics under Basics Of Computers

  • Number Systems
  • Number System Conversions

Generations of Computers

  • Computer Organisation
  • Computer Memory
  • Computers Abbreviations
  • Basic Computer Terminology
  • Computer Languages
  • Basic Internet Knowledge and Protocols
  • Hardware and Software
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
  • I/O Devices
  • Practice Problems On Basics Of Computers

In the history of computers, we often refer to the advancements of modern computers as the generation of computers . We are currently on the fifth generation of computers. So let us look at the important features of these five generations of computers.

  • 1st Generation: This was from the period of 1940 to 1955. This was when machine language was developed for the use of computers. They used vacuum tubes for the circuitry. For the purpose of memory, they used magnetic drums. These machines were complicated, large, and expensive. They were mostly reliant on batch operating systems and punch cards. As output and input devices, magnetic tape and paper tape were implemented. For example, ENIAC, UNIVAC-1, EDVAC, and so on.
  • 2nd Generation:  The years 1957-1963 were referred to as the “second generation of computers” at the time. In second-generation computers, COBOL and FORTRAN are employed as assembly languages and programming languages. Here they advanced from vacuum tubes to transistors. This made the computers smaller, faster and more energy-efficient. And they advanced from binary to assembly languages. For instance, IBM 1620, IBM 7094, CDC 1604, CDC 3600, and so forth.
  • 3rd Generation: The hallmark of this period (1964-1971) was the development of the integrated circuit.  A single integrated circuit (IC) is made up of many transistors, which increases the power of a computer while simultaneously lowering its cost. These computers were quicker, smaller, more reliable, and less expensive than their predecessors. High-level programming languages such as FORTRON-II to IV, COBOL, and PASCAL PL/1 were utilized. For example, the IBM-360 series, the Honeywell-6000 series, and the IBM-370/168.
  • 4th Generation: The invention of the microprocessors brought along the fourth generation of computers. The years 1971-1980 were dominated by fourth generation computers. C, C++ and Java were the programming languages utilized in this generation of computers. For instance, the STAR 1000, PDP 11, CRAY-1, CRAY-X-MP, and Apple II. This was when we started producing computers for home use.
  • 5th Generation:  These computers have been utilized since 1980 and continue to be used now. This is the present and the future of the computer world. The defining aspect of this generation is artificial intelligence. The use of parallel processing and superconductors are making this a reality and provide a lot of scope for the future. Fifth-generation computers use ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology. These are the most recent and sophisticated computers. C, C++, Java,.Net, and more programming languages are used. For instance, IBM, Pentium, Desktop, Laptop, Notebook, Ultrabook, and so on.

Brief History of Computers

The naive understanding of computation had to be overcome before the true power of computing could be realized. The inventors who worked tirelessly to bring the computer into the world had to realize that what they were creating was more than just a number cruncher or a calculator. They had to address all of the difficulties associated with inventing such a machine, implementing the design, and actually building the thing. The history of the computer is the history of these difficulties being solved.

19 th Century

1801 – Joseph Marie Jacquard, a weaver and businessman from France, devised a loom that employed punched wooden cards to automatically weave cloth designs.

1822 – Charles Babbage, a mathematician, invented the steam-powered calculating machine capable of calculating number tables. The “Difference Engine” idea failed owing to a lack of technology at the time.

1848 – The world’s first computer program was written by Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician. Lovelace also includes a step-by-step tutorial on how to compute Bernoulli numbers using Babbage’s machine.

1890 – Herman Hollerith, an inventor, creates the punch card technique used to calculate the 1880 U.S. census. He would go on to start the corporation that would become IBM.

Early 20 th Century

1930 – Differential Analyzer was the first large-scale automatic general-purpose mechanical analogue computer invented and built by Vannevar Bush.

1936 – Alan Turing had an idea for a universal machine, which he called the Turing machine, that could compute anything that could be computed.

1939 – Hewlett-Packard was discovered in a garage in Palo Alto, California by Bill Hewlett and David Packard.

1941 – Konrad Zuse, a German inventor and engineer, completed his Z3 machine, the world’s first digital computer. However, the machine was destroyed during a World War II bombing strike on Berlin.

1941 – J.V. Atanasoff and graduate student Clifford Berry devise a computer capable of solving 29 equations at the same time. The first time a computer can store data in its primary memory.

1945 – University of Pennsylvania academics John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert create an Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC). It was Turing-complete and capable of solving “a vast class of numerical problems” by reprogramming, earning it the title of “Grandfather of computers.”

1946 – The UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer) was the first general-purpose electronic digital computer designed in the United States for corporate applications.

1949 – The Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC), developed by a team at the University of Cambridge, is the “first practical stored-program computer.”

1950 – The Standards Eastern Automatic Computer (SEAC) was built in Washington, DC, and it was the first stored-program computer completed in the United States.

Late 20 th Century

1953 – Grace Hopper, a computer scientist, creates the first computer language, which becomes known as COBOL, which stands for CO mmon, B usiness- O riented L anguage. It allowed a computer user to offer the computer instructions in English-like words rather than numbers.

1954 – John Backus and a team of IBM programmers created the FORTRAN programming language, an acronym for FOR mula TRAN slation. In addition, IBM developed the 650.

1958 – The integrated circuit, sometimes known as the computer chip, was created by Jack Kirby and Robert Noyce.

1962 – Atlas, the computer, makes its appearance. It was the fastest computer in the world at the time, and it pioneered the concept of “virtual memory.”

1964 – Douglas Engelbart proposes a modern computer prototype that combines a mouse and a graphical user interface (GUI).

1969 – Bell Labs developers, led by Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie, revealed UNIX, an operating system developed in the C programming language that addressed program compatibility difficulties.

1970 – The Intel 1103, the first Dynamic Access Memory (DRAM) chip, is unveiled by Intel.

1971 – The floppy disc was invented by Alan Shugart and a team of IBM engineers. In the same year, Xerox developed the first laser printer, which not only produced billions of dollars but also heralded the beginning of a new age in computer printing.

1973 – Robert Metcalfe, a member of Xerox’s research department, created Ethernet, which is used to connect many computers and other gear.

1974 – Personal computers were introduced into the market. The first were the Altair Scelbi & Mark-8, IBM 5100, and Radio Shack’s TRS-80.

1975 – Popular Electronics magazine touted the Altair 8800 as the world’s first minicomputer kit in January. Paul Allen and Bill Gates offer to build software in the BASIC language for the Altair.

1976 – Apple Computers is founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, who expose the world to the Apple I, the first computer with a single-circuit board.

1977 – At the first West Coast Computer Faire, Jobs and Wozniak announce the Apple II. It has colour graphics and a cassette drive for storing music.

1978 – The first computerized spreadsheet program, VisiCalc, is introduced.

1979 – WordStar, a word processing tool from MicroPro International, is released.

1981 – IBM unveils the Acorn, their first personal computer, which has an Intel CPU, two floppy drives, and a colour display. The MS-DOS operating system from Microsoft is used by Acorn.

1983 – The CD-ROM, which could carry 550 megabytes of pre-recorded data, hit the market. This year also saw the release of the Gavilan SC, the first portable computer with a flip-form design and the first to be offered as a “laptop.”

1984 – Apple launched Macintosh during the Superbowl XVIII commercial. It was priced at $2,500

1985 – Microsoft introduces Windows, which enables multitasking via a graphical user interface. In addition, the programming language C++ has been released.

1990 – Tim Berners-Lee, an English programmer and scientist, creates HyperText Markup Language, widely known as HTML. He also coined the term “WorldWideWeb.” It includes the first browser, a server, HTML, and URLs.

1993 – The Pentium CPU improves the usage of graphics and music on personal computers.

1995 – Microsoft’s Windows 95 operating system was released. A $300 million promotional campaign was launched to get the news out. Sun Microsystems introduces Java 1.0, followed by Netscape Communications’ JavaScript.

1996 – At Stanford University, Sergey Brin and Larry Page created the Google search engine.

1998 – Apple introduces the iMac, an all-in-one Macintosh desktop computer. These PCs cost $1,300 and came with a 4GB hard drive, 32MB RAM, a CD-ROM, and a 15-inch monitor.

1999 – Wi-Fi, an abbreviation for “wireless fidelity,” is created, originally covering a range of up to 300 feet.

21 st Century

2000 – The USB flash drive is first introduced in 2000. They were speedier and had more storage space than other storage media options when used for data storage.

2001 – Apple releases Mac OS X, later renamed OS X and eventually simply macOS, as the successor to its conventional Mac Operating System.

2003 – Customers could purchase AMD’s Athlon 64, the first 64-bit CPU for consumer computers.

2004 – Facebook began as a social networking website.

2005 – Google acquires Android, a mobile phone OS based on Linux.

2006 – Apple’s MacBook Pro was available. The Pro was the company’s first dual-core, Intel-based mobile computer.

Amazon Web Services, including Amazon Elastic Cloud 2 (EC2) and Amazon Simple Storage Service, were also launched (S3)

2007 – The first iPhone was produced by Apple, bringing many computer operations into the palm of our hands. Amazon also released the Kindle, one of the first electronic reading systems, in 2007.

2009 – Microsoft released Windows 7.

2011 – Google introduces the Chromebook, which runs Google Chrome OS.

2014 – The University of Michigan Micro Mote (M3), the world’s smallest computer, was constructed.

2015 – Apple introduces the Apple Watch. Windows 10 was also released by Microsoft.

2016 – The world’s first reprogrammable quantum computer is built.

Types of Computers

  • Analog Computers –  Analog computers are built with various components such as gears and levers, with no electrical components. One advantage of analogue computation is that designing and building an analogue computer to tackle a specific problem can be quite straightforward.
  • Mainframe computers –  It is a computer that is generally utilized by large enterprises for mission-critical activities such as massive data processing. Mainframe computers were distinguished by massive storage capacities, quick components, and powerful computational capabilities. Because they were complicated systems, they were managed by a team of systems programmers who had sole access to the computer. These machines are now referred to as servers rather than mainframes.
  • Supercomputers –  The most powerful computers to date are commonly referred to as supercomputers. Supercomputers are enormous systems that are purpose-built to solve complicated scientific and industrial problems. Quantum mechanics, weather forecasting, oil and gas exploration, molecular modelling, physical simulations, aerodynamics, nuclear fusion research, and cryptoanalysis are all done on supercomputers.
  • Minicomputers –  A minicomputer is a type of computer that has many of the same features and capabilities as a larger computer but is smaller in size. Minicomputers, which were relatively small and affordable, were often employed in a single department of an organization and were often dedicated to a specific task or shared by a small group.
  • Microcomputers –  A microcomputer is a small computer that is based on a microprocessor integrated circuit, often known as a chip. A microcomputer is a system that incorporates at a minimum a microprocessor, program memory, data memory, and input-output system (I/O). A microcomputer is now commonly referred to as a personal computer (PC).
  • Embedded processors –  These are miniature computers that control electrical and mechanical processes with basic microprocessors. Embedded processors are often simple in design, have limited processing capability and I/O capabilities, and need little power. Ordinary microprocessors and microcontrollers are the two primary types of embedded processors. Embedded processors are employed in systems that do not require the computing capability of traditional devices such as desktop computers, laptop computers, or workstations.

FAQs on History of Computers

Q: The principle of modern computers was proposed by ____

  • Adam Osborne
  • Alan Turing
  • Charles Babbage

Ans: The correct answer is C.

Q: Who introduced the first computer from home use in 1981?

  • Sun Technology

Ans: Answer is A. IBM made the first home-use personal computer.

Q: Third generation computers used which programming language ?

  • Machine language

Ans: The correct option is C.

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Basics of Computers

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Anoka Ramsey Community College

Banner and site navigation, search form, laptop assignment and terms and conditions, secondary navigation, i. eligibility.

For various reasons, Anoka-Ramsey Community College is not able to provide laptops to all who might benefit from them. Those that are available will be allocated to a percentage of unlimited full-time faculty members based on the following eligibility criteria:

• Instructor Needs and Usage Rating • Available Laptops • Instructor Preference • Exceptional Circumstances

After the initial allocation, an instructor’s lifecycle benchmark will also be considered.

II. General Guidelines

a. Desktop Use In general, users must choose between a laptop or a desktop computer. Laptops will be equipped with a docking station or port replicator. Faculty who are assigned laptops will need to port them at least once every two weeks and will need to bring them to IT for re-imaging once per semester. b. Business and Personal Use College-owned laptops are intended for college-related activities. Employees may make reasonable personal use of college-owned laptops consistent with Minnesota State Procedure 5.22.1 . c. Software Faculty will not have full administrative rights on the college-assigned laptops. To the degree possible, Anoka-Ramsey IT will install the same software as installed on college desktop computers. Requests for course- or use-specific software will be evaluated case-by-case and may require dean approval. A request process will be in place to make software installations as efficient as possible. d. Acceptable Use The use of laptops, including off-campus use, is strictly regulated by college and Minnesota State policy: https://www.anokaramsey.edu/employeehome/ITServices.aspx Minnesota State Computers and Information Technology Resources. e. Equipment Return Laptops must be returned to Anoka-Ramsey IT if requested or if employment ends. No laptop will be upgraded or replaced unless the original equipment is returned.

III. Loss, Theft, Damage Responsibilities

Faculty members are responsible for taking reasonable care of assigned laptops to ensure they are not damaged, lost, or stolen. Damage resulting from normal usage will be repaired or restored through Anoka-Ramsey IT. Repair or restoration that is necessary because of user abuse or neglect may be the responsibility of the faculty member. In case of loss, the faculty member may be responsible for the replacement insurance deductible. If Anoka-Ramsey incurs loss charges, the laptop may be replaced with a desktop computer from the rotational pool.

IV. Security Protection

To ensure that virus protection and other security patches are current, laptops must be docked and connected to the college’s network at least once every two weeks. In the case of a significant security alert, users will be contacted to bring their laptops to Anoka-Ramsey IT to ensure that proper security is enabled. Once per semester, faculty will need to bring laptops to Anoka-Ramsey IT for re-imaging.

V. Data Protection

Data should be stored on the college network and not on the laptop hard drive. In addition, data back-up practices should be followed.

VI. Support

Anoka-Ramsey IT support of college-owned laptops will be equivalent to support provided for college-owned desktop computers. Direct support will only be provided while laptops are on campus.

Laptop Package Assignment Terms and Conditions of Use 

1.1. I agree that the assigned laptop package at all times remains the property of Anoka-Ramsey Community College and is provided to me for my use as a teacher in performance of my duties. 1.2. I will do my part to keep the laptop package in good working order and will notify Anoka-Ramsey IT immediately of any defect or malfunction. 1.3. The consent of Anoka-Ramsey IT is required to add or delete any hardware (excluding peripherals) and to install software that does not come pre-loaded on the laptop by Anoka-Ramsey IT. 1.4. I will use the assigned laptop package lawfully and in accordance with college and Minnesota State policies. 1.5. I will not sell, assign, transfer, or otherwise dispose of the assigned laptop package. 1.6. I will participate in a laptop assignment training session that will outline expectations, demonstrate specific features and uses of my assigned laptop, and answer questions about the laptop assignment agreement, terms, and conditions. 1.7. If I breach any of the terms and conditions, the college may revoke this arrangement by giving me 14 days written notice. 1.8. In the event that I discontinue my employment with the college or if my employment status changes in such a way that I am no longer eligible for laptop assignment, I will return all components of the assigned laptop package to the college in good working order on or before my last day of employment or status change. 1.9. I acknowledge that I cannot substitute any elements of the laptop package I have been provided with any other laptop package (which is now or may subsequently become available) during the term of assignment. 1.10. I will take good care of the laptop package assignment at all times, including:

• Not leaving the laptop unattended in a public place • Not leaving the laptop unattended or unsecured in a classroom or other place in the college; when not in use, the laptop should be docked or secured. • Not leaving the laptop in plain view in an unattended or unsecured vehicle. Laptops should be locked in the vehicle trunk or secured out of sight in the vehicle. • Not allowing the laptop to be accessed by any other person without your authorization • Ensuring that the laptop is handled, transported, and used with care.

1.11. I will not remove, conceal, or alter any laptop markings, tags, or engravings. 1.12. If the laptop is lost, stolen, or damaged, I will contact Anoka-Ramsey IT as soon as possible. 1.13. I will not allow my network user account and password to be used by anybody but myself, unless requested by Anoka-Ramsey IT to do so. 1.14. I will save data to the college networks rather than the laptop hard drive and will back up my work. Any data saved on the laptop hard drive is not secure and may be lost if the laptops is repaired or re-imaged. 1.15. I understand that due to current licensing arrangements, the laptop package cannot be used by me for any commercial purpose. 1.16. I will participate in an evaluation(s) of laptop assignment if requested. Any evaluation process put in place will be designed in consultation with faculty union representation.

Laptop Use Agreement

I confirm that I have read and understand the laptop assignment agreement. I also agree to the related Terms and Conditions of Use and am willing to receive a laptop assignment subject to those Terms and Conditions. By signing this Laptop Use Agreement, I agree to the terms and conditions and accept delivery of the laptop. LAPTOP MODEL LISTED HERE Serial Number: _______________________________ Employee Name: _____________________________ Employee Signature: ___________________________ Campus Assignment: Cambridge     Coon Rapids     Both Contact Numbers: Work : _______________ Home: _______________ Mobile: _______________

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