Input and Output Devices

Now that we've talked about the origin of modern computers, we're going to talk about input/output devices. But first, what's the difference?

An input device allows you to enter information into a computer. It can also be described as,
"A peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment) used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system such as a computer or information appliance."~https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Input_device
The most fundamental pieces of information are keystrokes on a keyboard and clicks with a mouse. On the other hand, an output device converts input data into a form which can be seen, read, heard, or used as input for another device. Or it can be defined as,
"Any piece of computer hardware equipment used to communicate the results of data processing carried out by an information processing system (such as a computer) which converts the electronically generated information into human-readable form."~https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Output_device

Computer Science, The First Computer and The First Computer Program

To get started in ICT, you first need, at least, a basic understanding of what computer science is. So, what exactly is that?

In a nutshell, computer science is the study of the principles and uses of computers. To go further in depth it can be described as,
"The scientific and practical approach to computation and its applications."~https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_science
Computer science is a pretty big deal; it helps us to better understand not just how computers work and how they can be used, but by using them in specific ways, it can help us to better understand the world around us by running simulations of anything from biological processes, to physical forces, and to even discovering new particles that were previously only theoretical.

Ok, so now you have a grasp on what computer science is. Let's move on to our next point of interest: Who invented the first computer?

Depending on who you ask, you'll get a different answer. Depending on your definition of the term 'computer', you could argue that the abacus was the first computer, or even its predecessor the slide rule. But the first computer that resembled a modern computer was called the Analytical Engine, which was conceived by British mathematician Charles Babbage between 1833 and 1871. For more information go to: http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/inventions/who-invented-the-computer.htm

 

 

Ok, so now you know what computer science is and that Charles Babbage conceptualized the first "modern" computer. But there's still one more unanswered question: Who created the first computer program?

 

The answer to this final question is Ada Lovelace. Augusta Ada King was female mathematician who lived in the mid 1800s. She worked closely with Charles Babbage on his Difference Engine and also wrote the world's first computer program in 1842. Read about Ada Lovelace for more information on her.

 

We've answered all of our questions now and can move further into the world of ICT.