Computing facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This page is about the activity involving computing machinery. For the magazines, see Computing (magazine) and Compute!.

Computer simulation, one of the main cross-computing methodologies

Computing is all about using computers to solve problems and create new things. It involves everything from designing the physical parts of a computer (like its chips) to writing the programs that make it work.

Think of computing as a huge field. It mixes science, engineering, math, and technology. It also looks at how computers affect society. Some main areas in computing include computer science, software engineering, cybersecurity, and data science.

Long ago, the word computing just meant counting or calculating. People even called humans who did math "computers"! Later, it referred to machines that did calculations.

History of Computing

The story of computing is very old. It started long before modern computers. People used methods for math with just paper and pencil.

The very first tool for counting was the abacus. It was probably invented in Babylon around 2700 to 2300 BC. Even today, some people still use abacuses for calculations!

In 1931, C. E. Wynn-Williams suggested using electronics for computing. Then, in 1938, Claude Shannon showed how electronics could be used for Boolean algebra. This is the basic logic that computers use.

A big step was the invention of the transistor in 1947 by John Bardeen and Walter Brattain. Transistors are tiny switches that control electric currents. They made computers much smaller and faster.

In 1959, the MOSFET (or MOS transistor) was invented. This tiny switch made it possible to build integrated circuits with many parts. This led to the huge computer revolution we see today!

ENIAC, the first programmable general-purpose electronic digital computer

What is a Computer?

A computer is a machine that handles information. It follows a set of instructions called a computer program. These instructions tell the computer exactly what to do.

A program can be in a form the computer understands directly. It can also be in source code, which humans can read and write. Programmers use source code to create algorithms, which are step-by-step plans for solving problems.

When a computer runs a program, it performs many simple actions very quickly. These actions produce the results you see on your screen.

Computer Hardware

Computer hardware is all the physical parts of a computer. This includes the central processing unit (CPU), which is like the computer's brain. It also includes memory and input/output devices (like keyboards and screens).

Designing these physical parts is a key part of computer hardware.

Computer Software

Computer software, or just software, is a collection of programs and data. It gives instructions to the computer. Software is not physical; you can't touch it. It's the instructions that make the hardware work.

Software can be one or more programs. It also includes the rules and steps (algorithms) for how data is processed. The word software was created to be different from hardware.

Sometimes, software means only application software.

System Software

System software helps the computer hardware work. It also provides a base for other programs to run. Examples include operating systems (like Windows or macOS). It also includes utility software and device drivers.

System software manages the computer's parts. But it usually doesn't do tasks directly for the user. That's what application software does.

Application Software

Application software, or an app, helps you do specific tasks. Think of apps like office suites (for writing documents) or media players (for music and videos).

Many apps work with documents. Some apps come with your computer. Others you can install later. The system software manages the hardware, and the app uses it to help you.

Apps use the power of a computer system for a certain purpose. For example, a geography app for Windows runs on Windows. A Android app for education runs on Android phones.

Computer Network

A computer network is a group of computers and other devices connected together. They are linked by communication channels. This allows them to share resources and information.

If one device can send or receive data to another, they are in a network. Networks can be small, like in your home. Or they can be huge, like the Internet.

Communications protocols are rules for how devices talk to each other. Ethernet is a common protocol for local networks. The Internet Protocol Suite helps different networks connect.

Computer networking uses ideas from electrical engineering, computer science, and information technology.

Internet

The Internet is a worldwide system of connected computer networks. It uses standard rules (TCP/IP) to serve billions of people. It includes millions of networks from homes, schools, businesses, and governments.

These networks are linked by many technologies, like wires, wireless signals, and fiber optics. The Internet carries tons of information and services. This includes the World Wide Web (websites) and email.

Computer Programming

Computer programming is the process of writing, testing, and fixing computer programs. The instructions are written in a programming language. This is a special language that computers can understand.

Programming tells the computer what to do. It makes the machine behave in a certain way.

Writing good programs needs knowledge of computer science. It also helps to know about the area the program will be used for. Often, teams of experts work together to create high-quality software.

Computer Programmer

A programmer, or coder, is a person who writes computer software. Some programmers are experts in one area. Others write code for many types of software.

Programmers might specialize in languages like Python or Java. Those who work on websites might be called "Web programmers." Programmers often have other skills too, like software engineering.

Computer Industry

The computer industry includes businesses that create computer software and hardware. It also includes companies that design computer networking systems. Plus, there are businesses that make computer parts and offer IT services.

The software industry focuses on making, updating, and selling software. It also includes services like training and consulting for software.

Main Areas of Computing

Computer Engineering

Computer engineering mixes parts of electrical engineering and computer science. It's about developing both computer hardware and software.

Computer engineers usually know about electronics, software design, and how hardware and software work together. They design microprocessors, personal computers, and even supercomputers. They also design the tiny circuits inside computers.

Software Engineering

Software engineering is a careful, organized way to design, develop, and maintain software. It's like applying engineering rules to software. It helps create solutions to problems.

The idea of "software engineering" came about in 1968. It aimed to solve problems with software at the time. It's a recognized engineering field with clear guidelines.

Computer Science

Computer science is the scientific study of computation and how it's used. A computer scientist studies the theory behind computing and designs computer systems.

This field has both practical and theoretical parts. Some areas, like computational complexity theory, are very abstract. They study the basic properties of computing problems. Other areas, like computer graphics, focus on real-world uses.

Computer science also looks at how to make computers useful and easy for humans to use. This is called human–computer interaction.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is all about protecting computer systems and networks. This means keeping your information private and safe. It also means stopping attacks that could stop IT services. And it prevents theft or damage to hardware, software, and data.

Data Science

Data science is a field that uses scientific and computing tools. Its goal is to find useful information and insights from large amounts of data. This field is growing because so much data is available now.

It uses ideas from data mining, big data, statistics, machine learning, and deep learning.

Information Systems

Information systems (IS) studies how people and organizations use computers and software. They use these systems to collect, process, and share data.

Many IS programs are in business schools. They combine business and computing topics. They look at how businesses use computers and the steps (algorithms) involved.

Information Technology

Information technology (IT) is about using computers and telecommunications equipment. It helps store, get, send, and change data. This is often done in a business setting.

The term IT is often used for computers and computer networks. But it also includes other ways to share information, like TV and phones. Many industries are linked to IT, such as computer hardware, software, and the Internet.

New Technologies in Computing

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing lets you use computer resources, like servers or apps, over the Internet. You don't need to own or manage the actual hardware. It's often offered as a service.

This means you can use software, platforms, or even computing power without buying them. You can access them when you need them. And you can easily get more or less power as your needs change.

Cloud computing can save energy. One large data center can do the work of thousands of individual computers. This can also make it easier to use renewable energy.

However, this way of computing has challenges. Security and privacy are big concerns. Laws are still catching up to protect users' data on company servers.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is an exciting new area of research. It combines computer science, information theory, and quantum physics.

Regular computers use bits, which are either 0 or 1. Quantum computers use qubits. Qubits can be both 0 and 1 at the same time! This special ability is called quantum entanglement. It allows quantum computers to do very complex calculations.

Quantum computing is used for scientific research. It can solve problems that are too big for regular computers. For example, it can help with molecular modeling. This involves understanding large molecules and their reactions.