Have you ever noticed how as time goes on and technology progresses, things seem to keep getting tinier and tinier? This is especially true for the machine we call the “computer.”
So, what exactly is a computer? This is not always an easy question to answer. The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines a computer as “a programmable usually electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data.” Others see a computer as anything that transforms information in a significant manner.
For thousands of years, people have been trying to enhance their lives by inventing machines that make certain tasks easier. Some believe that a simple mechanical device called an “abacus” was one of the earliest forms of a computer.
Ancient civilizations used the abacus to perform basic calculations. Archaeologists have found evidence that the ancient Greeks used the abacus as early as the 5th century B.C.
“Modern” computers were developed much more recently. The first modern electronic computer, known as the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer or ENIAC, became operational in 1946.
ENIAC was created for the U.S. Army. Weighing over 30 tons, ENIAC took up as much space as some houses (1,800 square feet).
Since ENIAC, computers have become much smaller and more powerful. While ENIAC could perform 5,000 addition problems per second, many of today’s laptop computers weigh just a few pounds and can perform billions of operations per second.
Despite their power, modern laptops are still slow compared to modern supercomputers. A new supercomputer called Titan, being built for the U.S. Department of Energy, is set to become the fastest computer in the world. Its creators claim it will be able to perform 20,000 trillion calculations per second.
Nowadays, we rely on computers for a wide range of tasks. Parents use computers at work, kids use computers in school, and many households have multiple computers.
Computers continue to shrink in size. Large desktop computers have been replaced by laptops. Laptops have evolved into even smaller devices like netbooks and tablet computers.
Many people now carry computers with them everywhere they go. Do you know anyone who owns a smartphone?
Smartphones, which are cellular telephones with advanced computing capabilities, can easily fit into a pocket and allow users to make calls, browse the internet, and conduct business on the move.
So, what is the smallest computer available today? As of 2015, the smallest computer is just one cubic millimeter and it is called the Michigan Micro Mote (M^3). However, computer manufacturers are constantly producing newer and smaller models at a rapid pace. Whatever is the smallest today will probably be replaced by something even smaller tomorrow!
Give It a Try
Are you excited to explore the latest technology? Make sure to engage in the following activities with a friend or family member:
Have you ever thought about how dependent you are on computers? Take a moment to explore your home and identify all the devices that contain a computer. This includes not only desktop computers and laptops, but also smartphones, video games, digital video recorders, satellite television receivers, and even microwaves. Make a list of these devices and imagine what your life would be like without them. Can you imagine living like your parents did in the past, without all these amazing machines? Once you’ve finished, challenge yourself to unplug for a while. Leave all your electronic gadgets behind and spend time with a friend or family member. Go for a walk, have a meal together, or simply sit and talk. Enjoy the simple pleasures of human interaction. You won’t regret it!
Talk to an adult friend or family member about the first computer they ever used. Was it a Commodore 64, a Vic-20, or something else? Look it up online to learn more about its capabilities and compare them to modern computers. How much more powerful is a modern smartphone compared to those early computers?
Ask an adult friend or family member to take you on a field trip to a local electronics store. Ask the store worker to show you the latest examples of small technology. Find out what the smallest laptop available today is and explore the range of mobile phones and smartwatches. You might discover other examples of tiny technology that you weren’t aware of.
For more information, check out these sources:
– http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question54.htm
– http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42238358/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/t/us-take-back-worlds-fastest-computer-title/
– http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-worlds-smallest-computer-university-of-michigan-micro-mote/
FAQ
1. What is the smallest computer?
The smallest computer is a device called the “micro-computer” or “microcontroller.” It is a complete computer system with a processor, memory, and input/output capabilities, all packed into a tiny chip. These microcomputers are used in various applications, such as embedded systems, wearable devices, and IoT devices. They are designed to be extremely small in size, often measuring just a few millimeters or even smaller.
2. How small can a computer be?
A computer can be as small as a few millimeters or even smaller. With advances in technology, the size of computer components has significantly reduced over the years. The smallest computers, known as microcomputers or microcontrollers, can fit on a chip and are used in various applications like wearable devices, medical implants, and sensors. These tiny computers are designed to be low-power, cost-effective, and highly efficient.
3. What are some examples of small computers?
There are several examples of small computers available in the market. Some popular examples include Raspberry Pi, Arduino, BeagleBone, and Intel Edison. These devices are often referred to as single-board computers and are designed for educational, hobbyist, and prototyping purposes. They are small in size, affordable, and offer a wide range of capabilities, making them ideal for various projects and applications.
4. What are the advantages of small computers?
Small computers offer several advantages over their larger counterparts. Firstly, their small size allows them to be easily integrated into compact devices and systems. They also consume less power, making them energy-efficient. Additionally, small computers are often more affordable, making them accessible to a wider range of users. Despite their size, these computers can still perform complex tasks and are highly versatile.
5. What are the limitations of small computers?
Although small computers have numerous advantages, they do have some limitations. Due to their compact size, they may have limited processing power and memory compared to larger computers. This can restrict the types of applications and tasks they can handle. Additionally, small computers may have limited connectivity options and fewer input/output ports. However, these limitations can be overcome by using external peripherals and accessories.
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