Full Form of Computer: What is Computer?

Have you ever wondered whether a computer is just a word of its own meaning or is it a word that has a full form? In this article, we have discussed and clarified the doubts about the full form of computer. Let's understand it:

What You Will Learn

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• What is the full form of COMPUTER?

• What is COMPUTER?

• Brief History of COMPUTER

• Functions of COMPUTER

• Generations of COMPUTER

• Types of COMPUTER

• Advantages of COMPUTER

• Disadvantages of COMPUTER

• COMPUTER Related Full Forms

• Summary

What is the full form of Computer?

The term ‘Computer’ is derived from the Latin word ‘computare’, which is defined as- “to calculate”, “to count” or ‘to sum up”, etc. That means the term Computer is not an acronym. It is just a word that has its own meaning. However, there are a few hypothetical full forms of the computer.

The most commonly used full form of Computer is ‘Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for Technological and Educational Research’. This full form of computer is just a myth because it does not make a proper sense. It is because when computers were invented, they were kind of calculating machines only.

The full form of the computer can be detailed as:

C	Common
O	Operating
M	Machine
P	Purposely
U	Used for
T	Technological and
E	Educational
R	Research

Some other forms of Computer are as follows:

• Common Oriented Machine Particularly Used for Trade Education and Research

• Common Operations Made Possible Under Technical Engineering Researches

• Computing Oriented Manipulation Programming Used in Technology Education and Research

• Common Operating Machine Particularly Used for Training, Education, and Reporting

• Capable Of Making Perfectly Uncomplicated Tasks Extremely Rigorous

All of these are just hypothetical full forms of the Computer.

What is Computer?

According to the definition of the Computer, “A computer is a programmable electronic machine designed to take input, perform prescribed arithmetic and logical operations at fast speeds, and provide the output of these operations.”

Brief History of Computer

The first mechanical computer was introduced in 1837 by Charles Babbage. It was called 'Analytical Engine'. It was the first general-purpose computer. Charles Babbage is known as the father of the computer.

Functions of Computer

A computer usually performs the following four functions:

Input: takes raw data from input devices.
Processing: performs arithmetical and logical operations.
Output: provides the result to output devices after processing.
Storage: stores the results into storage devices if desired.

Generations of Computer

• In the first generation (1946 - 1959), computers were based on Electronic Valves (Vacuum Tubes).

• In the second generation (1959 – 1965), computers were based on Transistors.

• In the third generation (1965 – 1971), computers were based on Integrated Circuits (ICs).

• In the fourth generation (1971 – 1980), computers were based on Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) Circuits.

• In the fifth generation (1980 – Present), computers are based on different mechanisms, such as Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Parallel Processing Hardware.

Types of Computer

There are basically four types of computer, such as:

• Mainframe Computer

• Microcomputer

• Mini Computer

• Super Computer

Advantages of Computer

The following are the main advantages of the computer system:

• Incredible Speed

• Constant Accuracy

• Storage Availability

• Multitasking Support

• Data Security and Privacy

Disadvantages of Computer

The following are the main disadvantages of the computer system:

• Unemployment

• Cyber Crimes

• Improper Use

• Spread of False or Inappropriate Content

• Negative Impact on the Environment

Read Complete Article: Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer

Computer Related Full Forms

The following table displays other most common full forms related to the computer:

Abbreaviation	Full Form
PC	Personal Computer
RAM	Random Access Memory
ROM	Read Only Memory
CPU	Central Processing Unit
ALU	Arithmetic Logic Unit
CU	Control Unit
UPS	Uninterruptible Power Supply
CD	Compact Disk
DVD	Digital Versatile Disk
NTFS	New Technology File System
FAT	File Allocation Table
HDD	Hard Disk Drive
SSD	Solid State Drive
USB	Universal Serial Bus
DOS	Disk Operating System
E-Mail	Electronic Mail
Wi-fi	Wireless Fidelity

Summary

The article simply makes it clear that a computer is not an abbreviation and has no definitive full form. However, there are some imaginary complete forms that people are using for computers.

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