Now and Then: Computer Reminiscence

The computer, otherwise known as a processor, is a simple description yet a device with complex functions, intricate codes, and immense capabilities. It is an electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. Yet little that we know that it was originally a job title, generally occupied by women, referring to recurring computations of mathematical equations. Due to its repetitive process, early inventors and mathematicians devised a way to lessen the effort in exerting such procedure. Early computers were primarily used for aiding mathematical calculations such as the Abacus, which uses the concept of positional notation. It uses a system of writing numbers in which the position of a digit affects its value. Actually, it doesn’t do the computing, but it assists people to keep track of the numbers as they calculate. However, as the need to do multifarious calculations arouse, John Napier discovered the technology of an algorithm, a step-by-step recursive computational procedure for solving a problem in a finite number of steps. Indeed, necessity is the mother of all inventions, as a prodigy child at 19, Blaise Pascal invented the gear-driven adding calculator, Pascaline. Evidently, these early calculators were the triggering point of the emergence of processing machines such as the Differential Analyzer by Charles Babbage, to handle simple calculus problems; electromechanical machines such as the Enigma used to encrypt and decrypt secret codes; gadgets to decode these messages such as the Colossus Mark I; and eventually the materialization of electronic digital computers such as the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) intended to solve systems of linear equations. To note, as the first digital electronic computer, it pioneered the components of modern computing consisting of binary arithmetic, electronic switching elements, regenerative capacitor memory and the concept of organizing memory and computation separation. It was then that the Z3 computer by Konrad Zuse was invented that established the first freely programmable, working computer in the world based on a binary floating-point number and switching system, which is very similar to a modern computer comprising of separate units – a punch tape reader, a control unit, a floating-point arithmetic unit, and an input/output device. While these gadgets, machines, and devices were designed to comply with fixed commands that are not capable of editing programmed instructions, these are distinguishable to modern day computers that possess versatility and accuracy.

Even though Babbage’s Analytical Engine was still being conceptualized, Ada Lovelace prognosticated the computers’ capability of processing algorithms beyond mere mathematical computations and wrote the program codes. She was regarded as the world’s first programmer. These programs are translated to a machine language for a computer to understand, and upgraded to assembly language, and eventually high level languages. If software programming has advanced and upgraded, computer hardware has kept up with the pace too, as the quest for faster runtime and more storage data increases. Throughout history, computer hardware and software has defined the era it was built in. In early times, the computers were generally outsized occupying the whole room, while presently, computer sizes vary depending on its use. It encompasses mainframes, workstations, towers, desktops, laptops, hand held personal computers, personal digital assistants, and to top it all, supercomputers that are used for complex and unthinkable calculations involving quantum mechanical physics, weather forecasting, physical simulations, climate research, and molecular modeling.

Computers nowadays are customizable wherein users can opt for their desired specs accommodating their intended use, either for internet video streaming, or gaming experience. Popular processors are Intel i7 920 2.66GHz Quad Core, and 1 x AMD Athlon XP 2100+ / 1.73 GHz (266 MHz). For extreme hardcore gaming, video card performance is vital. Large leaps by ATI’s Radeon 5800 have quite easily taken the top spot for single-GPU performance. Not to be outdone is Nvidia’s dual GPU card, the GTX 295 – essentially 2 GTX GPUs running in SLI on a single card.

Computers are constantly evolving and upgrading rapidly. The supercomputers today may only be a normal computer tomorrow. However, it wouldn’t hurt if we indulge ourselves with these to enjoy the height of it. After all, enjoy present pleasures as not to injure the future ones.

Invasion of Information

Today we are more on to using the internet and the computer. It is where we communicate, send mails, save different types of files, and even shop using our credit cards. Do you really trust in having a transaction using the internet? Now a day sharing of information online is not that reliable. There are now several individuals who experienced their credit card numbers being stolen. Some had files invaded by different types of virus. Information under a security can be opened and altered by an unknown person.

The more people become knowledgeable the more they will do such an act. Just like, for example, a person who knows how to open files that are protected with pass codes, invading and altering files to attack another person, able to open other people’s credit numbers to purchase something, and even creating different kinds of computer virus that is capable of destroying or erasing an entire system. Can you now picture out how information is treated through online? You may be one of its victim, but you just don’t know. What would you do to solve this problem? Actually there is no 100% guarantee that these things won’t happen to you. This can happen to anyone, anytime, and anywhere.

How would you know if it is already invading your system? The first thing to do is to know all about them. One most common problem in people having this kind of cases is that they lack knowledge about it. Some are unaware that they are already been invaded. The most common is the “Hacker”. These are people who are knowledgeable about gain access and alter data in a file or simply want to have a copy of a certain detail. These people can invade and able to know the passwords stored in your system. They are motivated because of three reasons. It’s because of their curiosity, they want to gain something, or just to make violations. Such act can precipitate to a certain virus that is capable of damaging your system. There is a certain virus that is used by these individuals. It serves as their tool to weaken your system and enables them to invade your computer easily. You must be very careful of this. It is commonly found in different websites. You should always limit visiting sites that have plenty of pop-ups.  Limit your browsing only to those trusted sites.

Next thing you have to know is the commonly called as the malicious code or the malware. This is a type of code that can be utilized by an unknown person to invade your computer. They can send you something like a message where you are requested to answer. In fact, through the use of that message invading process in your system is masked. Experts are still working to create a solution for such a problem. Submitting files and information through email also has a problem. This is because it can be invaded by hackers. In sending information through online you must make sure that the details you sent are highly protected. The best thing to do is to avoid giving information through online, like birth date, personal codes and bank numbers.

In sending information you have to look first for the company’s privacy policy. Most online company has this policy stating that they will ensure the users that the information given to them will be kept confidential. Other companies would state that information is only shared between the user and the company. Some would state that information is shared to their partner companies. Avoid giving personal details for this type of company to prevent the invasion by hackers. The more the information is passed on to others the greater its risk for an invasion. To solve this problem, experts found a solution. This is called encryption, this is a way in which an individual can send information, and it is only the appropriate recipient can open the message. Here are final tips to prevent the invasion of information. First is to only use a trusted email company. Next is to avoid or limit in giving your account number through online. Lastly, you have to avoid or limit in storing personal details online.