Difference between an abacus and the computer
Abacus Vs computer:
Have you ever given a thought about the manner in which the computer that you sit and type at day in and day out first evolved? Would you be amazed that this hi-tech instrument which has become an indispensable machine, not only for the day to day work of the ordinary man, but also for ruling countries actually did evolve from the abacus?
What is the abacus?
An abacus, better known as a counting frame is an ancient calculating device which was mainly used in Asia for arithmetic purposes. whereas the original abacus consisted of beans or stones which moved in groves on sand and, tablets of wood or metal, today, the abacus is a frame constructed out of bamboo in which wooden or plastic beads move on meal strings. This was an instrument which was used centuries ago before the current numeral system was introduced and is still often used by merchants and traders in some parts of the world such as Asia, Africa, etc.
What is a computer?
A computer can be defined as a machine which is programmed to automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations which in turn helps run more complex actions that make the human existence much easier. It consists of a form of memory or data storage which enable it to store a large amount of data as well which aids in its many operations in many ways.
The first electronic computer was created in the mid twentieth century, consuming the power of a several hundred modern computers and it was said to be the size of a large room. Today, the computer has evolved and become sophisticated enough to fit in to a palm.
What is the difference between a computer and an abacus?
While the abacus is defined as an ancient calculating tool, the computer is a more modern machine performing more complex functions. Yet, they both carry the same function of solving arithmetic problems and yet, this is done so in their own specific ways.
It is said that it was the abacus which paved the way for the modern computer to be born and therefore it is also known as the oldest computer in he world. Yet, it is no secret that a computer performs much better than an abacus. A slight change of beads in an abacus can lead to grave errors but once you enter the correct figures and give the correct commands on a computer, it always gives the accurate results with absolutely no room for errors.
An abacus can only work with mathematical equations whereas a computer operates in many languages and serves many purposes as well. Modern computers serve purposes which range from cooking a simple meal at home to operating military functions, releasing of nuclear weapons, etc. An abacus is a basic tool which operates manually while the computer is undoubtedly a more complex tool which operates on a power source such as electricity, etc.
While the main differences between the abacus and the computer are due to the sophistication of technology, the abacus still remains as the first ever computer of the world. The abacus and the computer are interrelated and it is obvious that one thing led to the other and ultimately, the modern computer was born.
Summary
|
