Computer hardware for Creative Types

Computer hardware has evolved

Computer hardware has evolved so much that it can run some outstanding software. Of course, buying a computer depends on what you want to achieve. If you are more of a words-person or just want to use Microsoft software on your hardware than there is some great straight forward computer hardware available. But if you are looking to direct your own movie, or you are a professional photographer, Apple hardware has some great packages available.

Apple hardware and software

On an Apple, computer hardware and software work together in a user friendly way. They pride themselves on being simple and un-geeky to use. And if you are a visually creative type, Macs are traditionally used thanks to the suite of software the hardware supports.

Computer hardware for creative projects

One of the reasons Macs are so desirable for creative-types is the fact you can produce amazing things and can transform photos, music and video into creative projects. Macs allow even those who don’t know a thing about computer hardware to make their own high-quality websites, photo books, DVDs, songs, slideshows, CDs, calendars, cards, podcasts and just about any other audio/visual item you could think of.

Making cool stuff

Computer hardware on many models and designs now lets you make amazing stuff on your pc or Apple. iLife is a suite of software that Apple computer hardware supports. Things like producing DVD’s, creating your own books, blogs or even make your own music are things you can do with any software, but if you are buying computer hardware primarily for visual and media needs, the iLife software works hand in hand. You can lift a photo from your photo album and burn it onto a DVD or add it to a blog easily and simply.

Create amazing work

Whether you buy a PC or an Apple, computer hardware has evolved so much today that you can be the author of your own art and create amazing work independently in your own front room.

Ultimate democratic art form

In fact, although computer hardware is the domain of the scientists, boffins and geeks, thanks to them anybody can access hardware to run software that can help them create their own movies, write blogs, record podcasts and publish their work online for the world to enjoy. Many blogs have already taken the publishing world by storm after being picked up by agents and turned into bestselling books. With the help of the right computer hardware, the world of creativity has never been so democratic and accessible to all. http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/pc

Computer Hardware – a History

Computer Hardware – a History

The dictionary defines ‘computer’ as any programmable electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data.

Computer hardware evolved as data storage, calculation and data processing became important elements in work and life. In fact, the earliest computer hardware is thought to be record keeping aids such as clay shapes that represented items in the real world – the early mechanics of merchants and accountants of the past. From the abacus and the slide rule came analogue and later, the electronic computer hardware known today.

A timeline of the history of computer hardware:

• 1632 the first mechanical calculator was built by Wilhelm Schickard. It used cogs and gears and became the predecessor for computer hardware.
• 1801 punched card technology began and by 1890 sorting machines were handling data, the first computer hardware and installations used punched cards until the 1970s.
• 1820, Charles Xavier Thomas created the first mass-produced calculator.
• 1835, Charles Babbage described his analytical engine, which was the layout of a general-purpose programmable computer.
• 1909, Percy Ludgate designed a programmable mechanical computer.
• 1914, a central component in computer hardware – the binary numeral system- was described by Leibniz.
• 1930s, desktop mechanical calculators, cash registers and accounting machines were introduced.
• By the 1960s, calculators advanced with integrated circuits and microprocessors.
• Digital computer hardware replaced analogue computers.

Digital computer hardware

The era of the computer as we know it today began with developments during the Second World War as researchers and scientists were spurred on by the military.

1960s and beyond

‘Third generation’ computer hardware took off post 1960 thanks to the invention of the integrated circuit or microchip. This led to the microprocessor which in turn led to the microcomputer – computer hardware that could be owned by individuals and small businesses. Steve Wozniak co-founded Apple Computer and is credited with developing the first mass market computer, although the KIM-1 and Altair 8800 came first.

Evolution in computer hardware

After the 1970s the personal computer and evolution in computer hardware exploded across the western world. Microsoft, Apple and many other PC companies fuelled the market and today, these companies are still striving to reduce the size and price of computer hardware while improving its capacity enabling legal case management software and more to be available.

Computer hardware – an overview

Computer hardware and software

Computers are part of our everyday life – they have infiltrated our work places and homes. In fact, computers have transformed how we communicate, shop, work and entertain ourselves. You may use a computer every day, but do you know the difference between your computer hardware and software for instance?

Computer hardware – digital circuitry

Computer hardware is the actual physical computer which is made up of digital circuitry. The hardware is usually fixed, unless you need to upgrade your memory to run certain software. Software can be added according to what you want your computer to perform. An easy way to think of the difference between computer hardware and software is to imagine a television set as the hardware and the TV programmes as the software. The software can vary – just as TV stations such as Free-view, Digital and Sky – but you will need the right computer hardware to run the software, just as you need the right kind of TV for digital.

Cars to microwaves

Computer hardware is embedded in systems and is the machinery that makes everything from cars to microwaves and CD players work, but most people think of personal computers when they think of computer hardware, even though pc’s form a small part of computer production – about 0.2%.

So what exactly does typical pc hardware consist of?

Computer hardware is made up of a case in a desktop or computer tower. It features a system board or central processing unit with a computer fan to keep it cool. If fans fail, this is the usual reason why a computer overheats and burns out. Other features in your computer hardware include:

• RAM (Random Access Memory) which helps you run programmes and store short term data. The more RAM you have in your computer hardware, the faster your PC will be.
• Controllers that sit on the system board include those that control the hard disk, floppy disc, CD-ROM or any other drives.
• A Graphics card for the computer display.
• Controllers to connect your computer to external devices such as a printer.

Computer hardware also includes external machinery such as the keyboard, modem, mouse, joystick, webcam and speakers etc.

Computer hardware transformed

Computer hardware has transformed thanks to massive developments in technology – Computer hardware evolved with microcomputer architecture. Steve Wozniak, who co-founded Apple, is credited with developing the first mass-market home computer in the 1970s. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laptop

Computer Hardware –Science is an Art

Computer hardware designers

If all designers of computer hardware were boffins or geeks, then the rest of us would find it difficult to work a computer. Computer whiz-kids may understand how the intricacies of computer hardware work, but ask your average Joe to explain how their computer does what it does and they’d be befuddled. Computer hardware and software can do amazing things - thankfully those boffins who design computer hardware don’t work alone. Major computer companies like Microsoft or Apple have teams of logical thinkers and technical whiz kids alongside creative and artistic thinkers, who help make computer hardware and software easy and accessible to use. Design and aesthetics is equally as important as the right computer hardware – science and art go hand in hand.

Computer hardware is sleek and sexy

Computer hardware and software now has to complement people’s lifestyles and fit in with their image. In the past, computer hardware was bulky and beige but now it’s sleek and sexy.

Trends and usability

Designers working in computer hardware teams are constantly working towards improving equipment for comfort, ease and style. Mouse design has evolved for comfort with new computer hardware - the wireless mouse for example can help reduce repetitive strain injuries. Computer hardware design teams research trends and usability of products for the greatest appeal and comfort of users. Using well-designed computer hardware can give users something to shout about, whereas badly designed hardware leaves them shouting at their computer. Industrial designers have created world-renowned computer hardware that enhances how we interact with our computers.

Successful computer hardware

Successful design of computer hardware combines form with function. And many of the computer and internet companies are renowned for their off the wall office environments to encourage employees to ‘think outside the box’. Computer hardware departments often feature designers who kick start the product development, once an idea has been sketched out, models are built and refined. From here, computer hardware departments undertake worldwide usability research and testing to help the designers decide on the models to transform from concept to reality.

Consumer is King

Consumer research is central, and computer hardware departments are always trying to find devices that enhance usability and performance. Technological innovation is also central to computer hardware design, such as wireless innovation. Wireless freedom has revolutionized where and how we use our computer hardware.

Developments in computer hardware and software drive future innovations, but it is the designers who drive the industry by asking the key ‘w’ questions – who will use it, where will they use it and why will they use it.

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Computer Hardware in Science Fiction

Computer hardware malfunction

Ever since the invention of computers, the machines have featured in some of the best books and films ever made. Computer hardware malfunctions are at the centre of epic and iconic moves such as 2001: A Space Odyssey. This dazzling visual film centres on the drama between man and machine in space – where computer hardware takes on a more sinister form in the future. The computer in the movie is much more than your typical computer hardware and software – known as HAL, it features Artificial Intelligence. When things go wrong with HAL, the astronauts are told to disconnect him. But when HAL starts to disobey orders and starts to murder the crew by opening the airlock into space, something has clearly gone haywire in his computer hardware.

Artificial intelligence

The computer hardware malfunctions because HAL feels guilt about keeping a mission secret and the guilt triggered errors in his hard-drive. When he was threatened with disconnection, HAL acted in a way to defend his existence.

The idea of artificial intelligence becoming a part of computer hardware clearly fascinates writers. Science fiction taps into latent fears about what could happen to humanity if computer hardware advanced so much that it could turn on the human race and result in its downfall.

Computer hardware in the future

Recent movies such as The Matrix series shows the idea of computer hardware becoming so advanced that it will threaten humanity. As a genre, science fiction films tap into present day fears, projecting them onto futuristic scenarios. Nick Bostrom, a Director at the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University, has even presented a paper on the idea that we could be living in a computer simulation. The Matrix posed philosophical questions on the nature of reality and how computer hardware could advance to the stage that it would colonize human beings. The premise of the movie is that human brains are kept in tanks by intelligent machines to produce power to run the machines. Many works of science fiction predict that computer hardware and computing power will take over human destiny in the future.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_computer_hardware