Computers the Greatest Invention of the Century

Many people consider the computer to be a once in a lifetime invention. Almost everywhere one goes and looks, there is always a computer. They are found in basically every household in America. It is such a powerful device that it changes the way people run their lives. The question is, are computers all good or are there some downfalls to this incredible gadget? In order to answer this question, it is best for one to know the history, components, careers, and the dark side of computers. There is no simple answer to the question, Who invented the computer? Many inventors, through the course of time have contributed to the invention of the computer. It is quite hard to pinpoint the first computer, but most scholars say the abacus†¦show more content†¦Computer software is the programs designed to perform a specific task. It works along with hardware to help the computer run. It is the opposite of computer hardware in that it is not physically tangible. There are two main different types of frequently used software. One is system software and the other is application software (Swedin and Ferro 40). The system software is commonly referred to as the operating system. All computers have an operating system. It is used for starting the computer and running all the application software, along with other things. Some common operating systems are Windows, Linux and Macintosh (40). Then there is the application software as mentioned before. Applications are computer programs that are designed for a specific task. Some typical examples of application software are word processors, media players and computer games (Swedin and Ferro 86). So all in all, computer hardware and software goes hand in hand in making the computer to be what it is today. Computers and the Internet are not going away any time soon. In fact computer careers are one of the fastest growing segments in the market right now. Everybody needs technology, everybody needs people that know how to make computers work and understands how it impacts the business (Abbott). It is true that many computer related jobs are going overseas, and most of those jobs are being taken byShow MoreRelatedInvention, Innovation, and Interdependence Essay1667 Words   |  7 Pages A strong and vibrant culture celebrates the spirit of invention and innovation. Closely allied with this concept is the spirit of entrepreneurship, considered one of the greatest qualities of the American culture. Americans laud the success of the inventor and salesman alike; while the greatest self-promoters are more fully remembered, the greatest minds are never truly forgotten. 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