TOPIC: Digitalization of data

Definition of Digitalization of data

Digitization is the process of converting information into digital format. This information may represent an
object, image, sound, document or a signal (usually an analog signal) organized into discrete set of its points
or samples. This is the binary data that computers and many devices with computing capacity (such as
digital camera and digital hearing aids) can process.

Digitalization can also be defined as the integration of digital technologies into everyday life. Modern
cameras, television, phones and computers are all examples of digital technology. Prior to the digital system,
most technologies ran on the analog system. An analog system uses a continuous signal that varies in
amplitude to represent a variable, such as voice or data, rather than having a limited range of steps like a
digital system. A digital system uses a binary numeric system in which electronic pulses are represented by
either 1 for a high pulse or o for a low pulse. Digital systems can more easily represent symbols, such as
alphanumeric characters that represent real-world data, than the analog system.

History of computer development

Computers are machines that perform tasks or calculations according to a set of instructions, or programs.
The first fully electronic computers, introduced in the 1940s, were huge machines that required teams of
people to operate. Compared to these early machines, today's computers are amazing. Not only are they
thousands of times faster, they can fit on your desk, in your lap, or even in your pocket.

Actually, electronic data processing does not go back more than just half a century i.e., they have been in
existence since early 1940's. In early days when our ancestors lived Caves, counting was a problem. When
they started using stones to count their animals or the possessions, they never knew that this will lead to a
computer of today. People today started following a set of procedures to perform calculations with these
stones, which later led to the creation of a digital counting device, which was the predecessor of the first
calculating device invented known as ABACUS.

Types of computer
Micro Computers: Microcomputers are the most common type of computers used by people today,
whether in a workplace, at school or on the desk at home. They are the smallest class of Computers. The
term "microcomputer" was introduced with the advent of single chip microprocessors. It uses single
microprocessor mounted with memory chips as its Central Processing Unit or CPU. These computers include:
1 Desktop Computers
2. Game consoles
3. Laptops, notebook computers and Tablet computer.
4. Smart phones, smart books and PDAS (personal digital assistants)
5. Programmable calculator
6. Handheld game consoles

Mini Computers: A minicomputer is a class of multi-user computers that lies in the middle range of the
computing spectrum, in between the smallest multi-user systems [mainframe computers) and the largest
single-user systems (microcomputers or personal computers).

They are large in size and in storage capacity

Typically, minicomputer have been a stand- alone computer (I.e., Computer system with attached terminals
and other devices, sold to small and medium size businesses for general business applications and to large
enterprises for department-level operations. It has become a useful tool in the Networking environment.

Mainframe Computers: Mainframe computer was created to distinguish the traditional, large, institutional
computer intended to service multiple users from the smaller, single user machines. These computers are
capable of handling and processing very large amounts of data quickly. Mainframe computers are used in
large institutions such as government, banks and large corporations. They are measured in MIPS (million
instructions per second) and respond to up to 100 of millions of users at a time. They make use of magnetic
disks for mass data storage purposes.

Super Computer: A supercomputer performs at a speed which is far above that of other computers. It is
focused on performing tasks involving intense numerical calculations such as weather forecasting, fluid
dynamics, nuclear simulations, theoretical astrophysics, and complex scientific computations. They are
used by Scientists, Large Businesses, meteorologists etc.

A supercomputer is a computer that is at the frontline of current processing capacity, particularly speed of
calculation. The term supercomputer itself is rather fluid, and the speed of today's supercomputers tends
to become typical of tomorrow's ordinary computer. Supercomputer processing speeds are measured in
floating point operations per second or FLOPS. An example of a floating-point operation is the calculation
of mathematical equations in real numbers. In terms of computational capability. memory size and speed,
1/O technology, and topological issues such as bandwidth and latency supercomputers are the most
powerful, are very expensive, and not cost-effective just to perform batch or transaction processing
Transaction processing is handled by less powerful computers such as server computers or mainframes.

Component of computer
The classic components of a computer are briefly described below: Each component is discussed in more
detail in its own section. The operation of the processor is best understood in terms of these components

Processor External

Control Input

Memory

Data Path Output

1. Data path - manipulates the data coming through the processor. It also provides a small amount
of temporary data storage. The data path consists of the following components:
i. Programmable registers - small units of data storage that are directly visible to assembly
language programmers. They can be used like simple variables in a high-level program.
ii. The program counters (PC) - holds the address for fetching instructions.
iii. Multiplexers - have control inputs coming from control. They are used for routing data
through the data path.
iv. Processing elements - compute new data values from old data values. In simple processors
the major processing elements are grouped into an Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU).
v. Special-purpose registers - hold data that is needed for processor operation but is not
directly visible to assembly language programmers.

2. Control-generates control signals that direct the operation of memory and the data path.
i. Tell memory to send or receive data.
 ii. Tell the ALU what operation to perform.
iii. Route data between different parts of the data path

3. Memory - holds instructions and most of the data for currently executing programs. The rest of the
data is held in programmable registers, which can only hold a limited amount of data.

4. Input - external devices such as keyboards, mice, disks, and networks that provide input to the processor.
In modern processors, this data is placed in memory before entering the processor. Input handling is largely
under the control of operating system software.

5. Output - external devices such as displays, printers, disks, and networks that receive data from the
processor. In modern processors, this data is placed in memory before leaving the processor. Output
handling is largely under the control of operating system software.

System unit
The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually, it's a rectangular box placed on or underneath
your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process information. The most important
of these components is the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as the "brain" of
your computer. Another component is random access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores
information that the CPU uses while the computer is on. The information stored in RAM Is erased when the
computer is turned off.