You’re probably reading this because you’re curious about digital computers. Who isn’t fascinated by these amazing machines that have transformed our world? From supercomputers used for scientific research to smartphones in our pockets, digital computers impact nearly every aspect of modern life. In this article, we’ll explore 21 groundbreaking examples of digital computers, their functions and how each one advanced technology and changed history.
What Is a Digital Computer?
A digital computer is an electronic device that manipulates numbers, letters and symbols. It works with the binary number system, using only 0s and 1s. Everything input into a digital computer is converted into binary code.
The computer then stores and processes this information following a set of instructions called a program. Programs tell the computer what to do with the inputted information like calculate numbers, organize files or run software.
Digital computers allow us to do so much in today’s world. From scrolling social media to sending emails, digital computers power it all. They have revolutionized how we live and work, enhancing productivity and connectivity across the globe.
21 Examples of Digital Computers
Modern computers have transformed our lives. From desktops to laptops to smartphones, digital computers power countless technologies we now rely on every day. The earliest digital computers were developed in the 1940s and 1950s. Since then, computers have become vastly more advanced, powerful and ubiquitous.
Smartphones
Smartphones are mobile phones with an advanced mobile operating system that integrates the features of a computer. They are a powerful combination of a mobile phone and a handheld computer. Smartphones typically contain high-speed data connectivity, mobile apps, multimedia functionality, and touchscreen display. Some of the popular smartphone brands are Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, etc. The smartphone operating systems include Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Symbian, Bada, BlackBerry OS, etc. The two most popular mobile operating systems are Android and iOS. Android is an open source mobile operating system developed by Google. It powers many smartphones and tablets. iOS is a mobile operating system created and developed by Apple Inc. exclusively for its hardware.
Self-Scan Machines
Self-scan checkouts, also known as self-service checkouts, are automated machines that allow customers to scan, bag and pay for their items without the need for a human cashier. As a shopper, you scan the barcodes on your items and place them into bags yourself. Once you’ve scanned all your items, you pay at the self-scan checkout terminal, often by card, cash or mobile payment.
Automobiles
Automobiles, also known as cars, are vehicles used for transporting passengers. They typically have four wheels and get their power from an internal combustion engine running on petrol or diesel.
Some well-known automobile manufacturers are Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, etc. The assembly line technique introduced by Henry Ford made cars affordable for ordinary people. This led to a massive expansion in their use and popularity.
Cars provide freedom and convenience but also lead to problems like traffic congestion, air pollution, and traffic accidents. Safety features like seat belts, airbags, anti-lock braking systems have reduced accident fatality rates. Alternative energy vehicles like electric cars and hybrids can help reduce emissions and our dependence on oil for fuel.
Automobiles have revolutionized how we live and work. They enable faster travel over long distances and spur economic growth. At the same time, we must make them sustainable and eco-friendly. Promoting public transport and ride-sharing can also help address some of the problems associated with excessive automobile use.
ATM (Automated Teller Machine)
An automated teller machine (ATM) is an electronic banking outlet that allows customers to complete basic transactions without the aid of a bank teller. ATMs are convenient, allowing you to withdraw cash, deposit funds, check account balances, and transfer money between accounts at any hour of the day or night.
To use an ATM, you insert your debit card and enter your personal identification number (PIN). The ATM then allows you to select from a menu of available transactions like withdrawing cash, checking your balance, or making a deposit. The ATM will dispense the requested amount of cash or provide a receipt for non-cash transactions.
ATMs provide a quick, efficient way to handle simple banking needs on your own schedule without having to visit an actual bank branch during business hours or deal with a human teller.
Home Electronic Equipment
A typical home contains various electronic equipment like televisions, music systems, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, electric shavers, electric toothbrushes, etc. These make our lives more comfortable and luxurious.
The television is a popular electronic equipment found in almost all homes. It provides visual entertainment and helps us gain knowledge through news and documentaries. Music systems, like radios, stereos and iPods, are used to listen to music. Refrigerators and air conditioners help preserve food and provide cooling comfort.
Washing machines clean our clothes. Vacuum cleaners and sweepers clean our floors and carpets. Electric shavers and hair clippers groom us by trimming hair. Electric toothbrushes clean our teeth. All these electronic equipment run on electricity and make our household chores quicker and easier.
In conclusion, electronic equipment has eased our workload at home by speeding up and simplifying daily tasks that would otherwise require manual labor. They provide entertainment and enhance our standard of living. Homes today have become highly dependent on various electronic equipment for comfort and convenience.
Digital Clock
A digital clock displays the time digitally using numbers, rather than using analog clock hands. The time is displayed on an electronic display made up of segments that can be turned on or off to represent numbers.
Most digital clocks use a seven segment display, with seven lines (segments) that can be lit up in different combinations to display the numbers 0 through 9.The time is usually shown in hours, minutes and seconds. Some clocks also display the date and day of the week.
Many people prefer digital clocks because they find them easier to read in low light conditions and more precise. However, others prefer the traditional analog clock face. Digital clocks are commonly used in electronic devices like cell phones, microwave ovens, DVD players and computers.
Weighing Machine
A weighing machine, or scale, is a device used to measure the mass of an object. Digital weighing scales use electronic sensors to determine the weight of an item.
Unlike analog scales that use springs to calculate weight, digital scales convert the force of the load on the scale into an electronic signal. This signal is then converted into a digital readout that displays the weight. Digital scales require a power source, typically batteries or an AC adapter, to power the electronic components.
Whether for personal, medical or industrial use, digital scales provide an efficient and high-tech way to determine an object’s mass. With continued advancements, digital scales are becoming more accurate, smarter and integrated into our daily lives.
Digital Televisions
Digital televisions, as opposed to analog televisions, translate incoming signals into the binary code of ones and zeroes. They offer significantly better picture and sound quality, as well as more channels and program information.
With a digital TV, you’ll get a wider selection of channels, many of which are in high definition (HD). You’ll also have access to features like an on-screen channel guide, closed captioning, parental controls, and the ability to block channels. Most digital TVs today are smart TVs, meaning they offer streaming services, web browsing, and more right on your TV screen.
To receive digital broadcast signals, you’ll need either cable, satellite, or an antenna and a device called a digital converter or set-top box to decode the signals for your analog TV. If you have a newer TV, it most likely has a built-in digital tuner so no converter box is needed. The transition to digital broadcast television (DTV) occurred in 2009, so if you bought your TV before then, you’ll probably need a converter to receive over-the-air broadcast signals.
Automatic Washing Machine
An automatic washing machine, typically referred to as a washer, is a home appliance used to wash laundry automatically without human intervention. Modern washers are designed to efficiently clean normal domestic laundry using water, detergent, and agitation.
The basic steps involved in operating an automatic washing machine are:
- Load the laundry into the washer drum
- Add detergent and select appropriate wash temperature and cycle based on the laundry type
- Start the washer
- Once done, remove laundry and hang or tumble dry.
The washer fills with water, agitates the clothing to clean it, spins to remove excess water, and pumps out the used water. Automatic washers come in two varieties: top loading and front loading. Top loaders have the drum oriented vertically, while front loaders have the drum oriented horizontally. Front loading washers typically use less water and energy.
Most washers allow you to adjust water temperature, water level, cycle selection, and cycle options. Common cycles include normal, heavy, delicate, permanent press, and hand wash. Cycle options include extra rinse, pre-soak, and stain treatment. The washer does all the work, so you can simply set it and forget it. Then when the cycle finishes, your laundry will be ready to dry. The automatic washing machine revolutionized household chores and continues to make laundry day far more efficient and convenient.
Computer Keyboard
The computer keyboard is one of the primary input devices for entering data into a computer. It contains alphanumeric keys, function keys and special keys that allow you to enter text and characters,and also perform specific functions.
The standard QWERTY keyboard layout is the most common, with the letters Q, W, E, R, T and Y as the first six letters on the top left row of letters. The function keys, labeled F1 to F12, are used to perform specific actions like saving files or refreshing web pages. The control key, alt key and command key are special keys used in keyboard shortcuts and for accessing menus. The arrow keys are used to move the cursor up, down, left and right.
The number pad, usually on the right side of the keyboard, allows you to quickly enter numbers. The delete, insert and escape keys are also useful for editing text and exiting screens or functions. Knowing how to use all the different keys and shortcuts on the keyboard can help you become more efficient using a computer.
Logic Gates
Logic gates are the basic building blocks of any digital system. They are electronic circuits that have one or more inputs and produce a single output. The three basic logic gates are:
AND gate: Produces output only when both inputs are 1. Used to detect the presence of two or more signals.
OR gate: Produces output when one or both inputs are 1. Used to detect the presence of either or both signals.
NOT gate: Inverts the input signal. Produces output 0 when input is 1 and vice versa. Used to detect the absence of a signal.
By combining these gates, you can construct any digital logic circuit. They are the fundamental units of digital computers in which all calculations and operations are performed.
Check-in Kiosk at Airport
When you arrive at the airport for your flight, the first step is to check in. Rather than waiting in long lines to check in with an airline agent, many airports now offer self-service check-in kiosks. These automated kiosks allow you to check in for your flight, print your boarding pass, and check any bags you may have, all without having to speak to an agent.
To use a check-in kiosk, simply enter your flight information or scan the barcode on your ticket. The kiosk will prompt you to enter personal details like your name, destination, and number of bags. Once you’ve entered all the required information, the kiosk will print your boarding passes and bag tags. Affix the bag tags to your luggage, drop off any checked bags at the designated area, and head to airport security with your carry-on bags and boarding pass in hand.
Check-in kiosks are convenient, user-friendly, and help speed you through the airport check-in process. Next time you fly, take advantage of the self-service kiosks to breeze through check-in and get your trip off to a smooth start.
Digital Camera
A digital camera is a camera that captures photographs in digital memory. Digital cameras come in a wide range of sizes, prices, and capabilities. The most basic digital cameras are compact point-and-shoot models that are small, inexpensive, and fully automatic. More advanced digital cameras offer greater creative control with manual exposure modes, interchangeable lenses, and high-end image sensors.
With a digital camera, you can immediately view the photos you take, delete unwanted ones, and easily share your photos with others by uploading them to social media or sending them in emails. The transition from film to digital has revolutionized photography by making it more accessible and convenient for casual and professional photographers alike.
Proximity Switch
A proximity switch detects the presence of a metal object without actually contacting it. It uses the principle of eddy currents, where a moving magnetic field induces circulating currents in a conductive material like metal. These proximity switches contain oscillator circuits that generate the magnetic field.
When a piece of metal enters the magnetic field, the eddy currents that form in the metal absorb energy from the magnetic field, causing the oscillator frequency to change. This change is detected by the circuitry and triggers the switch. The proximity switch can detect metal objects through non-ferrous materials like wood, glass, and plastic.
The most common types of proximity switches are inductive proximity switches and capacitive proximity switches. Inductive proximity switches detect metal objects using magnetic fields, while capacitive proximity switches detect any material that has different dielectric properties than air. Proximity switches are commonly used on industrial equipment like conveyor systems, packaging machines, and metal cutting equipment.
Drones
Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are aircraft without a human pilot on board. They are equipped with cameras and sensors to capture images and data from the air. Many hobbyists use drones for fun, capturing aerial footage or photos. However, drones also have important commercial applications, like inspecting infrastructure or delivering medical supplies in emergency situations.
The types of drones include multirotor drones, single-rotor drones, and fixed-wing drones. Multirotor drones, like quadcopters, use multiple rotors to generate lift and are popular for filming and photography. Single-rotor drones have one main rotor, like a helicopter. Fixed-wing drones have wings that generate lift to keep them airborne, similar to an airplane. Some drones can fly autonomously along a pre-programmed path, while others are manually controlled by a pilot on the ground.
Drones range in size from massive military drones to tiny nano drones. Commercial drones typically weigh less than 55 pounds. They contain rechargeable batteries, cameras, GPS, and sensors to navigate and control the drone. More advanced drones feature collision avoidance technology and automated flight modes like follow-me, orbit, and waypoint flying. The future possibilities for drone technology are exciting, with potential applications in many industries. However, drones also raise privacy and security concerns that regulations aim to address.
Robotics
Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and use of robots. Robots are automated machines that can take the place of humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing processes, or resemble humans in appearance, behavior, and/or cognition. The disciplines of mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering, computer science, and others are involved in the creation of robots.
Microprocessor and Microcontroller
Microprocessor, like Intel’s Pentium, is a single integrated circuit that contains all the components of a central processing unit (CPU) of a computer. It is a programmable digital electronic component that incorporates the functions of a computer’s central processing unit on a single integrated circuit.
Microcontroller, such as Arduino Uno, is a small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. It is designed to be embedded in another device, typically to control the device and/or collect and process data. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general purpose applications.
Calculator
A digital computer that performs arithmetic operations on numbers. The basic calculator typically has an LCD or LED display, a keypad to enter numbers and operations, and a power button. More advanced calculators have power and memory keys as well as trigonometric functions.
The key components of a calculator are the CPU, memory, keypad, display and power. The CPU executes the operations selected on the keypad. Temporary results and values are stored in the memory.The keypad is used to input numbers, operations and functions. The display shows the numbers, results and prompts. The power component provides power to the calculator either through batteries or an AC adapter.
Some examples of popular calculator brands are TI (Texas Instruments), Canon, Casio, Sharp and HP (Hewlett Packard). The types of calculators range from basic, scientific, graphing to financial. Basic calculators are for simple arithmetic. Scientific calculators handle trigonometric and logarithmic functions. Graphing calculators can plot graphs and financial calculators are tailored for business use.
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
PDAs or personal digital assistants were once all the rage before smartphones took over. These handheld devices allowed you to store contact information, appointments, to-do lists, and more. The most well-known PDA was probably the PalmPilot. PalmPilot lets you synchronize data with your computer and comes with touchscreen capability and handwriting recognition software.
Other popular PDAs included the Pocket PC, Zaurus, and Sony CLIÉ. These gadgets gave you a miniature computer that fit in your pocket. You could install various productivity software, games, and other applications on your PDA to customize it to your needs.
Although PDAs paved the way for the modern smartphone, they eventually fell out of favor in the late 2000s and early 2010s as mobile phones became more advanced and incorporated PDA-like features. While PDAs are mostly obsolete today, they represent an important step in the evolution of mobile computing devices.
Printers
Printers are devices that can print text and images on paper. The most common types are inkjet printers, laser printers, and dot matrix printers. Inkjet printers spray tiny drops of ink onto paper to form text and images. They are typically cheaper but often slower than laser printers. Laser printers use a laser beam to charge a drum with an electric charge; the drum then attracts toner, which is transferred to paper. Laser printers produce higher quality text and graphics but tend to be more expensive.
Dot matrix printers use a print head with tiny pins that strike an inked ribbon to create images on paper. They are very loud and slow but cheap to operate. Many people now prefer inkjet or laser printers for home and office use due to their superior speed and print quality.
Digital stopwatch
A digital stopwatch is a device that can measure and display the time elapsed between its activation and deactivation. It contains an electronic timer and a display.
When you need to time an event precisely, a digital stopwatch is very useful. To operate it, you simply press the start/stop button to begin the timer, then press it again to stop it. The elapsed time will appear on the display in hours, minutes and seconds. For added precision, some stopwatches can measure time down to 1/100th of a second.
Digital stopwatches are commonly used in sports and athletic events to time athletes. Coaches and physical trainers also find them helpful for monitoring exercise intervals and rest periods during training. In some educational settings, digital stopwatches are used to time students during testing. They provide an efficient way to keep accurate time without needing to constantly check the clock.
For most casual uses, the basic functions of start, stop and reset/clear are all that’s needed in a digital stopwatch. More advanced models may include extras like lap times, countdown timers, memory storage and data downloading to a computer. But ultimately, a digital stopwatch aims to serve one simple and useful purpose: telling you precisely how much time has passed.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 21 prime examples of the incredible digital computers that shape so much of our world today. Computers have revolutionized technology, business, science, communication, transportation, entertainment, and pretty much every other aspect of modern life. As computers continue advancing at lightning speed, who knows what they’ll be capable of 20 or 50 years from now. But one thing’s for sure, we’ve come a long, long way from primitive calculating machines like the abacus. The digital revolution is here to stay.