Basic Computer Terminology

Computer science has many sub-fields; some emphasize the computation of specific results (such as computer graphics), while others relate to properties of computational problems (such as computational complexity theory). Still others focus on the challenges in implementing computations. Computer science (or computing science) is the study and the science of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their implementation and application in computer systems

Wilhelm Schickard built the first mechanical calculator in 1623. For example, programming language theory studies approaches to describing computations, while computer programming applies specific programming languages to solve specific computational problems

.Around 1900, the IBM corporation sold punch-card machines. However, all of these machines were constrained to perform a single task, or at best some subset of all possible tasks. . Charles Babbage designed a difference engine in Victorian times (between 1837 and 1901) helped by Ada Lovelace. A further subfield, human-computer interaction, focuses on the challenges in making computers and computations useful, usable and universally accessible to people.

Modern society has seen a significant shift from computers being used solely by experts or professionals to a more widespread user base. By the 1990s, computers became accepted as being the norm within everyday life. Computer science began to be established as a distinct academic discipline in the 1960s, with the creation of the first computer science departments and degree programs. 'IBM' (short for International Business Machines) released the IBM 704 and later the IBM 709 computers, which were widely used during the exploration period of such devices. Machines for calculating fixed numerical tasks, such as the abacus, have existed since antiquity. Since practical computers became available, many applications of computing have become distinct areas of study in their own right.

Although many initially believed it impossible that computers themselves could actually be a scientific field of study, in the late fifties it gradually became accepted among the greater academic population. It is the now well-known IBM brand that formed part of the computer science revolution during this time "Still, working with the IBM [computer] was frustrating...if you had misplaced as much as one letter in one instruction, the program would crash, and you would have to start the whole process over again". During the late 1950s, the computer science discipline was very much in its developmental stages, and such issues were commonplace.

During the 1940s, as newer and more powerful computing machines were developed, the term computer came to refer to the machines rather than their human predecessors. The early foundations of what would become computer science predate the invention of the modern digital computer. As it became clear that computers could be used for more than just mathematical calculations, the field of computer science broadened to study computation in general. Time has seen significant improvements in the usability and effectiveness of computer science technology. During this time data entry was a primary component of the use of computers, many preferring to streamline their business practices through the use of a computer. This also gave the additional benefit of removing the need of large amounts of documentation and file records which consumed much-needed physical space within offices.