成人快手

What is a computer?

Computers are all around us. They're a big part of many people's day-to-day lives.

A computer is an electronic device which processes, stores and displays information.

Most electronic devices used today contain some sort of computer.

  • Desktop computers are thought to be more traditional computers.
  • Laptops, tablets and smartphones are portable computers.
  • Smartwatches are wearable computers.
  • Computers control many household appliances, like washing machines.

The word computer used to mean a person who performed complex mathematics.

Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan were women who were known as human computers at .

These human computers of Nasa helped to get the first astronauts into space.

Image source, Nasa
Image caption,
The three human computers of Nasa: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson (from left to right)
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How are computers used in our day-to-day lives?

Computers can be found all around our homes, schools and even in the places where you shop.

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 5, , Smartphones Smartphones allow us to send and receive messages and calls. Smartphones have an operating system to make it easy to use and allow us to download and install various applications. Applications might include: games, music, email, social media and calendars.
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How have computers helped to connect us?

Technology means that we have never been more connected. We can easily connect with family, friends and the people we work with, even when they're on the other side of the world.

Connected technology means that doctors in the UK can help other surgeons all around the world perform life-saving surgery through a video call.

With a computer, you can connect with students from classrooms in different countries, to learn about their culture and community. You can also work on a project with someone without needing to be in the same room.

Computers mean that even if you move away from friends, you can easily stay in touch.

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How have computers saved lives?

Computers have helped to change the way we understand the human body.

  • They have allowed us to analyse and record how our bodies work in more detail than ever before.

  • Robotic surgeons can complete surgeries that are too complex, or too small for a human to perform.

  • Some people have a pacemaker fitted, which helps to make sure their heart beats regularly.

  • Diabetes patients can now wear an insulin monitor on their arm which tells them if their blood sugar is too low or too high. Before these monitors were invented, diabetics used to have to prick their finger to test their blood regularly. The monitors connect to a smartphone to make it easy to get readings.

  • Many tests for illnesses are completed using computers too.

Can you think of any other life-saving uses of computers?

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Most careers have some element of digital technology and computers can be found in most workplaces.

It's important that you understand how computers work, as it is likely that you will need to use a computer when you're grown up.

Computers have changed the way the world works. Many jobs that used to be done only by a person have been made much more efficient through the use of technology.

New tools to improve how we work are being developed all the time and technology is constantly changing. Sometimes it can be hard to keep up!

Many highly paid jobs that people do today with computers, didn't exist 20 years ago!

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Watch: Creating with computers

Computers can be used creatively to do all kinds of amazing things!

Discover more about creating with computers in this video from 成人快手 Teach:

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Activities

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Computing - Dance Mat Typing. game

Build and test your computing skills with different levels of touch type challenges

Computing - Dance Mat Typing
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More on Digital literacy

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