Universal computer
A universal computer , even short -purpose computer or general purpose computer called, is a calculating machine ( computer ) that was not built for a specific purpose, but many problems through mathematical general by or algorithmic can solve calculations. The term is often used in connection with Alan Turing's model of predictability (see also Turing machine ). According to this, a universal computer is a potentially powerful Turing computer - that is, it would be powerful Turing if it had an infinitely large memory .
history
The first computers of this type still filled entire halls or halls and were accordingly called mainframes . By 1976 at the latest (with the Apple I ), such computers were also small enough to serve as home computers and also affordable enough to be used by a broader population. From around 1992 even cell phones (later also called smartphones ) and wristwatches ( also called smartwatches after their digitization and corresponding expansion ) were able to carry out almost any calculation.
See also
supporting documents
- ↑ Universal computer , entry in the technology encyclopedia on Virenschutz.info , accessed on June 17, 2014
- ↑ Computermuseum München , brief description on Muenchen.de , accessed on June 17, 2014