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--- c4c:typesofcomputer [30/06/2024 22:29] – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
+++ c4c:typesofcomputer [04/07/2025 12:08] (current) – [Microcomputers (or Personal Computers)] andrew
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 {{ :c4c:car-computer-inside.jpg?direct&200|Car Engine Management}}
 Microcontrollers are small computers which are usually programmed to perform just one job, such as control your washing machine or video recorder. Another use is to control a car's engine to help it burn fuel more efficiently, shown here. \\
-Because the microcontroller is programmed to perform just one job, it can be very compact. In the case of the car controller shown here with the lid removed, the electronics have to be protected from the environment a car can expect to experience, from cold and icy weather to very hot days. Also water spray from the road may be thrown against the case, so it must be waterproof too. Because it is installed in the car at the factory, it is pre programmed and it is not easy to reporgram. This is an advantage because it cannot "loose" it's instructions easily.
+Because the microcontroller is programmed to perform just one job, it can be very compact. In the case of the car controller shown here with the lid removed, the electronics have to be protected from the environment a car can expect to experience, from cold and icy weather to very hot days. Also water spray from the road may be thrown against the case, so it must be waterproof too. Because it is installed in the car at the factory, it is pre programmed and it is not easy to reprogram. This is an advantage because it cannot "loose" it's instructions easily.
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 {{:c4c:arduino2.jpg?direct&200 |Programable Arduino controller}}
 A different type of microcontroller is the Arduino. This is a small device which can be programmed easily from a Personal Computer or Laptop. It is designed to have many input and outputs so it can control motors, LCD displays and LED's and read imput from switches and other sensors such as temperature.\\
-Because of the low cost and the information and help about programming them, they are popluar with experimenters who wish to use them in projects.
+Because of the low cost and the information and help about programming them, they are popular with experimenters who wish to use them in projects. The arduino is programmed in a low level language called "C". Whilst C can be difficult to use, what has made the Arduino so popular is the extensive library of code which can be freely reused. This is referred to as Open Source Software, it is free to use, but also has the "source code" available for inspection or modification. Unlike much commercial software, it is positively encouraged to share your code with others, just the same way others share their code with you to make your programming easier.
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 {{ :c4c:ibm5150_ibm.jpg?direct&200|}}
 Most of us will have some experience of Microcomputers or Personal Computers, they are found in homes and offices all around the world. \\
-Shown on the right is one of the earliest Personal Computers made by IBM for use in offices. The earliest computers were very slow by comparison with todays computers, but at the time they were a big step forward because they made it possible to write and print letters faster and more easily than on a typewriter, and were able to process numbers and sums with a program called a "Spreadsheet". This made it possible for financial calculations to be carried out faster and on a larger scale than was possible with manual accounting.
+Shown on the right is one of the earliest Personal Computers made by IBM for use in offices. The earliest computers were very slow by comparison with todays computers, but at the time they were a big step forward because they made it possible to write and print letters faster and more easily than on a typewriter using a "word processor", and were able to process numbers and sums with a program called a "spreadsheet". This made it possible for financial calculations to be carried out faster and on a larger scale than was possible with manual accounting. Later "presentation" software arrived.
 Most of this article will be about Microcomputers because you will have the best opportunity to work with them.