I remember hearing the word “computing” from a teacher before I got into computers in any meaningful way, and I really didn’t understand what that was.
The difference between computers and computing is that computers are physical machines capable of computing. Computing was once considered the same as counting or calculating, but today it typically refers to using a computer in any manner to achieve a goal.
Unfortunately, you hear the term “computing” from time to time, but it isn’t used often enough to really make sense in every case. So let’s dig in a bit deeper.
How to Tell the Difference Between Computers and Computing
A computer is a physical thing. You can hold it in your hands, move it to a different location, or throw it away. It’s built from multiple components that work together to make what we know as a computer. It’s possible to install, remove, or use the software on it. It comes in several forms, such as laptops, desktops, tablets, or mobile phones.
It can connect to different methods of communication that allow it to communicate with other computers over great distances. In general, it has become a staple item in modern life. If you feel like you would like to read more, there’s a more thorough description of a computer in my article here.
Computing is an action taken by a person using a computer to achieve a goal. Computing can take time. It can be strenuous. It can create great things or control impressive machinery. The act of computing can create information used by people to simplify making otherwise tough decisions.
Computing can allow users to communicate with each other over great distances. We see this every day with the advent of the modern web. Automation of tasks using computers is also a form of computing. Our manufacturers and utilities almost exclusively use modern computer systems to control and monitor their processes. Thus, computing has become a part of modern life for most people.
Is IT and Computing the Same Thing?
No, they are not the same thing; however, they are directly related in that IT or Information Technology is a form of Computing. Specifically, the use of computers to store or retrieve electronic information. An IT System or Information Technology System comprises the hardware, software, and computer peripherals needed to accomplish this.
Often these items are managed by a single department in a company or similar organization known as the IT Department. Computing includes using computers to store and retrieve electronic information, but it isn’t limited to IT. It includes all computer uses to accomplish a given goal or task; therefore, it is much broader in scope.
Is Computing and Computer Science the Same?
Like IT, Computing and Computer Science are directly related but not the same thing. Computer Science is the study and development of computer algorithms and software. It can include the development of new computer languages, data structures, or programming tools.
People study Computer Science most often in a university setting and can earn various degrees specializing in the various areas of Computer Science. Computing includes the use of computers to develop new computer languages, data structures, or software, but it isn’t limited to the world of Computer Science.
Again, Computing includes all uses of a computer rather than being narrowly constricted to a single-use case.
What are Some Examples of Computers?
Examples of computers are all around us:
- Starting with desktop computers, which are typically larger and need to sit on a desk. These are the more traditional computers that have a seperate monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse.
- Laptop computers that are portable and small enough to allow you to work with it on your lap. They combine the monitor, keyboard, and mouse/pointer into one device.
- Tablet computers are single thin screen sized computers with a touch interface. These can be quite popular with those who mostly just want to be able to get onto the web.
- Pretty much any mobile phone but in specific, the touch screen style of smart phone. They have a full operating system and function like a larger scale computer.
- Servers which are the work horse version of a computer. They typically spend a lot of time serving up and storing large amounts of data.
- Embedded computers are the single chip computers that get put into everyday devices to make them work. Things like your microwave.
What are Some Examples of Computing?
Computing is a lot more common than you may think:
- Using a computer to make software. It could be anything like a little utility program that runs in the background or the next word processor for writing documents. The great thing about software is your imagination is the limit.
- Using a computer to do calculations. This could be something as simple as using the calulator application or as extreme as heavy calculations in GNU Octave. Others may be just as happy using a spreadsheet application.
- Using a computer to physically control machinery in a factory or industrial setting. Depending on the process you’re controlling, a certain amount of computing may be necessary to effectively do so.
- Using a computer to create, consume, or transfer artistic works. This could be in the form of drawings, designs, or video. Whether you’re making it or viewing it, it’s all computing.
- Creating new computer technology like a computer language, a new type of computer, or advanced algorithms. This field is constantly growing and advancing.
- Developing and utilizing data science to solve problems. This involves manipulating data sets so large that for a person to do it by hand it would be prohibitive. The computer’s speed and accuracy puts large tasks like that within reach.