One of the most basic concepts in computer technology, and one of the notions that started basic computer theory, is the idea of turning a switch on or off. Most people understand the idea of turning a light bulb on or off – simply flip the switch and it’s dark or light. Computer logic really isn’t much more complex.
During the 1980’s when high school kids were dancing to INXS and listening to Foreigner on the radio, modern computer technology was coming to light. IBM, Microsoft and Apple were developing PC platforms and software that would evolve into today’s current computer technology. If it weren’t for the work done in the 80’s computers wouldn’t be where they are today.
All computers are based on these things called logic gates which basically create a predetermined output from a set of inputs. Think of a thermostat as a logic gate; when the temperature drops below 65 degrees, it turns on the furnace. As computer systems become more and more complex, the number of logic gates increases. Modern processors can be comprised of hundreds of millions of logic gates.
When computers were first being introduced the primary method of transcribing data was a series of zeros and ones called binary. Basically, the programmer would send a string of zeros and ones in a specific order to represent a command. My first name in binary is “01101010 01100101 01110010 01101111 01101101 01111001.” Current programming languages basically translate from the logical language to binary which the computer and peripherals can understand.
Understanding the core of the computer is basically on or off commands is a relatively easy concept. However, if the computer gets a command that falls somewhere in between the zero or one then this is called fuzzy logic. Think of fuzzy logic as somewhere between a yes and no when asking a person something. Everything points to yes until you ask the question, then it turns to a “no” or “maybe.” An answer like that is confusing and frustrating.
Fuzzy logic was designed to handle the confusing signals that a computer can receive. In a typical data stream of zeros and ones, the computer may interpret something incorrectly. Alternatively, the data could be something other than on or off. Choices could be interpreted as an if/then or some other basic logic which still requires a yes or no answer.
Pretty much every processing component in a computer operates with these discrete signals and logic. Memory (RAM) is basically millions of little switches that open and close to store pieces of the binary data stream. I mentioned earlier the processor, or CPU, is comprised of millions of little gates that turn off and on while making decisions.
People who come into my store with failing computers oftentimes ask me what caused the blue screen. The real answer is some part of the computer either failed to interpret or process a stream of zeros and ones. This could be caused from the system hardware failing to open and close correctly, or it could simply be the data stream was missing some of the zeros and ones.
Think of how many people would be turned away if I told them their computer failed to interpret a zero or one correctly. Rather than tell someone their RAM module failed to process a binary signal, it’s easier to simply say their memory failed. Modern computers apply an updated form of binary which makes everything from programming to processing more simple; however, the basis behind all of it still boils down to a simple on or off.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can text him at (978) 413-2840 or call him directly at (978) 919-8059.)