![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
In essence, an abacus and a microcomputer are the same by functional nature.
The main differences between an abacus and a micro computer:
- decimally vs binary
An abacus most often, but not always, counts decimally. Decimally here means using single digits 0-9.
A microcomputer counts binary. Binary here means using single digits 0-1.
- manual vs automatic
An abacus counts manually, a microcomputer automatically.
- scale
Even though an abacus extends the ease of calculation compared to what a human can do with just his fingers, the extension of scope of calculation that a microcomputer provides is absolutely unmatched in comparison to either.
- energy
An abacus uses mechanical energy to count (our fingers) while a microcomputer uses electrical energy to count (electrically manipulated switches).
The main differences between an abacus and a micro computer:
- decimally vs binary
An abacus most often, but not always, counts decimally. Decimally here means using single digits 0-9.
A microcomputer counts binary. Binary here means using single digits 0-1.
- manual vs automatic
An abacus counts manually, a microcomputer automatically.
- scale
Even though an abacus extends the ease of calculation compared to what a human can do with just his fingers, the extension of scope of calculation that a microcomputer provides is absolutely unmatched in comparison to either.
- energy
An abacus uses mechanical energy to count (our fingers) while a microcomputer uses electrical energy to count (electrically manipulated switches).
