Generally Speaking For centuries, the brain has been compared with all types of inventions.

For example, in the past if you heard a comment about an intelligent man, it would sound like : "His brain goes like clockwork". Nowadays, what you'll probably hear would be : "Wow! His brain is as fast as a computer" Here, we'll be showing you the similarities and differences between the human brain and the modern computer. Note: if you're only looking for the comparison in speed, processing power and superiority of the human brain and computer, please proceed to the next section ::: Man Vs Machine ::: The Similarities a) Functions and Purpose Both are used for storage of information, to process information and to run tasks. In terms of the functions, both are used for mathematical calculations, carrying out complex algorithms and to storing of crucial information. b) Role in society Both play extremely important roles in society, comerce, entertainment and science Every single living creature survive by quick thinking and reflexes, that inculdes us. The computer today plays the most important roles from specialised systems controlling entire production factories to little "fuzzy logic" chips in washing machines that intelligenty monitor the washing process.

c) Combining components Both work by combining the processes of several components and parts to perform their tasks. I.e. A computer consists of many many parts, including a motherboard(which itself would is made up of many parts), the disk drives, the processor, graphic cards and many more ... all of which has its own roles in the computer's processes. ( Refer to :: Workings of the Computer :: for details) Like a computer, the brain is formed out of parts. Besides having the left and right brain, there are also parts of the brain that take care of emotions, mathematical calculations, body CO-ordinations and many other tasks needed for our daily activities. ( Refer to :: Workings of the Brain :: for details)

d) Eletrical signals Both work by transmitting "logic signals" to each of their parts. Signals are both electrical i.e. A computer works by using binary ("on"/"off" logical signals known as "bits", put together as "bytes" to represent data.) To communicate internally between components, represent information and store data. In a way, neurons in the brain are either "on" or "off" by either firing an action potential or not firing an action potential. (However, there are some differences between the workings of the signals of the brain and the computer. This will be discussed in the next part ::differences::) e) Upgrading and Evolution Both can change with time. (the brain evolves, while the computer upgrades with technological advances)

i.e. When any computer gets outdated, there are always options To upgrade, parts To replace faster newer models To choose from. The brain of modern man is found To be significantly larger than those of 1.7 million years ago. Newsweek article "The first Wanderers" (22/5/2000 issue): May, 2000 a team of scientists uncovered two 1.7 million year old dmanisi skulls of Homo ergasters, notably smaller with only with 780cc of capacity compared with the 1500cc of modern man's skull capacity; proof of the human brain's evolution) f) Memory capacity Both can increase their memory storage capacity. Computer memory grows by adding computer chips. Memories in the brain grow by stronger synaptic connections. g) self-maintenance Both computers and brain have repair and "backup" systems. The brain has "built-in back up systems" in some cases. If one pathway in the brain is damaged, there is often another pathway that will take over this function of the damaged pathway. h) Degrading with time Both can degrade. Computers break down and brain cells deteriorate I.e. Like all machinery, computers break down with time. Brains also deteriorate with age, losing their functions and slowing down because of lower counts of chemicals and hormones (e.g. testosterone ) Newsweek article "How Alzheimer's Lay Siege to the brain" (20/4/2000 issue): Alzheimer's occur because of clogging of excessive built-up masses of Amyloid plagues (brain protein in charge of growth & maintenance of neurons)

and collapse of microtubules because of break away s of their supporting structures,"Tau protein". )