History of Computer

 History of Computer

Topics 

  1. Definition of computer 
  2. Earliest computer 
  3. Computer History 
  4. Computer Generations

Definition of Computer 

  • Computer is a programmable machine. 
  • Computer is a machine that manipulates data according to a list of instructions. 
  • Computer is any device which aids humans in performing various kinds of computations or calculations. 
Definition of Computer Three principles characteristic of computer: 
  • It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner. 
  • It can execute a pre-recorded list of instructions. 
  • It can quickly store and retrieve large amounts of data. 
Earliest Computer 
  • Originally calculations were computed by humans, whose job title was computers. 
  • These human computers were typically engaged in the calculation of a mathematical expression. 
  • The calculations of this period were specialized and expensive, requiring years of training in mathematics. 
  • The first use of the word "computer" was recorded in 1613, referring to a person who carried out calculations, or computations, and the word continued to be used in that sense until the middle of the 20th century.
Tally Sticks 
A tally stick was an ancient memory aid device to record and document numbers, quantities, or even messages. 

Abacus 
  • An abacus is a mechanical device used to aid an individual in performing mathematical calculations. 
  • The abacus was invented in Babylonia in 2400 B.C. 
  • The abacus in the form we are most familiar with was first used in China in around 500 B.C. 
  • It used to perform basic arithmetic operations.
Napier’s Bones 
  • Invented by John Napier in 1614. 
  • Allowed the operator to multiply, divide and calculate square and cube roots by moving the rods around and placing them in specially constructed boards. 
Slide Rule 
  • Invented by William Oughtred in 1622. 
  • Is based on Napier's ideas about logarithms. 
  • Used primarily for– multiplication
    • – division
    • – roots
    • – logarithms
    • – Trigonometry 
  • Not normally used for addition or subtraction. 
Pascaline 
  • Invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642. 
  • It was its limitation to addition and subtraction. 
  • It is too expensive. 
Stepped Reckoner 
  • Invented by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in 1672. 
  • The machine that can add, subtract, multiply and divide automatically. 
Jacquard Loom 
  • The Jacquard loom is a mechanical loom, invented by Joseph-Marie Jacquard in 1881. 
  • It an automatic loom controlled by punched cards. 
Arithmometer 
  • A mechanical calculator invented by Thomas de Colmar in 1820, 
  • The first reliable, useful and commercially successful calculating machine. 
  • The machine could perform the four basic mathematic functions. 
  • The first mass-produced calculating machine. 
Difference Engine and Analytical Engine 
  • It an automatic, mechanical calculator designed to tabulate polynomial functions. 
  • Invented by Charles Babbage in 1822 and 1834 
  • It is the first mechanical computer.
First Computer Programmer 
  • In 1840, Augusta Ada Byron suggests to Babbage that he use the binary system.
  •  She writes programs for the Analytical Engine.
Scheutzian Calculation Engine 
  • Invented by Per Georg Scheutz in 1843. 
  • Based on Charles Babbage's difference engine. 
  • The first printing calculator.
Tabulating Machine 
  • Invented by Herman Hollerith in 1890. 
  • To assist in summarizing information and accounting.
Havard Mark 1 
  • Also known as IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC).
  • Invented by Howard H. Aiken in 1943 
  • The first electro-mechanical computer.
Z1 
  • The first programmable computer. 
  • Created by Konrad Zuse in Germany from 1936 to 1938. 
  • To program the Z1 required that the user insert punch tape into a punch tape reader and all output was also generated through punch tape.
Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) 
  • It was the first electronic digital computing device. 
  • Invented by Professor John Atanasoff and graduate student Clifford Berry at Iowa State University between 1939 and 1942.
ENIAC 
  • ENIAC stands for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer. 
  • It was the first electronic general purpose computer. 
  • Completed in 1946. 
  • Developed by John Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchl. 
UNIVAC 1 
  • The UNIVAC I (UNIVersal Automatic Computer 1) was the first commercial computer. 
  • Designed by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly.
EDVAC 
  • EDVAC stands for Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer 
  • The First Stored Program Computer 
  • Designed by Von Neumann in 1952. 
  • It has a memory to hold both a stored program as well as data.  
The First Portable Computer 
  • Osborne 1– the first portable computer. 
  • Released in 1981 by the Osborne Computer Corporation.
The First Computer Company 
  • The first computer company was the Electronic Controls Company. 
  • Founded in 1949 by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly.

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