Introduction to Computing
Prof. Wilber Sabado
History of Computing
What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic machine that accepts
information (Data), processes it according to specific
instructions, and provides the results as new information.
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.
Earliest Computer
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.
Abacus
An abacus is a mechanical device used to aid an
individual in performing mathematical calculations.
Tally Sticks
A tally stick was an ancient memory aid device to
record and document numbers, quantities, or even
messages.
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.
Based on Napier's idea about logarithms.
Used primarily for:
– multiplication
– division
– roots
– logarithm
– Trigonometry
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’s 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.
Difference Engine and Analytical Engine
It’s an automatic, mechanical calculator designed to
tabulate polynomial functions.
Invented by Charles Babbage (Father of Computer) in
1822 and 1834.
Augusta Ada Byron
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.
Tabulating Machine
Invented by Herman Hollerith in 1890.
To assist in summarizing information and
accounting.
Harvard Mark 1
Also known as IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled
Calculator (ASCC).
Invented by Howard H. Aiken in 1943.
Z1
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.
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.
UNIVAC 1
The UNIVAC I (UNIVersal Automatic Computer 1)
was the first commercial computer.
EDVAC
EDVAC stands for Electronic Discrete Variable
Automatic Computer.
The First Stored Program Computer
Designed by Von Neumann in 1952.
Osborne 1
The first portable computer.
Released in 1981 by the Osborne Computer
Corporation.
Electronic Controls Company
The first computer company was the Electronic
Controls Company.
Founded in 1949 by J. Presper Eckert and John
Mauchly.
Generations of Computer
There are five generations of computer:
First Generation – 1946 – 1958
Second generation – 1959 – 1964
Third generation – 1965 – 1970
Fourth generation – 1971 – today
Fifth generation – Today to future
Generations of Computer
• The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry
and magnetic drums for memory, and were often
enormous, taking up entire rooms.
• They were very expensive to operate and in addition
to using a great deal of electricity, generated a lot of
heat, which was often the cause of malfunctions.
Generations of Computer
Transistors replaced vacuum tubes and ushered
in the second generation of computers.
One transistor replaced the equivalent of 40
vacuum tubes.
Allowing computers to become smaller, faster,
cheaper, more energy-efficient and more
reliable.
Transistor
Generations of Computer
The development of the
integrated circuit was the
hallmark of the third
generation of computers.
Transistors were miniaturized
and placed on silicon chips,
called semiconductors,
which drastically increased
the speed and efficiency of
computers. Integrated Circuit
Much smaller and cheaper
compare to the second
generation computers.
Generations of Computer
The microprocessor brought the fourth
generation of computers, as thousands of
integrated circuits were built onto a single
silicon chip.
Fourth generation computers also saw the
development of GUIs, the mouse and
handheld devices.
Microprocessor
Generations of Computer
Based on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Still in development.
The use of parallel processing and
superconductors is helping to make artificial
intelligence a reality.
There are some applications, such as voice
recognition, that are being used today.
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