How Computers Evolved? History Of Computers From 1642 To 2022

Summary

This video script by Sidhart from The World of Science traces the evolution of computers from the abacus to modern laptops. It highlights key developments like Blaise Pascal's mechanical calculator, Charles Babbage's Difference Engine, punched card programming, and the ENIAC. The script outlines computer generations, from vacuum tube-based machines to integrated circuits and VLSI, leading to personal computers. It concludes with the advent of fifth-generation computers featuring AI and looks forward to future advancements.

Takeaways

• 🧮 The term 'computer' originally referred to a device or person that performs calculations.
• 📚 The need for computers arose from the requirement to handle complex calculations and store vast amounts of data beyond the capacity of simple tools like the abacus.
• 🏛️ Early mechanical calculators were invented in Europe during the 16th-17th centuries, with Blaise Pascal's invention of a mechanical calculator in 1642.
• 🔩 Charles Babbage's 'Difference Engine' in 1822 marked a significant step towards modern computer systems, being an automatic mechanical calculator.
• 💾 Herman Hollerith's invention of punched cards revolutionized data storage and processing, leading to the formation of IBM in 1924.
• 🔄 The Harvard Mark I, completed in 1944, was an early electro-mechanical computer that used punch cards for input and output operations.
• 🚀 World War II accelerated the development of computers, culminating in the creation of ENIAC in 1946, the first fully digital computer using vacuum tubes.
• 📈 The first generation of computers (1950-1959) utilized vacuum tubes for logical operations and ferrite cores for memory, making them large and expensive.
• 💿 The second generation (1959-1969) introduced semiconductors, making computers faster, more reliable, and less expensive, with the use of magnetic tape for storage.
• 🛠️ The third generation (1969-1977) saw the use of Integrated Circuits, significantly reducing computer size and increasing processing capabilities.
• 💻 The fourth generation, starting in the 1980s, brought Very Large Scale Integration, leading to the widespread adoption of personal computers and the introduction of portable PCs.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of the earliest computers?

The primary purpose of the earliest computers was to perform bigger calculations and store large amounts of information that a simple calculator could not handle.

What is the earliest known computing device?

The earliest known computing device was the abacus, a simple tool with parallel rods and beads used for addition and subtraction.

Who is recognized as one of the first inventors of mechanical calculators?

Blaise Pascal is recognized as one of the first inventors of mechanical calculators, having invented a mechanical machine capable of addition in 1642.

What was the significance of Charles Babbage's 'Difference Engine'?

Charles Babbage's 'Difference Engine' was significant as it was the first automatic mechanical calculator, laying the groundwork for modern computer systems.

How did punched cards contribute to the evolution of computers?

Punched cards allowed for the storage of programming code, making mechanical operations fully automatic and contributing to the development of early computer systems.

What was the name of the company that played a significant role in the evolution of computer systems, starting with punched card technology?

International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation played a significant role in the evolution of computer systems, starting with the punched card technology.

What was the first all-digital electronic computer developed during World War 2?

The first all-digital electronic computer developed during World War 2 was the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), which used vacuum tubes for its functioning.

What was the main difference between first and second-generation computers?

The main difference was that second-generation computers used semiconductor digital elements, making them faster, more reliable, smaller, and less expensive than the first-generation computers that used vacuum tubes.

What is the significance of the IBM 360 and 370 in the third generation of computers?

The IBM 360 and 370 were significant as they represented the era of microprocessors and integrated circuits, drastically reducing the size of computers and increasing their efficiency.

How did the introduction of Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) impact the fourth generation of computers?

The introduction of VLSI allowed for millions of transistors to be combined in a single chip, greatly increasing circuit density and enabling computers to perform multiple operations at a very efficient speed.

What was the first successful desktop personal computer with a graphical user interface, a built-in screen, and a mouse?

The Macintosh was the first successful desktop personal computer to have a graphical user interface, a built-in screen, and a mouse, revolutionizing the market of computers.

Outlines

00:00

💻 The Evolution of Computers: From Abacus to Modern Technology

This paragraph traces the historical development of computers, starting with the abacus, a simple tool for addition and subtraction. It highlights the contributions of Blaise Pascal, who invented a mechanical calculator in 1642, and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, who enhanced it to perform more complex calculations. The narrative continues with Charles Babbage's 'Difference Engine' and 'Analytical Engine,' marking the transition to more sophisticated mechanical computers. The paragraph also covers the invention of punched cards by Herman Hollerith and James Powers, which revolutionized data input and led to the formation of IBM. The discussion concludes with the advent of electronic computers like ENIAC and EDVAC, which were pivotal during World War II for their high-speed calculations.

05:04

🚀 Generations of Computers: From Vacuum Tubes to AI

This paragraph delves into the different generations of computers, detailing their technological advancements and applications. It begins with the first generation (1950-1959), characterized by the use of vacuum tubes and large, expensive machines like ENIAC and UNIVAC-I. The second generation (1959-1969) introduced semiconductors, making computers faster, more reliable, and less costly, with UNIVAC-III and Honeywell 400 among the notable machines. The third generation (1969-1977) saw the advent of Integrated Circuits, leading to the development of microprocessors and smaller computers like IBM 360. The fourth generation, starting in the 1980s, utilized Very Large Scale Integration, further reducing size and cost, and introduced personal computers by companies like IBM and Apple. The paragraph concludes with a look towards the fifth generation, which is focused on artificial intelligence and advanced simulations.

Keywords

💡Computer

A computer is an electronic device that processes data and performs calculations. In the context of the video, it refers to the evolution of computing devices from simple tools like the abacus to modern supercomputers. The script discusses how the need for computers arose from the necessity to perform complex calculations and store large amounts of information, which simple calculators couldn't handle.

💡Abacus

The abacus is an ancient calculating tool consisting of parallel rods with beads used for arithmetic operations like addition and subtraction. It is mentioned in the script as the earliest known 'computer,' highlighting the historical roots of computational devices.

💡Mechanical Calculator

A mechanical calculator is a device that uses mechanical parts to perform calculations. The script references Blaise Pascal's invention of a mechanical machine and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's improvements, which could perform addition, multiplication, division, and square roots, illustrating the transition from simple to more complex mechanical computing devices.

💡Punched Cards

Punched cards are pieces of stiff paper with holes punched in specific positions to represent digital data. In the video, punched cards are discussed as a significant innovation by Herman Hollerith and James Powers, which allowed for the storage of programming code and automated mechanical operations in early computers.

💡Vacuum Tubes

Vacuum tubes are glass or metal tubes from which the air has been evacuated, used in early electronic devices for amplification and switching. The script explains that the first generation of computers used vacuum tubes for logical operations, which were bulky and expensive but marked a significant advancement in computing technology.

💡Semiconductor

A semiconductor is a material with electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator, used in electronic devices for its switching and amplification properties. The script mentions the second generation of computers, which used semiconductor digital elements, making them faster, more reliable, and smaller than their predecessors.

💡Integrated Circuits (IC)

Integrated circuits are miniaturized electronic circuits on a small piece of semiconductor material, which greatly reduced the size and cost of computers. The script highlights the third generation of computers, which started using ICs, leading to the development of microprocessors and a drastic reduction in computer size.

💡Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI)

VLSI is a process that combines millions of transistors into a single chip, increasing circuit density and enabling faster, more efficient computer operations. The script describes how VLSI technology marked the beginning of the fourth generation of computers, which saw a significant reduction in cost and size, and the introduction of personal computers.

💡Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A graphical user interface is a visual way for users to interact with electronic devices, replacing text-based interfaces with graphical icons and a mouse. The script refers to the introduction of GUI in the Macintosh computer, which revolutionized the computer market by making computers more user-friendly.

💡Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence in machines, including learning, reasoning, and self-correction. The script mentions that the fifth generation of computers incorporates AI, indicating a shift towards more advanced computational capabilities, such as robotics and simulations.

💡Portability

Portability refers to the ability of a device to be easily carried and used in different locations. The script discusses the evolution of computers towards portability, starting with the Osborne 1, a 'luggable' computer, and leading to the development of laptops with advanced features like color screens and higher resolutions.

Highlights

The earliest known computer was a simple tool called the Abacus, used for addition and subtraction.

Blaise Pascal invented the first mechanical calculator in 1642, capable of adding large numbers.

Charles Babbage developed the first modern equivalent of a computer system with the Difference Engine in 1822.

The Analytical Machine, designed by Charles Babbage, was the first programmable mechanical computer.

Punched cards were introduced by Herman Hollerith, making computers programmable and fully automatic.

The Tabulating Machine Company, later renamed IBM, played a significant role in the evolution of computer systems.

The Harvard Mark I, produced by IBM in 1944, was the first information-processing machine using punch cards.

ENIAC, completed in 1946, was the first fully digital computer, 1,000 times faster than electromechanical computers.

The first generation of computers (1950-1959) used vacuum tubes and were bulky and expensive.

Second-generation computers (1959-1969) used semiconductor digital elements, making them faster and more reliable.

The third generation of computers (1969-1977) began with the use of Integrated Circuits, leading to smaller, more efficient machines.

The fourth generation of computers started in the 1980s with the introduction of VLSI technology, leading to personal computers.

IBM and Apple Computers revolutionized the market with the introduction of personal computers and graphical user interfaces.

The fifth generation of computers is focused on Artificial Intelligence, involving robotics and simulations.

Portable computers evolved into modern laptops, with the first color screens appearing in 1991.

Transcripts

A computer simply means something that computes. The need for computers was to perform bigger

calculations and store large amounts of  information that a simple calculator cannot,

and this need has been there since the inception  of human intelligence. The earliest known computer

was a simple tool known as ABACUS that  contained parallel rods on which different

numbers of beads were attached. This device  was simply used for addition and subtraction.

From that small calculating device to modern-day  supercomputers, there has been a massive change

in computer technology. Now, the availability of  notebook-sized portable computers to use anywhere

is simply the pinnacle of modern technology.  So, let us go back in time and see how computers

evolved through the ages. My name is Sidhart,  and you are watching The World Of Science!

Some initial developments happened in Europe from the 16th-17th century. In 1642, French scientist

Blaise Pascal invented the mechanical machine  capable of addition of bigger numbers with good

efficiency, thereby establishing him as one of  the first two inventors of mechanical calculators.

Motivated by this adding machine, German  mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz

designed a better model that along with  addition can perform multiplication, division,

and even square roots of smaller numbers. Finally,  in 1820, Charles Xavier Thomas produced the first

commercially available mechanical calculator. It was Charles Babbage who developed the first

modern equivalent of a computer system in  Cambridge, England. He built an automatic

mechanical calculator known as a “Difference  Engine” in 1822. This mechanical calculator

when subjected to programming, and made suitable for general purpose work was called an "Analytical

Machine". A mechanical computer consists of  mechanical elements such as levers and gears,

unlike today's electronic components. For  example, one complete rotation of the main

shaft in a difference engine designed by Charles  Babbage was equal to one full set of addition.

The engine consists of several columns, numbered from 1 to N. Each column stores exactly one

decimal number. The machine adds the value of a  column n+1 to column n to produce the new value of

n. Thus with the help of a gear system, rotating  shaft, and sweep arms, calculations were performed

by taking the values stored on each column.  These machines were as big as a large table.

A major step in the evolution of computers came  when Herman Hollerith and James Powers working for

the US Census Bureau invented the punched cards. A punched card is a piece of stiff paper that

holds digital data represented by the presence  or absence of holes in predefined positions.

With the help of punch cards, the programming  code can be stored in those computers, making the

mechanical operations fully automatic. In 1896,  Hollerith formed the Tabulating Machine Company

which started manufacturing the computers based on the punched card. Later Thomas J. Watson became

the president of the company and it was renamed as International Business Machines (IBM) Corporations

in 1924. This company played the most significant  role in the evolution of computer systems.

IBM produced the International Business Machines Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator

or Harvard Mark I in 1944, and it was the very  first information-processing machine. It contained

765,000 wheels, 500 miles of wire, and a 51ft long  and 8ft high panel. Each input data was entered

through a punch card and output was recorded  by an electric typewriter. This was the first

attempt at an “electro-mechanical analytical  machine”. Later the first all-digital electronic

computer was produced during World War 2. Because of the heavy calculations required in building the

nuclear weapon, a more efficient computing machine was required. In 1946, a new device, Electronic

Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was  completed. It was a fully digital computer

and used vacuum tubes for its functioning. It was  1000 times faster than that of electromechanical

computers. As ENIAC calculated a trajectory  in 30 seconds that took a human 20 hours,

one ENIAC could replace 2400 humans. ENIAC  was succeeded by EDVAC i.e Electronic Discrete

Variable Automatic Computer which has also a  storage facility and can store a program for the

automatic functioning of the computer. UNIVAC-1  i.e Universal Automatic Computer became the

most popular digital machine of that time. It was  produced by Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation

in 1951. It also successfully predicted the  presidential election of the USA in 1952

in which the result predicted Dwight Eisenhower's  election victory over his opponent. This machine

started the generation of computers to come. The first generation of computers is said to

be the period between 1950 and 1959. Computers  used vacuum tubes for logical operations to

be performed and ring-shaped ferrite cores for  memory storage. These computers were bulky and

very expensive. ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC-I  and II, IBM 702, and IBM 650 were some

famous computers of the first generation. The  second-generation computers from 1959 to 1969

used semiconductor digital elements and were  faster & more reliable than the 1st generation.

They were also smaller and less expensive. They  used magnetic tape for the storage application.

UNIVAC-III, Honeywell 400, and 800 were some  popular new additions in the second generation.

The third generation from 1969 to 1977 started  with the use of Integrated Circuits (IC).

This was the era of microprocessors! The  ICs were invented in 1958, and since then,

the small sizes and the ability to perform complex  operations helped their usage in computers. It was

possible to place 100s of ICs in a tiny silicon  chip. The sizes of computers were drastically

reduced. IBM 360, 370, UNIVAC 1108, Honeywell 200 series were important members of this generation.

With the availability of Very Large Scale  Integration (VLSI), i.e a process to create

an IC by combining millions of transistors in a  single chip, the fourth generation of computers

started in the 1980s. The circuit density was  greatly increased enabling the computers to

perform multiple operations at a very efficient  speed. They used semiconductors for the memory

units. The prices were dropped, sizes were  reduced and this led to the introduction of

personal computers for their use in schools,  colleges, and government offices. IBM and Apple

Computers played a significant role in this  new revolution. The introduction of Macintosh

revolutionized the market of computers. It was the  first successful desktop personal computer to have

a graphical user interface, a built-in screen, and  a mouse. Production of portable PCs started in the

80s itself. In 1981, Osborne 1 was released which  was a luggable computer but weighed 11 kilograms.

Hewlett Packard (HP) also started  producing portables during that period.

First laptops were produced in the 1980s with  the flip form factor. Displays reached 640*480

resolutions in 1988 and by 1991 color screens  were also attached to the portable computers.

Thus slowly, modern laptops came into being. Now the fifth generation of computers is being

started that incorporated a wide range of  new processes such as Artificial intelligence

involving robotics and simulations. In this video,  we covered a brief history of the evolution of

computers. In the next video, we will discuss  the future of computers and the next generations.

So what are your thoughts  about the history of computers?

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