LITE111 Week 3 - History of Computer

Summary

This video script delves into the rich history of computers, tracing their evolution from manual devices like the abacus to modern AI-driven systems. It outlines the generations of computers, from pre-modern era's mechanical devices to fifth-generation computers characterized by AI and big data. The script also discusses the classification of computers based on purpose, data handling, and capacity, highlighting the transition from general-purpose to specialized supercomputers and the impact of technological advancements on computing.

Takeaways

• 💻 The term 'computer' was first used in 1613 to describe a person who performs calculations, and the word continued to be used into the 20th century.
• 🧮 The abacus, invented in China, is considered the first man-made computing device, used for counting purposes for centuries.
• 📊 The slide rule, invented by William Oughtred, was a mechanical analog computer used for solving logarithmic problems and was a precursor to modern digital computers.
• 🔢 The Pascaline, invented by Blaise Pascal, was an early mechanical calculator capable of addition and subtraction.
• 📈 The Analytical Engine, designed by Charles Babbage, was a general-purpose computer that could compute mathematical tables and is considered the forerunner of modern computers.
• 📊 The Arithmometer, by Thomas de Colmar, was the first mass-produced calculating machine, capable of basic mathematical functions.
• 📈 The ENIAC, developed during World War II, was the first programmable electronic general-purpose computer, designed to compute artillery range tables.
• 💾 The first generation of computers (1951-1958) used vacuum tubes and magnetic drums, processing about 1,000 instructions per second.
• 📈 The second generation (1958-1964) introduced transistors and magnetic core memory, increasing processing speed to millions of instructions per second.
• 📱 The third generation (1964-1971) brought integrated circuits, further reducing the size and increasing the speed of computers, with the IBM System/360 being a notable example.
• 🌐 The fourth generation (1971-present) saw the introduction of microprocessors, graphical user interfaces, and the development of the internet, leading to smaller and more powerful computers.

Q & A

What was the first use of the word 'computer' and when was it recorded?

The first use of the word 'computer' was recorded in 1613, referring to a person who carries out calculations or computation.

What is the difference between analog and digital computers?

Analog computers are used for scientific, engineering, and process control purposes, dealing with continuous signals. Digital computers specialize in counting digital values that are discrete or separate, and the process itself is continuous.

What is the significance of the abacus in computing history?

The abacus, invented in China, is considered the first man-made computing device used for counting purposes and was in use for centuries due to its utility in numerical calculations.

What is a hybrid computer and how does it function?

A hybrid computer combines the capabilities of analog and digital computers. It has the ability to perform both static and dynamic performances, utilizing the measuring capabilities of analog and the logical capabilities of digital systems.

What is the role of supercomputers in modern technology?

Supercomputers are the most powerful in terms of speed and accuracy, capable of holding and processing vast amounts of data. They are widely used in solving complex mathematical computations and executing trillions of instructions per second, often found in large companies like Facebook and Google for business solutions.

What is the mainframe computer and what is its typical use?

A mainframe computer is a large size computer used for business solutions and organizational support. It is typically used for server purposes, handling transactions, and storing large amounts of data such as files and documents.

How did the evolution of computer systems change from the 1960s to the present?

From the 1960s, which focused on keyboard processing without mice, the evolution of computer systems has advanced to include the use of integrated circuits, microprocessors, and artificial intelligence. The processing speed has increased dramatically, and the size of computers has decreased while their capabilities have expanded to include graphical user interfaces and handheld devices.

What is the role of artificial intelligence in the fifth generation of computers?

Artificial intelligence plays a critical role in the fifth generation of computers, where it aids in learning, natural language input, and decision-making. It is still in development but has become more prominent due to its ability to handle complex tasks and improve the efficiency of computer systems.

What is the significance of the ENIAC computer in computing history?

The ENIAC, or Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator, is significant as it was the first programmable electronic general-purpose computer. It was developed around 1945 and was designed for specific goals, such as computing values of artillery range tables.

What is the difference between a general-purpose and a special-purpose computer?

A general-purpose computer is designed to perform a variety of operations and can be used for personal, entertainment, gaming, storage, and networking purposes. A special-purpose computer, on the other hand, is designed for specific tasks and usually cannot be repurposed for general use.

How did the classification of computers according to size evolve over time?

The classification of computers by size evolved from mainframes and supercomputers to include minicomputers and microcomputers. Mainframes are large and powerful, while minicomputers are smaller and less expensive than mainframes but more powerful than microcomputers. Microcomputers include personal computers, laptops, and mobile devices, which are the smallest and most widely used.