Os COMPUTADORES eram PESSOAS! #SagaDosComputadores Ep.1

Summary

This script takes viewers on a historical journey through the evolution of computers, from ancient counting methods to the advent of digital computing. It explores the origins of the word 'computer' as a profession, the invention of the abacus, and the significant contributions of figures like Blaise Pascal and Charles Babbage. The narrative delves into the development of mechanical calculators and the concept of programmable machines, highlighting the transition from manual calculations to automated processes. The script also touches on the importance of electricity in advancing computation and hints at the next steps in computer history, promising more insights in the next episode.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script is a conversational introduction to the history of computers, aiming to demystify how they work.
• 🔢 The word 'computer' originally referred to a person who performed calculations, not the machine itself.
• 📚 The abacus, invented around 4500 years ago in Mesopotamia, was one of the earliest calculating tools.
• 👩‍💼 In the 1950s and 1960s, NASA employed human computers, often women, who calculated rocket trajectories by hand or using abacuses.
• 🎓 The script mentions 'Lara' as a prominent online school for programming and technology in Brazil, offering a wide range of programming languages and tech courses.
• 🔩 The first geared mechanical device, found in Greece, was an astronomical calculator capable of predicting celestial positions and eclipses.
• ⏰ The medieval clock towers, or 'clocks of towers', were advanced mechanical devices that could be reprogrammed to perform various time-related calculations.
• 🤖 Al-Jazari's clock from 1206 is considered the first programmable analog computer and a precursor to robotics.
• 🧩 Blaise Pascal invented the Pascaline, a mechanical digital calculator capable of performing basic arithmetic operations.
• 🔄 The Pascaline and other mechanical calculators laid the groundwork for the development of digital computers, introducing concepts like the accumulator and carry mechanism.
• 💡 Charles Babbage designed the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine, the latter being a programmable mechanical computer that could perform complex calculations and is considered a significant milestone in computer history.

Q & A

What is the origin of the word 'computer' and its historical significance?

The word 'computer' originates from the profession of a person who performed calculations and was a mix of an astronomer, a counter, and a calendar converter. The term comes from the word 'computare' which means 'to calculate', and historically, a 'computer' was a job title for individuals who performed complex calculations, often using tools like the abacus, before the advent of electronic computers.

What was the first digital computing mechanism used in prehistory?

The first digital computing mechanism used in prehistory was the 'finger counting' method, where people could count up to 10 using their fingers. The term 'digital' comes from the Latin word 'digitus', meaning 'finger'.

What is an abacus and how was it used for counting?

An abacus is an ancient calculating tool invented in Mesopotamia around 4,500 years ago. It consists of a frame with beads sliding on wires. The beads represent numerical values, and by sliding them, users could perform basic arithmetic operations. For example, to count 23, you would move two beads in the upper row (representing tens) and three beads in the lower row (representing ones).

How did the concept of 'computing' evolve from manual calculations to the use of machines?

The concept of 'computing' evolved from manual calculations performed by 'computers' (human calculators) to the use of machines as technology advanced. Initially, people used their fingers and later tools like the abacus for counting. With the invention of mechanical calculators, the process became automated, leading to the development of electronic computers that could perform complex calculations at high speed.

What is the significance of the Antikythera mechanism and what did it predict?

The Antikythera mechanism, found on the island of Antikythera in Greece, is significant as it is one of the earliest known examples of a mechanical analog computer. It was constructed around 2.100-2.200 years ago and was used to predict the positions of celestial bodies and to calculate eclipses.

What was the role of 'computers' in NASA during the 1950s and 1960s?

During the 1950s and 1960s, NASA employed 'human computers', who were responsible for performing complex calculations related to rocket trajectories and other space missions. Their work was essential for the success of space exploration during that era.

Who was Pascal and what did he contribute to the development of computing machines?

Blaise Pascal was a French mathematician, physicist, and inventor who, at the age of 19, began designing a mechanical calculator. After numerous prototypes, he constructed the 'Pascaline', a digital mechanical calculator capable of performing basic arithmetic operations.

How does the Pascaline work and what are its key components?

The Pascaline works by using a system of gears and dials. It has three main components: a keyboard for inputting numbers, a display to show the results, and an accumulator to process the calculations. The accumulator uses gears to accumulate numbers, and the display shows the results of the calculations.

What was the first programmable mechanical computer and who built it?

The first programmable mechanical computer was the 'Analytical Engine', conceptualized by Charles Babbage. Although it was never built during his lifetime, the Analytical Engine was designed to perform complex calculations and could be programmed using punched cards.

Who is considered the first programmer in history and why?

Ada Lovelace is considered the first programmer in history. She worked with Charles Babbage on the Analytical Engine and wrote the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine, laying the groundwork for future computer programming.

What was the impact of the invention of the electric power on the development of computers?

The invention of electric power had a significant impact on the development of computers. It allowed for the transition from mechanical to electronic computing, enabling faster and more complex calculations, and ultimately leading to the modern computers we use today.