History of Computers – How were Computers Invented Short Documentary Video

Summary

This video explores the evolution of computers from the abacus to modern devices. It highlights the abacus as the first calculator, the astrolabe for celestial navigation, and Charles Babbage's conceptualization of the first programmable computer. The script details the development of analog computers, the pivotal role of World War II in advancing computer technology, and the invention of the transistor. It discusses the creation of the integrated circuit, the microprocessor, and the impact of personal computers from Apple and IBM. The video also touches on the creation of operating systems, the influence of graphical user interfaces, and the future of computing with quantum computers and beyond.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The term 'computer' has evolved from machines used for calculations to the devices we interact with today.
• 📚 The abacus is considered the first calculator, with origins dating back to 2700-2300 BCE in Mesopotamia.
• 🌌 The astrolabe, used to measure celestial bodies, was crucial for navigation and astronomy in ancient times.
• 🛠️ Charles Babbage's conceptualization of a programmable mechanical computer in the 19th century laid the groundwork for modern computers.
• ⚙️ World War 2 accelerated computer development, with machines like the ENIAC focusing on calculations and code-breaking.
• 💡 The invention of the transistor in 1947 revolutionized computing by offering a smaller, more efficient alternative to vacuum tubes.
• 🔄 The integrated circuit, combining multiple transistors, led to the miniaturization of computers in the 1960s.
• 💻 The Intel 8080 processor, used in early home computers like the Apple II, marked the beginning of personal computing.
• 🖥️ The development of operating systems like MS-DOS and graphical user interfaces on the Macintosh made computers more user-friendly.
• 🌐 The widespread adoption of personal computers and the evolution of operating systems like Windows have made computers an integral part of daily life.
• 🚀 The future of computing holds promise with advancements like quantum computing and potential new materials to further innovation.

Q & A

What is considered the first calculator in history?

The abacus is considered to be the first calculator, with its origins possibly dating back to 2700-2300 BCE in Mesopotamia.

What was the astrolabe used for and which civilization first referenced it?

The astrolabe was used to measure the elevation of celestial bodies and was indispensable for sailors to determine their local latitude. The earliest known reference to an astrolabe was from the Hellenistic civilization around the 2nd century BCE.

How did Charles Babbage's programmable mechanical computer work?

Charles Babbage's design for the first programmable mechanical computer used punch cards to input instructions that the machine would carry out.

What was the differential analyzer and who built it?

The differential analyzer was an analog computer built by Vannevar Bush at MIT in the 1920s, used to solve complex mathematical problems.

What was the significance of the ENIAC in the history of computers?

The ENIAC, invented by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, was the first fully electronic and general-purpose digital computer, considered a predecessor to modern machines.

What were the drawbacks of vacuum tubes in early computers?

Vacuum tubes consumed enormous quantities of power, were unreliable, and required large amounts of space.

How did the invention of the transistor revolutionize computing?

The transistor, invented at Bell Labs in 1947, allowed for smaller, more reliable, and less power-hungry components than vacuum tubes, paving the way for modern computing.

What is an integrated circuit and what impact did it have on computer development?

An integrated circuit is a collection of transistors and other components that can be manufactured on a large scale. Its invention led to the miniaturization of computers throughout the 1960s.

Which processor did Intel release in 1974 that was used by hobbyists to build home computers?

Intel released the 8080 processor in 1974, which was used by hobbyists like Steve Wozniak to build home computers.

How did the creation of the first operating system by Gary Kildall influence the personal computer industry?

Gary Kildall's creation of the first operating system provided an intermediary between a machine's software and hardware, which was crucial for the development of personal computers. However, when Kildall refused to sell it to IBM, they turned to Microsoft, leading to the creation of MS-DOS and Microsoft's rise to dominance.

What features did Steve Jobs incorporate into the Macintosh from Xerox's research?

Steve Jobs was inspired by Xerox's research and incorporated a desktop-like screen, mouse, and graphical user interface into the Macintosh, making computers easier to use.

How did the development of computers change from the 1980s onwards?

From the 1980s onwards, computers found numerous new applications, became portable, and were integrated into various devices like watches, cars, cellphones, and airplanes, becoming an ever-present part of daily life.

Outlines

00:00

💻 The Dawn of Computing

This paragraph introduces the concept of a world without computers and the profound impact they have on modern life. It discusses the evolution of computing devices from the abacus, considered the first calculator, to the astrolabe used by ancient civilizations for astronomical calculations. The paragraph also highlights the significance of Charles Babbage's programmable mechanical computer and the role of analog computers like the differential analyzer in advancing computational capabilities. The narrative culminates with the development of digital computers during World War II, emphasizing their use in military applications and the advent of the ENIAC, a precursor to modern computers.

05:02

🚀 The Evolution of Modern Computing

The second paragraph delves into the post-WWII era, detailing the transition from vacuum tubes to transistors, which marked a major leap in computing efficiency and size. It discusses the invention of the transistor and its role in the formation of Silicon Valley. The paragraph continues with the development of the integrated circuit and the invention of the microprocessor, which led to the creation of home computers by hobbyists like Steve Wozniak and the establishment of Apple. It also covers the emergence of operating systems, the rivalry between Apple and IBM, and the rise of Microsoft through the licensing of MS-DOS. The paragraph concludes with the impact of graphical user interfaces and the ongoing expansion of computer applications into various aspects of life, hinting at the future potential of quantum computing and the enduring role of computers in human advancement.

Keywords

💡Abacus

The abacus is an ancient calculating tool that has been used for hundreds of years and is considered the first calculator. It typically consists of a frame with beads that are moved to perform arithmetic operations. In the video, the abacus is mentioned as the earliest computational tool, highlighting its historical significance as a precursor to modern computers.

💡Astrolabe

An astrolabe is an instrument used historically by astronomers and navigators to measure the altitude of celestial bodies. It was a sophisticated tool that allowed sailors to determine their latitude during long voyages. The script refers to the astrolabe as another famous calculator from the past, emphasizing its role in both astronomical observation and navigation, which is a testament to the evolution of computational tools.

💡Programmable

Programmable refers to the ability of a machine to be instructed to perform tasks automatically through a set of coded instructions. In the context of the video, Charles Babbage's conceptualization of the first programmable mechanical computer is highlighted. This concept is pivotal as it marks a significant step towards the development of modern computers that can execute complex tasks without continuous human intervention.

💡Differential Analyzer

The differential analyzer is an early analog computer that was designed to solve differential equations. Built by Vannevar Bush in the 1920s, it is mentioned in the video as a significant development in the history of computing. It demonstrates the progression from simple calculators to more sophisticated machines capable of handling complex mathematical problems.

💡Vacuum Tubes

Vacuum tubes, also known as thermionic valves, were electronic components used in early computing devices to amplify and switch electronic signals. The video discusses how vacuum tubes offered a significant performance improvement over relay switches but were power-hungry and unreliable. They were a crucial component in early computers like the ENIAC, which was the first fully electronic and general-purpose digital computer.

💡ENIAC

ENIAC, which stands for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, was one of the first general-purpose electronic digital computers. It is highlighted in the video as a landmark in computer history because it was the first machine to use vacuum tubes, which allowed for faster computations. ENIAC's development was a major step towards the computers we know today.

💡Transistor

A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power. It is a key component in modern electronic devices. The video explains how the invention of the transistor at Bell Labs in 1947 revolutionized computing by providing a smaller, more reliable, and energy-efficient alternative to vacuum tubes. This invention is a cornerstone of modern computer technology.

💡Integrated Circuit

An integrated circuit, or IC, is a set of electronic components, including transistors, that are manufactured on a single substrate. The video mentions the independent development of the integrated circuit in the late 1950s as a major breakthrough that enabled the miniaturization of computers. This innovation was crucial for the shrinking size and increasing power of computing devices.

💡Microprocessor

A microprocessor is a compact integrated circuit that contains the functions of a central processing unit (CPU), the primary component of a computer. The video discusses the invention of the general-purpose microprocessor in 1968, which was a significant step towards computers existing on a single chip. This development allowed for the creation of smaller and more powerful computers.

💡Operating System

An operating system is the software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. In the video, the creation of the first operating system by Gary Kildall in 1976 is mentioned. This development was crucial as it provided an intermediary layer between hardware and software, allowing for greater compatibility and functionality across different machines.

💡MS-DOS

MS-DOS, or Microsoft Disk Operating System, is an operating system for x86-based personal computers. The video explains how Bill Gates and Microsoft developed MS-DOS after IBM's initial choice for an operating system fell through. This operating system was pivotal as it was licensed to IBM and other PC manufacturers, which helped Microsoft become a dominant player in the software industry.

Highlights

A world without computers is unimaginable today, as they have become integral to our daily lives.

The term 'computer' has evolved from referring to calculation-performing machines to the devices we interact with today.

The abacus, dating back to 2700-2300 BCE in Mesopotamia, is considered the first calculator.

The astrolabe, used to measure celestial bodies' elevation, was crucial for astronomy and navigation.

Charles Babbage's conceptualization of the first programmable mechanical computer in the 19th century was a milestone.

The differential analyzer, built by Vannevar Bush in the 1920s, was an early analog computer used for complex math problems.

World War 2 accelerated computer technology, with machines used for artillery accuracy and code-breaking.

Howard Aiken's Harvard Mark I, built in 1944, was an early digital computer using electrical switches for storage.

ENIAC, invented by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, was the first fully electronic, general-purpose digital computer.

The invention of the transistor in 1947 revolutionized computing by offering a smaller, more reliable alternative to vacuum tubes.

The integrated circuit, developed in the late 1950s, allowed for the mass production of compact computers.

The microprocessor, invented in 1968, marked the beginning of computers existing on a single chip.

Intel's 8080 processor, released in 1974, enabled hobbyists to build home computers, including Apple's founders.

Gary Kildall's creation of the first operating system in 1976 was a significant step towards software standardization.

Bill Gates' development of MS-DOS and its licensing to IBM and others was a pivotal moment for Microsoft's dominance.

Steve Jobs' vision for user-friendly computers, inspired by Xerox's research, led to the launch of the Macintosh.

The graphical user interface and mouse, pioneered by Apple and later adopted by Microsoft, transformed personal computing.

Computers have become ubiquitous, appearing in various devices from watches to airplanes, reflecting their adaptability and importance.

Quantum computing and new materials may drive the next era of computing, with potential to solve today's intractable problems.

The future of computing is promising, with computers playing a crucial role in space exploration and beyond.

Transcripts

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{\*\generator Riched20 10.0.18362}\viewkind4\uc1 \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\f0\fs22\lang9 Imagine

a world without computers. A world where humanity\rquote s knowledge is no longer at your fingertips.

A world where a tool that you use every day just no longer exists. A world where you wouldn\rquote

t be watching this video right here, right now. Computers have penetrated nearly every

facet of our lives. But how did they become so ubiquitous? This is the history of the

computer. \par Today, the word computer refers to the devices

that we interact with to work, connect and play. However, it historically described machines

that were used in performing calculations with numbers. As part of this video, we\rquote

ll study the evolution of the earliest devices used for computations and how they became

the computers that we depend on today. \par The abacus was a computational tool used for

hundreds of years and is generally considered to be the first calculator. The exact origin

of the device is still unknown but the Sumerian abacus appeared as early as 2700 \f1\endash

2300 BCE in Mesopotamia. It has been mentioned in numerous civilizations throughout history,

including in Ancient Egypt, Persia, Greece, China, Rome and India. \par

Another famous calculator from the past was the astrolabe, which was used to measure the

elevation of celestial bodies in the sky. The earliest known reference to one was from

around the 2nd century BCE in the Hellenistic civilization. In addition to its value to

astronomers, the astrolabe became indispensable for sailors since it allowed them to determine

their local latitude on long voyages. \par One defining quality of modern computers that

separates them from simple calculators is the fact that they can be programmed. This

allows them to automatically perform certain tasks without continual human input. In the

19th century, Charles Babbage conceptualized the first programmable, mechanical computer.

His design utilized punch cards to input instructions that the machine would carry out. Unfortunately,

it proved too complex to economically produce and the project was cancelled after the British

government stopped funding. \par The early 20th century saw analog computers

develop further as they were put to work to solve complex mathematical problems. The differential

analyzer is the most famous example of this and was built at MIT by Vannevar Bush in the

1920s. Bush later became involved in the Manhattan project to produce nuclear weapons and even

inspired the invention of the World Wide Web nearly 50 years before its creation. \par

World War 2 led to a strong leap in computer technology as nations tried to gain the upper

hand over their adversaries. Computers were primarily built to calculate firing tables

to improve artillery accuracy and to break enemy code to gain valuable intelligence.

The first large scale digital computer was built by Howard Aiken in 1944 at Harvard University;

it was one of the first machines that used electrical switches to store numbers. When

the switch was off, it stored zero and while on, it stored the number one. Modern computers

follow this same binary principle. This time period also saw the rise of vacuum tubes,

which offered much faster performance than traditional relay switches. \par

The most famous vacuum tube computer and one considered to be the predecessor of modern

machines was the ENIAC, invented by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert. It was the first fully

electronic and general-purpose digital computer. \par

Despite vacuum tubes offering advantages over electromechanical switches, they had their

own drawbacks. They consumed enormous quantities of power, were unreliable and needed large

amounts of space. In 1947, three scientists at Bell Labs discovered that semiconductors

could be used to more effectively amplify electrical signals. This led to the creation

of the transistor, which paved the way for modern computing. Transistors were much smaller

than vacuum tubes, used no power unless in operation and were extremely reliable. William

Shockley, one of the inventors of the transistor, continued refining it and founded a company

in Palo Alto, California. This would foreshadow Silicon Valley\rquote s development into the

global hub of computing over the next few decades. \par

In the late 1950s, two teams independently built the integrated circuit, a collection

of transistors and other components that could be manufactured on a large scale. This was

a major breakthrough that led to computers shrinking throughout the 1960s. In 1968, the

general-purpose microprocessor was invented and was the first example of a computer existing

on a single chip. \par The miniaturization of microchips allowed

Intel to release a processor known as the 8080 in 1974. This was used by hobbyists to

build home computers. One such hobbyist was Steve Wozniak, who partnered with his friend

Steve Jobs to found a company named Apple and begin selling home computers. Although

the first iteration didn\rquote t sell well, their second machine was sold as the Apple

II and gained popularity among home users, schools and small businesses due to its ease

of use. In 1980, the market leader for computers was IBM and they responded with their first

personal computer, also based on the Intel 8080 processor. \par

The main problem with early computers was that

they all used different hardware, and programs written for one machine would not work with

others. In 1976, Gary Kildall created an intermediary between a machine\rquote s software and hardware;

this became the first operating system. IBM was eager to implement this into their PCs;

however, after Kildall refused to sell to them, they turned to a young programmer named

Bill Gates at a company named Microsoft. After convincing IBM to let Microsoft own the rights

to its operating system, Gates developed MS-DOS, which he licensed to IBM and eventually other

PC manufacturers. This led Microsoft to become the titan it is today. \par

At Apple, Steve Jobs was determined to make computers easier to use. He was inspired by

research that Xerox had conducted in the 1970s, which included computers with a desktop-like

screen, mouse and graphical user interface. Jobs borrowed these ideas and eventually launched

the Macintosh, which hurt IBM\rquote s position in the industry. These features were eventually

implemented by Bill Gates into Windows, which led to a copyright lawsuit in the late 1980s.

Microsoft eventually prevailed and Windows became the dominant operating system for home

personal computers, where it remains to this day. \par

The 1980s and beyond have seen computers find numerous new applications. They appeared in

watches, cars, cellphones, airplanes. They became portable and ever-present. Today, computers

are everywhere. And yet, the future remains even more promising. Quantum computers could

signal a paradigm shift as humanity can tackle complex problems that today\rquote s machines

cannot solve. A move away from silicon may reignite the pace of transistor development.

Computers will be crucial for us in reaching out into space and exploring

the stars. They may have humble beginnings but no matter what challenges humanity faces,

the descendants of that abacus from Mesopotamia will be always be alongside us. \par

Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed the video. Feel free to drop a like or leave

a comment down below and make suggestions for any future videos. I\rquote ll be trying

to get back into making these. So, thanks again and I\rquote ll see everyone next time!

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