History of Computing Devices Quiz

Introduction to Computer History

• The presentation discusses the history of computing devices.
• The presentation covers the different computing eras and includes examples of early computing devices.
• The presentation also explores significant advancements in computer technology.

Definition of Computer

• A computer is a programmable machine.
• A computer is an electronic device handling information (data).
• A computer stores, retrieves, and processes data.
• A computer follows instruction lists (programs) to handle data.
• A computer is any device that assists in various calculations.

Early Computing Devices

• Tally Sticks: Ancient memory aids for documenting numbers, quantities, or messages.
• Abacus: A mechanical device for arithmetic calculations; invented in Babylonia in 2400 BC, and used in China around 500 BC.

Mechanical Era Devices

• Napier's Bones: Invented by Napier in 1614, aiding in multiplication, division, and root calculations using rods.
• Slide Rule: Invented by Oughtred in 1622, primarily for logarithmic calculations (multiplication, division, roots, etc.).
• Pascaline: An early mechanical adding machine created by Blaise Pascal (1642); limited to addition and subtraction.
• Stepped Reckoner: Invented by Leibniz in 1672, able to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division automatically.

Electromechanical Era Devices

• Jacquard Loom: A mechanical loom controlled by punched cards, demonstrating automation concepts.
• Arithmometer: A mechanical calculator invented by Colmar in 1820; the first successful, reliable, commercially available calculating machine, allowing four basic math operations.

Significant Computing Devices

• Difference Engine and Analytical Engine: Invented by Babbage; considered the precursor to modern-day computers due to automation aspects and mathematical calculation capabilities.
• First Computer Programmer: Augusta Ada Byron designed programs for Babbage's Analytical Engine and advocated the binary system.
• Scheutzian Calculation Engine: An early printing calculator based on Babbage's difference engine (important aspect of automation).
• Tabulating Machine: Invented by Hollerith in 1890 to summarize data, a crucial step toward modern data processing.
• Harvard Mark 1: An electromechanical computer designed by Aiken; early example of electro-mechanical computing.
• Z1: The first programmable computer, created by Konrad Zuse.
• Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC): First electronic digital computer, invented by Atanasoff and Berry.
• ENIAC: First electronic general-purpose computer, completed in 1946, further improving upon prior designs with electronic components.
• UNIVAC I: First commercial computer developed by Eckert and Mauchly (important for the transition to commercial viability).
• EDVAC: A stored-program electronic computer, designed by Von Neumann.

Generations of Computers

• Five generations are discussed, each with its own key technological innovations and developments.
• First generation computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry, magnetic drums for memory, were enormous, and expensive to operate.
• Second generation computers replaced vacuum tubes with transistors, were smaller, faster, cheaper, more reliable, but still generated heat,.
• Third generation computers used integrated circuits (silicon chips) to miniaturize and enhance the speed and efficiency of computers.
• Fourth generation computers employed microprocessors in a single silicon chip.
• Fifth generation computers utilize AI concepts for parallel processing, and superconductors.

Applications of ICT

• Numerous applications in several domains (Business, Education, Healthcare, Retail, Government, Science, Publishing, Arts, Entertainment, Communication, Banking, Transport Navigation, Military, Security).
• These applications illustrate how computers are impacting different aspects of daily life and work. The information included detailed how technology advanced for each application (e.g., improved safety measures, greater efficiency in data processing.)