History of Computing

• A computer is a machine that gathers, processes, and stores information.

History of Computing

• The abacus, invented around 3,000 BCE in Babylonia (modern Iraq), was the first calculator.
• Charles Babbage is considered the "father of computing".
• Babbage created the Difference Engine.
• A steam-powered calculator designed in 1821
• The Analytical Engine was designed in 1856 to perform mathematical calculations.
• Ada Byron (also known as Ada Lovelace) was the first computer programmer.
• Byron wrote an analysis outlining computer programming basics for the Analytical Engine.
• Konrad Zuse made the first programmable digital computer, called the Z1.
• The British Colossus decoded messages during World War II.
• The first Colossus was built in 1943.
• The Altair was the first computer sold to individuals in 1975, starting the microcomputer revolution.
• The first Apple computer was introduced in 1976.
• Steve Wozniak created the first personal computer, Apple 1.
• Steve Jobs decided to market it.
• Apple II was first produced in 1977.
• The first IBM PC was released with an open architecture in 1981.
• IBM introduced its personal computer, the IBM PC.

Computer Types

• PCs come in many sizes and models today.
• Desktop computers were the first computers that could fit on a desk.
• Notebooks/laptop computers are portable.
• Tablet PCs use a touch screen or stylus instead of a mouse and keyboard.
• Workstations are powerful PCs with high-speed processors, lots of storage, and special equipment for graphics.
• Servers are more powerful than workstations and work on a network.
• Servers are designed to run for a long time without turning off.
• Server hardware and software must be reliable to prevent data loss or downtime.
• Supercomputers are the most powerful and fastest computing systems.
• Supercomputers perform many calculations at the same time.
• Modern supercomputers are highly tuned computer clusters with custom interconnects.
• Lawrence Livermore National Labs has IBM "Sequoia" supercomputers.

Peripherals

• Peripheral devices are used for computer input and output.
• A keyboard is an input device for entering information.
• A mouse is an input device.
• Monitors are output devices.
• High-definition (HD) monitors are needed for many games and videos.
• Printers are output devices.
• Fax machines are output devices.
• Scanners are input devices.
• Data storage devices have changed considerably over the last 20 years.
• Examples include 3 ½ inch floppy drives, CD-ROM drives, DVD drives, and Blu-ray drives.
• External drives give users more storage options.
• Tower cases have expansion bays.
• A dream computer includes peripherals like:
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Monitor
• Printer
• Scanner
• Storage drives
• Microphone
• Speakers