Introduction to Computers

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Questions and Answers

What are the three principal characteristics of a computer?

A computer responds to a specific set of instructions, can execute a pre-recorded list of instructions, and can quickly store and retrieve large amounts of data.

What is the significance of the term 'computer' as recorded in 1613?

The term 'computer' originally referred to a person who performed calculations and was used in this context until the mid-20th century.

Explain the role of human computers in the history of computing.

Human computers were individuals who performed calculations manually, typically requiring extensive training in mathematics, before mechanical computing devices were invented.

Describe the function of an abacus and its origin.

An abacus is a mechanical device for performing basic arithmetic calculations, originating in Babylonia around 2400 B.C. and becoming more recognized in China around 500 B.C. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main innovation introduced by Napier's Bone?

Napier's Bone allowed the operator to perform multiplication, division, and calculate square and cube roots using movable rods on specially constructed boards. Signup and view all the answers

What functions could the Arithmometer perform?

The Arithmometer could perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Signup and view all the answers

How did the slide rule develop from Napier's ideas?

The slide rule, invented by William Oughtred in 1622, was based on Napier's concepts of logarithms and was primarily used for multiplication and division. Signup and view all the answers

Who invented the Jacquard Loom and what was its main feature?

Joseph-Marie Jacquard invented the Jacquard Loom, which was controlled by punched cards. Signup and view all the answers

What functionality did the Pascaline provide when it was invented?

The Pascaline, invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642, was designed to perform basic arithmetic calculations. Signup and view all the answers

What significant milestone is associated with the ENIAC?

ENIAC is known as the first electronic general-purpose computer. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did tally sticks serve as an ancient computational aid?

Tally sticks acted as a memory aid device to record and document numbers, quantities, or messages. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the first portable computer and its release year.

The Osborne 1, released in 1981, was the first portable computer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Difference Engine?

The Difference Engine was designed to tabulate polynomial functions and is considered an early mechanical calculator. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Atanasoff-Berry Computer serve in computing history?

It was the first electronic digital computing device. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Z1 computer?

The Z1 was the first programmable computer. Signup and view all the answers

What period does the premechanical age refer to in the history of information technology?

The premechanical age refers to the time between 3000 B.C. and 1450 A.D. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computers

A computer is a programmable machine that manipulates, stores, retrieves, and processes data.
It operates by executing a pre-defined list of instructions (program).
Major characteristics include responsiveness to specific instructions, quick data processing, and large data storage capacity.

History of Computers

Originally, human "computers" calculated mathematical expressions, requiring specialized training.
The term "computer" was first recorded in 1613 to describe a person performing calculations.

Early Computing Devices

Tally Sticks: Ancient tools for recording numbers and quantities.
Abacus: A mechanical device from Babylonia (2400 B.C.) for basic arithmetic, later refined in China (500 B.C.).
Napier’s Bone: Invented by John Napier (1614) for multiplication and division through rod manipulation.
Slide Rule: Created by William Oughtred (1622), focused on multiplication, division, and logarithmic calculations; not used for simple addition or subtraction.
Pascaline: Developed by Blaise Pascal (1642) for addition and subtraction; noted for being expensive and limited.
Stepped Reckoner: Designed by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1672) for automatic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Jacquard Loom: Invented by Joseph-Marie Jacquard (1801), used punched cards for automatic weaving.
Arithmometer: Created by Thomas de Colmar (1820), the first commercially successful mechanical calculator performing basic functions.

Significant Mechanical Calculators

Difference Engine and Analytical Engine: Launched by Charles Babbage (1822, 1834) as the first mechanical computer designed for polynomial calculations.
Tabulating Machine: Invented by Herman Hollerith (1890) to help with data summarization and accounting.
Harvard Mark 1: Also known as ASCC, introduced by Howard H. Aiken (1943) as the first electro-mechanical computer.
Z1: Developed by Konrad Zuse (1936-1938), recognized as the first programmable computer using punch tape.

Early Electronic Computers

Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC): The first electronic digital computing device, built by John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry (1939-1942).
ENIAC: Stands for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer; completed in 1946 as the first electronic general-purpose computer.
UNIVAC 1: Designed by Eckert and Mauchly; known for its significant role in computing development.
EDVAC: The first stored program computer created by John Von Neumann (1952), with memory to store both data and programs.

Innovations in Computing

Osborne 1: Released in 1981, recognized as the first portable computer by Osborne Computer Corporation.
Electronic Controls Company: Founded in 1949 by Eckert and Mauchly as the first computer company.

Basic Computing Periods

Pre-mechanical Age: Spanning 3000 B.C. to 1450 A.D., marked by the development of simple communication through symbols and the Phoenician alphabet. This era saw the evolution from petroglyphs to written communication with the invention of pens and paper.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of computers, including their definitions, functions, and characteristics. It highlights how computers process data and facilitate various computations through programming. Test your knowledge on this essential electronic device.