History of Computer
Definition of Computer
• Computer is a programmable machine.
• Computer is a machine that manipulates data according to a list of instructions.
• Computer is any device which aids humans in performing various kinds of computations or calculations.
Tally Sticks:-
A tally stick was an ancient memory aid device to record and document numbers, quantities, or even messages.
Abacus:-
• An abacus is a mechanical device used to aid an individual in performing mathematical calculations.
• The abacus was invented in Babylonia in 2400 B.C.
• The abacus in the form we are most familiar with was first used in China in around 500 B.C.
• It used to perform basic arithmetic operations.
Abacus
Napier’s Bones:-
• Invented by John Napier in 1614.
• Allowed the operator to multiply, divide and calculate square and cube roots by moving the rods around and placing them in specially constructed boards.
Slide Rule:-
• Invented by William Oughtred in 1622.
• Is based on Napier's ideas about logarithms.
• Used primarily for
– multiplication
– division
– roots
– logarithms
– Trigonometry
• Not normally used for addition or subtraction.
Pascaline:-
• Invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642.
• It was its limitation to addition and subtraction.
• It is too expensive.
Difference Engine and Analytical Engine:-
• It an automatic, mechanical calculator designed to tabulate polynomial functions.
• Invented by Charles Babbage in 1822 and 1834
• It is the first mechanical computer.
First Computer Programmer:-
• In 1840, Augusta Ada Byron suggests to Babbage that he use the binary system.
• She writes programs for the Analytical Engine.
Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC):-
• It was the first electronic digital computing device.
• Invented by Professor John Atanasoff and graduate student Clifford Berry at Iowa State University between 1939 and 1942.
ENIAC:-
• ENIAC stands for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer.
• It was the first electronic general purpose computer.
• Completed in 1946.
• Developed by John Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly.
UNIVAC 1 :-
• The UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer 1) was the first commercial computer.
• Designed by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly.
EDVAC:-
• EDVAC stands for Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer
• The First Stored Program Computer
• Designed by Von Neumann in 1952.
• It has a memory to hold both a stored program as well as data.