IntComp Reviewer

Computer

An electronic machine that can store and process information, defined as a stored program digital computing system.

Charles Babbage

A 19th-century English mathematics professor known as the "father of the computer" for his designs of early mechanical computers.

First Generation Computers

Used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory, operating from 1946 to 1958.

Second Generation Computers

Introduced transistors, making computers smaller, faster, and more reliable, operating from 1959 to 1964.

Integrated Circuit

A hallmark of the third generation of computers (1965-1970), miniaturizing transistors on silicon chips for increased speed and efficiency.

Microprocessor

The key component of the fourth generation of computers (1971-today), integrating thousands of circuits onto a single chip.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The focus of the fifth generation of computers (today to future), aiming to develop systems that can learn and respond to natural language.

Tally Stick

An ancient memory aid device used to record numbers and messages.

Abacus

An ancient calculating tool invented in Babylonia around 2400 B.C. for performing arithmetic operations.

Napier’s Bones

A calculating tool invented by John Napier in 1614 for multiplication and division.

Slide Rule

A device invented by William Oughtred in 1622 for mathematical calculations, primarily multiplication and division.

Pascaline

A mechanical calculator invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642, limited to addition and subtraction.

Stepped Reckoner

A machine invented by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in 1672 that could add, subtract, multiply, and divide automatically.

Jacquard Loom

An automatic loom controlled by punched cards, invented by Joseph-Marie Jacquard in 1881.

Arithmometer

The first commercially successful mechanical calculator, invented by Thomas de Colmar in 1820.

Difference Engine

A mechanical calculator designed by Charles Babbage in 1822 for polynomial calculations.

Analytical Engine

An advanced mechanical general-purpose computer designed by Babbage in 1834, featuring components like an arithmetic unit and memory.

First Computer Programmer

Augusta Ada Byron, who wrote programs for Babbage's Analytical Engine in 1840.

Scheutzian Calculation Engine

The first printing calculator, invented by Per Georg Scheutz in 1843.

UNIVAC I

The first commercial computer, developed in 1951 by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly.

EDVAC

The first stored program computer designed by Von Neumann in 1952.

Analog Computers

Accept analog input and provide analog output, representing physical quantities.

Digital Computers

Accept digital input and provide digital output, operating in a binary system.

Hybrid Computers

Combine features of both analog and digital computers for speed and accuracy.

Supercomputer

The fastest and most powerful type of computer, used for specialized applications requiring immense calculations.

Mainframe Computer

A large, expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.

Microcomputer

A personal computer, including desktops and laptops, designed for individual use.

Primary Memory

The main storage used by the CPU for quick access to data and instructions.

RAM

Volatile primary memory that temporarily stores data for quick access during active tasks.

ROM

Non-volatile memory that permanently stores firmware and essential instructions for booting.

Secondary Memory

Long-term storage for programs and data, including hard drives and solid-state drives.

CPU

The central processing unit, responsible for executing instructions and managing all functions of a computer.

Operating System

The most important software on a computer, managing hardware and providing a platform for applications.

Windows

A widely used operating system developed by Microsoft, known for its user-friendly interface.

macOS

An operating system developed by Apple for Mac computers, known for its sleek design and stability.

Linux

An open-source operating system that is highly customizable and widely used in servers and embedded systems.

Web Browser

Software applications that allow users to access and interact with content on the World Wide Web.

HTML

The foundational markup language used to create the structure of web pages.

CSS

A stylesheet language used to control the presentation and layout of HTML elements.

JavaScript

A dynamic scripting language that adds interactivity and functionality to web pages.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A network connecting computers within a limited geographical area, such as a home or office.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network covering a larger geographical area, connecting multiple LANs.

Router

A device that connects different networks and directs