ITC: Lesson 1: Computing

Computing

The process of utilizing computer technology to complete a given goal-oriented task.

Hardware

Physical components of a computer system, such as the CPU, memory, storage devices, and peripherals.

Software

Programs and applications that run on the hardware, including operating systems and productivity software.

Data

Information processed by computer systems, which can be stored, retrieved, and manipulated.

Networks

Systems that enable computers to communicate and share resources, including local area networks (LANs) and the internet.

Abacus

One of the earliest known computing devices, used for arithmetic calculations.

Antikythera Mechanism

An ancient Greek analog device used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses.

John Napier's Bones

A manually-operated calculating device used to simplify multiplication and division.

Pascaline

A mechanical calculator capable of performing addition and subtraction, invented by Blaise Pascal.

Leibniz’s Stepped Reckoner

A mechanical calculator that could perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Jacquard Loom

An early programmable machine that used punched cards to control weaving patterns.

Difference Engine

An automatic mechanical calculator meant to tabulate polynomial functions, designed by Charles Babbage.

Analytical Engine

Considered the first concept of a general-purpose computer, designed by Charles Babbage.

Ada Lovelace

Known as the first computer programmer; she wrote an algorithm for the Analytical Engine.

Hollerith’s Tabulating Machine

A punch card system used in the 1890 U.S. Census, leading to the formation of IBM.

Alan Turing

Proposed the concept of a theoretical machine (the Turing Machine) foundational to modern computer science.

Zuse’s Z3

The first programmable digital computer, created by Konrad Zuse.

ENIAC

The first general-purpose digital computer, developed by John Presper Eckert and John Mauchly.

Transistors

Revolutionized computing by leading to smaller, more reliable computers.

Integrated Circuits

Allowed for the creation of smaller, more powerful computers, developed by Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce.

Mainframe Computers

Large-scale computers used by businesses and governments for complex calculations and data processing.

Microprocessors

The first microprocessor, Intel 4004, led to the development of personal computers.

Personal Computers

General-purpose computers designed for individual use, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Made computers more user-friendly with systems like Macintosh and Windows.

Internet and World Wide Web

Transformed global communication and commerce in the 1990s.

Mobile Computing

The rise of smartphones and tablets brought computing power to handheld devices.

Cloud Computing

Enabled scalable, on-demand computing resources and storage through services like AWS and Microsoft Azure.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Driving innovations in various fields, from autonomous vehicles to personalized medicine.

Supercomputers

The most powerful type of computer used for complex calculations and simulations.

Mainframe Computers

Used primarily by large organizations for critical applications and bulk data processing.

Minicomputers

Mid-sized computers used by small to medium-sized businesses for various tasks.

Workstations

High-performance personal computers designed for technical or scientific applications.

Servers

Computers that provide services or data to other computers over a network.

Embedded Systems

Specialized computing systems that perform dedicated functions within larger devices.

Hybrid Computers

Combine features of both analog and digital computers for specialized applications.