The Evolving Computer

First Generation Computer

Programmable computers - data can be inputted

Electronics

  • Switches - come on and off representing 1 and 0

  • Binary - ability to spread numbers using switches

Collussus

  • Programmable computers

  • Set of dedicated machines used for code breaking

  • Used valves as switches

ENIAC

  • General purpose computer

  • Used for military application

  • To process lengthy calculated

  • Programmed using plugs and wires

Storage of Instructions

Skipped lengthy calculations in 1950 and now doing large numbers with simple calculations

Turing test

  • Can a computer hold conversation like another human

  • No computer can do this yet

Second Generation of Computers

Transistors - tiny crystal of silicon that runs electrical currents and act as a valve turning on and off

Mainframe - Largest type of computer

MINI COMPUTERS - cheaper and more accessible

Third Generation

Integrated circuit - several silicon pieces integrated to work like a transistor

Terminal - monitor and keyboard that are multiple computers joined together

Floppy disks - used for storage and making data portable

Fourth Generation

Personal computers (PC)

Microprocessor - single integrated unit that contains a CPU

CPU - Central processing unit

Strands of computing

Workstations - Large machInes used for modelling/running graphics applications

Multiuser computer - Many users can access its resources

Super computers - machines used to do complex numerically intensive work

Components of a personal computer

  1. CPU

  2. Main memory - provides temporary storage for data while a program is running

  3. Hard disk drive - provides reliable storage for data programs

  4. CD/DVD drive - reads dvds or cds

These are all external peripheral devices.

USB - Universal Serial Bus, used to store information outside of computer

Moore’s Law - Fourth Gen

The density of electronic components on a silicon chip double every year for the next 10 years

Logarithmic scale - Scale that increments increase in multiples of a fixed amount (10,20 etc)

Ubiquitous computing - computers are becoming pervasive (integrated in the world around us)

Calm technology - Tech that’s not intrusive