History of Computing

Early computing development was slow and expensive.
Electronic components were large, requiring substantial space and resources.
World War II spurred investment in computing research for military advantage.
Cryptography, the art of writing and solving codes, was a key area of advancement.
Computers were used to process enemy messages faster than humans.
Cryptography is now crucial for computer security.

Companies like IBM and Hewlett Packard advanced computing in academia, business, and government.
New data storage methods fueled computational power growth.
Punch cards were a common data storage method until the 1950s, but were prone to disorganization.
Magnetic tape emerged as a more reliable storage medium.
Early computers used vacuum tubes to control electricity voltages, but these were bulky and unreliable.

Early IT support involved physical maintenance of large machines.
Admiral Grace Hopper: A renowned computer scientist.
- Her team found a moth causing problems in the Harvard Mark II computer, coining the term "bug."
ENIAC: An early general-purpose computer.
- It used 17,000 vacuum tubes and occupied 1,800 square feet.
Transistors replaced vacuum tubes.
- They are smaller, more efficient, and fundamental to modern electronics.
- Modern chips contain billions of transistors.
Admiral Grace Hopper invented the first compiler.
- Compilers translate human language into machine code.
- This made programming more accessible.

Hard disk drives and microprocessors were introduced.
Computers became smaller and more accessible.
Xerox Alto: The first computer with a graphical user interface (GUI) using icons, a mouse, and windows.
Early computers were primarily used in military and university settings due to their cost and size.
Steve Wozniak invented the Apple I, a single-board computer for hobbyists.
Apple Computer, founded with Steve Jobs, released the Apple II, which was a commercial success.
- The Apple II made computers affordable for the middle class, bringing them into homes and offices.
IBM introduced its personal computer with MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System).
Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates, created Microsoft Windows.
- Windows became a dominant operating system in the workplace.
The demand for IT support increased with the proliferation of personal computers.