evolution of computer
Mechanical Computers:
Developed in the early 20th century, mechanical computers used physical components like gears, levers, and switches to perform calculations.
Examples include the Analytical Engine designed by Charles Babbage and the Harvard Mark I.
These machines were slow, large, and required manual operation, limiting their practicality.
Mechanical computers were primarily used for tasks like calculating artillery firing tables and solving mathematical equations.
Pascaline (1642):
Invented by Blaise Pascal.
First mechanical calculator.
Used a series of gears and levers to perform addition and subtraction.
Limited to 6 digits.
Step Reckoner (1673):
Designed by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.
Improved upon Pascaline.
Could perform multiplication and division as well.
Utilized gears and levers mechanism.
Babbage's Difference Engine (1822):
Designed by Charles Babbage.
Intended to calculate polynomial functions.
Used a system of gears and levers.
Never completed due to funding issues.
Babbage's Analytical Engine (1837):
Designed by Charles Babbage.
Considered the first general-purpose computer.
Used punched cards for input and output.
Included an arithmetic logic unit and memory.
Difference Engine:
The Difference Engine was an early mechanical computer designed by Charles Babbage in the 1820s.
It was intended to automate the calculation of polynomial functions, eliminating human error.
The machine used a series of gears and levers to perform calculations based on the method of finite differences.
Although Babbage never completed a working version, his designs laid the foundation for modern computing.
Analytical Engine:
The Analytical Engine, also designed by Charles Babbage, was a more advanced mechanical computer concept.
It featured a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and the ability to perform complex calculations.
The Analytical Engine used punched cards for input and output, similar to modern computer programming.
Despite never being built, the Analytical Engine is considered a precursor to modern computers.
Relay Computers:
Relay computers were developed in the 1930s and 1940s and used electromagnetic relays as their primary components.
These machines were faster and more reliable than their mechanical counterparts.
Relay computers were used for various applications, including scientific calculations and code-breaking during World War II.
Examples include the Harvard Mark I and the German Z3, which was the world's first fully functional, programmable computer.
Zuse Z3 (1941):
Created by Konrad Zuse.
World's first fully functional, programmable computer.
Utilized electromechanical relays.
Operated using binary arithmetic.
Harvard Mark I:
The Harvard Mark I, also known as the IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC), was a relay-based computer developed in the 1940s.
It was one of the first large-scale, general-purpose computers.
The Mark I used punched paper tape for input and output and could perform complex calculations.
It was primarily used for scientific and military applications, such as calculating ballistic trajectories and designing atomic bombs.
ABC Computer:
The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) was an early electronic computer developed by John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
It used vacuum tubes for computation and binary representation of data.
The ABC was designed to .
Harvard Mark I (1944):
Developed by Howard Aiken and IBM.
Large electromechanical computer.
Used punched paper tape for input.
Performed complex calculations for scientific research.
IBM 650 (1954):
Developed by IBM.
First mass-produced computer.
Used magnetic drum memory.
Widely used in scientific and business applications.
Note: Mechanical computers were the precursors to modern electronic computers and played a crucial role in the development of computing technology.
First Generation (1940s-1950s):
Eckert and mouchly developed the first computer ENIAC
Vacuum tubes were used as the primary electronic component or the core element
punched-cards and tapes used as secondary storage;
ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was the first general-purpose electronic computer.
machine codes like FORTRAN and COBOL were used
Computers were large, expensive, and consumed a lot of power.
EXAMPLE
EDVAC ,ENIAC,IAS,COMMERCIAL
ENIAC (1946):
Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer.
Developed by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly.
First general-purpose electronic computer.
Used vacuum tubes for processing.
EDVAC (1951):
Electronic discrete variable Automatic Computer.
Developed by Eckert and Mauchly's company.
First commercial computer.
Used magnetic tape for storage.
IAS (Institute for Advanced Study) Computers
Developed in the late 1940s at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.
Designed by John von Neumann, a mathematician and computer scientist.
Considered one of the first successful electronic stored-program computers.
Utilized vacuum tubes for processing and magnetic drums for memory storage.
The IAS computer had a word length of 40 bits and a memory capacity of 1,024 words.
It introduced the concept of a stored program, where both data and instructions were stored in the computer's memory.
The IAS computer used a single address format, where instructions and data were stored in the same memory space.
It employed a sequential execution model, executing instructions one after another in a linear fashion.
The IAS computer was used for various scientific and mathematical calculations, including weather prediction and atomic energy research.
It served as a foundation for the development of subsequent computer architectures.
COMMERCIAL COMPUTERS
Commercial computers are designed for business and commercial applications.
They are primarily used for data processing, financial transactions, and administrative tasks.
Commercial computers are typically characterized by their reliability, scalability, and ease of use.
They often feature specialized software and hardware components tailored for specific business needs.
Commercial computers are designed to handle large volumes of data and perform complex calculations efficiently.
They may include features such as multiple processors, high-speed networking capabilities, and redundant storage systems.
Commercial computers are commonly used in industries such as banking, retail, healthcare, and telecommunications.
They are utilized for tasks such as inventory management, customer relationship management, and financial analysis.
Commercial computers often incorporate security measures to protect sensitive business data and ensure compliance with regulations.
Examples of commercial computer systems include mainframes, servers, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Second Generation (1950s-1960s):
Transistors were used as the core element
Transistors replaced vacuum tubes, making computers smaller, faster, and more reliable.
Tape and magnetic disk were used as secondary storage
Magnetic core memory was introduced and was used as primary storage providing faster and more efficient data storage.
High level languages like COBOL and F
IBM 1401 ,ATLAS and UNIVAC 1107 were popular computers of this era.
Third Generation (1960s-1970s):
Integrated circuits (ICs) were developed,
They allowing multiple transistors to be placed on a single chip.
Magnetic disk was used as the secondary storage
operating systems were developed
development of minicomputer started
Computers became smaller, more powerful, and less expensive.
IBM System/360 and DEC PDP-8 were notable computers of this generation.
Fourth Generation (1970s-1980s):
large scale circuit was used as the core element(LSC)
Microprocessors were invented, integrating the entire CPU on a single chip.
semiconductor as primary storage
Personal computers (PCs) were introduced, making computing accessible to individuals.
High level languages such as C++, java and others were used.
Apple II, IBM PC, and Commodore 64 were popular PCs of this era.
Fifth Generation (1980s-Present):
VLSC(Very Large scale circuit) technology was the core element
It allowed for the creation of more powerful and compact microprocessors.
HDD(hard disk drives) and SSD(solid static drive) were used as secondary storage
this is because they are non-volatile and store data permanently
Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) and mouse input became common.
ROM(read only memory) and RAM(random access memory) were used primary storage.a
Laptops, smartphones, and tablets emerged, providing portable computing options.
Sixth Generation (Present and Beyond):
Advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nanotechnology are shaping the future of computers.
Cloud computing and Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing how computers are used and connected.
QUESTIONS
https://www.wittychimp.com/evolution-of-computers-questions-answers/
What is a computer?
Define the terms:
data
information
Differentiate between data and information.
Explain why a phrase such as '1980' is data and not classified as information.
ANS: it lacks context and meaning on its own .it will become an info when its interpreted within a specific context like “i was born in 1980”
Draw a well labelled diagram to illustrate information processing cycle.
State the three functions of a computer.
What is the major purpose of a computer?
State advantages and disadvantages of computers.
State six computer features that makes them smarter than humans.
State five similarities between computers and humans.
State five differences between humans and computers.
Describe the four major parts of a computer.
CPU, INPUT DEVICES,OUTPUT DEVICES,MEMORY
Why is a computer described as:
electronic device;
processing device
programmable
Why is a computer chassis also referred to as the system Unit?
State the importance of a monitor in computer operations and why it is referred to as the video display unit (VDU).
What is a computer program?
What are peripheral devices?
List any six peripheral devices.
Differentiate between the CPU and the System Unit.
List six components housed inside the computer chassis.
Using a well illustrated diagram, explain how a computer operates.
Why do we study computer studies?
State the difference between a desktop system unit and a tower system unit.
Other than a desktop and a laptop, state any other six devices that can be described as a computer.
What features/characteristics made you classify those devices (above) as computers.
Write the following acronyms in full and describe what they are:
VDU
ICT
PC
CPU
µP
Mechanical Computers:
Developed in the early 20th century, mechanical computers used physical components like gears, levers, and switches to perform calculations.
Examples include the Analytical Engine designed by Charles Babbage and the Harvard Mark I.
These machines were slow, large, and required manual operation, limiting their practicality.
Mechanical computers were primarily used for tasks like calculating artillery firing tables and solving mathematical equations.
Pascaline (1642):
Invented by Blaise Pascal.
First mechanical calculator.
Used a series of gears and levers to perform addition and subtraction.
Limited to 6 digits.
Step Reckoner (1673):
Designed by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.
Improved upon Pascaline.
Could perform multiplication and division as well.
Utilized gears and levers mechanism.
Babbage's Difference Engine (1822):
Designed by Charles Babbage.
Intended to calculate polynomial functions.
Used a system of gears and levers.
Never completed due to funding issues.
Babbage's Analytical Engine (1837):
Designed by Charles Babbage.
Considered the first general-purpose computer.
Used punched cards for input and output.
Included an arithmetic logic unit and memory.
Difference Engine:
The Difference Engine was an early mechanical computer designed by Charles Babbage in the 1820s.
It was intended to automate the calculation of polynomial functions, eliminating human error.
The machine used a series of gears and levers to perform calculations based on the method of finite differences.
Although Babbage never completed a working version, his designs laid the foundation for modern computing.
Analytical Engine:
The Analytical Engine, also designed by Charles Babbage, was a more advanced mechanical computer concept.
It featured a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and the ability to perform complex calculations.
The Analytical Engine used punched cards for input and output, similar to modern computer programming.
Despite never being built, the Analytical Engine is considered a precursor to modern computers.
Relay Computers:
Relay computers were developed in the 1930s and 1940s and used electromagnetic relays as their primary components.
These machines were faster and more reliable than their mechanical counterparts.
Relay computers were used for various applications, including scientific calculations and code-breaking during World War II.
Examples include the Harvard Mark I and the German Z3, which was the world's first fully functional, programmable computer.
Zuse Z3 (1941):
Created by Konrad Zuse.
World's first fully functional, programmable computer.
Utilized electromechanical relays.
Operated using binary arithmetic.
Harvard Mark I:
The Harvard Mark I, also known as the IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC), was a relay-based computer developed in the 1940s.
It was one of the first large-scale, general-purpose computers.
The Mark I used punched paper tape for input and output and could perform complex calculations.
It was primarily used for scientific and military applications, such as calculating ballistic trajectories and designing atomic bombs.
ABC Computer:
The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) was an early electronic computer developed by John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
It used vacuum tubes for computation and binary representation of data.
The ABC was designed to .
Harvard Mark I (1944):
Developed by Howard Aiken and IBM.
Large electromechanical computer.
Used punched paper tape for input.
Performed complex calculations for scientific research.
IBM 650 (1954):
Developed by IBM.
First mass-produced computer.
Used magnetic drum memory.
Widely used in scientific and business applications.
Note: Mechanical computers were the precursors to modern electronic computers and played a crucial role in the development of computing technology.
First Generation (1940s-1950s):
Eckert and mouchly developed the first computer ENIAC
Vacuum tubes were used as the primary electronic component or the core element
punched-cards and tapes used as secondary storage;
ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was the first general-purpose electronic computer.
machine codes like FORTRAN and COBOL were used
Computers were large, expensive, and consumed a lot of power.
EXAMPLE
EDVAC ,ENIAC,IAS,COMMERCIAL
ENIAC (1946):
Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer.
Developed by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly.
First general-purpose electronic computer.
Used vacuum tubes for processing.
EDVAC (1951):
Electronic discrete variable Automatic Computer.
Developed by Eckert and Mauchly's company.
First commercial computer.
Used magnetic tape for storage.
IAS (Institute for Advanced Study) Computers
Developed in the late 1940s at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.
Designed by John von Neumann, a mathematician and computer scientist.
Considered one of the first successful electronic stored-program computers.
Utilized vacuum tubes for processing and magnetic drums for memory storage.
The IAS computer had a word length of 40 bits and a memory capacity of 1,024 words.
It introduced the concept of a stored program, where both data and instructions were stored in the computer's memory.
The IAS computer used a single address format, where instructions and data were stored in the same memory space.
It employed a sequential execution model, executing instructions one after another in a linear fashion.
The IAS computer was used for various scientific and mathematical calculations, including weather prediction and atomic energy research.
It served as a foundation for the development of subsequent computer architectures.
COMMERCIAL COMPUTERS
Commercial computers are designed for business and commercial applications.
They are primarily used for data processing, financial transactions, and administrative tasks.
Commercial computers are typically characterized by their reliability, scalability, and ease of use.
They often feature specialized software and hardware components tailored for specific business needs.
Commercial computers are designed to handle large volumes of data and perform complex calculations efficiently.
They may include features such as multiple processors, high-speed networking capabilities, and redundant storage systems.
Commercial computers are commonly used in industries such as banking, retail, healthcare, and telecommunications.
They are utilized for tasks such as inventory management, customer relationship management, and financial analysis.
Commercial computers often incorporate security measures to protect sensitive business data and ensure compliance with regulations.
Examples of commercial computer systems include mainframes, servers, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Second Generation (1950s-1960s):
Transistors were used as the core element
Transistors replaced vacuum tubes, making computers smaller, faster, and more reliable.
Tape and magnetic disk were used as secondary storage
Magnetic core memory was introduced and was used as primary storage providing faster and more efficient data storage.
High level languages like COBOL and F
IBM 1401 ,ATLAS and UNIVAC 1107 were popular computers of this era.
Third Generation (1960s-1970s):
Integrated circuits (ICs) were developed,
They allowing multiple transistors to be placed on a single chip.
Magnetic disk was used as the secondary storage
operating systems were developed
development of minicomputer started
Computers became smaller, more powerful, and less expensive.
IBM System/360 and DEC PDP-8 were notable computers of this generation.
Fourth Generation (1970s-1980s):
large scale circuit was used as the core element(LSC)
Microprocessors were invented, integrating the entire CPU on a single chip.
semiconductor as primary storage
Personal computers (PCs) were introduced, making computing accessible to individuals.
High level languages such as C++, java and others were used.
Apple II, IBM PC, and Commodore 64 were popular PCs of this era.
Fifth Generation (1980s-Present):
VLSC(Very Large scale circuit) technology was the core element
It allowed for the creation of more powerful and compact microprocessors.
HDD(hard disk drives) and SSD(solid static drive) were used as secondary storage
this is because they are non-volatile and store data permanently
Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) and mouse input became common.
ROM(read only memory) and RAM(random access memory) were used primary storage.a
Laptops, smartphones, and tablets emerged, providing portable computing options.
Sixth Generation (Present and Beyond):
Advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nanotechnology are shaping the future of computers.
Cloud computing and Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing how computers are used and connected.
QUESTIONS
https://www.wittychimp.com/evolution-of-computers-questions-answers/
What is a computer?
Define the terms:
data
information
Differentiate between data and information.
Explain why a phrase such as '1980' is data and not classified as information.
ANS: it lacks context and meaning on its own .it will become an info when its interpreted within a specific context like “i was born in 1980”
Draw a well labelled diagram to illustrate information processing cycle.
State the three functions of a computer.
What is the major purpose of a computer?
State advantages and disadvantages of computers.
State six computer features that makes them smarter than humans.
State five similarities between computers and humans.
State five differences between humans and computers.
Describe the four major parts of a computer.
CPU, INPUT DEVICES,OUTPUT DEVICES,MEMORY
Why is a computer described as:
electronic device;
processing device
programmable
Why is a computer chassis also referred to as the system Unit?
State the importance of a monitor in computer operations and why it is referred to as the video display unit (VDU).
What is a computer program?
What are peripheral devices?
List any six peripheral devices.
Differentiate between the CPU and the System Unit.
List six components housed inside the computer chassis.
Using a well illustrated diagram, explain how a computer operates.
Why do we study computer studies?
State the difference between a desktop system unit and a tower system unit.
Other than a desktop and a laptop, state any other six devices that can be described as a computer.
What features/characteristics made you classify those devices (above) as computers.
Write the following acronyms in full and describe what they are:
VDU
ICT
PC
CPU
µP
