History of computer technology

1. History of computer technology

2. OVERVIEW • Many computer historians like to start the timeline of computers couple thousand years ago. • In 1642, a guy name Blaise Pascal invented a numerical wheel calculator that helped his father do taxes. • In 1812, Charles Babbage recognized how well math and machines work well together. • Machines were made to do taxes, solve math problems and other things by different people. • Babbage created many devices such as an input for the computer.

3. First generation computers • They were introduced during World War II • The US Army created a machine that started in 1943 and was completed in 1946. Called the ENIAC. • It could complete complex calculations than any other calculator used. By calculating 60 second trajectory in 30 seconds. • Only consumed 200 kilowatts. • The EDVAC and UNIVAC were created later on by John Von Neumann and Remington Rand. • UNIVAC was the first computer device available on commercials.

4. Second generation computers • First built in 1956, were used by transistors. • Transistors were much smaller and faster. • They were used in laboratories and US Navy Research and Development Center. • During second generation computers, printers and other hardware's were advanced. • Machine language and assembly language were introduced. • Scientists developed high- level languages such as COBOL. • COBOL were writing material used for business use. • FORTRAN was a writing material that scientists used.

5. Third generation computers • Were made in the late 1950s. Invented by Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce. • Less heat than Transistors. • A chip was used in third generation computers more than transistors. • A chip is a small tiny packaged device that has electronic pathways. • These “chips” have turned into small laptop size from room sized computers. • They have more power than the other two generations and have become way smaller.

6. Fourth generation computers • First fourth generation computer appeared in 1947. Called, MITS Altair 8800. • Was faster, smaller and ready for independent users. • Other PC’s available were the Apple I and II and the Commodore PET. • One computer company called IBM launched their first PC in 1981. • Did you know, that by 1990, 65 billon PC’s were in use? • Also an estimated of 1 billon PC’s are used worldwide after 20 years of the release of PC’s. • Today PC’s include UNIX and Windows. • Computers can be used for keeping track of bank accounts, design buildings, cars and many more.

7. Computer hardware and software

8. Define hardware AND INPUT/ OUTPUT DEVICES • Input devices let people enter in information so the designed computer can do the work. • The keyboard and mouse are not the only device that lets you input data. • Some other devices that let you input data is scanners, digitizing pads and even the controllers you use for your video games. • New technologies are explored everyday. Such as translating your voice into text in Google browser. • Some other things that can turn to text is your eye or head movement, to text. • Almost all computers give access to disability people to use designed keyboards online and other devices. • Without output devices people would have no idea if the computers are doing the right thing or not. • Computers in the past used lights as there outputs. • Most common output these days is the monitor. • Printer can be another example.

9. PROCESSORS AND MEMORY • Probably the most important component of a computer is a central processing unit. • The CPU can be known has the brain of the computer, performs very basic tasks. • Some things the CPU does is solving math problems. • Sending emails is part of the one and off states that a CPU does. • Even though the CPU can perform big calculations, it has no memory. • When the CPU finishes one calculation it will automatically start on the next one while forgetting the one it just performed. • RAM is stores the data go and comes from the CPU. • RAM does not keep storage for a long time. • When you turn off your computer all the data in the RAM will be lost.

10. HARD DRIVES AND REMOVABLE STORAGE • Computers can use CD- ROMS, floppy disks and other hard drives. • All of the hard drives use different techniques for storing and retrieving data. • The storage is measured by the bits of data a medium can store. • Some ‘bits” include kilobytes, gigabytes and kilograms. They all store and are measured in different ways. • Hard drives and hard disks can be used to store data. • Other drives include zip drives, usb, flash media and many more. • Current desktop hard drives can hold hundreds of gigabytes.

11. NETWORKS • Can be used for connecting computers together, sharing files and other programs. • Only small business operate without network computers. • Most networks use cabling or wireless links. • Networks use a NIC card, which allows data to travel between networks. • Three most common network topologies, Bus, Star and Ring. • Those topologies, perform or hold different devices.

12. OPERATING SYSTEMS • All the work you do on your computer needs a software. • Can be divided into the following categories, systems and applicants. • Can function, emails, word processors, PowerPoint, animation and games. • Application software need operating systems to run. • Types of software systems include, Unix/linux, Mac0S and DOS/ Windows. • Single use, multitasking and multiuser are some categories. • Windows introduced a Windows 95 that doesn’t need DOS.

13. SOFTWARE APPLICANTS • Runs on minimal hardware, must be installed on the computer in order to run. • Not all software runs on your computer, you have to download. • These days, applicants can be downloaded from the internet. • You can use Java to do the above. • Web services allow you to exchange information via internet. • Desktop software runs on a small hardware.