History of computer technology

HISTORY OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

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.

OVERVIEW

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.

FIRST 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.

SECOND 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.

THIRD 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.

FOURTH GENERATION COMPUTERS

COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

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.

DEFINE HARDWARE AND INPUT/ OUTPUT DEVICES

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.

PROCESSORS AND MEMORY

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.

HARD DRIVES AND REMOVABLE STORAGE

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.

NETWORKS

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.

OPERATING SYSTEMS

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.

SOFTWARE APPLICANTS