Introduction to Computers CSC 1401: Introduction to Programming with Java Lecture 1 Wanda M. Kunkle.

Introduction to Computers

CSC 1401: Introduction to Programming with JavaLecture 1Wanda M. Kunkle

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The Invention of the Computer

•Who invented the computer?

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The Invention of the Computer• Who invented the

computer?– There is no simple answer

to this question.– Many inventors contributed

to the development of the computer.

• Important milestones in computer history include …

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The Invention of the Computer

•In 1936, Konrad Zuse invented the first freely programmable computer.

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The Invention of the Computer

•In 1946, John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert developed the ENIAC I (Electrical Numerical Integrator And Calculator) at the University of Pennsylvania.

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The Invention of the Computer

•In 1951, John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert built the UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer), the first commercial computer, for Remington Rand.

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The Invention of the Computer

•In 1953, IBM (International Business Machines) developed the 701 EDPM, the first commercially successful general-purpose computer (according to IBM, anyway).

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The Invention of the Computer

•In 1974, the first personal computers (PCs) appeared.

–1974-1975: Scelbi, Mark-8, Altair, IBM 5100

–1976-1977: Apple I, Apple II, Commodore PET, and TRS-80

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The Invention of the Computer

•In 1981, IBM released the IBM PC.

•In 1983, Apple released the Apple Lisa, the first home computer with a GUI (graphical user interface).

•In 1984, Apple released the Apple Macintosh, a more affordable home computer with a GUI.

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The Invention of the Computer• To learn more about the

invention of the computer, visit:– The History of Computers –

Computer History Timeline

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Definition of a Computer• A computer is an

electronic device that can input, process, output, and store data.

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Different Types of Computers• There are four basic types

of computers:– Supercomputers– Mainframe computers– Minicomputers– Microcomputers

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Different Types of Computers• Supercomputers

– Large, powerful computers used to perform specialized tasks

• Perform complex mathematical calculations

• Track weather patterns• Monitor satellites

– Fastest and most expensive

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Different Types of Computers• Mainframe computers

– Large computers frequently found in businesses and colleges

– Intended for use by large numbers of people

– Capable of multitasking, i.e., performing more than one task at a time

– Capable of storing vast quantities of data

– Originally took up entire rooms, but now are much smaller

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Different Types of Computers• Minicomputers

– Used in medium-sized businesses

– Have less storage capacity than mainframes

– Desktop computers than can be placed on your desktop, floor, or other flat surface

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Different Types of Computers• Microcomputers

– Used by most people– Smallest of the four

categories of computers– Include:

• Desktop computers• Notebook computers (also

called laptops)• Tablet computers• Personal digital assistants

(PDAs) or handheld computers

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Different Types of Computers