Every great song is a continuation of a previous great song, so be it
with the computer. Primitive forms of the modern-day computer
originated 5000 years ago. It all started with the development of the
Abacus, which gave way to the pencil and paper. This rudimentary
computing style continued for thousands of years. The post-World War II
era saw the first generation of what is now known as the modern-day
computer. The evolution of the computer has continued its steadfast
development in an accelerated manner only restricted by technological
wherewithal, and possibly, human imagination.
Pencil and paper,
the computing method of choice for thousands of years after the
introduction of the Abacus, continued to exist until the mid-1600s; then
the Pascaline was developed. This basic computer relied on movable
dials for its computation functionality; however, its abilities were
limited to addition only.
It was not until the mid-1800s, when
Thomas Colmar developed a machine that could perform the basic
arithmetic functions; it could add, subtract, multiply, and divide. This
computer, called the arithometer, was widely used until the start of
the First World War. Colmar along with preceding inventors Pascal, and
Leibniz, is responsible for defining mechanical computation, as we know
it today.
England's own Charles Babbage, mathematics professor,
designed the first multi- functional computer in 1830, which he named
the Analytical Engine. Although this device never was constructed, the
concept was considered a breakthrough.
To deal with the expanding
United States population during the late 1800's, census takers
determined they needed a faster, and more comprehensive computing
system. The previous census was completed in seven years, and there were
fears that it would take at least 10 years to complete the latest
census. In 1890 Herman Hollerith, an American inventor, improved and
further developed the punch card reader as a method for storing data and
reducing computational errors. Using Hollerith's invention, census
takers compiled the results in less than two months! In 1927, this new
computational and storage system was soon introduced into the business
world, eventually becoming known as International Business Machines
(IBM). This method of using punch card readers for data processing
continued until 1965.
The Second World War further initiated
computer development. The potential strategic importance of a computer
now hastened the technological development process. This new urgency
prompted the invention of the transistor in 1948, transforming the
computer so drastically it was now called a supercomputer. These meant
computers were now able to store programs, and programming language,
which enabled them to be cost-effective and useful for the business
world: Thus, the entire software industry was born.
Transistors
were clearly a crucial breakthrough, but there was a serious problem;
their operating temperatures were too high. As a result, the integrated
circuit was developed, combining electronic components onto a small
silicone disk manufactured from quartz. This small silicone disk became
known as the semi- conductor. Taking it one-step further, by the 1980s
thousands of components were being loaded onto a single chip, which by
now is called a microprocessor. This microprocessor could be programmed
to meet various requirements such as television sets, automobiles, and
telephones.
IBM introduced the first personal computer (PC) in
1981. 10 years later 65 million PCs were being used. As computer usage
became more widespread, linking them together or (networking) was
developed to harness their potential. This enabled the computers to
share memory space, software, information, and to communicate with each
other. Using either cable or telephone lines, Local Area Network
commonly known as (LAN), created networks of monumental proportions.
Global computer circuitry, the Internet, now linked computers around the
world into a single information network.
Artificial intelligence,
spoken word instructions, and human reasoning are just a few of the
latest modern engineering advances in computer technology. Easily
understood user-friendly computer design is technologically complicated.
In order to look into the "crystal ball" of the future one has to
understand and appreciate how far we have come since the invention of
the integrated circuit. Our imagination is our only limitation.
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