Computer is derived from the word compute that means to calculate. Basically, it was invented to solve simple to complex calculations.
Stands For:
It stands for {Commonly, Operated, Machine, Particularly Used in the Field of Education and Research}.
As one’s said:
“Necessity is the mother of invention.”.
From the birth of human creation, humans seek to do their work smoothly, easily, on time, and cost-efficiently every day. The invention of computers is part of that race. In this article, we are going to discuss the history of computers.
Here’s the detailed evolution history:
History of Computers:
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Abacus:
This is the first machine invented by the Chinese about 5000 years ago. It has a rectangular frame
consists of several vertical rods on which several beads were allowed to slide freely.
It is used to calculate simple arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Types of abacus:
- Japanese’s Abacus
- Chinese Abacus
- Russian Abacus
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Napier’s Bone:
Invented by: Napier’s bone was invented by John Napier (a Scottish mathematician) in 1614.
It had a board with a rim. The left edge had 9 squares, numbered 0 to 9. The rods had strips of wood bearing numbers for calculations. It was used for multiplication and division.
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Slide Rule:
Invented by: English mathematician William Ought-red in 1622.
William developed a machine known as the slid rule based on logarithms. It is very useful for solving problems related to multiplication and division.
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Pascaline:
Invented by: This was invented by a Bias Pascaline in 1642.
It can only be used to add and subtract whole numbers.
It has a rectangular box and eight moveable wheels.
It is also used for carryover operations.
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Leibniz Calculator:
The Leibniz calculator, invented by a German mathematician, Wilhelm Leibniz, in 1694, is made of steel and copper.
It used a stepper gear mechanism to perform basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
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Jacquard’s Loom:
Jacquard loom was invented by French scientist Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1801. It used a punch card to perform control sequence operations.
It is a wavering machine used in textile manufacturing.
Punch card: a piece of paper that contains information about the operation that is present through holes present in it.
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Difference Engine:
It was designed and invented by an English mathematician and engineer named Charles Babbage in 1822. It was the first mechanical calculating machine. It is to perform complex calculations. It works on steam power and runs automatically.
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Analytical Engine:
Charles Babbage also developed an automatic machine called an analytical engine in 1934.It works on the same principle on which modern computers are based.
Charles Babbage laid the foundation stone of modern computers; that is why he is known as the father of computers.
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Hollerith Desk:
Invented by American Scientist Herman Hollerith in the 1890’s.
He developed a tabulating machine that worked by using a card reader that read the punched card to solve the problem.
He started a company known as Tabulating Machine Company, but today its name is International Business Machine (IBM).
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ENIC:
Electrical Numerical Integrator and Calculator:
Invented by John William Muchly and John Eckert in 1946.
It is large in size, consumes high power, and is too heavy in weight.It was able to execute 500 additions per second.
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EDVAC:
Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer.
Invented by John William Muchly and John Eckert in 1946.
It used a binary system for calculations.
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Univac:
Universal Automatic Computer. Eckert-Muchly Computer Corporation in 1947.It was the first commercial computer available for use.
It is used for scientific and commercial applications.
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IBM 650:
Invented by IBM in 1955.
It used magnetic drums. It can read data from punched cards and magnetic tapes.
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Apple Computer:
Apple-I was developed by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs in 1977.
The first computer was made by the Apple Company.
Apple II has a color display.
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IBM PC:
It was developed in 1981.It was small, efficient, and fast. It can be portable easily. It was based on a 4.77 MHz Intel 8088 microprocessor. It used the DOS operating system.
Summary:
In conclusion, modern computers are due to the invention of early mechanical machines and later advancements in them. From abacus to digital computers, there are thousands of years spent. Lots of scientists work on it. The rapid advancement in it arose from the early 19th century when the first mechanical machine was invented. Today is the day of artificial intelligence and there is more to evolve in this field. It makes life easy, cost and time efficient but it causes health issues and is dependent on it. With the last computer, humans and countries developed.
FAQ’s:
- Why was the computer invented?
Ans: Purpose of Invention:
In the early stage, Abacus was invented to solve simple calculations; that’s why it is derived from compute, which means to solve something. Later, it became advanced and advanced and was able to solve complex calculations. Early machines are developed for the purpose of arithmetic solutions such as addition, subtraction, multiplications, and divisions. But today it is used to control complex machine systems like weather forecasting, etc.
- When was the computer invented?
Ans: First Machine:
The date of invention of the early machine (abacus) was about 5000 years ago by the Chinese to solve arithmetic problems.
- How was the computer invented?
Ans : Invention:
Anything is invented due to human need, as one’s said
“Necessity is the mother of invention”.
For this, the scientists made a machine to solve problems in a time- and cost-efficient way.
- Who invents the first electric computer?
Ans: First Mechanical:
English mathematician and engineer Charles Babbage invented or developed the first electric mechanical computer in 1822.
- Who is known as the father of modern computers?
Ans : Father:
English mathematician and engineer Charles Babbage is known as the father of computers.
- What is the latest computer?
Ans: Latest and Popular:
The most popular manufacturer companies are:
The most popular computers or laptops are HP, Dev, Mac, Apple, Google, Microsoft, etc.
- What would be the future of computers?
Ans: Present and Future:
The future is based on artificial intelligence. Hollow-gram technology also emerging in today’s world.
very informative knowledge and information
Thank you