Evolution of Computers
Computers – An Introduction
A computer is defined as an electronic device that accepts input, processes it as per the given instructions and produces meaningful output. The term computer is used to describe a device which is combination of electronic and electromechanical devices. It is derived from the word “Compute” which means Calculation.
“Charles Babbage” is known as the father of the computer.
Data and Information
Data refers to raw facts that are gathered and fed to the computer. A computer a store retrieves synthesizes data to produce information. A computer organizes data from many sources an turns it into information which can be applied in making decisions and solving problems.
History of Computers
Early civilizations used stones and sticks for calculation. However, as trade and commerce evolved and calculations grew in complexity, human beings felt the need for fast and accurate calculation devices.
Abacus – 500 BC
It is widely believed that China developed the abacus around 500 BC. A rectangular wooden frame with a mid-bar, the Chinese abacus had horizontal wires and specific beads fixed across the mid-bar. The abacus was used for addition and subtraction. The Japanese and Russians soon made their own versions of the abacus.
Napier Bones
In 1617, a Scottish mathematician, Sir John Napier, invented the Napier Bones – set of 11 rectangular rods made out of carved bones. This device was used for multiplication and division, besides addition and subtraction.
Pascal’s Calculator
The first mechanical calculator was invented in 1642 by a French mathematician and philosopher called Blaise Pascal. This device was called Pascal’s Calculator and was used for addition and subtraction only.
Arithmetic Replica
A German mathematician, Gottfried Leibniz, modified the Pascal’s Calculator in 1671. His device could add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers.
Analytical and Differential Engine
In 19th Century, Charles Babbage, professor in
A computer is defined as an electronic device that accepts input, processes it as per the given instructions and produces meaningful output. The term computer is used to describe a device which is combination of electronic and electromechanical devices. It is derived from the word “Compute” which means Calculation.
“Charles Babbage” is known as the father of the computer.
Data and Information
Data refers to raw facts that are gathered and fed to the computer. A computer a store retrieves synthesizes data to produce information. A computer organizes data from many sources an turns it into information which can be applied in making decisions and solving problems.
History of Computers
Early civilizations used stones and sticks for calculation. However, as trade and commerce evolved and calculations grew in complexity, human beings felt the need for fast and accurate calculation devices.
Abacus – 500 BC
It is widely believed that China developed the abacus around 500 BC. A rectangular wooden frame with a mid-bar, the Chinese abacus had horizontal wires and specific beads fixed across the mid-bar. The abacus was used for addition and subtraction. The Japanese and Russians soon made their own versions of the abacus.
Napier Bones
In 1617, a Scottish mathematician, Sir John Napier, invented the Napier Bones – set of 11 rectangular rods made out of carved bones. This device was used for multiplication and division, besides addition and subtraction.
Pascal’s Calculator
The first mechanical calculator was invented in 1642 by a French mathematician and philosopher called Blaise Pascal. This device was called Pascal’s Calculator and was used for addition and subtraction only.
Arithmetic Replica
A German mathematician, Gottfried Leibniz, modified the Pascal’s Calculator in 1671. His device could add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers.
Analytical and Differential Engine
In 19th Century, Charles Babbage, professor in