Scribd
Upload
41 views

A Computer Is A Device That Accepts Information

Early humans invented rudimentary computing tools like carved bones for calculations. The abacus improved on this, using movable beads to perform math operations. Charles Babbage proposed machines called the Difference Engine and Analytical Engine in the 19th century, laying the foundations for modern computers by introducing concepts like stored programs. Ada Lovelace helped develop the Analytical Engine and wrote what is considered the first computer program. Throughout the 20th century, computers became more advanced and programmable, finding widespread use first in business and government and later among consumers.

Uploaded by

Saliwan Vhenz
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
41 views

A Computer Is A Device That Accepts Information

Early humans invented rudimentary computing tools like carved bones for calculations. The abacus improved on this, using movable beads to perform math operations. Charles Babbage proposed machines called the Difference Engine and Analytical Engine in the 19th century, laying the foundations for modern computers by introducing concepts like stored programs. Ada Lovelace helped develop the Analytical Engine and wrote what is considered the first computer program. Throughout the 20th century, computers became more advanced and programmable, finding widespread use first in business and government and later among consumers.

Uploaded by

Saliwan Vhenz
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

A computer is a device that accepts information (in the form of digitalized

data) and manipulates it for some result based on a program or sequence of


instructions on how the data is to be processed. Complex computers also
include the means for storing data (including the program, which is also a form
of data) for some necessary duration. A program may be invariable and built
into the computer (and called logic circuitry as it is on microprocessors) or
different programs may be provided to the computer (loaded into its storage
and then started by an administrator or user). Today's computers have both
kinds of programming.

The History of the Computer

Prehistoric man did not have the Internet, but it appears that he needed a way
to count and make calculations. The limitations of the human body’s ten
fingers and ten toes apparently caused early man to construct a tool to help
with those calculations. Scientists now know that humankind invented an
early form of computers. Their clue was a bone carved with prime numbers
found in 8,500 BC.

The abacus was the next leap forward in computing between 1000 BC and 500
BD. This apparatus used a series of moveable beads or rocks. The positions
changed to enter a number and again to perform mathematical operations.
Leonardo DaVinci was credited with the invention of the world’s first
mechanical calculator in 1500. In 1642, Blaise Pascal’s adding machine
upstaged DaVinci’s marvel and moved computing forward again.

In 19th century England, Charles Babbage, a mathematician, proposed the


construction of a machine that he called the Babbage Difference Engine. It
would not only calculate numbers, it would also be capable of printing
mathematical tables. The Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA
(near San Diego) built a working replica from the original drawings. Visitors
can see in the device in operation there. Unable to construct the actual device,
he earned quite a few detractors among England’s literate citizens. However,
Babbage made a place for himself in history as the father of computing. Not
satisfied with the machines limitations, he drafted plans for the Babbage
Analytical Engine. He intended for this computing device to use punch cards as
the control mechanism for calculations. This feature would make it possible for
his computer to use previously performed calculations in new ones.

Babbage’s idea caught the attention of Ada Byron Lovelace who had an
undying passion for math. She also saw possibilities that the Analytical
Machine could produce graphics and music. She helped Babbage move his
project from idea to reality by documenting how the device would calculate
Bernoulli numbers. She later received recognition for writing the world’s first
computer program. The United States Department of Defense named a
computer language in her honor in 1979.

The computers that followed built on each previous success and improved it. In
1943, the first programmable computer Turing COLOSSUS appeared. It was
pressed into service to decipher World War II coded messages from Germany.
ENIAC, the brain, was the first electronic computer, in 1946. In 1951, the U.S.
Census Bureau became the first government agency to buy a computer,
UNIVAC .

The Apple expanded the use of computers to consumers in 1977. The IBM PC
for consumers followed closely in 1981, although IBM mainframes were in use
by government and corporations.

A computer is a programmable machine that receives input, stores and


manipulates data, and provides output in a useful format.

You might also like