History of computers
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Humans have performed arithmetic calculations since prehistoric times using methods like counting on fingers. The development of number systems allowed early civilizations to track astronomical cycles and business dealings, giving rise to the concept of "computing". As calculating tools advanced from manual to electronic methods, the first computers emerged. During the early stages of development, notable calculating machines included Napier's Bones for multiplication, the slide rule, Pascal's rotating wheel calculator, Babbage's Difference Engine, and Hollerith's punched card tabulating machine. These inventions marked progress toward the electronic computers of today.
History of computers
- 3. Humans have always needed to perform arithmetic like counting and adding. During the pre-historic period, they counted either on their fingers or by scratching marks on the bones and then with the help of stone, pebble and beads. The early civilization had witnessed men develop number systems to keep track of the astronomical cycles, businesses, etc. The word ‘computing’ means ‘an act of calculating’. After the invention of the manual calculating tools, the concept of using ‘electronic gadgets’ for computations were introduced which gave birth to the computers. The evolution of computers has passed through a number of stages before reaching the present state of development. During the early development period, certain machines had been developed and a brief note of them is given in this Presentation.
- 8. The Napier’s Bones was invented by John Napier, a Scottish mathematician as an aid to multiplication. A set of bones consisted of nine rods, one for each digit 1 through 9 and a constant rod for the digit ‘0’. A rod is similar to one column of a multiplication table.
- 11. The Slide Rule was invented by William Oughtred. It is based on the principle that actual distance from the starting point of the rule is directly proportional to the logarithm of the numbers printed on the rule. The slide rule is embodied by the two sets of scales that are joined together, with a marginal space between them. The suitable alliance of two scales enabled the slide rule to perform multiplication and division by a method of addition and subtraction.
- 14. The Rotating Wheel Calculator was developed by a French philosopher, Blaise Pascal, using simple components such as gears and levers. This is a predecessor to today’s electronic calculator. He was inspired by the computation work of his father’s job and devised the model. He was only 19 years old, when he devised this model.
- 17. The Difference Engine was built by Charles Babbage, British mathematician and engineer which mechanically calculated mathematical tables. Babbage is called the father of today’s computer
- 20. A tabulating machine using punched cards was designed by Hollerith and was called as the Hollerith Tabulating Machine. This electronic machine is able to read the information on the punched cards and process it electronically.