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History of Computers

Lara Castro Iara Nunes

start

Index

introduction

01

Pascal Calculator

04

Computer gerenation

07

Leibniz's Wheel and The Pocket Calculator

05

Current computers

08

The Abacus

02

First Programmable Machine Using Punched Cards

06

Summary

09

Slide ruler

03

Introduction

Etymology:

• Computare (latin) - calculate ( used for someone who preforms calculations)

Gained it's recent meaning in 1940.

The Abacus

• Chinese origin;
• Used in the 2,500 B.C;
• simple counting tool, used for basic arithmetic calculations - served as a foundation for future computational devices.

• Created in the 16th century (between the 20's and 30's);
• Invented by William Oughtred inspired on John Napier's work on logarithms;
• Used as an item of calculation (not as basic as the abacus);
• faster and less error-prone than evaluating on papper;

Slide ruler

William Oughtred

• Before the advent of the scientific pocket calculator, it was the most commonly used calculation tool in science and engineering.

Pascal Calculator

• Known as Pascaline;
• Mechanical Calculator;
• Invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642.

Purpose: The Pascaline was designed to perform addition and subtraction directly, with multiplication and division achievable through repeated operations.

The Pascaline marked history because of the way it highlighted the early modern era transitioning from manual arithmetic tools like the abacus to more advanced mechanical devices .

• Built using metal components and had a rectangular design. Its portability and mechanical precision were revolutionary for its time;
• Didn't commercialize much due to its high cost in value;
• Big inspiration for mechanical calculators and computers.

Leibniz's Wheel and The Pocket Calculator

First Programmable Machine Using Punched Cards

• Used punched cards as a form of programmable input;
• every sequence of holes created represented instructions for weaving patterns. Weaving was now done without the need of manual intervention.

Automation

• Revolutionized the textile manufacturing;
• Increased the produtivity and consistency in weaving.

Impact

• Played a key role in the mechanization of industries;
• Influenced later innovations in computing Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine;
• Introduced the concept of using external data storage to control a machine.

Joseph Marie Jacquard

Current computers

• Desktops: Tradicional, stationary PCs for home or office use;
• Laptops: Portable, all-in-one computers suitable for mobile work;
• Workstations: Hight-performance machines for professional tasks like design, engineering, or scientific work;
• Personal digital assistants (PDAs): Obsolete handheld devices for organizing personal data, now largely replaced by smartphones.

Summary