4 BASIC PERIOD IN COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

1. Manual Calculation.
This was spearheaded by Egyptian civilisation circa 500 BC. They were said to use these
calculations to analyse patterns in Egypt, including the rise and fall of the Nile, the ebb
and flow of buildings and monuments and other such analysis. During this time, the
'abacus' was invented to expedite the process. This is a contraption that involves beads
strung on a wire.
2. Mechanical calculation
This began in France by mathematician Blaise Pascal circa 1642. This invention was a
mechanical calculation, which was purpose build as a means of adding and subtracting.
3. Electromechanical calculation
German born Von Leibnitz 1679 was the first to invent a calculator which was capable of
doing four basic operations.
4. The Analytical Engine.
English Mathematician Charles Babbage invented in 1864 the analytical engine. This was
capable of solving only simple problems, but it was a great advancement for its time.