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HISTORY OF COMPUTERS
Introduction
The development of modern computer technology has
been made possible by
Human Nature
Technological Advances
Theoretical Advances
This presentation takes a brief look at the human
journey from prehistory to today with the focus on
the development of the theory and practise of
computing
Natural Patterns & Counting
People notice patterns : this is how we learn from infancy.
Stonehenge is oriented
towards equinoxes, solstices
and lunar eclipses during
the equinox.
NOTE:
In fact the Arithmetic Machine could
really only add, because subtractions
were performed using complement
techniques, in which the number to
be subtracted is first converted into
its complement, which is then added This gear train system is still
to the first number. Interestingly used by mechanical
enough, modern computers employ odometers
similar complement techniques.
[Known as 2’s complement mathematics]
Leibniz’s Step Reckoner
Leibniz also strongly advocated the use of the binary number system, which is
fundamental to the operation of modern computers.
Charles Babbage: Difference Engine & Analytical Engine
Mechanical Computers
Gears & Gear Train
Punched Cards/Tape
Relay Switches
Electronic Computers
Vacuum Tubes
Transistors (1947)
Integrated Circuits (1958)
Microprocessors
Developing Computer Technology Crucial Inventions
Zero
Place Value
Logic : Euler ; George Boole ; Augustus De Morgan; John
Venn etc
(Conditional reasoning and set theory)
Binary Numbers
The Turing Machine: Alan Turing: Description of
hypothetical machine
Von Neumann Machine: John von Neumann: Description
of possible fixed structure for flexible (programmable)
machine
Developing Computer Technology Important Ideas