History of Computers Flashcards
Computer
A device that can be programmed to carry out general purpose mathematical and/or logical computations
A programmable computer can be re-programmed so solutions to problems can be improved and adapt when problems change
Do mathematical tasks, play video games, run machine learning program
General Purpose Machine
Can carry out a wide range of tasks, not just follow a limited set of instructions
Example is a desk calculator
Only carry out small set of mathematical calculations, not true computers
Digital Computer
Signal is a representation of changing information, used to transmit information from one place to another
A digital computer operates using digital signals
These signals are representation of information with a limited number of values (0 – 1)
Electronic Computer
Operates using electricity (movement of electrons through a material)
Material is usually a semiconductor (silicon) and falls between an electronical conductor (metal wire) and an electrical insulator (glass)
1st Generation of Computers
Based on vacuum tubes
Electrical devices that control the flow of electricity
Development led to rapid growth of electronic devices (radio, TV, computers)
Relatively small cost and low cost of production helped beginning of modern electronic era
First electronic, digital, programmable, general purpose computer was ENIAC
2nd Generation of Computers
Vacuum tubes were replaced with transistors
These are small electronic switches that could perform the same tasks as vacuum tubes but were smaller, more reliable, energy efficient and cost efficient
Developed over many years, became very advanced, changed electronics industry
Allowed supercomputers to be developed
3rd Generation of Computers
Based on integrated circuits – number of electronic circuits on a single semiconductor (chip)
1960s/1970s – allowed for development of minicomputers (small enough to be moved)
Allowed computers to become more powerful, quickly
4th Generation of Computers
Based on microprocessors (now called CPU)
Device that takes binary input data and performs operations on that data from instructions stored in its memory, providing the results as an output
Todays microprocessors contain billions of transistors on a single chip, which can fit in hand
Allowed personal computers to become practical and affordable in late 70s and the 80s
Lead to presence of computers in our lives today
Next Generation of computers
Difficult to predict, ever-changing industry
Quantum computers, based on quantum mechanical principles, are promising
