History of Computing

Question 1

Early Counting tool for basic arithmetic

Answer 1

Abacus (1000–500 BC):

Question 2

First known analogue computer, used for astronimical calculations

Answer 2

Antikythera Mechanism (~100 BC):

Question 3

Who Built the first automatic mechanical calculator.

Answer 3

Wilhelm Schickard (1623):

Question 4

What calculation machine Performed addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Answer 4

Leibniz’s Calculating Machine (~1640):

Question 5

Charles Babbage

Answer 5

• 1822: Proposed the Difference Engine for automated calculations.
  
  • Mechanized entire series of calculations.
  • Featured storage for future use.
• 1837: Designed the Analytical Engine, the first programmable computing machine.
  
  • Components:
    
    • Input (Data and Instructions).
    • Store (Memory).
    • Mill (Processing Unit, akin to CPU).
    • Output (Results).
  • Developed Difference Engine No. 2 (1847–1849).

Question 6

Ada Lovelace

Answer 6

Collaborated with Babbage; the first computer programmer.
* Authored “Note G,” explaining how to calculate Bernoulli numbers using the Analytical Engine.
* Legacy as a visionary in computing.

Question 7

George Boole

Answer 7

in 1847
Developed Boolean Algebra: foundation of logical operations in computing.
* Represented objects and their relationships using symbols obeying algebraic laws.

Question 8

Claude Shannon

Answer 8

In 1936:
Applied Boolean Algebra to circuit design.
* Developed mathematical techniques to design electrical circuits for logical functions.
* His work transitioned circuit design from art to science.

Question 9

First Generation of Computing

Answer 9

Vacuum Tubes
UNIVAC (1951)
Challenges: Heat, size, reliability issues

Question 10

Second Generation of Computing

Answer 10

• Technology: Transistors.
• Example: IBM System 360.
  
  • Introduced the concept of a computer family.
• Advantages:
  
  • Reduced power consumption compared to vacuum tubes.

Question 11

Third Generation of Computing

Answer 11

• Technology: Integrated Circuits (ICs).
• Example: Cray-1, the first commercial supercomputer.
• Advantages:
  
  • Smaller, cheaper, and more reliable computers.

Question 12

Fourth Generation of Computing

Answer 12

Technology: Microprocessors.
* Example: IBM PC (open architecture).
* Milestone:
* Central Processing Unit (CPU) integrated into a single chip.

Question 13

Fifth Generation (present)

Answer 13

• Technology:
  
  • System-on-a-Chip (SoC): integrates all computer components on a single IC.
• Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence.