History of Computers Lecture Notes

Introduction

• The history of computers parallels the history of civilization.
• Key topics include:
  • Microsoft vs. Apple
  • Turing's machine
  • Role of Artificial Intelligence

Definition of a Computer

• A computer is a machine capable of:
  • Performing calculations
  • Saving data
  • Being programmed
• Integrated into daily objects (e.g., smartphones, TVs).
• In the 1980s, referred to as "calculators" in Italy.

Support Acknowledgment

• Thanks to Asus for supporting the video production.
• Testing the Asus Zenbook OLED for content creation.

Historical Context

The Abacus

• An early calculating tool used by Sumerians and Chinese since at least 2000 BC.

The Antikythera Mechanism

• An ancient mechanical calculator invented by the Greeks for astronomical calculations.

Mechanical Calculators

• 17th Century: Development of the Pascaline by Blaise Pascal, could add and subtract up to 12 digits.
  • Success led to production until the early 1900s.

Theoretical Foundations

• 1833: Charles Babbage designed the analytical machine, the first true computer, but it was never built.
• 1843: Ada Lovelace wrote the first computer program for the analytical machine.

Emergence of Data Processing

• 1889: Herman Hollerith's punched cards for the 1890 U.S. Census led to the creation of IBM.
• 1854: George Boole invented Boolean algebra, foundational for binary operations in computing.

Development of Programmable Computers

• 1939: Konrad Zuse introduced the Z1, the first true programmable computer.
• World War II: Alan Turing developed the Universal Turing Machine, leading to the Colossus computer for codebreaking.

Post-War Developments

• 1950s: Commercial computers began emerging; UNIVAC I was the first commercial computer sold.
• 1947: Invention of the transistor revolutionized computer size and efficiency.
• 1958: Introduction of the first integrated circuit.

Shift to Personal Computing

• 1965: Olivetti Programma 101, considered the first desktop computer.
• 1973: Xerox Alto introduced the first graphical user interface (GUI).
• 1976: Apple I launched by Steve Jobs.
• 1977: Apple II became a popular personal computer.

The Rise of Microsoft and Windows

• 1985: Bill Gates released Windows 1.0 as a GUI for DOS.
• 1995: Windows 95 marked a significant evolution, leading to widespread computer usage.

Integration into Daily Life

• 1980s: Computers became part of everyday life beyond technical use.
• Milestones:
  • Wi-Fi and mobile networks in the 2000s.
  • iPhone launched in 2007.
  • Rise of Artificial Intelligence in 2023.

Future of Computing

• AI's role is transforming computers to improve performance and usability.
• The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED integrates AI for enhanced user experience.
• The evolution of computing is ongoing, and there is no turning back to previous methods.

Conclusion

• The journey from the abacus to modern computers illustrates the evolution of technology and its impact on human activities.