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Evolution and Milestones in Computer History

Mar 16, 2025

History of Computers

Overview

  • The history of computers is vast and intertwined with civilization.
  • Topics of interest include:
    • Microsoft vs. Apple rivalry
    • Turing's machine
    • Role of Artificial Intelligence

Definition of a Computer

  • Computer: A machine for calculations, data storage, and programming.
  • Present in daily objects and social media usage.
  • In the 1980s, referred to as "calculator" in Italy.

Early Calculating Devices

Abacus

  • Used by Sumerians and Chinese since 2000 BC.
  • Considered the early form of a computing device.

Antikythera Mechanism

  • Ancient Greek mechanical calculator.
  • Used for astronomical calculations.

Pascaline (17th Century)

  • Invented by Blaise Pascal.
  • First mechanical calculator that added and subtracted.

Theoretical Foundations

Analytical Machine (1833)

  • Designed by Charles Babbage.
  • Could perform calculations and save data.
  • Ada Lovelace wrote the first algorithm for it.

Hollerith's Tabulator (1890)

  • Used punched cards for data processing during the 1890 census.
  • Founded the company that became IBM.

Boolean Algebra (1854)

  • Invented by George Boole.
  • Fundamental for modern computing using binary (0s and 1s).

Development of Modern Computers

Z1 (1939)

  • First true programmable computer by Konrad Zuse.
  • Significance during World War II.

Alan Turing and the Colossus

  • Key figure in computer science.
  • Developed the Universal Turing Machine.
  • Colossus helped decode enemy messages during WWII.

Mid-20th Century Innovations

  • UNIVAC I: First commercial computer (1950s).
  • Transistor: Invented in 1947, replaced vacuum tubes.
  • Integrated Circuit: Invented in 1958, reduced size and increased efficiency.

1960s and 70s Developments

Olivetti Programma 101 (1965)

  • Considered the first desktop computer.

Xerox Alto (1973)

  • First personal computer with a graphical interface.

Apple Computers

  • Apple I: Released in 1976, produced 200 units.
  • Apple II: Launched in 1977, affordable all-in-one PC.

IBM PC and MS DOS

  • IBM PC (1981) became a household name with multiple operating systems.

Portable Computers

Osborne 1 (1981)

  • First portable computer, became commercially successful.

The Rise of Graphical User Interfaces

  • Xerox Star launched the graphical interface (1981).
  • Apple Lisa (1983) refined this technology.
  • Macintosh (1984) introduced affordable personal computing.

Microsoft and Windows

  • Bill Gates focused on software rather than hardware.
  • Windows 1.0 (1985) as a graphical interface for DOS.
  • Windows 95 revolutionized PC usage for the general public.

Major Milestones in Computing

  1. Wi-Fi and Mobile Networks (2000s)
  2. iPhone Launch (2007) - Revolutionized personal device usage.
  3. Artificial Intelligence (2023) - Newly integrated into devices like the ASUS Zenbook.

Conclusion

  • Computers evolved from technical tools to everyday devices.
  • Continuous improvement in technology will shape future computing experiences.

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