History of Computing - 3.2 | 3. Introduction to Computer Architecture | Computer Organisation and Architecture - Vol 1
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3.2 - History of Computing

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Interactive Audio Lesson

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Foundations of Computing

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we'll start with the foundational figures in computing. To begin, does anyone know who is considered the father of computing?

Student 1
Student 1

Is it Charles Babbage?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Charles Babbage designed the first mechanical computer, called the Analytical Engine, in the 1830s. It introduced concepts of an automatic calculating device. What do you think made it significant?

Student 2
Student 2

It was probably the fact that it could perform calculations automatically, unlike manual methods.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! It represented a crucial shift towards automation. To remember Babbage's key contribution, think of the acronym **ACE**—Analytical Engine. Now, can anyone tell me about Ada Lovelace?

Student 3
Student 3

She created the first programming language!

Teacher
Teacher

Right again! Ada Lovelace is credited with developing the first algorithm intended for implementation on Babbage's engine. Let's recap: Babbage is known for the Analytical Engine, and Lovelace developed early programming concepts.

Data Input Methods

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Teacher
Teacher

Now that we've talked about early computing concepts, let's discuss how information was inputted into these devices. What did Hollerith introduce?

Student 4
Student 4

He introduced the punched card system for data storage, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! The punched card system allowed data to be encoded and read by machines. A great way to remember it is **PUNCH**—Punched card Unit for Numerical Computing History. Why do you think this was revolutionary?

Student 1
Student 1

Because it automated data processing and was used in census data collection.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! This system was crucial for the development of IBM and modern data processing techniques. Great discussion!

Evolution of Electronic Computers

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Teacher
Teacher

Let's move on to electronic computers. The first of these was ENIAC. Who can tell me what ENIAC stands for?

Student 2
Student 2

Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer!

Teacher
Teacher

That's right! ENIAC was built during World War II and is regarded as the first fully electronic computer. Can anyone explain its significance?

Student 3
Student 3

It was significant because it could perform thousands of calculations per second, which was far superior to earlier machines.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! This represents a leap in computational power. Now, think of the acronym **ENIAC**—Essential for Numerical Integration And Calculation.

Microprocessor Development

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Teacher
Teacher

As we reach more modern times, let's discuss microprocessors beginning with the Intel 4004. What do you know about this early processor?

Student 4
Student 4

It was one of the first microprocessors developed in 1971 and had 2,300 transistors!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! This is where the miniaturization of computer technology began. Can anyone explain how this relates to Moore's Law?

Student 1
Student 1

Moore's Law states that the number of transistors on a chip would double approximately every two years, leading to more powerful processors.

Teacher
Teacher

Perfect! To remember this, think of **DOUBLE** — Doubling of transistors in a given space leads to Better processing power. Let's summarize what we've learned.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section explores the evolution of computing, highlighting pivotal figures and milestones from the early calculations to modern processors.

Standard

The History of Computing section outlines significant developments in computing technology, emphasizing influential mathematicians and engineers such as Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace. Key contributions like the Analytical Engine, punched card systems, and the emergence of early electronic computers are discussed, culminating in the evolution from basic computing models to today's advanced microprocessors.

Detailed

History of Computing

This section details the evolution of computing, starting with early mechanical devices designed for calculations. Notably, Charles Babbage is recognized as the 'father of computing' for his invention of the Analytical Engine in the 1830s, which paved the way for automatic computing. Ada Lovelace, known for creating the first programming language, Ada, developed concepts for controlling these early devices.

The section further explains how Herman Hollerith introduced the punched card system for data storage in the late 19th century, which was pivotal for IBM's early products.

The ENIAC, developed during World War II, is highlighted as the first electronic digital computer, followed by innovations such as the UNIVAC and early microprocessors like the Intel 4004.

As technology progressed from mechanical and electromechanical systems to vacuum tubes and eventually transistors, the section emphasizes the significant reduction in computing size and an exponential increase in processing speed.

Moore's Law, observed by Gordon Moore in 1965, predicted the doubling of transistors on integrated circuits every two years, further driving computing advancements.

The narrative concludes with a timeline of Intel's microprocessors, illustrating how the architecture and performance have evolved from simple 4-bit systems to today's complex multi-core processors.

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Audio Book

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The Beginning: Charles Babbage

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So if you look it in most of the cases we know that Charles Babbage is considered as a father of computing in most of the book you are going to have these things. So Charles Babbage has defined a calculating devices in 1830, he is a British mathematicians we are doing calculating we know we are doing many more job with pen and paper you say that why you cannot do it automatically. So for that he is coming up with a calculating device and this is called as your analytical engine and the era of this particular automatic computing started somewhere in 1830.

Detailed Explanation

Charles Babbage is known as the father of computing for his invention of the Analytical Engine in 1830. This device was a significant leap towards automating calculations that had previously been done manually with pen and paper. Babbage’s vision for a mechanical computer marked the beginning of the computing era.

Examples & Analogies

Think of Babbage's Analytical Engine like the first calculator. Just as calculators replace the need to perform calculations by hand, Babbage's invention aimed to automate complex calculations, paving the way for future computers.

Programming and Lady Ada Lovelace

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Then we are having the concept of our programming how to program these things how to control this particular calculating devices. For that that Lady Augusta Ada has come up with this particular programming concept. So we are having an initial programming language called Ada that is also somewhere in between 1816 to 1852. So she developed a computer programming language called Ada and we have started with Ada, but nowadays Ada we are not used it.

Detailed Explanation

Lady Augusta Ada Lovelace is recognized for her contributions to computer programming, having developed one of the first programming languages named Ada. This language was based on Babbage's Analytical Engine and is significant because it introduced concepts of programming and algorithms, which are fundamental to computer science today.

Examples & Analogies

Consider Ada’s work like creating a recipe for a dish. Just as a recipe provides precise instructions to prepare a meal, Ada's programming language provided a way to give instructions to a computer to perform specific tasks.

Data Input: Punched Card System

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So we are having the issues how to give input to the computer how to put all the information in a computer so that computer can operate. For that we need some mechanism. So Herman Hollerith developed this particular punched card system to store our data. So what it basically does depending on my information we put those things in a paper through holes. So we punch the card and once we punched the entire information in the card then the state of the card will be given to the computer and the computer reads from that particular card.

Detailed Explanation

Herman Hollerith invented the punched card system which allowed data to be stored and input into computers through physical cards with holes representing information. This method was crucial for early data processing and served as a foundation for future input techniques.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine the punched cards as tickets for a concert. Each ticket holds information about the concertgoer, and just as tickets are scanned for entry, punched cards had to be read by computers to process the information stored in them.

Advancements in Computing Machines

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Another machine has been developed by Atanasoff Berry computer known as Atanasoff berry computer is the name given to the experimental machine for solving simultaneous linear equations. So to solve simultaneous linear equation Dr. John Vincent Atanasoff and Clifford E. Berry developed a particular machine. So this is also known as the initials of this particular name ABC. So this is another computing machine that we have in our history which is known as your ABC Atanasoff berry computer and it can solve simultaneous linear equation.

Detailed Explanation

The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) was an experimental machine developed in the late 1930s that was capable of solving simultaneous linear equations. This machine is significant in computing history as it was one of the first electronic digital computers.

Examples & Analogies

Think of the ABC like a very advanced calculator that can handle complicated math problems that regular calculators couldn't manage easily. It marked the transition into using electronics for computations, rather than just mechanical methods.

Logical Foundations: Boolean Algebra

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Then we are coming to the George Boole invention. So this English gentlemen are mathematicians come up with the Boolean algebra and that Boole’s theory is basically used to solve our algebraic problem. So this is the interfacing between our logic and computing.

Detailed Explanation

George Boole introduced Boolean algebra, which is a branch of mathematics that deals with true or false values (1 and 0). This algebra forms the basis for modern computing, enabling logical operations that are fundamental to computer programming and circuit design.

Examples & Analogies

Think of Boolean algebra like a light switch. It can either be 'on' (1) or 'off' (0), allowing computers to perform decisions in programming, like whether to perform an action based on certain conditions.

First Full-Scale Computers: Mark I and ENIAC

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Then finally, the first computers comes in 1944 which is your Mark I. It was developed in 1944 the Harvard Mark I designed primarily by professor Harvard Aiken this is launched today. So this is the view of the computer it is a very big machine so it is a programmable electromechanical calculator designed by Professor Harvard Aiken built by IBM and installed in Harvard university in 1944 just I am just distrbuting just giving the diagram.

Detailed Explanation

The Mark I, developed in 1944, was the first large-scale, programmable digital computer. It demonstrated the capabilities of computers to handle complex calculations automatically. Following this, ENIAC was created as the first fully electronic digital computer in the US.

Examples & Analogies

Picture the Mark I as a giant mechanical calculator, like a massive scientific calculator that could perform complex equations faster than people could do manually. ENIAC followed and was like putting a turbo engine in that complex calculator, making it even faster and more efficient.

Evolution of Computers: From Vacuum Tubes to Microprocessors

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Now I look into it then you can categorize the computer into different categories so till now have seen the early histories only now we will see how you are coming to the present level. So in early period till 1940 the technology used is your electrical and mechanical and electromechanical.

Detailed Explanation

The evolution of computers can be categorized into generations based on the technology used. Early computers relied on mechanical and electromechanical components, which transitioned into using vacuum tubes, and eventually to transistors and integrated circuits, leading to modern microprocessors.

Examples & Analogies

Think of this evolution like the development of smartphones. Early models had basic functions, but as technology improved, features multiplied, and they became more powerful and compact, just like computers progressed from bulky machines to today's portable laptops and tablets.

Moore’s Law and the Advancements in Technology

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Now, Moore's law reads us like that Moores law refers to an observation made by Intel cofounder Gordon Moore in 1965, so way back in 1965 Moore has observed something. He noticed that the number of transistors per square inch on integrated circuits has doubled every 2 years.

Detailed Explanation

Moore's Law describes the exponential growth of technology where the number of transistors on microchips doubles approximately every two years, leading to increased performance and capabilities of computers. This trend continues to shape the tech industry today.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine planting seeds in a garden. If each seed grows produces two new seeds every two years, your garden will quickly become a lush forest. Similarly, Moore's Law illustrates how rapidly technology can expand and improve over time.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Analytical Engine: Charles Babbage's early mechanical computer that symbolizes the start of modern computing.

  • Punched Card System: Early data input method developed by Herman Hollerith that revolutionized data processing.

  • ENIAC: First electronic computer that demonstrated the potential of electronic circuitry in computing.

  • Microprocessor: The heart of modern computers, integrating all functions of a CPU into a single chip.

  • Moore's Law: Prediction about the growth of processing power in chips, illustrating rapid technological advancement.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • The Analytical Engine is an example of how early computing envisaged automation in calculations.

  • ENIAC serving military purposes during WWII exemplifies the early practical application of electronic computing.

  • The evolution from the 4004 microprocessor to contemporary multi-core processors illustrates Moore's Law in action.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Babbage’s machine, a dream, / Computational logic supreme, / With Lovelace programming well, / History's best story to tell.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • In the 1830s, a mathematician named Charles Babbage dreamt of a machine that could calculate automatically. He called it the Analytical Engine, and with Ada Lovelace by his side, they opened a new chapter in technology, one filled with endless possibilities.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • E.N.I.A.C. – Every Notable Innovation Advancing Computing.

🎯 Super Acronyms

ACE – Analytical Engine & Computing Excellence.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Analytical Engine

    Definition:

    A mechanical general-purpose computer designed by Charles Babbage in the 1830s, considered a precursor to modern computers.

  • Term: Punched Card System

    Definition:

    An early method of inputting data into computers using cards with holes punched to represent information.

  • Term: ENIAC

    Definition:

    The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, known as the first electronic general-purpose computer.

  • Term: Microprocessor

    Definition:

    A small chip that contains the functions of a computer's central processing unit (CPU).

  • Term: Moore's Law

    Definition:

    An observation made by Gordon Moore that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles approximately every two years.