Evolution of Computers and its applications

Evolution of Computers and its applications


  • Blaise Pascal invented the first mechanical adding machine in 1642
  • Baron Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz invented the first calculator for multiplication in 1671
  • Keyboard machines originated in the United States around 1880
  • Around 1880, Herman Hollerith came up with the concept of punched cards that were extensively used as input media until late 1970s
  • Charles Babbage is considered to be the father of modern digital computers
    • He designed “Difference Engine” in 1822
    • He designed a fully automatic analytical engine in 1842 for performing basic arithmetic functions
    • His efforts established a number of principles that are fundamental to the design of any digital computer

    Some Well Known Early Computers

    • The Mark I Computer (1937-44)
    • The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (1939-42)
    • The ENIAC (1943-46)
    • The EDVAC (1946-52)
    • The EDSAC (1947-49)
    • Manchester Mark I (1948)
    • The UNIVAC I (1951)
    Computer Generation
    • “Generation” in computer talk is a step in technology. It provides a framework for the growth of computer industry
    • Originally it was used to distinguish between various hardware technologies, but now it has been extended to include both hardware and software
    • Till today, there are five computer generations