H.O.C

What was the original meaning of the term "computer" in the 1800s?

"One who computes; a calculator, reckoner, specifically a person employed to make calculations in an observatory, in surveying, etc."

Who is Alan Turing? What is his significance in the history computers?

Alan Turing was a mathematical genius, he designed a machine called the "Bombe" which was used to help break the German enigma code in WWII; he also came up with the statistical theory used in the creation of "Colossus" called Turingery. The Colossus was the world's first electronic digital computer that was at all programmable.

Who was Charles Babbage? What is his contribution in the history of computers?

Babbage credited with developing the first mechanical computer called the "difference engine." He later designed an "analytical engine" which would use preprogrammed punch cards to perform calculations.

Describe the development by Bell Labs in 1947 that significantly impacted the development of computers.

Bell Labs invented the transistor. An electronic device which replaced vacuum tubes as electronic gates. They were smaller, cheaper, used far less power and were more reliable.

Explain the basic nature of computer logic.

Computer logic is based on the binary system of 0s and 1s, which represent off-on states, or open-closed states

What is an integrated circuit? When was it developed? Why is it important?

Developed in 1958 and 1959, the integrated circuit combined several electronic components, such as capacitors, transistors and resistors, onto a single chip. This greatly reduced power consumption, simplified designs and reduced the cost of manufacturing.

Describe ENIAC. What made it a significant development?

Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer. It was developed during WWII to speed up the calculation of artillery firing tables. Developed by John Mauchly and John Eckert. It was much larger than Colossus and had over 10,000 vacuum tubes and was over a 100 feet long.

Describe the main components of all modern computers as outlined by John von Neumann.

He articulated the basic architecture of modern stored-program computers, which include a control unit, an arithmetic unit, memory, input and output. The program instructions and numbers are held in memory, interpreted by the control unit, arithmetic unit performs calculations, the programs and data are read into the input unit and results are delivered to the output unit.

Describe the machine invented by Herman Hollerith for the 1890 US census.

Hollerith invented a tabulating machine using punch cards and electrical contact switches for in the US census of 1890. He later founded the Tabulating Machine Company in 1896, which later became IBM.

What were the two decisions made by IBM in its introduction of the IBM PC that greatly effected the development of affordable personal computers?

IBM used an open architecture, which meant others could design components that would work with IBM PCs, as well as allowed for the reverse engineering of the IBM design, which led directly to the development of clone computers. This spurred development, as well as increasing competition, which further lowered the price of PCs. It also decided not to develop the OS in house, but contracted with Microsoft for this. This allowed Microsoft to provide the software for competing IBM compatible designs.

Describe at least three likely developments in computing over the next 10 to 20 years. (Come up with your own.)

In the next 10 to 20 years will see the development of (1) molecular-based microprocessors, and away from silicon-based chips. The amount of computing power will increase many many times. (2) Wireless will be the dominant standard and connectivity will be even more embedded into our everyday lives, from our homes, cars and personal devices. (3) The distinction between human and artificial intelligence will become less clear. (These are just suggestions, not fully developed ideas. You need to present your ideas in much greater detail.)

What is the Altair and why is it notable in the history of computers?

The Altair was the first commercially available and affordable personal computer. It came as a kit, and was operated by a series of switches.

Who developed the Alto? Describe its importance to the development of the personal computer.

The Alto was developed by Xerox PARC. It was important because it included a GUI, mouse, Ethernet and Laser printing, all technologies that greatly influenced Steve Jobs and the development of the Macintosh, and eventually the Microsoft OS and all other OSs that came after.

What next significant development in computing introduced by Apple Computer in 1984 and what made it significant?

The Macintosh computer, with its Graphical User Interface, the use of a mouse, menus and icons, which made computers much easier to use.

Explain how the development of the Internet impacted the widespread use of the personal computer.

The development of the internet allowed for the widespread connection of disparate users and the formation of "online communities," the dissemination of information, and access to resources worldwide.

What was the first mass produced personal computer? Who developed it?

The first mass produced personal computer was the Apple II, developed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.

Who invented the computer mouse and when?

The mouse was invented in 1964 by Douglas Engelbart.

What as the impact of Intel's 4004 integrated circuit in 1971?

This integrated circuit was important because it was the first mass-produced microprocessor. It spurred the development of other microprocessors, such as the Z-80, as well as the development of the affordable personal computer.

What was the claim to fame of UNIVAC?

Universal Automatic Computer developed by Mauchly and Eckert as a commercial venture. Its great innovation was the introduction of magnetic tape for storage instead of punch cards. And it made a remarkable prediction that earned it everlasting fame. (What?)