3
The Invention of the Computer• Who invented the
computer?– There is no simple answer
to this question.– Many inventors contributed
to the development of the computer.
• Important milestones in computer history include …
4
The Invention of the Computer
•In 1936, Konrad Zuse invented the first freely programmable computer.
5
The Invention of the Computer
•In 1946, John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert developed the ENIAC I (Electrical Numerical Integrator And Calculator) at the University of Pennsylvania.
6
The Invention of the Computer
•In 1951, John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert built the UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer), the first commercial computer, for Remington Rand.
7
The Invention of the Computer
•In 1953, IBM (International Business Machines) developed the 701 EDPM, the first commercially successful general-purpose computer (according to IBM, anyway).
8
The Invention of the Computer
•In 1974, the first personal computers (PCs) appeared.
–1974-1975: Scelbi, Mark-8, Altair, IBM 5100
–1976-1977: Apple I, Apple II, Commodore PET, and TRS-80
9
The Invention of the Computer
•In 1981, IBM released the IBM PC.
•In 1983, Apple released the Apple Lisa, the first home computer with a GUI (graphical user interface).
•In 1984, Apple released the Apple Macintosh, a more affordable home computer with a GUI.
10
The Invention of the Computer• To learn more about the
invention of the computer, visit:– The History of Computers –
Computer History Timeline
11
Definition of a Computer• A computer is an
electronic device that can input, process, output, and store data.
12
Different Types of Computers• There are four basic types
of computers:– Supercomputers– Mainframe computers– Minicomputers– Microcomputers
13
Different Types of Computers• Supercomputers
– Large, powerful computers used to perform specialized tasks
• Perform complex mathematical calculations
• Track weather patterns• Monitor satellites
– Fastest and most expensive
14
Different Types of Computers• Mainframe computers
– Large computers frequently found in businesses and colleges
– Intended for use by large numbers of people
– Capable of multitasking, i.e., performing more than one task at a time
– Capable of storing vast quantities of data
– Originally took up entire rooms, but now are much smaller
15
Different Types of Computers• Minicomputers
– Used in medium-sized businesses
– Have less storage capacity than mainframes
– Desktop computers than can be placed on your desktop, floor, or other flat surface
16
Different Types of Computers• Microcomputers
– Used by most people– Smallest of the four
categories of computers– Include:
• Desktop computers• Notebook computers (also
called laptops)• Tablet computers• Personal digital assistants
(PDAs) or handheld computers