The evolution of computers followed the evolution of society during the 20th and 21st centuries. However, the history of the computer did not begin only in modern times.
Remember that computers are electronic devices that receive, store and produce information automatically.
They are part of our daily lives, with an increasing number of computers used in the world.
Computer History
The word “computer” comes from the verb “compute” which, in turn, means “calculate”. Thus, we can think that the creation of computers begins in the old age, since the relationship of counting already intrigued men.
Thus, one of the first computing machines was the “abacus”, a mechanical instrument of Chinese origin created in the 5th century BC
Thus, it is considered the “first computer”, a kind of calculator that performed algebraic operations.
In the 17th century, Scottish mathematician John Napier was responsible for the invention of the “slide rule”. It is the first analog counting instrument capable of performing logarithmic calculations. This invention was considered the mother of modern calculators.
Around 1640, the French mathematician Pascal invented the first automatic calculating machine. This machine was being perfected in the following decades until reaching the concept we know today.
The first pocket calculator capable of performing the four main mathematical calculations, was created by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.
This German mathematician developed the first modern binary numbering system that became known as “Leibniz’s Wheel”.
The first programmable mechanical machine was introduced by the French mathematician Joseph-Marie Jacquard. It was a type of loom capable of controlling the making of fabrics through punched cards.
George Boole (1815-1864) was one of the founders of mathematical logic. This new area of mathematics has become a powerful tool in the design and study of electronic circuits and computer architecture.
In the 19th century, the English mathematician Charles Babbage created an analytical machine that, roughly speaking, is compared with the current computer with memory and programs.
Through this invention, some scholars consider him the “Father of Informatics”.
Thus, computing machines were increasingly including the variety of mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, square root, logarithms, etc.).
It is now possible to find very complex computing machines.
Evolution of Computers
The computer, as we know it today, has undergone several transformations and has been improving over time, following the advances in the areas of mathematics, engineering, electronics. That is why there is not only one inventor.
According to the systems and tools used, the history of computing is divided into four periods .
First Generation (1951-1959)
The first generation computers worked by means of electronic circuits and valves. They had restricted use, in addition to being immense and consuming a lot of energy.
An example is ENIAC ( Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer ) which consumed about 200 kilowatts and had 19,000 valves.
Second Generation (1959-1965)
Even with very large dimensions, the second generation computers worked by means of transistors, which replaced the valves that were bigger and slower. Commercial use has already begun to spread during this period.
Third Generation (1965-1975)
Third generation computers operated by integrated circuits. These replaced the transistors and already had a smaller size and greater processing capacity.
It was during this period that the chips were created and the use of personal computers began.
Fourth Generation (1975-to the present day)
With the development of information technology, computers decrease in size, increase the speed and capacity of data processing. Microprocessors with less and less energy are included.
In this period, more precisely from the 90’s, there is a great expansion of personal computers.
In addition, integrated software emerges and from the turn of the millennium, handheld computers begin to emerge. In other words, smartphones, iPod, iPad and tablets, which include a mobile connection with web browsing.
According to the above classification, we belong to the fourth generation of computers, which has revealed an incredible evolution in information systems.
Note that before the evolution of computers occurred more slowly. With the development of society we can see the evolution of these machines in days or months.
Some scholars prefer to add the “Fifth Generation of Computers” with the appearance of supercomputers, used by large corporations such as NASA.
In this generation, it is possible to evaluate the evolution of multimedia technology, robotics and the internet.
Digital inclusion
Digital inclusion is a concept that determines access to contemporary digital media and tools, just like the internet.
Thus, it aims at the democratization of technology based on the possibility of producing and disseminating knowledge to all citizens.