The History, Aspects, and Impact of Computer Technology
Computer users of today probably think computers have been developed within the 20th century. Surprisingly, computers originated before the birth of Jesus Christ. Computers are an essential part of each and every day in our modern life. They entertain, educate, assist in daily tasks and in many instances, fascinate us with their capabilities. They can be found almost everywhere. Computers are the basis for PDA's, which are used by many busy people to schedule their work and life appointments; air traffic control systems, that direct airplanes in their movement; satellites, that keep us in communication with the rest of the world; information systems which aid manufacturing, and in the systems which aid in health care. Computer technology has made rapid advances within the last seventy-five years. Let's examine the development of computers throughout history.A computer is a machine that performs rational calculations. A "computer" may be able to process information to perform repetitive tasks, as well as store information. Computers can be as simple as pebbles, systematically placed on stones, to as complex as massive machines, processing and storing large amounts of data. Computers may require many operators or operate
The future of computers is somewhat vague and unpredictable to the novice. After understanding capabilities of today's computers, it is difficult to imagine further major development. HAL 9000, a fictional, fifth generation computer from Arthur C. Clarke's novel, 2001: A Space Odyssey, is able to understand and carry on dialogue with humans. It is even able to learn from its encounters. The fifth generation is the future of computer development and will probably utilize new computer languages, use of artificial intelligence, and have voice recognition. In addition, parallel processing and superconductor technology will greatly enhance information flow in the future. During the 1970's, a new trend occurred. There was a change to move away from large, single-purpose computers to smaller, cheaper computers with a wider range of use. This began in 1965 with the creation of the first minicomputer, called the DEC PDP8, by the Digital Equipment Corporation. IBM then built the first true microcomputer in 1981. This new computer was called the IBM PC and was considered the first personal computer. In addition, the Ethernet was designed in 1973. It is now used for most LANs (Local Area Networks), and assists in linking small personal computers together or by linking small computers to large computers. Programming for personal computers flourished after the first programs, such as WordStar, were successful. WordStar, the first computer word processor, became WordPerfect some years later, and lead to Microsoft Word, which is used today. The Lotus 1-2-3 software, a spreadsheet program, became the first major application package in 1982. In 1984, the first Apple Macintosh was released and was to be considered to be the first computer that was truly usable. By the 1950s, the commercialism of computers began. In 1951, the Universal Automatic Computer, UNIVAC I, was produced by the Remington Rand Corporation. The United States Bureau of the Census first utilized it. It was the first commercially built computer in the United States and gained much respect in many fields, such as science, the armed forces, and within many large corporations. It was able to do over 2000 calculations a second. Other commercial computers were quick to follow. In 1952, the IBM 701 computer was introduced by the IBM Corporation. It was advertised to be able to add a column of ten-digit numbers taller than the Statue of Liberty in approximately one second. This began IBM's business in the computer industry. By 1955, the new craze was the IBM 704, which was able to operate at the speed of 5 kFLOPS. In 1957, a new computer language, FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslater), was introduced. This became a popular language and is still in usage today. Current computers have many options. These options may range from the amount of RAM to the actual speed of the computer. Several components determine how your computer works. These are called the internal components. Internal components include: the case, power supply, CPU (Central Processing Unit), CPU cooling fan, motherboard, main memory, video card, I/O (Input/Output) card, floppy drive, hard drive, CD-ROM drive, sound card, network card, and now the DVD-ROM drive. The case is the large box wherein all components are located. The power supply gives energy to the entire computer. The power supply usually has many color bundles protruding from it. The CPU or Central Processing Unit is the brain inside the machine. The CPU cooling fan removes heat from t
Some common words found in the essay are:
Data Inc, Christ Computers, Space Odyssey, Internet Internet, Greek MU, I/O Input/Output, Alexandria Egypt, Gottfried Leibniz, IDE SCSI, CD's Sound, computer development, floppy drive, hard drive, power supply, development computers, computer able, central processing unit, i/o input/output card, modern world, cpu central, central processing, computer hardware, advances computer hardware, cpu central processing, cpu cooling fan,
Approximate Word count = 2367
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)
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