History of Computers
Module 1
Section 1
Source: http:// nfo.lindows.com/examples/powerpoint_example2.ppt
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What Is a Computer?
• An electronic machine, operating under the
control of instructions stored in its own
memory, that can accept data (input),
manipulate data according to specified rules
(process), produce results (output), and
store the results for future use
http://avconline.avc.edu/abeyer/Web%20Slides/Chp1/img3.jpg
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Definition of a Computer
• A computer is defined in the following
ways
– By the work it does
– By the kind of information it handles
– By its size and price
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Categories of Computers
• Mainframes and PCs that run
application software
• Embedded chips that control machines
• Internet or cyberspace
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Particulars are Moving Targets
• Technology advances at exponential
rates
– Computer memory capacity quadruples
every 3 years
– Computer processor speed doubles every
3 years
– Computer networks – number of hosts
double every year
• Principles are converging
– What is good and moral?
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Moore’s Law
• Chip’s transistor density doubles
every 18 months at constant
prices
• What does this mean?
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Computer Networks
• Network – two or more
connected computers
• Purpose - sharing or exchange
of information and/or resources
• Benefits
– Improved efficiency
– Reduces need for travel…
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Course Objectives
• Explore applications of
computers in many areas
• Gain increased awareness of
impact of computer technology
on society
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Course Focus
• Benefits offered by computer
technology
• Problems posed by computer
technology
• Hardware and software systems
that make it possible
• Future of computers in society
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Computers and Networks
• Facilitate
– Concentration of knowledge and control
– Distribution of knowledge and control
• Have the power to
– Amass and interrogate enormous
volumes of data
– Process data at enormous rates for real
systems and simulations
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Computers and Networks
Challenge:
• Constitutional definitions
• Social structures
• Lifestyle options
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References
Definition of computer
http://www.google.com/search?q=define:computer
History of computer
http://www.computerhistory.org/timeline/
http://www.pbs.org/nerds/timeline/
Computer Laws
http://www.sysprog.net/quotlaws.html
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