History of Computers - Essay Example

HISTORY OF COMPUTERS of the of the Introduction A computer can be defined as a machine that is programmed so as to perform arithmetic or logical operations. The operational sequence can be randomly changed so computers are responsible for executing multiple tasks. Computer system comprise of one processing component known as central processing unit and some type of memory for storage operations. This study would highlight history of computers along with tasks undertaken by computer scientists. There are certain peripheral devices included in the system that facilitates acquiring information from different external sources. The study would even outline trend of computer science profession in next 10 years. Discussion The beginning stage of computers has its roots in 19th century. Its history is closely knitted with an English mathematics professor called as Charles Babbage. He was able to frame the design of an analytical machine. On basis of this framework computers are being designed in present scenario. Computers can briefly be categorized into three generations. Each generation basically lasts for a specific time frame. These generations individually has delivered improved and new computer or rather further modifications on existing ones. First generation was from 1937 to 1946. Electronic digital computer firstly was designed in 1937 by Clifford Berry and Dr. John V, Atanasoff. It was known as ABC or Atanasoff-Berry Computer. During 1943 for military purpose an electronic computer was designed called as Colossus. It was followed by wide range of other developments encompassing general purpose digital computer. This device was also known as Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer or ENIAC. It was stated that this computer had a total of 18,000 vacuum tubes and weighed 30 tons. These were mainly used for purpose of processing. Computers belonging to this generation were able to perform only one task at a time and possessed no such operating system. Second generation can be outlined from 1947 to 1962. In this generation vacuum tubes were discarded and transistors were utilized due to high reliability. The first computer mainly for commercial usage was introduced in 1951 and this was called as UNIVAC 1 or Universal Automatic Computer. IBM or International Business Machine 700 and 650 series had set their mark in world of computers. In this generation particularly more than 100 programming languages were created. This generation computers possessed operating systems and memory (Dale and Lewis, 2007). Storage media like disk and tape were effectively used along with printers being used for output. Third generation extends from 1963 to the present scenario. Computers of third generation were closely associated with evolution of integrated circuit. On basis of this invention computers began to become much smaller in size, more reliable, effectively running various programs simultaneously and more powerful. Microsoft Disk Operating System or MS-Dos was introduced in 1980. On the other hand, IBM invented personal computers for office and home usage in 1981. After this invention Apple had introduced Macintosh computers encompassing icon driven interface. This invention had provided large base of users with Windows operating system. There are various improvements linked with computer development and in present scenario computer is used in all possible areas (ITL Education Solutions Limited, 2011). Computer system is a productive tool and shall experience any form of new development in nearby future. Computer scientists are focused towards different subject areas related to computer science. This particular subject comprise of computer networks and systems, artificial intelligence, human computer interaction, database systems, numerical analysis, security, graphics and vision, software engineering, programming languages, computing theories and bioinformatics. The computer scientists are solely responsible for developing appropriate computer architecture and designing software configuration. New technologies and development are witnessed by common people due to innovative ideas given by computer scientists. These individuals cannot be contacted directly by users due to some technical problems being faced. They form the backbone of new technology being utilized by individuals located across the globe. In initial stage of invention computers did not possess any operating system or an efficient processor. However with the support of computer scientists there has been much effective operating system designed. This enabled users to explore different areas and even gain sufficient knowledge (Dagiene, 2006). The entire working of a computer system is structured with the help of computer scientists. They are highly experienced on wide array of programming languages that facilitates mitigating different form of external risks. Computer scientists even possess expertise in context of classic algorithms, mechanism of language translation and compilers, architectural design, etc. Computer science profession in the last few years has achieved high degree of success and growth. I have seen many of my friends shift to computer profession from other courses. This is simply because it is an innovative field where creative ideas not only needs to be shared but also has to be implemented. On the other hand, technology would only witness growth in coming years and hence it offers high amount of security. In the next 10 years computer science profession shall appear as an intensively competitive field. There would be more number of students who might desire to take up computer science. New innovations or developments may even enrich further computer science profession. Due to increasing competition only experienced and highly skilled individuals shall be selected for this profession. In current scenario there is a narrow area of computer science profession but in coming years more innovations would mean wide area of this significant profession. Hence it shall encompass more students who are opting for this profession in order to share their talent and ideas. Conclusion As per this study, computer system is an efficient device that stores large volume of data, processes them and transforms them into results. There is wide range of small innovations that has given birth to this unique system. In earlier years such efficient device was not designed because expertise or talent was not appropriate. However with the growth of technology new devices were introduced with better features and for commercial usage. Computer scientists are actively involved in designing these devices so as provide users with facilities which they require. In the coming years computer science profession would seek incomparable growth and development. References Dagiene, V. (2006). Information technology contests – introduction to computer science in an attractive way. Informatics in Education, 5 (1), pp. 37–46. Dale, N. B., and Lewis, J. (2007). Computer science illuminated. USA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. ITL Education Solutions Limited. (2011). Introduction to computer science. New Delhi: Pearson Education. Read More