History and Impact of Computing - Essay Example

History and Impact of Computing Introduction The term computer initially meant a person proficient in performing arithmetical calculations using a mechanical computing device. The basis of computers development was set back in the era before Christ. The history of computers dates back to the 1640s following the development of a mechanical arithmetical machine. The history of computer advancement is frequently used to refer to the various generations of computing devices. There were five main generations of computers with each generation characterized by a crucial technological breakthrough that altered the way computers operate leading in increasingly smaller, inexpensive, powerful, efficient, and reliable devices (Isaacson, 2011, p. 546). First Generation (1940-1955) Vacuum Tubes These first computers utilized vacuum tubes in their circuitry and their memories comprised of magnetic drums. These first computers were often massive, taking a lot of space. They were expensive to run and, in addition to consuming enormous amounts of electricity these computers generated immense heat, which often led to their malfunctions. The first generation computers depended on machine code language; a low-level programming language only understood by computers, to execute their operations, and hence they were able to solve a single problem at a time. The computers input used paper tapes and punched cards while their output was presented on printouts. ENIAC and UNIVAC computers are some of the first generation computing gadgets. The UNIVAC was the earliest commercial computer distributed to a business client, the United States Bureau of Census in 1951. Second Generation (1955-1963) Transistor Computers In the succeeding generation of computers, transistors replaced vacuum tubes in the computers circuitry. Transistors were initially invented in 1947 but received minimal use in computers until late 1950s. Transistors were far more superior compared to vacuum tubes, allowing the computers to be smaller, cheaper, faster, reliable, and with increased energy efficiency as compared their former generation predecessors. Although the transistors also generated plenty of heat which exposes the computers to the damage, they were a significant improvement in comparison to the vacuum tubes. The second generation computers also used the punched cards for their input and printouts as their outputs. The second generation computers shifted from obscure binary machine code language to symbolic, an assembly language that allows programmers to stipulate instructions in the form of words. FORTRAN, COBOL, and other High-level Programming language were also under developed during this period. These were the first computers which stored instructions in their memories, which had also moved from magnetic drums to magnetic core technology. The initial computers in this generation were meant for the atomic energy industries. Third Generation (1964-1970) Integrated Circuits Computers Integrated Circuits (ICs) development was the essential characteristic of the third generation computers. Miniaturized transistors were installed on silicon semiconductor chips, which increased efficiency and speed of computers. The third generation computers interacted with their users through monitors and keyboards interfaced through an operating system instead of the printouts and punch cards. These new features allowed the computers to run different applications at the same time with an inner program which monitored the memory. The third generation computers became handy to a mass of the audience since they were cheaper and smaller than their predecessors. Fourth Generation (1970- Present) The fourth generation computers were brought by the development of microprocessors. Microprocessors allowed thousands of integrated circuits to be built on a single silicon chip. A device that consumed the whole room in the first generation computers could be now developed on the palm of a hand. Intel 4004 chip, created in 1971, allowed all the components in a computer, from memory and central processing unit to the input and output devices, to be constructed on a single chip. IBM, in 1981, introduced its first home user computer, and later in 1984, Apple launched the Macintosh. Microprocessors moved from the realms of desktop computers to the numerous fields of life where more products began to employ them in their design. As these miniature computers became more compelling, they could be connected together to form a network, which resulted in the development of the internet. The fourth generation computers also witness the development of handheld, mouse and GUIs devices. Fifth Generation Computers The fifth generation computing devices are based on artificial intelligence and are still under development. Although, there are applications, for instance voice recognition, which utilizes artificial intelligence. The application of superconductors and parallel processing has assisted artificial intelligence grow into a reality. Nanotechnology, molecular and Quantum computation will drastically change the facade of computers in the coming years. The objective of the fifth generation computing is to create devices which respond to natural language inputs and are able to learn and organize themselves with minimal human interruption. The developments in computers will continue, probably till the day when their processing capability equals human intelligence (Edwin, 2001, p. 156). Impacts of Computing to the Society Computers and the Internet touch almost all aspects of people’s lives. It is unusual to come across a company or household that does not incident routine application of a computer in one way or another. Technology has offered consent to higher levels of proficiency and convenience. A lot of people now find it extremely difficult to revert to an era where computers are non-existence. Moreover, the society has grown accustomed to an on-demand solutions or answers to services or requests and the internet has offered the platform to fulfill these needs. Computers have impacted people’s lives on a large scale. Computers serve as a convenient and quick means of getting things worked out. The computer has been broadly considered as one of the greatest human inventions in the 21st century; however, it is also accused of the numerous present problems and tragedies. Effects of computer technological advancements will continue to change the world either positively or negatively (Fred, 2006, p. 103). Positive impact of Computers Computers and the Internet come with a lot of benefits. The efficiency, convenience and productivity presented by technology are unlike any other experienced in history. Moreover, the wealth information available on the internet surpasses what can be measured. People have access to a wide range of resources to search what they may want to know. Prior to computers and the Internet, people had to travel physically to banks, shops, file requests or take care of some legal requirements. However, today people do not have to travel long distances in order to get the legal requirements, all they have to do is to log online and perform their businesses from the comforts of their homes. The computers processing capabilities allow tasks to be completed at fast speeds. Transactions, which used to be handled by hand, can now be done rapidly and electronically through computers. Computer technologies also stream the way information is transferred and compiled since it is quick. Moreover, the response time is fast in many kinds of transactions involved. Other effects include the ability of people to converse and connect or share information with one another (Fred, 2006, p. 105). Negative Impacts of Computing Unfortunately, in spite of all the positive effects associated with computers and the Internet, some drawbacks are also evident. These are problems the society has to compete with so as to attain the benefits associated with computers and the Internet. Security is among the prominent drawbacks that emerge with advances in technology. Many criminal elements in the society have discovered brilliant ways to harm and exploit others using the computer and internet as a weapon rather than being the tool it was intended to be. Crimes such as hacking, embezzlement, identity theft, and other forms of monetary thefts have increased the dangers of doing on-line businesses. Complacency is also another negative effect resulting from technology advancements. While advancements in technology enhance people’s quality of life, questions arise as to whether or not the society should be so dependent on the computers rather than think on itself. A lot of people operate on the perception that the computer is always correct, and this could be a terrible notion (Fred, 2006, p. 106). Conclusion Computers and the Internet use have profoundly changed how people in the society carry out their everyday life. From completing homework assignments to surfing the Internet and compiling data into business spreadsheets, computers have become a viral part of the society’s daily life. Computers are used for communication, business tool, recreation, and also in the fields of medicine. The society has made remarkable advancements in technology since the development of computers and the Internet. It is also essential to note that although, computers have improved the way things are done in people’s daily lives, and they also have hindered people’s abilities to make use of their resources. People ought to cautiously embrace the changes in technology and make necessary adjustments so as to deal effectively with the trade-offs associated with the advancements (Isaacson, 2011, p.654) References Black, Edwin. (2001). IBM and the Holocaust: The Strategic Alliance between Nazi Germany and Americas most Powerful Corporation. New York: Random House Large Print. Isaacson, W. (2011). Steve Jobs. New York: Simon & Schuster. Turner, Fred. (2006). From Counterculture to Cyberculture: Stewart Brand, the Whole Earth Network, and the Rise of Digital Utopianism. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Read More