The Evoluton of the Information Machine

A Brief History of Computing …In which we find that computers are misnamed. For a more complete history, see Campbell-Kelly, M., & Aspray, W. (1996). Computer: a history of the information machine. ( ed.). New York, NY: BasicBooks.

At the start, it was a good name… The word “computer” was first used to refer to a person employed to make calculations. The meaning was extended to include mechanical calculating devices, such as slide rules, adding machines, etc. Inputs Compute Outputs Examples: Solving complex equations Calculating trajectories

From Computer to Information Machine Today, the ability to perform calculations is secondary Electronic computers primary function is the storage, manipulation, communication and presentation of information Kelly Garrett: Campbell-Kelly and Aspray p9,28

Storage and Interactivity Combining calculation and storage allows: Aggregation of inputs over time Delayed output Enhanced access Human involvement closes the loop Input Output More input …

The Modern Electronic Computer Modern computers rely on this combination of capabilities for most tasks. Word processing Financial analysis, payroll, and accounting Data management Scientific analysis The way that we interact with these machines has also evolved.

Multi-tasking Early computers were very expensive One computer shared by many people

Graphical User Interfaces GUI versus command line WIMP Windows Icon Mouse Pointer This is about to change?

Networked Computers Move (communicate) data Using phone lines, network wires, wireless, etc.

Current Trends Mobility Ubiquity Embedding Examples in the room?

Technical Enablers Better Engineering Infrastructure Investment Moore’s Law Double the performance every 12-18 months Infrastructure Investment Networks Mobile devices