Computing Timeline Preview for First Project
Earliest history Abacus – widely regarded as the first “calculating machine”. different forms through history still used today in some markets.
Mathematical Roots 12 th century, development of the concept of algorithm. Persian mathematics teacher (Baghdad) Muhammad ibn-Musa al-Khowarizm First step-by-step procedures for doing computations. The word, algorithm, is derived from his name.
17 th century – more computing machines Mathematical research in mechanizing calculation process. Computers were human and prone to error. Humans were slow computers. Names – Pascal, Napier, Oughtred, Liebnitz,
19 th Century Jacquard Loom – stored “programs” on punch cards More mathematics research Names – Babbage, Ada Augusta Lovelace, Boole, Hollerith (1890 census)
20 th Century Computing explosion First computers and changing technology Explosion in electronics and in software – many generations of technology. Some names, Zuse, Anastoff, Hopper, Gates, Jobs, Turing, von Neuman, Aiken, Codd, and many others.
Your first project Research a person or event in computing history. Use internet resources, but also may use any other resource that you like. I have a book in the library Computer Science Illuminated on 2 hour reserve which has some history in it. You must build a web page with your information. See detailed project specifications for what to include – coming shortly. Presentations in class on October 4.