History of Computers Week 1

Definition of a Computer uA computer is defined in the following ways u By the work it does u By the kind of information it handles u By its size and price

Particulars are Moving Targets uTechnology advances at exponential rates u Computer memory capacity quadruples every 3 years? u Computer processor speed doubles every 3 years? u Computer networks - number of hosts doubles every year

Moore’s Law uChip’s transistor densities double every 18 months at constant prices? uWhat does this mean?

Computer Networks uNetwork - two or more connected computers uPurpose - sharing or exchange of information and/or resources uBenefits u improved efficiency u reduces need for travel…

Computers and Networks uFacilitate u Concentration of knowledge and control u Distribution of knowledge and control uHave the power to u Amass and interrogate enormous volumes of data u Process data at enormous rates for real systems and simulations

Computers and Networks Challenge: uConstitutional definitions uSocial structures uLifestyle options

What is a Society? uA voluntary association of individuals for common ends uAn enduring and cooperating social group whose members have developed organized patterns of relationships through interaction with one another uA companionship with one’s fellows

What is a Society? uA part of a community that is a unit distinguishable by particular aims or standards of living or conduct uThe sum of human conditions and activity regarded as a whole functioning interdependently uThe customs and organization of an ordered community

How have Computers Affected Society? uWhat are the parts of a society? uWhat has been the affect of computers on these parts? u What are the benefits? u What are the problems? u What will happen next?

What about the Internet? uIn recent years this one area has affected society more than any other uHow? uWhat are the issues here?

The Parts of a Society uEducation uTransportation uPrivate Sector uBusiness uGovernment uEntertainment uHousing

The Parts of a Society uCurrency (banking) uJobs uSpace uMedicine uAnything else?

Technological Revolutions uAgricultural Revolution uIndustrial Revolution uComputational Revolution

Revolution Comparison uWorkforce distributionWorkforce distribution uProductivity benefits uBreadth of impact

Early Calculating Machines uAbacus uSlide rule uMechanical calculator uStepped reckoner uTextile industry - Jacquard Loom uDifference engine

Early Calculating Machines through those of today uAnalytical engine uThe 1890 Census machine uENIAC uThe transistor uThe Personal Computer (PC) uThe Internet

5 Generations of Modern Computers u1st Generation u Made to order operating instructions u Different binary coded programs told it how to operatebinary u Difficult to program and limited versatility and speed u Vacuum tubes Vacuum tubes u Magnetic drum storage

2nd Generation uTransistors uMemory - magnetic core uAssembly language uPrinters and memory uProgramming languages uCareers

3rd Generation uQuartz clock uIntegrated circuit uOperating systems

4th Generation now uLSI - Large Scale Integration uVLSI- Very Large Scale Integration uChip uGeneral consumer usage uNetworks

5th Generation uThis is the futurefuture uWhat will it be like? uWhat changes will be big enough to create this new generation?

Pioneers of Computing uCharles Babbage uKonrad Zuse uJohn von Neumann uAlan Turing uSteve JobsSteve Jobs

Important Machines uIBM 700 Series uIBM 360/370 Series uCDC star uCray 1 uDEC VAX uIBM PC uApple McIntosh

Taxonomy of Computers uMainframes uMinis uMicros uSupercomputers uEmbedded

Don’t Forget the Chip uComputers are used in many different technologies u For example: bread machine, ATM, cars, TV, microwave, cash register, ….. uHow has this utilization affected society?

Wirth’s Law uThe software gets slower faster than the hardware gets faster uWhat does this mean?

How Society Reacts to Revolutions uIncorporate benefits uCivilize change uCompensate injured uRegain balance

ATM Example uPositive u CONVENIENCE uNegative u Unemployment u Alienation and customer service u Crime u Loss of privacy u Errors

Reconsider the Problems uUnemployment -> more computer jobs uAlienation -> go during business hours uCrime -> add lights, change angle,etc. Weigh the positive against the negative

Solutions to Problems uTechnical uManagerial uLegal uMarket mechanisms uEducation

Issues to be Studied Due to Computers in Society uPrivacy of communications uIntellectual property uConstitutional issues uGeneral social issues uProfessional ethics