1. The Evoluton of the Information Machine

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 …

6. 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.

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

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

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

10. Current Trends
Mobility
Ubiquity
Embedding
Examples in the room?

11. Technical Enablers Better Engineering Infrastructure Investment
Moore’s Law
Double the performance every months
Infrastructure Investment
Networks
Mobile devices