History of computer could be traced back to the effort of man to count large numbers. This process of counting of large numbers generated various systems of numeration like Babylonian system of numeration, Greek systems of numeration, Roman system of numeration and Indian system of numeration. Out of these the Indian system of numeration has been accepted universally. It is the basis of modern decimal system of numeration (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9). Later you will know how the computer solves all calculations based on decimal system. However, you will be surprised to know that the computer does not understand the decimal system and uses binary system of numeration for processing.
(a) Calculating Machines
The term computer computer has its origin in the word “compute” in English. The earliest computer or, say, the first computer in the world was ENIAC. Its full name was “Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer”. This computer was built in the year 1946. Before this early computer, there was no electronic device to calculate.
In ancient times an instrument called abacus was used to calculate. Abacus was invented in China. It was a rectangular frame with rods and beads sewn on them. With the help of these beads, the remaining balance was calculated. It was a simple device with the help of which calculations were done. Later, paper developed and calculations were done by writing on paper.
The machine language used in computer computers has a base of 0,1. This coding was used in the first computer. From the creation of the first computer to the present day modern computer, the computer has developed a lot. Modern computers are considered to have originated from Pascaline. It was created by a mathematician named Blaise Pascal. It was a kind of mechanical calculator.
Also Read: What is computer? Introduction to Computer systems.
(b) Napier’s bones
John Napier (1550–1817) was a Scotis mathematician. He made many important discoveries related to numbers. Napier was very famous for his discovery of logarithms. Logarithms made complex calculations very easy. Many mathematicians and scientists use logarithms to solve problems and create new theories. English mathematician John Napier built a mechanical device for the purpose of Multiplication in 1617 AD. The Devices was known as Napier’s bones.
(c) Slide Rule
English mathematician Edmund Gunter developed the slide rule. This machine could perform operations like addition, subtractions, multiplication, and division. It was widely used in Europe in 16th century.
(d) Pascal’s Adding and Subtraction Machine
You might have heard the name of Blaise Pascal. He developed a machine at the age of 19 that could add and subtract. The machine consisted of wheels, gears and cylinders.
(e) Leibniz’s Multiplication and Dividing Machine
The German philosopher and mathematician Gottfried Leibniz build around 1673 a mechanical device that could both multiply and divide.
(f) Babbage’s Analytical Engine
It was in the year 1823 that a famous English man Charles Babbage built a mechanical machine to do complex mathematical calculations. It was called difference engine. Later he developed a general-purpose calculating machine called analytical engine. You should know that Charles Babbage is called the father of computers.
(g) Mechanical and Electrical Calculator
In the beginning of 19th century the mechanical calculator was developed to perform all sorts of mathematical calculations and it was widely used till 1960. Later the routine part of mechanical calculator was replaced by electric motor. It was called the electrical calculator.
(h) Modern Electronic Calculator
The electronic calculator used in 1960s was run with electron tubes, which was quite bulky. Later it was replaced with transistors and as a result the size of calculators became too small. The modern electronic calculators can compute all kinds of mathematical computations and mathematical functions. It can also be used to store some data permanently. Some calculations have in built programs to perform some complicated calculations.