As far back as we can remember, people have been using different methods of calculating. The earliest devices were used for identifying calculations for lunar, solar and stellar calenders. The Antikythera methods of calculations were important for modeling the history of humans as well. "The Antikythera device, astrolabes, and other measurement devices show the importance of calculation and modeling in human history," (Swedin Ferro 3). With thousands of years of development, the devices created and used throughout history have eventually turned into what our computers are today, which is said in the simplest way.
The earliest forms of caculating mathematics can be seen in the creation of rods, the abacus, the knotting system and Babbage's Difference Engine. Slowly but surely, machines were created to make the process of calculating numbers more efficient and easier. "Until the advent of the digital calculator, these types of machines were the backbone of automated calcualtion on desktops in the Western World," (13). It is interesting to find that such methods of calculation could be done with so little resources available. Throughout history, and as knowledge and information became more readily available, these machines continued to grow and expand in detail and functionality. John Vincent Atanasoff, for example, was responsible for initiating the idea of "memory" into a machine in 1937 when his method of "jogging" (passing electricity through condensers to refresh them) became the essential problem-solving technique for storing information. He also continued his research and inevntions by creating the first electronic digital computer in 1973, known as the ABC computer (30). It is also phenomenal to realize that advancement in computing technology helped the allies win the war against Germany during World War II with the secretive invention of the Colossi, which decrypted messages and was kept secret from enemies during the war. After these computers, came another machine called the UNIVAC, which was eventually used to predcit the winner in Presidential election in 1952. This was a huge technological innovation for the development of computers because its effinciency and wide-spread use was such an important factor. "Mauchly and Eckert did successfully develop the UNIVAC as the first commercial electronic computer in the United States," (45). It is interesting to understand and realize how big this machine was and how much time, effort and work went into maintaining and fixing it. It also put out so much heat, workers needed to dress accordingly in order to work in the same room as the machine. Imagine going to work on a computer nowadays in your shorts and underwear just so you didn't overheat!
The development of computers was also important in the advancement and outcome of the Cold and World Wars. "The greatest war in history, WWII, was fought on battlefields and in the laboratory," (47). This is interesting because it was the first war in which technology and science played an important role and truly made everyone aware of the significance of computing and technology within society. This was a time when computer technology really seemed to move forward quickly and extensive governmental research and money went into technological developments. People were starting to realize how important technology was and they started to rely on it more and more. For example, aircraft simulators and radars were some of the first technological developments that helped Americans become successful in the war. Without these advances, we might not have succeeded in winning the war, which would ultimately change the course of history.
Another advancement during this time (the Second Generation) was the invention of transistors, which replaced the vacuum tubes in computers. They became the major component in computers that helped them become more efficient and more reliable. With this invention, IBM took over the world of computers and became the biggest and widely-known company in the computer industry, (57). IBM's programmers then came out with languages to help establish programs that were later used by the US Government and Space Stations. Even more interesting during this time, was the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which tested a computer's ability to act and think as humans do. Though tested and tried, it seemed impossible, yet the beginnings of computer design and intelligence were clearly advancing. This can be seen in the invention of the monolithic idea, or the intergrated circuit, designed by Jack Kilby in 1958. With all electronic components on one single chip, these microchips became used by NASA, as well as the American defense industry, (67). It is definitely understood that if NASA is relying on this technology to operate their space missions and risk the lives of astronauts, that these are some of the most important inventions ever made.
It is clear that technology was becoming more and more commercial and that with every invention, came another. Essentially, it seems as though computers were being used to make new computers and older technology was being used to create new technology. This phenomena is fascinating when realizing how far we have come in the last 50 years or so. With the success of IBM as a master of computer technology and software program creations, as well the establishment of high-powered communication systems, it is obvious that the interest and the fascination of technology has always been present, even thousands of years ago.
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