We learn and know (hopefully) a basic history of the world, particularly major events like the French revolution, the American Civil War, World War I, World War II (wow lots of wars), the Spaceage etc. It is important to understand the concepts of these and many other historical events. Being able to recall the start year or the exact details of how such events unfolded is one thing, but on a human level, it is more important to understand the rationale, lessons and philosophy of major events. Ultimately history teaches us what makes us innately human. Furthermore, understanding history helps us realise the how and why we operate in today. History provides the context for today. It makes today seem ‘obvious,’ ‘justifable’ and ‘logical’ given the previous events that unfolded.
So, following this thread of logic, understanding the history of computers should help us understand how we have got to today. A today when computers moderate much of our communication with one another. A today where computers and screens are stared at for many (and often a majority) of our waking hours (especially during Covid). A today where the thought of working, socialising or learning without a computer would be an affront and a disadvantage. Just as major events like World War II and the Cold War have greatly contributed to today’s political and social climate. I would argue computers influence just as much (if not more) of our daily lives.
Therefore it is important for us to understand the evolution of computers to understand where we may be heading in our relationship with computers.
I would like to preface that the following articles outlining the history of computers by saying this is in no way an exhaustive history of the origin of computers. Some major events have been glossed over while other meaningful contributions omitted entirely.
Whilst the thought of history for some may make the eyes automatically glisten over, I will try and make the following series as painless and exciting as possible. While I paint a story of linear progress of computation, this is hindsight bias in action. We like to create a story of history attributing certain importance to some events and not others when in reality as these events were unfolding (and continue to unfold) it was not always obvious what was a gigantic discovery. It is only now with some distance that we can appreciate past event. This means perhaps in ten years this recount will emphasis other features and neglect some of the stories today we find so foundational to computer’s creation.
With all this in mind let’s begin !!
The first computers
Since their inception computers have taken over human work by performing tedious, complex and repetitive tasks. Interestingly, t_he__ word computer initially described humans_!! Initially computers were humans (often women) who were able to perform complex mathematical computations — usually with pen and paper. Often teams would work on the same calculation independently to confirm the end results. It is interesting to note that initally when electronic computers were developed they were referred to as such — electronic computers. With time as electronic computers became more and more pervasive and powerful, it became the human computer that was deemed obsolete and inefficient. The electronic was dropped and now when we discuss computers we think of nothing else besides our gracefull and versalite electronic tools. It is important to keep computer’s mathematical origin in mind as we will see it only further emphasises the never imagined pervasiveness and uses of computers today.
Our story begins with the humble abacus, generally considered the first computer. When researching I was puzzled how an abacus could be considered a computer. Luckily my curiosity was settled by a quick Google search (thank you Google). Google was even able to suggest my search before I completed typing ‘Why is the abacus considered the first computer’! I ended up on trusty Quora where one users: Chrissie Nysen put things simply-“Because it is used to compute things.” Though estimates vary, the abacus is thought to originate in Babylon approximately 5000 years ago. The role of the abacus was to ease in simple mathematical calculations- addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. In this sense, we can consider the abacus as a simple calculator. As farming, produce and populations increased in size, the abacus allowed the educated to more easily manage logistics. After the abacus the first computer, computer’s evolution remained dormant for some time……
#history #computer-science #history-of-technology #computers #computer-history #data science
