computer history

The computers, computers Computers are the most efficient calculation tools ever invented. They have enough computing power, autonomy and processing speed to replace us in many tasks, or allow us work dynamics that never before in the history they had been possible, to the point of becoming indispensable today.

These devices were invented in the 20th century, forever revolutionizing the way we understand industrial processes, communications, the society and many other areas of the life.

Its history begins with the first computer proper, the authorship of which cannot be strictly attributed to any person In solitary. Since then they have changed enormously and they have changed us enormously, which is why many scholars consider their appearance a Second Industrial Revolution or even a Digital Revolution.

Computer Background

The history of the computer dates back to 4,000 BC. C. when the first machines designed for arithmetic and the first slide rules were invented. Among them is the abacus, an important advance in the field.

Much later, more sophisticated inventions were created, such as Blaise Pascal's machine (known as Pascal's Machine or Pascalina), created in 1642. It consisted of a series of gears that allowed mechanical arithmetic operations to be carried out. By improving it, in 1671 Gottfried Leibniz started the first calculators, close cousins of the computer.

In 1802 Joseph Marie Jacquard invented a punch card system that would allow him to automate his looms and thus reduce the need for workforce. In 1822 they were the inspiration of the Englishman Charles Babbage in the creation of a differential calculus machine. Babbage is "the father of the computer" because in 1834 he invented a kind of analytical engine.

First generation (1940 to 1952)

Punched cards supplied instructions to early machines.

The initial generation of computers began with the invention of the first automatic calculating machines, which could properly be considered a "computer". They responded to need during the WWII to decipher secret enemy codes.

They were electronically based on vacuum tubes and valves. They could be programmed by a set of simple instructions, which had to be supplied to the system via punched paper or cardboard cards, as in Babbage's invention.

Second generation (from 1956 to 1964)

The second generation represented a major change, as the vacuum valves were replaced by transistors, allowing to make the machines much smaller and also reducing their electricity consumption.

These were also the first machines to have a programming language, like the famous FORTRAN. Thus, the punched card system soon became obsolete.

Third generation (from 1965 to 1971)

Integrated circuits began the miniaturization of computers.

The jump to the third generation was determined by the invention of integrated circuits: they allowed to increase the processing capacity of the machines and, as if that were not enough, to reduce their costs manufacturing.

It was a question of printed circuits in silicon tablets, with small transistors and built-in semiconductors. This was the first step towards the miniaturization of computers.

Fourth generation (from 1972 to 1980)

Microprocessors appeared with the first personal computers.

The gradual integration of the previous electronic components led to the appearance of the microprocessors: new integrated circuits that gather all the fundamental elements of the computer and that soon began to be called chips.

Thanks to them, computers could decentralize their logical-arithmetic operations. For example, replacing silicon ring memory with chip memory was an important step toward microcomputerization. The first personal computers or PCs belonged to this generation.

Fifth generation (1983 to 2019)

The most recent generation, in force today, witnessed the most enormous diversification in the field of the computer in all its history. It became portable, light and comfortable, and even expanded its use limits thanks to the possibility of computer networks.

The computer no longer even needs to be fixed in a room, but can travel in our briefcases. Never before has processing speed, versatility and convenience converged so much in the world of the computer, allowing it to merge with telephones (giving birth to the Smartphone) and with many other different formats.

6th generation (from 2019 to the near future)

Little is known of the generation of computers to come. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and algorithms from learning they promise a highly automated future with enormous industrial potentials. In it, the computer can stop being an artifact that accompanies us and become inside our own bodies.

computer history