The History of Computers :: Technology Technological Computers Essays

The History of Computers The idea of a machine that would make man’s calculations easier, faster, and more accurate is no new notion. The Abacus, â€Å"Napier’s rods†, the â€Å"Calculating Clock†, and the â€Å"Stepped Reckoner† are a few examples of early computer ideas In the more recent history of the computer, we can see how computers have morphed (or dwarfed) from clunky, million-dollar machines into the compact and convenient parts of our everyday lives (Computer Science Student Resource Website, 2003, â€Å"Evolution of Computers: From Stone to Silicon†, Section 1). The Academic Press Dictionary of Science and Technology informs us that John von Neumann’s name is most well-known among the potential â€Å"founders† of the first computer, but to whom the credit belongs can be debated†¦von Neumann wrote a memorandum explaining the ENIAC, and thus his name is recorded (Academic Press, 2002, Section 2, â€Å"Historical Perspective†). The ENIAC (the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator) was developed by J. Preper Eckert and John Mauchly of the Moore School of the University of Pennsylvania in the mid-1940s. The credit for this â€Å"invention† is â€Å"shady† because Mauchly reportedly visited John Atanasoff before building the ENIAC. Atanasoff and his graduate student Berry built the Atanasoff/Berry Computer in the early 1940s at Iowa State University. At any rate, von Neumann’s name is the most well-known and thus settles the issue! The model von Neumann came up with for the basic computer structure is still today, with modifications for speed and size, the foundation for many computers (Academic Press, 2002, Section 1, p. 527). The Academic Press Dictionary states that von Neumann’s report was so well-received because it had incredible â€Å"focus on the logical principles and organization of the computer rather than on the electrical and electronic technology required for its implementation† (p. 527). As â€Å"Evolution: From Stone to Silicon† reports, the first computers were mechanical and used vacuum tubes. These tubes needed to be replaced constantly (Computer Science Student Resource Website, 2003, Section 3). The EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Computer) invented in 1952 used magnetic tape, a revolution from the mess of wires that needed to be moved and replaced to run new programs.