The evolution of computing through the years

La evolution of computingTogether with other technological advances, it constitutes one of the phenomena that has had the greatest impact on society. In this article you will learn about everything related to this traditional, but interesting topic.

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Evolution of computing

Before referring to the evolution of computing, you need to establish the concept. In this way, we have that computing is the set of procedures, methods, techniques and knowledge that are used in the automatic treatment of information, necessitating the use of computers to solve problems of various kinds. For this reason, it is common to simply relate it to the term automatic information.

In general, computing provides the opportunity to acquire, store, represent, process and transmit the data stored on the magnetic media of computers. These data are codes that represent ideas, objects and facts, which are transmitted to computers through instructions from software or computer programs.

Thus, although the most common is to pair computing with the use of computer equipment, it does not depend on the exclusive use of computers, but in many opportunities it can be seen rather as the rational systematization of information as part of a system.

In this way, computers represent an integrated system that makes it possible to calculate logical and mathematical operations, through the integration of their internal and external elements.

Next, we will walk through the main stages that have made the evolution of computing in the phenomenon that we know today, including the use of primitive calculation devices, the emergence of computer programs capable of making information processing possible, the use of the internet as a communication channel, up to the improvement of associated technologies with computing in general.

History

As we have mentioned, the use of computers is closely related to the evolution of computing, and this with the systematization of the information. So we will start our tour by mentioning the first efforts in this regard.

The first device designed to perform basic operations, such as addition and subtraction, was called Pascaline. It emerged in 1642, but its design was incorporated into mechanical calculators of the 60s.

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Two hundred years later, in 1822, the differential machine was created. It was quite large and complex. It was powered by steam. Its function was to calculate mathematical tables, but it was not concluded due to budgetary issues.

Later, in 1833, the analytical engine was built. It contained a storage unit, performing basic calculations, such as: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, at the rate of 60 operations per minute. Its size was considerably large, and it was powered by a locomotive.

Then, between 1887 and 1890, the tabulating machine was designed. It was the first model to incorporate punched cards, capable of accumulating and classifying information. This led to the creation of the Tabulating Machine Company in 1896, later merging to form the Computing-Tabulating Recording Company, which changed its name in 1924, being called the International Bussines Machines Corporation (IBM) to this day.

These advances were followed by the creation of the electromagnetic accounting machine between the 1920s and 1950s. It also had large punch cards.

At the same time, in 1941, the first programmable computer, called Z3, was built. It had a punch card control system and could solve complex engineering equations. The use of the binary system in operations carried out by computers is due to it.

Similarly, between 1937 and 1942, the first electronic digital computer emerged. It was called the Atanasoff-Berry, but it used to be recognized simply as the ABC computer.

In 1946, based on the ABC computer, the ENIAC was designed. It was a large-scale electronic computer, which surpassed its predecessors in speed and operability. Today it is still considered one of the greatest advances in computer technology.

After it, the EDVAC was created in 1949. It was an automatic electronic computer with a discrete variable, which stored programs within its memory, for their reading and subsequent execution of instructions without the need to rewrite them.

Finally, the IBM 650 emerged, turning the world of computing upside down. It was a highly flexible and reliable computer, faster and with fewer errors than previous models, with which IBM ventured into the development and commercialization of computers.

Business Computer Development

In this way, from the year 1950, the formal development of commercial computers began, the UNIVAC I being the first model designed for this purpose. It was a computer with a capacity for a thousand words of central memory. In addition, it could read magnetic tapes.

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After the UNIVAC I, other models were marketed, such as the IBM 701, the Remington Rand 103, the IBM 702, up to the IBM 630. This turned out to be the most successful model of what is called today the first computer generation. It had a magnetic drum that acted as secondary memory, which was the basis for the creation of current records.

As expected, the competition between the different manufacturers became more acute, emerging other models that were overcoming the limitations of the time, while offering improvements to the characteristics of each one of them. It is all of them who make up the next generations of computers until we reach the ones we know today.

Generations

The development of computers is separated into generations, according to the forms of construction, the substantial changes they incorporate and the progress they represent for the form of communication between them and the human being.

Compliance with the aforementioned conditions cannot always be clearly identified, which generates some confusion. However, it is possible to distinguish the following generations that mark the evolution of computers:

Home

The computers that are part of this generation, which began in 1950, were large and expensive. For their communication they used vacuum tubes, they had punched cards for the entry of data and programs, they used binary language programming and they used magnetic cylinders to store information and internal instructions.

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Away

This generation was characterized by the reduction of the size and the increase of the processing capacity of the computers. These were primarily built with transistor circuits and programmed using high-level languages. In general, it was the beginning of systems programming. It is awarded to the last years of the decade of the 50 and the first of the following decade.

Basically, it was a time of transition between electronic machines and today's computers.

Third

It began in 1964, along with advances in electronics. Thus, the computers of this generation had integrated circuits, made up of transistors engraved on small silicon plates. For their operation they used control languages ​​of operating systems. In addition, they standardized memory and processor management techniques.

They were smaller, lighter, and more efficient computers. Besides, its energy consumption was substantially lower.

Finally, it is important to mention that this generation has been the most successful within the evolution of computing, It was a time of full development and growth of international markets in terms of computing.

Quarter

It arises with the birth of microprocessors in 1972. These devices were part of high-density integral computers, whose use rapidly expanded to industries.

In this generation, memories with magnetic cores were replaced by silicon chip ones, which incorporate new components within them through microminiaturization. This made possible the birth of microcomputers.

I invite you to read our article on microcomputers. There you will find from its definition to its history and other details.

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Thursday

It refers to the launch of machines with true innovations in terms of construction and advances in communication. In general, computers of this generation use high-speed architectures, designs and circuits, which allow the processing of information in parallel.

One of the main characteristics of this era is the handling of natural language and the incorporation of artificial intelligence systems. Undoubtedly, these facts constitute the step towards the computing of the future.

Fields of application

The scope of computing and its multiple functionalities, make there are many areas where it can be applied. Here are some of them:

Education: Improves the learning process, helping to create new cognitive structures for students. Facilitates the search for digital information. It works as a work tool.

Medicine: It allows the prevention of diseases, as well as the control of treatments and the monitoring of patients through the use of telemedicine tools. In addition, it facilitates the administrative work related to the systematization of patients' medical records.

Engineering: Improves performance related to design, numerical calculation, simulation, precision, machine implementation, and other aspects inherent to engineering.

Companies: Contributes to decision-making, through the management of administrative activities. Thanks to its multiple functionalities, it is possible to process, analyze and present the information of organizations easily and simply.

The future of computing

The internet, artificial intelligence, multimedia, computerized production technology, telecommunications, among others, constitute the computing of the future. All are the result of the incipient technological transformation that humanity is going through, basically referring to the evolution of computer hardware and software.

Hardware

The main changes in hardware concern attempts to improve the speed and capacity of removable hard drives, to the point of making them competitive with traditional hard drives. In this way, the storage capacity of the systems could be easily expanded, and it would also be possible to exchange large files between various devices. Another advantage would be the ability to replace units separately.

Another aspect to consider is the considerable increase in the speed of the chips, by reducing the electrical paths that interconnect them. As for the graphical interface, it is expected to be completely displaced by natural languages, mainly by speech recognition. If this happens, the use of the keyboard would decrease and the protagonist would be the microphone.

Software

For its part, the computer software of the future is expected to provide greater functionality at lower prices. The main features include the following:

The ability to share codes, as well as to share the interface of the installed programs simultaneously.

Reducing the overall size of programs and offering complete collections, instead of purchasing applications separately.

Code reuse across multiple platforms, and the evolution of object-based tools.

The implementation of file servers or central application servers so that multiple users can share programs from them.

If you are interested in learning more about this, you cannot stop reading our article on the Object-oriented programming.

Information systems

In addition to advances in hardware and software, the evolution of computing must include improvements in information systems. They must be able to respond in a timely manner to the requirements of the environment, taking into account the tastes and needs of customers, as well as market conditions.

The basic concept in this regard is continuous improvement and reengineering. In this way, it is necessary to combine various technologies related to communication, in such a way that traditional structures are broken. Examples of this are teleworking and the decentralization of living conditions in general.

In general terms, adapting to these new lifestyles entails greater individual production, reduction of expenses, elimination of unproductive time, flexibility of schedules, among other important advantages.

Under this concept, the need arises to change the communication mode, adapting the systems and computers to the individual needs of customers, as well as allowing intercommunication between different manufacturers.

Internet

The use of the internet continues to increase, reaching faster connections, a greater number of users and incorporating new technologies, such as virtual reality.

In addition, it allows access to better quality digital audio and video services, aimed at various sectors, such as education, entertainment, business, among others. Additionally, it provides interactive services through the use of multimedia applications, specialized in games, news, etc.

Artificial intelligence

Through this branch of computing it is possible to program computers to behave intelligently, for this it is necessary to resort to expert systems.

An expert system is a complex program that is used to solve problems related to specific fields, reproducing the same reasoning and commands of the specialists, in such a way that it is possible to give an effective and efficient response to said situations.

Collaborative

This electronic application is closely related to artificial intelligence. It consists of the use of robots to carry out industrial tasks, replacing human labor.

Multimedia

It consists of the incorporation and use of various media that act as a support for the presentation and transmission of information. It presents substantial improvements, such that its use in the education sector is notable, specifically in online or distance learning, and in the creation of digital libraries, virtual laboratories and virtual reality environments.

In computing, it is the ability of computers to handle large and colorful images, including audio and video content.

Computerized production technology

Its function is to automate production processes through the use of computers, including manufacturing operations and its auxiliary operations. It results in an increase in quality, both in the process and in the final product, as well as a higher level of productivity.

In our article on automated processes, you will be able to learn more about this interesting and novel topic.

Telecommunications

The telecommunications of the future are committed to the concept of massive connectivity, allowing communication regardless of the geographical location of people and, in some cases, instantaneously.

Consequences

Advances in computing technologies and the corresponding evolution of computing produce great impact on society, greatly contributing to the changes and transformations it undergoes.

An important consequence is the technological displacement, responsible for the increase in the manual unemployment rate, derived from the automation of industrial processes.

Besides, there is the possible loss of privacy of individuals, this due to the digital circulation of a large amount of personal information through the Internet.

On the other hand, the implementation of networks and data communication become the open door for global connectivity, greatly improving information transmission speeds.

In general, the evolution of computing forces companies to increase their capacity to learn and adapt to the demands and changes of the market, being able to maintain their level of competitiveness to stand out among their competitors.


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