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    1                    EVOLUTION OF COMPUTERS

                          Goal Glimpse

                             Early Counting Tools                            Computer Generations

                             Types of Computers

                     So far, you have learnt about the various uses of the computer. You have also learnt

                     that the computer is a powerful device and can be used to accomplish a variety
                     of tasks. In the past, a great deal of research was conducted to develop a powerful
                     machine. In this chapter, you will learn about the scientists who were responsible

                     for creating the effective device you use in your everyday life.

                           EARLY COUNTING TOOLS

                     Since ancient times, people have invented tools for calculations. Early humans tied

                     knots in ropes and carved marks on clay to keep records. They also used fingers,
                     toes, pebbles, stones, sticks, knotted strings and bones to count.

                                                            Early Counting Tools
                     Abacus—First Calculating Device

                     The first step towards computing was the invention of the Abacus
                     around 3000 years ago in China. It is a wooden frame with beads

                     on parallel wires. It is used to do simple calculations like addition
                     and subtraction. This device is used to calculate numbers at a fast
                     speed.
                                                                                                             Abacus

                                                                                            Evolution of Computers        7

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