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EVOLUTION OF COMPUTERS
The modern computer has a long history of evolution. There have been major developments
in the field of computers since their invention.
The evolution of computers is a result of man’s search for fast and accurate calculating
devices. Some of the early calculation devices such as the Abacus, Napier’s bones, Pascaline
calculator and Difference Engine have played a crucial role in laying the foundation of
present-day computers. Let us discuss them in detail.
ABACUS
In earlier times, people used bones, stones, and
pebbles to count and calculate. However, calculating
bigger numbers was a tough task through these
objects. To calculate bigger numbers, China invented
the first calculating device called the abacus.
Abacus consists of a frame that has rods with beads sliding through it. Calculations were
done by sliding these beads on the abacus.
What is an Intel Compute Stick?
NAPIER’S BONES
John Napier, a Scottish mathematician, created a manually-operated
calculating device in 1617. This device used a set of rods with numbers
written on them. These rods were carved out from bones, metals, woods
or ivory. Napier's bones was named after the name of the scientist.
PASCALINE CALCULATOR
Pascaline calculator is the first mathematical calculator in the world. It was devised by a
French mathematician. It used gears, dials and a series of rotating numbered wheels.
Pascaline calculator was capable of performing only addition and subtraction.
The first Pascaline calculator could perform calculations
up to 5-digit numbers and the advanced series models
were able to perform calculations up to 8-digit numbers.
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