Computing Timeline

Preview for First Project

Earliest history

Abacus – widely regarded as the first “calculating machine”. different forms through history still used today in some markets.

Mathematical Roots

12th century, development of the concept of algorithm. Persian mathematics teacher (Baghdad) Muhammad ibn-Musa al-Khowarizm First step-by-step procedures for doing

computations. The word, algorithm, is derived from his

name.

17th century – more computing machines

Mathematical research in mechanizing calculation process.

Computers were human and prone to error.

Humans were slow computers. Names – Pascal, Napier, Oughtred,

Liebnitz,

19th Century

Jacquard Loom – stored “programs” on punch cards

More mathematics research Names – Babbage, Ada Augusta

Lovelace, Boole, Hollerith (1890 census)

20th Century Computing explosion First computers and changing

technology Explosion in electronics and in

software – many generations of technology.

Some names, Zuse, Anastoff, Hopper, Gates, Jobs, Turing, von Neuman, Aiken, Codd, and many others.

Your first project Research a person or event in computing

history. Use internet resources, but also may use

any other resource that you like. I have a book in the library Computer Science Illuminated on 2 hour reserve which has some history in it.

You must build a web page with your information. See detailed project specifications for what to include – coming shortly.

Presentations in class on October 4.