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History of the evolution of computers

Introduc)on

In a constantly evolving world, the creation of the computer represented a

major technological revolution which has radically transformed our way of living,

travail and communicate. But why did our elders invent the computer? One of the factors

was this deep desire to surpass human limits in terms of calculation and processing of

information

Development of computers over time

· First Russian computer: the Abacus

The first computer represented a simple “calculating machine”. It was in the form of

Abacus (see figure 1) made of wood which is also called Abacus and was created in the year 3000 before
Jesus-

Christ in An0que China. It was obviously very basic, that's why scientists

improved over the years. Due to its simple but effective design, the Abacus represented

an essential computing tool for centuries, long before the advent of modern computers.

This tool, made up of beads slipped onto bars fixed in a wooden frame, allows you to make

basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtrac0on, mul0plication and

division, as well as more complex calculations such as square root

Figure 1: wooden abacus

 · First generation of computers (1940 – 1950)

The first generation of computers, which emerged between 1940 and 1950, marks a
revolutionary period in the field of computer technology. This era is characterized by the inven0on
and development of the first large-scale electronic computers. Among these pioneering machines,
the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) is undoubtedly one of the most
emblematic. Designed and built between 1943 and 1945, the ENIAC was one of the first fully
electronic and programmable computers. Colossal in size, this computer weighed approximately 27
tons and measured nearly 2.4 meters high, almost 1m wide and stretched 30 meters long. Its massive
design was mainly due to the use of vacuum tubes , also called cathode ray tubes, which were the
main electronic components of the time. Unlike modern computers which operate on a binary
system (representing data as 0s and 1s), ENIAC was based on the decimal representation of numbers.
This means that he used the ten-digit number system (from 0 to 9, see sequence no. 4) for calculation
and data processing. This par0cularity, although less efficient than the binary system, was a
revolutionary approach at the time and allowed ENIAC to carry out a variety of complex calculations,
particularly for military applications such as the calculation of artillery trajectories.

· Second generation of computers (1953 – 1955)

The advent of the transistor in the 1950s represents a major turning point in the history of
computer and electronic technology. This innovation made it possible to replace bulky and inefficient
vacuum tubes, thus revolutionizing the design and functionality of computers (figures 2 and 3).

Figure 3: Transistors

Figure 2: Vacuum tube

Transistors, being much smaller, more reliable and more energy efficient than vacuum tubes, made it
possible to design second-generation computers that were significantly smaller, consumed less
electricity and dissipated much less heat. The TRADIC (Transistor Digital Computer), developed for the
US Air Force, was one of the first computers based entirely on transistors. Commissioned in 1954, the
TRADIC2
symbolized a considerable advance compared to its predecessors of the first generation. While the
ENIAC used thousands of vacuum tubes, the TRADIC operated with around 800 transistors, making its
size much more manageable and its operation more stable and efficient. The use of transistors not only
allowed a reduction in size, but also resulted in a significant decrease in operating and maintenance
costs. Transistors were less likely to overheat and had a much longer lifespan than vacuum tubes.
Additionally, the move to transistors allowed an increase in data processing speed, paving the way for
faster and more reliable computing performance. This second generation of computers also saw the
introduc0on of new data storage methods and the use of high-level programming languages, which
made computers more accessible and versatile. These advances have greatly expanded the possible
applications of computers, making them useful in a much wider range of scientific, commercial, and
government fields. In summary, the replacement of vacuum tubes by transistors marked a crucial step
in the evolution of computers. CeVe transi0on not only miniaturized and op0mized computers, but also
laid the foundations for the further development of ever more advanced computer technologies.

·Third generation of computers (1960 – 1969)

The 1960s were a period of revolutionary change in computer technology, marked by the
introduc0on of integrated circuits. This innovation was the main driver of the miniaturization of
computers, leading to the emergence of the third generation of computers, often referred to as the
“minicomputer” generation. Before this time, computers were large, cumbersome machines, often
occupying entire rooms. With the advent of integrated circuits, many electronic components could be
packed into a very compact space. These circuits were much smaller, faster and more reliable than
the transistors and vacuum tubes used in previous generations. By integrating multiple transistors
and other electronic components onto a single silicon chip, integrated circuits have enabled a
significant reduction in the size and power consumption of computers, while increasing their power
and efficiency.

Figure 4: IBM-360 Figure 5: Electronic circuit of

a motherboard

3
The IBM System-360, introduced in 1964, is a flagship example of this third generation. In addition to
their smaller size, minicomputers offered better memory management, more advanced data
processing capabilities, and greater reliability. These machines were much more accessible and
economically viable for small and medium-sized businesses, paving the way for more widespread use
of computers in various sectors.

Through this acceleration and the enthusiasm generated by miniaturization, scientists from
the University of Berkley invented the first graphical interface with a mouse in 1968.

Figure 6: First computer with

graphical interface and mouse

·Fourth generation of computers: microcomputers

The emergence of microcomputers in the 1970s marked a watershed in the history of

computing, making technology accessible and affordable to the general public. This revolution was
made possible thanks to the invention of the microprocessor (see sequence 3), a device integrating
all the functions of a computer processor on a single integrated circuit. This progress significantly
reduced the size and cost of computers, paving the way for the creation of the first personal
computers. In 1972, the Micral N (see Figure 7), often considered the first commercial
microcomputer, was introduced. Using the Intel 8008, one of the first microprocessors available on
the market, the Micral N represented a significa0ve innova0on.

Figure 7: Micral N 4
Unlike desktops and minicomputers of the time, which were relatively large and expensive, the Micral
N was more compact and affordable, primarily targeting businesses and educational institutions. The
following year, in 1973, the Xerox Parc research center took a further step in the evolution of
microcomputers with the design of the Xerox Alto. The Xerox Alto was revolutionary, not only for its
use of a microprocessor, but also for its integration of technologies that would become standards in
modern personal computers. It was equipped with a keyboard for data entry, a monitor for graphical
display, and, importantly, it introduced the use of a mouse as a pointing device. This Graphical User
Interface (GUI) was new, providing a more intuitive way to interact with the computer compared to
the command line interfaces previously used (Figure 8).

Figure 8: Xerox Alto

The Xerox Alto, although initially intended for internal use and research, had a profound impact on
the computer industry. It inspired many aspects of the personal computers that would follow,
including the famous Apple Macintosh and Microson Windows. Its innovative design laid the
foundation for the interactive, user-friendly computer systems we use today.

Conclusion

In summary, the development of microcomputers with the introduc0on of microprocessors

and the innova0ons brought by machines like the Micral N and the Xerox Alto played a crucial role in
the democratization of computer technology. These advances have not only made computers more
accessible and easy to use for the general public, but they have also opened new avenues for
innovation in personal computing.