The Evolution of the Computer

This week's lecture for New Communication Technologies, focused mainly, on the evolution of the computer. From the very large computers of the 1950's to our now common house-hold creature. It was IBM, who produced the first commercial computer, but the actual concept of computers in general, sprang to life surprisingly a long time ago. In the beginning computers were not electrical, rather they were powered mechanically. Charles Babbage, way back in the 19th century, designed a machine that would help initiate the concept of basic computers. Of course, his esteemed model was nowhere near the level of technology we have today, it was a mechanical engine of sorts which could calculate and print mathematical tables. (In my opinion, comparable to my rather cheap calculator). Nevertheless, it served the purpose most likely, of harbouring interest in computers. Sadly, Babbage like many talented inventors, never saw his model completed. Later, people such as Ada Byron (that rather odd fellow "Lord Byron's" daughter), also suggested many of the concepts we use today concerning computers.



What I believe is interesting, is that once the ground work was lain, mechanics turned to electric, large mother boards compressed into silica chips and bingo, the concept of the first house-hold computers slowly started to come into fruition in the early 1970's, thanks to our faithful nerds meeting and discussing new ideas in the area (or more pleasantly put, 'Our Intellectual Friends'). Our lecturer, Mr Stockwell called these meetings 'Home Brew meetings'. Where young intellectual people, would discuss computer concepts, whilst also most likely, consuming large quantities of beer (sounds like fun), Interestingly, the beer didn't seem to kill to many brain cells in these young people, as many concepts were expanded. One man who I can only assume, attended such meetings, was our old friend Bill Gates. At the time a youth no doubt. Gates is attributed to many advances in the I.T world. No wonder he is such a wealthy man (who I also heard has a big heart because he apparently donated millions of dollars to starving children in Africa, but that's beside the point). Before people like Gates, Stockwell suggested that computers were 'not very exciting', in the 70's and 80's. Much like watching paint dry. I can only imagine how time consuming it would have been,( as I was learning how to walk and computers didn't really interest me then). I do remember that people started a lot of talk about the net in around the year 1995. Due most likely, to that legendary Windows 95. It was around then that I used my first computer, (I have to admit I was fascinated, but was much more excited about the mega drive or the Sega Saturn). But without the evolution of the computer none of these electronics would exist, as they largely work on similar processes. Anyway, a very valid point that our lecturer also made was that, it is amazing how we have advanced so much technologically in so few years, compared to medieval times where society progressed very slowly in that respect. We have the computer to thank, well at least partially for that.