Computer Basics and

PC Software

An Introduction of computer
By Rituraj Kumar
 Origin of Computer
 Origin of computer could be rigorous
efforts of men to count large numbers.
This process of counting of large numbers
generated various systems of numeration
like Babylonian system of numeration,
Greek system of numeration, Roman
system of numeration and Indian system
of numeration. Out of these the Indian
system of numeration has been accepted
universally. It is the basis of modern
decimal system of numeration 0-9.
 World First Computer
Abacus
 The abacus is also called a counting frame,
which is a calculating tool for performing
arithmetic operations. The Chinese abacus has a
frame holding vertical wires, with seven beads
on each wire. A horizontal divider separates the
top two beads from the bottom five, sometimes
referred to as the heaven and the earth beads.
The arithmetic calculations are performed by
manipulating the beads by using the principle of
positional weight of beads on a rack. Abacus is
used even today to teach small children how to
count. A skilled abacus operation can be as fast
as a hand held calculator.
Abacus
 Napier’s Bones
 John Napier was a mathematician who
became famous for his invention of
logarithms. The used of "logs" enabled him
to reduce any multiplication problem. John
Napier built a mechanical device for the
purpose of multiplication in 1617 A.D. The
device was known as Napier‟s bones. His
"bones" are set of eleven rods side by side
products and quotients of large numbers can
be obtained. The sticks were called "bones"
because they were made of bone of ivory.
 Slide Rule
 English mathematician E. Gunter developed
the slide rule. This machine could perform
operations like addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. Although the slide
rule appeared in various forms during the
seventeenth century, it consists of two
movable rulers placed side by side. Each ruler
is marked off in such a way that the actual
distances from the beginning of the ruler are
proportional to the logarithms of the numbers
printed on the ruler. By sliding the rulers, one
can quickly multiply and divide.
 Pascal's Calculator
 Blaise Pascal was a French
mathematician and one of the first
modern scientists to developed and build
calculator. He developed a machine at
the age of 19 that was capable of adding
and subtracting numbers. The machine
was operated by dialing a series of
wheels, gears and cylinders.
 Leibniz’s Multiplication and
Dividing Machine
 Like Pascal, Gottfried Leibniz was a
seventeenth century scientist who
recognized the value of building
machines and built around 1673 a
mechanical device that could do
mathematical calculations and save labor
too.
 Difference Engine
 The first step towards the creation of
computers was made by an English
mathematics professor, Charles Babbage.
Early on, he realized that all mathematical
calculations can be broken up into simple
operations which are then constantly
repeated, and that these operations could be
carried out by an automatic machine. In the
1820s Charles Babbage started working on a
“Difference Engine”, but after ten years he
abandoned it for the “Analytical Engine” – the
real predecessor of the Computer.
 The Analytical Engine
 The Analytical Engine marks the
progression from the arithmetic
calculation to general purpose
computation. It was also developed by
Charles Babbage. This machine was
based on the principle that, for certain
formulas, the difference between certain
values is constant. The Analytical Engine
has many essential features found in the
modern digital computer.
 Mechanical and Electrical
Calculator
 In the beginning of 19th century, the
mechanical calculator was developed to
perform all sorts of mathematical
calculations. Up to the 1960s, it was
widely used. Later the rotating part of
mechanical calculator was replaced by
electric motor. So it was called the
electrical calculator.
Modern Electronic Calculator
 The electronic calculator used in 1960s was run with
electron tubes, which was quite bulky. Later it was
replaced with transistors and as a result the size of
calculators became fairly small. The modern electronic
calculator can compute all kinds of mathematical
computations and mathematical functions. It can also
be used to store some data permanently. Some
calculators have in-built programs to perform some
complicated calculations. Modern electronic calculators
contain a keyboard with buttons for digits and
arithmetical operations. These calculators can perform
sophisticated arithmetic and financial computations
such as converting from polar to rectangular
coordinates, taking square roots, computing logarithms
and trigonometric relationships.
Modern Electronic Calculator
 Summary
 The origin of computers dates back to ancient times
when humans needed tools for calculation. The
Abacus, developed around 3000 B.C. in China, is
considered the first computing device. Later
developments included Napier’s Bones (for
multiplication), the Slide Rule, and mechanical
calculators by Pascal and Leibniz. In the 19th
century, Charles Babbage introduced the
Difference Engine and later the Analytical
Engine, laying the foundation of modern computers.
The transition from mechanical to electronic
calculators in the 20th century led to the
development of today’s powerful digital computers.
Thank You