computer

Information revolutions in history

Roderick Gregory

In the history of civilization, there have been several information revolutions – transformations of social relations as a result of changes in the processing, storage and transmission of information.

The first revolution is associated with the invention of writing, which led to a giant qualitative and quantitative leap. It became possible to transfer knowledge from generation to generation.

The second (mid-16th century) revolution was caused by the invention of printing, which radically changed industrial society, culture, and the organization of activities.

The third (late nineteenth century) revolution was caused by the discovery of electricity, which led to the emergence of telegraph, telephone, and radio, allowing for the rapid transmission and accumulation of information in any volume.

The fourth (70s of the XX century) revolution is associated with the invention of microprocessor technology and the emergence of a personal computer. Microprocessors and integrated circuits are used to create computers, computer networks, and data transmission systems (information communications).

History of computer technology development

The history of computer technology development goes back about five decades. During this time, several generations of computers have changed. Each subsequent generation was characterized by new elements (electronic tubes, transistors, integrated circuits), the manufacturing technology of which was fundamentally different. Currently, there is a generally accepted classification of computer generations:

1st generation (1946 – early 50s). The element base was electronic tubes. Computers were characterized by large dimensions, high energy consumption, low speed, low reliability, and programming in codes.

2nd generation (late 50s – early 60s). Element base – semiconductor elements. All technical characteristics were improved compared to the previous generation of computers. Algorithmic languages are used for programming.

3rd generation (late 60s – late 70s). Element base – integrated circuits, multilayer printed circuitry. A sharp reduction in the size of computers, increasing their reliability, increasing productivity. Access from remote terminals.

4th generation (from the mid-70s to the late 80s). Element base – microprocessors, large integrated circuits. Technical characteristics improved. Mass production of personal computers. Areas of development: powerful multiprocessor computer systems with high performance, creation of cheap microcomputers.

5th generation (from the mid-80s). The development of intelligent computers began, but was not successful. Introduction of computer networks and their integration into all spheres, use of distributed data processing, widespread use of computer information technologies.

Along with the change of generations of computers, the nature of their use has also changed. If initially they were created and used mainly for solving computational tasks, then later the scope of their application expanded. This includes information processing, automation of management of production, technological and scientific processes, and much more.

Principles of operation of computers by Konrad Zuse

The idea of the possibility of building an automated counting machine came to the mind of the German engineer Konrad Zuse and in 1934 Zuse formulated the basic principles on which future computers should work:

  • binary number system;
  • use of devices operating on the principle of “yes/no” (logical 1/0);
  • fully automated process of computer operation;
  • software control of the computing process;
  • support for floating point arithmetic;
  • use of large capacity memory.

Zuse was the first in the world to determine that data processing begins with a bit (he called a bit a “yes/no status” and binary algebra formulas conditional judgments), the first to coin the term “machine word” (Word), the first to combine arithmetic and logical operations in a computer, noting that “an elementary computer operation is to check two binary numbers for equality. The result is also a binary number with two values (also, not equal)”.