From-Abacus-to-AI-A-History-of-Computer-Systems.pdf

Development of computer systems and it's history

1. From Abacus to AI: A History
of Computer Systems
Embark on a captivating journey through the evolution of computation,
tracing the remarkable path from ancient calculation tools to the
sophisticated AI systems of today. This presentation highlights the key
milestones and influential figures who have shaped the world of computer
systems.
Discover how mechanical calculators paved the way for electronic
computation, and witness the transformative power of the transistor and
the microprocessor. Explore the personal computer revolution, the rise of
the internet and mobile computing, and the exciting frontiers of AI,
quantum computing, and beyond.

2. The Mechanical Era: Laying the Groundwork (Pre-
1900)
The Abacus (c. 2700-
2300 BC)
An early calculation tool
used in Mesopotamia, the
abacus enabled counting
and basic arithmetic. Its
simple yet effective design
laid the foundation for more
complex computational
devices.
Pascaline (1642)
Blaise Pascal's mechanical
calculator could perform
addition and subtraction.
This invention
demonstrated the potential
for automating
mathematical operations.
Step Reckoner (1673)
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's
improved calculator could
multiply, using a stepped
drum mechanism. This
marked a significant
advancement in mechanical
computation.
Difference Engine
(1822)
Charles Babbage designed
this to automate polynomial
calculations. Although
never fully completed in his
lifetime, it was a visionary
concept.

3. The Dawn of Electronic
Computation (1900-1950)
Hollerith's Tabulating Machine (1890)
Herman Hollerith's machine used punch cards to tabulate data for the
US Census. It reduced census processing time dramatically,
showcasing the power of automation.
Alan Turing
A pioneer in theoretical computer science and codebreaking. His
Turing Machine was a model of computation, and he played a vital
role in breaking the Enigma code during WWII.
Colossus (1943)
One of the first electronic digital computers, used to decrypt German
messages during WWII. It shortened the war by decrypting Lorenz
cipher messages.
ENIAC (1946)
Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, considered the first
general-purpose electronic digital computer. It was used for
calculating artillery firing tables.

4. The Transistor Revolution and the Rise of the
Microprocessor (1950-1970)
1
The Transistor (1947)
Replaced bulky vacuum tubes, leading to smaller,
more reliable computers. Invented at Bell Labs, it won
the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1956.2
Integrated Circuit (1958)
Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce independently invented
the integrated circuit, enabling further
miniaturization. This revolutionized electronics.3
IBM System/360 (1964)
A family of computers that could run the same
software, revolutionizing business computing.
Businesses could upgrade without rewriting
software.
4
The Microprocessor (1971)
Intel 4004, the first single-chip microprocessor. This
led to the development of personal computers and
changed the world.
Moore's Law states that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles approximately every two years, which drove the
exponential growth of computing power.

5. The Personal Computer Era
(1970-2000)
1
The Altair 8800 (1975)
Considered the first personal computer, sparking the PC
revolution. It was sold as a kit for $397 and ignited the home
computing craze.
2
Apple II (1977)
One of the first commercially successful personal
computers. It introduced color graphics and a user-friendly
interface, making computers more accessible.
3
IBM PC (1981)
Established the standard for personal computers, leading to
the rise of the PC clone market. It used the Intel 8088
processor and MS-DOS operating system.
4
The World Wide Web (1989)
Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web,
revolutionizing information access and communication. It
transformed how we share and consume information.

6. The Internet and Mobile
Computing Era (2000-
Present)
The Dot-Com
Boom (Late
1990s)
Rapid growth of
internet-based
companies, followed
by a market crash.
Companies like
Amazon and Google
emerged during this
period.
Mobile
Computing
(2000s)
Rise of smartphones
and tablets, enabling
ubiquitous computing.
The Apple iPhone
(2007) and Android
operating system
(2008) revolutionized
mobile technology.
Cloud Computing
(2000s)
Delivering computing
services over the
internet, enabling
scalability and cost-
effectiveness.
Amazon Web Services
(AWS), Microsoft
Azure, and Google
Cloud Platform are
examples.
AI and Machine
Learning (2010s-
Present)
Processing and
analyzing large
datasets to gain
insights. Hadoop and
Spark are key
technologies in this
field. The development
of algorithms is
changing how we live.

7. The Future of Computing: AI, uantum, and
Beyond
1
uantum Computing
Harnessing quantum mechanics to solve complex
problems beyond the reach of classical computers. IBM
and Google are developing quantum computers.
2
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
Developing AI systems that can perform any intellectual
task that a human being can. While current AI systems
are specialized, AGI remains a long-term goal.
3
Neuromorphic Computing
Designing computers that mimic the structure and
function of the human brain. Intel's Loihi chip is an
example of this approach.
4
The Metaverse
Immersive digital worlds that blend virtual and
augmented reality. Meta (Facebook) and Microsoft are
investing heavily in the metaverse.
Ethical considerations are becoming increasingly important as we develop new technologies, including addressing the ethical
implications of AI, data privacy, and cybersecurity.