Early Computing: Crash Course Computer Science #1

Introduction to CrashCourse Computer Science

Overview of the Series

• Carrie Anne introduces the series, stating it will cover a wide range of computing topics from basic concepts like bits and bytes to advanced subjects such as Operating Systems and Virtual Reality.

• The focus is on exploring computing as a discipline rather than teaching programming skills.

Impact of Computing Technology

• Computers are integral to modern life; their failure would disrupt essential services like power grids, transportation, and financial systems.

• Historical context: The Industrial Revolution marked significant technological advancements that improved quality of life through mechanization.

Current Technological Landscape

• Computing technology parallels past innovations by enhancing various sectors including agriculture, healthcare, and education.

• Despite their complexity, computers operate on simple principles through layers of abstraction. The series aims to demystify these layers.

Historical Context of Computation

Origins of Computing Devices

• The abacus is highlighted as one of the earliest computing devices, invented around 2500 BCE in Mesopotamia for basic arithmetic operations.

• Variants of the abacus allowed users to manage large numbers efficiently by representing different powers of ten with beads.

Evolution Over Time

• Throughout history, numerous devices were developed (e.g., astrolabe for navigation), which simplified complex calculations and enhanced human capabilities.

• Charles Babbage's quote emphasizes how new tools reduce labor while increasing efficiency in computation.

The Concept of "Computer"

Definition Shift Over Time

• The term "computer" originally referred to a person performing calculations before evolving into its current meaning associated with machines.

• Richard Braithwait's 1613 reference illustrates this early usage where 'computers' were individuals skilled in arithmetic tasks.

Notable Early Machines

The Evolution of Mechanical Calculators

The Step Reckoner and Its Capabilities

• The Step Reckoner, akin to a basic abacus, could perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division through clever mechanical tricks.

• It automated the process of these operations, marking it as the first machine capable of executing all four fundamental arithmetic functions.

• Despite its innovation, mechanical calculators required extensive computation time for real-world problems, often taking hours or days to yield results.

• Most people relied on pre-computed tables created by "human computers" for quick calculations instead of using mechanical devices.

• Militaries were early adopters of computing for complex tasks like artillery firing calculations due to the need for speed and accuracy.

Challenges in Computation

• Range Tables were developed to assist gunners with environmental conditions and firing angles but required recalculation with any design changes.

• Charles Babbage identified the inefficiencies in creating new tables in his 1822 paper addressing machinery's role in computing mathematical tables.

Babbage's Innovations: Difference Engine and Analytical Engine

• Babbage proposed the Difference Engine to approximate polynomials that describe relationships between variables; however, it was never completed during his lifetime.

• In 1991, historians successfully constructed a working model based on Babbage’s designs after decades of abandonment.

• He envisioned an even more advanced device called the Analytical Engine—a general-purpose computer capable of performing various computations automatically.

Legacy of Ada Lovelace

• The Analytical Engine included features like memory and a primitive printer; it was revolutionary but remained unbuilt during Babbage's era.

• Ada Lovelace is recognized as the first programmer for her hypothetical programs designed for the Analytical Engine, emphasizing its potential future applications.

The Need for Efficient Census Calculation

• By the late 19th century, specialized computing devices were primarily used in sciences and engineering rather than business or government sectors.

• The US government's 1890 census faced challenges due to population growth; previous censuses took years to compile manually.

The Evolution of Data Processing

The Invention of the Tabulating Machine

• Hollerith's tabulating machine utilized a pin that passed through holes in paper to complete an electric circuit, activating a motor that incremented totals.

• This machine was approximately ten times faster than manual data processing, significantly reducing the time taken for census completion to two and a half years, resulting in substantial cost savings for the census office.

The Rise of Computing in Business

• The efficiency demonstrated by Hollerith’s machine led businesses to recognize the potential of computing technology to enhance productivity in labor-intensive tasks such as accounting and inventory management.

• To capitalize on this growing demand, Hollerith established The Tabulating Machine Company, which later merged with other companies in 1924 to form IBM (International Business Machines Corporation).

Impact on Commerce and Government

• These electro-mechanical business machines revolutionized both commerce and government operations, paving the way for modern data processing systems.