In detail discuss the history of computers, begin by defining a computer and there after give the background history with references

Answer 1

A computer is a device that can perform arithmetic operations, store and retrieve data, and execute programmed instructions. It is a versatile machine that can be used for a wide range of tasks, from simple calculations to complex simulations.

The history of computers can be traced back to ancient times when devices such as the abacus were used for calculations. However, the modern computer as we know it today has its origins in the mid-20th century with the development of the electronic computer.

One of the earliest electronic computers was the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) which was developed by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly at the University of Pennsylvania in the 1940s. ENIAC was a massive machine that filled an entire room and used vacuum tubes for processing.

In the 1950s and 1960s, computers became smaller and more powerful with the development of transistors and integrated circuits. This led to the development of mainframe computers, which were used by large organizations for data processing and business applications.

In the 1970s, the personal computer revolution began with the introduction of the Altair 8800 by Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS). This was followed by the popularization of the personal computer by companies like Apple and IBM.

The 1980s saw the rise of the graphical user interface with the introduction of the Macintosh by Apple and Windows by Microsoft. This made computers more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.

In the 1990s, the internet revolutionized the way we use computers with the World Wide Web becoming a popular tool for communication and information sharing.

Today, computers continue to evolve with advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other technologies pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

In conclusion, the history of computers is a fascinating journey of innovation and technological advancement. From the early days of the ENIAC to the sophisticated machines we use today, computers have transformed the way we work, communicate, and live.

References:
- Ceruzzi, Paul E. A History of Modern Computing. MIT Press, 2003.
- Campbell-Kelly, Martin, et al. Computer: A History of the Information Machine. Basic Books, 1996.