History Of Computing Devices (computers) Essays - Office Equipment

History of Computing Devices (computers) By:Daniel Habay In order to see why we invented computers we must look at how they WERE used and how they ARE used today. One of the first major uses of computers was to aid mathematical pursuits. As computers went along they added to the fields of science and literature. Computers also filled a need, the need to be lazy. It was once said that the perfect combination was laziness and intelligence. I believe in that because you can see how computers are being used today. We use them in Auto factories, basic cleaning, and other menial tasks. I will show you how computers have progressed along and today how they are used to the benefit of everyone in pursuits of math, literature, and science. The first computing device was a digital one. I am speaking of the human hand. Fingers being Digits, thus into the digital computer. This type of computing device was easily accessible but was limited in the sense that it could not go beyond 10. Later on someone came up with the brilliant idea of using smooth pebbles in a container or notches on a sick or bone. A while after that someone came up with the idea to use compressed plant fibers and burnt wood and in doing so they created a familiar counting device all by themselves, they had created the paper and pencil combination that is still used today. A while after that a clay table with grooves in it was used as a calculating device. Smooth pebbles, stones, or clay marbles were placed in the grooves and rolled from one side of the groove to the other to simulate movement of the numbers. A while after that someone came up with the idea of drilling holes or using beads along a string to simulate the movement of numbers. A long time l ater after a stagnation of about 2000 years, a device known as "Napier's bones" was invented by John Napier, the creator of logarithms. These devices aided calculation tremendously as they turned multiplication and division into simple addition and subtraction. A while after that a man by the name of Blaise Pascal invented his "calculating machine". This machine was limited to only addition and subtraction.