This document provides a history of computers from ancient times to the present. It begins with the abacus in ancient times and moves through mechanical computers in the 1600s used for calculations. Vacuum tubes enabled the transition to electronic computers in the 1940s, with the ENIAC being the first general-purpose electronic computer. The invention of the transistor replaced vacuum tubes and led to integrated circuits and mini computers in the 1960s. The Macintosh commercial in 1984 represented the desire for ease of use in personal computers. Networks expanded connectivity from the 1990s to the present. Proper ergonomics are also discussed as important for preventing repetitive strain injuries when using computers.

1. History of
computers
Br. Jeffrey
Pioquinto, SJ
Ateneo de Davao
University

2. history
Looking at our past so as we
can better understand today
and plan well for the future.

3. Those who cannot
remember the past are
condemned to repeat it.
GEORGE SANTAYANA

10. Technology is:
anything that wasn’t around
when you were born.
ALAN KAY

11. operate the machine
Consider these planes (an ancient tool):
their designers sought fitness for use, ease
of use, good control, long-lasting
materials, a good feel in the hand,
efficiency of operation, precise
adjustment. In use over time, these tools
come to be loved by their owners.

12. pre-computer
Most of the qualities we seek in a machine have been
valued through the ages.
• useful
• usable
• desirable
• affordable for the right people
• appropriately complex
• appropriately styled
• appropriately adaptable, extensible, malleable
• overall, having “good fit” with people, context,
activity, result

13. startcomputer history?
where would you

14. characteristic statement of the time
The abacus, also
called a counting
frame, is a
calculating tool
used primarily in
parts of Asia for
performing
arithmetic
processes

16. mechanical1650 1940
Pascaline – first mechanical computing machines

17. electronic1940 1960
Vacuum tubes invented = transition to electronics

18. electronic1940 1960
ENIAC (first electronic computer) – 1946

19. electronic1940 1960
1948 – transistor invented
(replaced vaccuum tubes)

20. mini1960 1975
Integrated circuits are born
equivalent of millions of transistors

22. the mac taps into pent-up desire for ease and pleasure of use
Then, during the 1984 Superbowl, you
see the first commercial for the
Macintosh (directed by Ridley Scott of
Blade Runner fame). A crowd of
solemn men is gathered in a gloomy
auditorium, listening to a ranting
bureaucrat on a huge screen.
Think of a world full of command-line interfaces…
An athletic woman in colorful clothing
runs into the auditorium, carrying a
huge hammer…
…which she throws into the screen,
smashing the image and voice of the
status quo.
hello.

23. network199 present

24. Ergonomic tips in
using computers
Ergonomics is the science of
designing the job, equipment, and
workplace to fit the worker. Proper
ergonomic design is necessary to
prevent repetitive strain injuries,
which can develop over time and can
lead to long-term disability

33. An ounce of Prevention is worth
a pound of cure !