Evolution of computing

and computers
 What is Computing ?
• The computing term was created by Philippe Dreyfus
in 1962.
• This term is a science created by the contraction of
words “information” and “automation” that design all
simple automation of the information method.
• Computing is a scientific domain and technique that
uses information to help computers.
• The information is for the purpose of determining the
programs that enable the automatic generation of
problems, or outside part of the large quantities of
information with the most important new
constructions.
 Evolution of computing
The evolution of computing and computers is marked by
several key stages that have transformed technology and
how we work and live. Here’s an overview of the main
phases:
1. Early Computers (1940s-1950s)
2. The Mainframe Era (1950s-1970s)
3. Microprocessor and Personal Computers (1970s-1980s)
4. The Software and Operating System Era (1980s-1990s)
5. The Internet Era (1990s-2000s)
6. Mobile Computing and Cloud (2000s-2010s)
7. Modern Computing and AI (2010-present)
1. Early Computers (1940s-1950s)
- ENIAC (1946): The first electronic digital
computer, designed for complex military
calculations. It was massive, consumed a lot of
power, and used vacuum tubes.
- Transistors (1950s): Replacing vacuum
tubes, transistors were smaller, more reliable,
and energy-efficient, enabling the creation of
more compact computers.
 1.1. What is a Vacuum Tube?
• The vacuum tube is a device that was developed
by English physicist John Ambrose Fleming for the
first time in 1904, which contains electrodes to
control electron flow.
• Generally, in a sealed container, it is used to
control flow with the help of a vacuum.
• In early computers, it was also used as a switch or
an amplifier, and it is also known as a valve or an
electron tube.
• The below picture shows a different kind of
vacuum tubes.
Fig 1. A Vacuum Tube
 1.2. What is the transistor?
• The transistor is an electronic component and a
semi-conductor that allows you to control or
amplify tensions and electrical currents.
• This component activates the most important
electronic circuits as well as the high tension:
circuit logic (it is installed, assembled with the
windows, and the effect of the operating logics for
the information programs), amplifier, stabilizer.
tension, signal modulation, etc.
Fig.2. Transistors
Fig. 2. ENIAC: Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer
2. The Mainframe Era (1950s-1970s)
- Computers were large, centralized machines
used mainly in big corporations and
universities, requiring special rooms to
operate.
- IBM dominated this period with its
mainframes.
 3. Microprocessor and Personal
Computers (1970s-1980s)
- Intel 4004 (1971): The first commercial
microprocessor, a major breakthrough that
made smaller computers possible.
- Apple I and II, IBM PC (1980s): The first
personal computers became accessible to the
general public, transforming computing from
something exclusive to large organizations to
something domestic.
4. The Software and Operating System
Era (1980s-1990s)
- MS-DOS, Windows: Microsoft dominated this
era with its operating systems that made
personal computers easier to use for
non-technical people.
- The evolution of graphical user interfaces
(GUIs) allowed users to interact with windows,
icons, and menus, making computers more
user-friendly and driving widespread
adoption.
5. The Internet Era (1990s-2000s)
- World Wide Web (1991): The birth of the
Internet as we know it today, allowing
computers to communicate across the world.
This led to the rise of web browsers,
e-commerce, and online services.
- Computers became tools for global
communication and information exchange.
 6. Mobile Computing and Cloud
(2000s-2010s)
- Smartphones, Tablets: With the iPhone (2007)
and the rise of Android, handheld computers
became ubiquitous, changing how people access
information and interact with technology.
- Cloud Computing: Companies like Amazon,
Google, and Microsoft developed cloud services
that allowed data storage and application
execution on remote servers, reducing the need
for expensive hardware.
 7. Modern Computing and AI
(2010-present)
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:
Computers can now learn from data, solve complex
problems, and mimic certain aspects of human
intelligence, with applications in various sectors
(healthcare, finance, transportation).
- Internet of Things (IoT): Computers and other devices
are integrated into everyday objects (cars, homes, etc.)
to collect and exchange data.
- Quantum Computing: Quantum computers, still under
development, promise a revolution in computing
power, particularly for problems that traditional
computers cannot solve.
 Conclusion
This ongoing evolution continues to shape the
world profoundly, with innovations like
artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and
quantum technologies set to redefine
computing in the years to come.