Computing Devices II (20th Century to Date)

Computing Devices (20th Century to Date)

20th Century to date computing devices are computers that were invented and used by man from the 20th century to date. They include:

• ENIAC
• EDVAC
• UNIVAC 1
• Desktop PC
• Laptop
• Palmtop computer
• Smartphones & Tablets (New)

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ENIAC

ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator) was the first electronic general-purpose computer. It was designed by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert. It used a word of 10 decimal digits instead of binary digits and had a speed one thousand times faster than electro-mechanical machines.

Components: ENIAC contained 17,468 vacuum tubes, weighed more than 30 short tons, and occupied 1,800 ft². Its power requirement led to the rumour that lights in Philadelphia dimmed when it was switched on.

Uses: The addition of two numbers was achieved in 200 microseconds and multiplication in 2,800 microseconds.

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EDVAC

EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer) was one of the earliest electronic computers. Unlike its predecessor the ENIAC, it was binary rather than decimal and was a stored program computer. Design work for the EDVAC commenced before the ENIAC was fully operational.

Components: The computer had almost 6,000 vacuum tubes and 12,000 diodes, consumed 56 kW of power, and weighed 7,850 kg.

Uses: EDVAC’s addition time was 864 microseconds and its multiplication time was 2900 microseconds.

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UNIVAC 1

UNIVAC 1 (Universal Automatic Calculator) was the world’s first commercial computer, put into service by the US Census Bureau. It was designed principally by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly, the inventors of the ENIAC. UNIVAC 1 was used for general-purpose processing with large amounts of input and output.

Components: The machine was 25 feet by 50 feet in length, and contained 5,600 tubes. Its reported processing speed was 0.525 milliseconds for arithmetic functions.

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Personal Computers

The term home computer or personal computer (PC) became popular in the late 1970s and 1980s. A personal computer is a multi-purpose microcomputer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use.

Notebook and Laptop Computer: Notebooks and laptop computers are portable computers that usually feature integral keyboards and monitors.

Palmtop computer: A palmtop computer is a small, handheld computer about the size of a pocket calculator. They have been largely replaced by smartphones and tablets.

Smartphones and Tablets

Modern smartphones and tablets are the latest evolution of personal and portable computers. While they may not have a physical keyboard, they function as powerful, general-purpose microcomputers that fit in the palm of your hand.

Features: These devices are defined by their ability to run a wide range of applications, connect to the internet, and perform tasks that once required a full-sized PC. They combine the functionality of a phone, a camera, a music player, and a computer into a single device.

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Comparison of Some 20th Century Computers

Feature	ENIAC	EDVAC	UNIVAC 1
Full Name	Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator	Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer	Universal Automatic Calculator
Key Innovation	First electronic general-purpose computer	First to use the stored program concept (binary)	World's first commercial computer
Number System	Decimal	Binary	Binary
Components	17,468 vacuum tubes	~6,000 vacuum tubes, 12,000 diodes	5,600 tubes, 18,000 diodes
Size/Weight	30+ tons, 1800 sq ft	7,850 kg, 490 sq ft	25 x 50 ft

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Test Your Knowledge

Answer the following questions based on the information provided above.

1. What does the acronym ENIAC stand for?

A. Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator B. Electronic Numbering and Integrated Computer C. Electrical Network and Information Center

2. Which of the following was the first electronic general-purpose computer?

A. EDVAC B. UNIVAC 1 C. ENIAC

3. What is a key difference between the ENIAC and the EDVAC?

A. ENIAC was smaller and lighter. B. EDVAC was a stored program and binary computer. C. EDVAC was created before ENIAC.

4. Which computer was used for general-purpose processing with a large amount of input and output?

A. UNIVAC 1 B. ENIAC C. Palmtop computer

5. What was UNIVAC 1 primarily used for?

A. Military calculations B. General-purpose processing with large amounts of input and output C. Scientific research

6. Who were the principal designers of both ENIAC and UNIVAC 1?

A. Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace B. John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert C. Alan Turing and John von Neumann

7. What component was a key part of both ENIAC and EDVAC?

A. Microprocessors B. Vacuum tubes C. Integrated circuits