Class 5 'L' (Chapter 1)

History of Computer 😇

A computer is an electronic machine that helps us do work quickly and accurately. It can perform calculations, store information, and solve many problems. Today, computers are used in schools, homes, hospitals, banks, and offices.

Computers were not always like today. They developed step by step over time. The history of computers is divided into three main eras:

  1. Mechanical Era
  2. Electromechanical Era
  3. Electronic Era

Advantages of Computer

  • It works very fast
  • It gives accurate results
  • It can store a large amount of data
  • It helps in learning and education
  • It saves time and effort
  • It is useful in offices, hospitals, and banks

Disadvantages of Computer

  • It can cause health problems if used too much
  • It needs electricity to work
  • It can make people lazy
  • It may cause addiction in children
  • It can spread viruses and harmful software
  • It reduces human jobs in some areas

1. Mechanical Era

In this era, simple machines were used for calculation. These machines did not use electricity.

Abacus

  • First counting device
  • Uses beads for simple calculations

Napier’s Bones

  • Invented by John Napier
  • Used for multiplication and division

Slide Rule

  • Used for fast mathematical calculations

Pascaline

  • Invented by Blaise Pascal
  • Used for addition and subtraction

Stepped Reckoner

  • Invented by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
  • Can do all basic calculations

Jacquard’s Loom

  • Used punch cards to control weaving patterns

2. Electromechanical Era

In this era, machines used both electricity and mechanical parts.

Difference Engine

  • Designed by Charles Babbage
  • Used for mathematical calculations

Analytical Engine

  • Also designed by Charles Babbage
  • It is the first idea of a modern computer

Mark I

  • One of the first automatic computers
  • Used during World War II

3. Electronic Era

In this era, computers became fully electronic and very fast.

ABC (Atanasoff-Berry Computer)

  • One of the first electronic computers

ENIAC

  • First large electronic computer

EDVAC

  • Improved version of ENIAC with stored program

EDSAC

  • One of the first practical stored-program computers

UNIVAC

  • First commercial computer used in business

Summary

The history of computers shows how machines developed from simple tools like the Abacus to powerful electronic computers like UNIVAC. Each stage made computers faster, smaller, and more useful.


Practical Work

Write the answers in your copy :

  1. Who invented the Abacus?
  2. Who invented Napier’s Bones?
  3. What is the use of Slide Rule?
  4. Who invented Pascaline?
  5. Who invented Stepped Reckoner?
  6. Who designed Jacquard’s Loom?
  7. Who invented the Difference Engine?
  8. Who designed the Analytical Engine?
  9. What is ENIAC used for?
  10. What is UNIVAC used for?
  11. Which machine used punch cards?
  12. Which was the first electronic computer?

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