History Of Computing Devices
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 later 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.