Image by Joshua Woroniecki from Pixabay

In a previous post, I discussed the history of the printed word and the boon Mr. Gutenberg’s invention was to mankind. Today’s article is about computers and how they’ve changed the world.

Did you know that the abacus is considered the first example of a computer? There is evidence of its existence and use in Mesopotamia as early as 2700 BC., where they used it to assist in calculations for their sexagesimal numbering system, which was based on the number 60.

Before computers, calculators, or even arithmetic using paper and pencil, the abacus was the most advanced device for crunching numbers. Before the abacus, the only methods people had to use for their mathematical calculations were their fingers and toes, or stones in the dirt. Even today in certain parts of the world, the abacus is still used as a primary counting device or as a backup to more modern counting devices.

Here’s a bit of computer trivia you might find interesting:

1. Although nowadays the computer is applicable in every sector, the truth is that computers were first invented to solve a number-crunching crisis in the U.S. In the 1880s, the U.S population had grown so much that it took almost seven years to complete the tabulation of census results. As a result, punch-card based computers that took up entire rooms were invented that helped the government get the job done quickly and efficiently.
2. The first electronic computer was very spacious and heavy. ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) weighed about 27 tons and occupied over 1800 square feet. Regardless of the size of ENIAC, it proved very useful then.
3. The first hard-disk was the size of two refrigerators with a storage capacity of 3.5 MB data. The first 1GB hard disk was developed in 1980. It weighed 548 ponds and cost $40,000 at that time.
4. The first transistor computer was used by the United States Air Force to execute their military functions. The realization that the computer had various tasks through the experiment is most likely what led to the increased popularity of the incredible machine up to this era.
5. For about 20 years (from 1962 to 1977), the computer controlled launch code for the US nuclear missiles was 00000000. (Kind of makes you wonder how we made it through the sixties, doesn’t it?)
6. Did you know that the word password is one of the most commonly used password? And people wonder how thieves log into their computer to clean out their bank accounts and steal information! Two other common passwords are 123456 and 12345678. Not much imagination there.
7. The worst computer breach that ever happened was experienced by the U.S. military. Here, foreign intelligence hackers used a random memory stick found on a parking lot by an employee to execute their operations.
8. Douglas Engelbert invented the mouse in 1964. His was made of wood.
9. Although Amazon at first sold only hardcover books, they currently sell more eBooks than hardcovers. While I prefer turning the pages of a physical book, the majority of my collection is digital. I can carry it with me wherever and an eBook is much cheaper than a printed copy.
10. A computer is not as powerful as the human brain. If there were such a computer, it would have processed 38 thousand trillion operations per second and stored more than 3580 terabytes of memories. Notably, the ease with which a computer executes its operations is borrowed from the human brain.
11. Artificial intelligence may result in computers being able to tell what dogs think. However, that is not the only practical use of artificial intelligence, as it can boost data security in organizations. (I find it hard to believe any computer, no matter how advanced, could anticipate what my dog is thinking. She’s a schemer and continually surprises me with the things she works out on her own, without my help.)
12. The first webcam was utilized by Cambridge University to watch a coffee maker, eliminating the need to make trips to an empty pot. Interestingly, this made work easier for employees who were assigned the task of making coffee.
13. The Internet came into existence in the 1960s, and the main objective was to share resources. Since then it has become an essential medium of the economy of the world.
14. Email was invented before the World Wide Web. Why am I not surprised?
15. The classification of computers is based on internal structures, features, applicability, and computer system. There are eight types of computers: mainframe computer, supercomputer, workstation computer, personal computer, Apple Macintosh, Laptop computer, Tablet and Smartphones.
16. Most of the modern supercomputers use LINUX. The main reason for this is that the program is open source and very stable, unlike the three main operating systems in use today. And finally:
17. Apollo 11 landed two men on moon. The combined power of all the computers in Apollo 11 is much less than the power of today’s mobile phone.

Image by Markus Spiske from Pixabay

What’s next for computers? Of course, AI is going to have a large role in the future, either for the good of humanity or its downfall. I’m a bit of a pessimist, so I don’t hold out much hope in that respect.

Other than that, we’ll probably see smartphones becoming powerful enough to take the place of many of the lower quality laptops. Manufacturers are also working on dual screen laptops and foldable computers, among other things. The biggest change is most likely to be the advent of quantum computing, which is getting ever closer to reality.

Whatever happens, hold on for the ride. It’s going to be nothing like what’s come before.

Before I close this article, I want to extol the talent and work ethic of Cranesnest Publishing. Gianna Thomas and her daughter Kimberley offer editing, cover design, cover creation, Social media setup and education, as well as personalized marketing services. They created the cover for my current book, “If Not For the Entail”, and I think they did a wonderful job. I found them a delight to work with and loved their very reasonable prices. Contact them at: justme@divakimchi.com