A History of Computer Hardware and Software
FIRST GENERATION (1941-1958)
Computers of this era used vacuum tubes to process information. Operators entered data and programs in special codes by means of punch cards.
SECOND GENERATION (1959-1964)
When vacuum tubes were replaced by transistors, computers became cheaper, smaller, consumed less power, and produced less heat. The increased circuit density allowed components to be positioned much closer to each other, saving space.
THIRD GENERATION
The development of integrated circuits, which placed thousands of electronic components on a miniature chip, led to even smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient computers.
FOURTH GENERATION (1971-1982)
Magnetic core memory was replaced by the silicon chip, allowing even more components to be placed on a single chip. Intel’s creation of the microprocessor, a chip containing all the circuitry required for programmability, revolutionized computing. Microprocessor chips made personal computers (PCs) possible.
Peripheral Storage
Storage peripherals save data used by the CPU, allowing access even after the computer is turned off. These devices can be internal, like a hard drive, or removable, such as a CD. Common examples include:
- Hard disk drive
- Floppy disk
- CD
- DVD
- Blu-ray disc
- HD DVD
- Flash memory
- Magnetic tape
- Punch cards
DRAWING AND PAINTING TOOLS
Drawing and painting tools, along with 3D modeling software, are essential in design and architecture. These tools create the visual impact of a project. Painting software like Photoshop, Painter, and Fireworks produce raster images. Drawing software like CorelDRAW, Illustrator, and Canvas create vector artwork that can be printed at high resolutions.
SOUND EDITING TOOLS
Sound editing tools provide a visual representation of music, allowing for precise editing. Users can cut, copy, paste, and edit sound segments with high accuracy.
History of Operating Systems
Apple OS (1970s)
Apple DOS refers to the operating systems used on Apple II series microcomputers from 1978 to 1983. The three main versions were DOS 3.1, DOS 3.2, and DOS 3.3. Apple DOS, primarily written by Steve Wozniak, Randy Wigginton, and Paul Laughton, was closely tied to the Integer BASIC programming language.
The 1980s
The development of LSI (Large Scale Integration) chips, containing thousands of transistors on a square centimeter of silicon, led to the personal computer boom. Operating systems became more user-friendly with the introduction of menus and graphical interfaces. While this reduced application speed, it made computers more practical and accessible.
Mac OS
The launch of the Macintosh computer in January 1984 introduced the groundbreaking Mac OS. Its novel features included a graphical user interface (GUI), multitasking capabilities, and a mouse. These innovations initially surprised users accustomed to less intuitive systems.
MS-DOS
In 1981, Microsoft acquired the QDOS operating system, which, after modifications, became the first version of MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System). MS-DOS evolved through various versions until Windows 95, which incorporated it as a component rather than a standalone OS.
Input Peripherals
Input peripherals allow external data to be entered into the computer for processing by the CPU. This data can come from various sources, primarily humans. Common input devices include:
- Keyboard
- Microphone
- Scanner
- Mouse
- Barcode reader
Output Peripherals
Output peripherals receive processed information from the CPU and reproduce it in a perceptible form for the user. Examples include:
- Monitor
- Printer
- Speakers
- Headsets
- Fax machine
Input/Output Peripherals
Input/output peripherals handle the flow of data for communication or storage. They can be categorized as:
- Communication peripherals: Facilitate data traffic between computers or computer components (e.g., modem).
- Storage peripherals: Store or display information for the system or user (e.g., touch screen, hard drive, CD burner, HD DVD burner).
DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE SOFTWARE
Design and architecture software encompasses a range of tools for creating graphic projects. These include production systems, text editors, image editors, sound and video editing software, and screen capture applications.
TEXT EDITING AND PROCESSING TOOLS
Word processors are essential tools in all fields, including design and architecture. They are used to create project files, store notes, and generate reports. Microsoft Windows, emerging in the mid-1980s, became a dominant operating system with the release of Windows 95, which featured a user-friendly graphical interface built upon the foundation of MS-DOS.
GNU/Linux
Similar to Unix and based on the POSIX standard, GNU/Linux initially operated in command mode. Today, with graphical servers and window managers like KDE and GNOME, Linux offers a visually appealing and intuitive user experience. Applications like Beryl and Compiz further enhance the interface with 3D environments.