CTH - The Computer (Lesson)

The Computer

Introduction

Now that we have examined the word 'computer' and its origins, we have a better understanding of the social changes that the word reflects and the constant in the word's meaning, calculation. 

Let's look at the history of the computer from the standpoint of the computer being a machine that has as its major function, a calculation.   

The Oxford English Dictionary gives the definition of calculation as a computation meaning "an action or process of reckoning", "the form in which the reckoning is made, the product or result", and an "estimate of probability or forecast". 

What we need to understand is that a computer is not infallible. It is only as good as the capabilities that humans have given to it.   If the computer makes an error, it is the human's error, as a human has created the workings of the computer. 

Here's a real-life example that we all experience. We hear predictions of the weather on news and radio as well as through apps on our cell phones. How good are the predictions? Does the weather media say it is going to rain and it doesn't?  The meteorologist is predicting based on known information stored in the computer.  The computer is using the data provided to create a prediction based on its software (human coded instructions to the computer), the programs running the computer. The input (the data going in to the computer for storage) and output (the data being sent from the computer) are controlled by how well the human can provide the computer data and directions to analyze the data. 

Charles Babbage

Take a moment to watch the presentation below about Charles Babbage.

Babbage Difference Calculator

A difference calculator, first created by Charles Babbage, is an automatic mechanical calculator designed to tabulate polynomial functions. Take a moment to watch a film clip about the Babbage Difference Calculator. Make sure your speakers or headphones are turned up.

Though Babbage is considered to be a computer pioneer, and by many the father of computing, he is known for having drawn drawings of the machines that actually work when made to his specifications, but none of them were ever completed while he was living.  Small test sections or models were made showing that a section would work, but not the complete machine.  

In death, Babbage is known as a genius. One depiction of this is in the London Science Museum. Babbage donated his brain to science; the other half is in the Royal Surgeons. 

IMAGE CREATED BY GAVS