Oliver Shaw

The Development and Improvement of Computers since the mid-1950s and the Revolution of Global Trading and Business (eBook, ePUB)

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

The mid-20th century marked a pivotal moment in human history, defined by rapid technological advancements that transformed nearly every facet of society. Among these innovations, the development of computers emerged as a cornerstone of progress, reshaping industries, economies, and global interactions. By the 1950s, the world was beginning to grasp the potential of computers beyond their initial military applications. This realization sparked a cascade of innovations that would alter the trajectory of commerce, communication, and knowledge itself.

The genesis of modern computing can be traced to the end of World War II, when the need for advanced calculations in cryptography, ballistics, and logistics spurred significant investment in computational devices. Machines like the ENIAC, developed by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly in 1945, demonstrated the feasibility of electronic computing. Although initially designed for military purposes, such machines ignited the imagination of pioneers who saw their potential in civilian and commercial applications. The publication of John von Neumann's 1945 report, which laid out the architecture of stored-program computers, provided a theoretical framework that would shape the evolution of computing for decades. Von Neumann's insights emphasized the importance of separating hardware from software, enabling flexibility and scalability that were vital for subsequent innovations.

As the 1950s unfolded, the United States became the epicenter of computing innovation, with institutions like IBM, Remington Rand, and Bell Labs leading the charge. IBM's introduction of the 701 in 1952 marked a turning point, as it was the first computer explicitly marketed for commercial use. The 701 found applications in fields ranging from engineering to business, symbolizing the shift of computing from a niche technical field to a broader industrial tool. Alongside IBM, Remington Rand's UNIVAC I, delivered in 1951, was another landmark achievement, famously used to predict the outcome of the 1952 U.S. presidential election. These early systems, though massive and costly, demonstrated the transformative potential of computers in handling vast amounts of data and performing complex calculations with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Historia Magna
• Erscheinungstermin: 18. Januar 2025
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9798230013068
• Artikelnr.: 73208065