History of computing

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This is a lesson in the course, Introduction to Computer Science, which is a part of The School of Computer Science

Objective
To familiarize the student with the historical development of the modern (or present kind of) computer and its predecessors (or the old type). In this manner, the student can advance certain knowledge and ideas regarding the computer as a unit in itself. This could help students have a more critical understanding of the development of a computer in terms of sizes, the prices associated with selling individual units, and, more important, how computers have drastically changed society.

Assignment
Students should do the required reading and assignments, then are encouraged to take one or more of the quizzes below.

Required Work
1. Read the following Wikipedia articles, and write summaries of each that are the specified number of pages. You may find the Timeline of computing helpful for this part of the assignment.
 * History of computation (1/4 pp.)
 * The History of Computing Hardware (2 pp.)

2. Read about one of the early pioneers in the field: Pascal, Leibniz, Jacquard, Babbage, Lovelace, Hollerith, Eckert, Mauchly, Aiken, Zuse, Atanasoff, Turing, or Von Neumann. Write a 2 pp., single spaced paper describing in detail that person's contribution to computing and computer science. You should consult more than one reputable source outside Wikipedia. Be sure to cite all references!

Quiz

 * Quiz for The Computer
 * Quiz for IT Quiz: Computer History Quiz