The first computer
As the first computer, the Z3 was elected at this
conference. Regardless of this vote, the Z3 is since the late 90s, actually
more often than the first computer called because they had some outstanding
features of a modern computer, the other machines that time did not have. The
Z3 was "only" the relay-based replica of the full-mechanical Z1.
However, the Z1 was not practicable, but already shows the ingenious concept
that developed Konrad Zuse for his machine.
Due to the different interpretation of what is a computer as
opposed to an automatic calculating machine, there are now also considered that
there would be several first computer:
1936
First mechanical computer by Konrad Zuse Z1
The 1st mechanical computer: Z1
In full mechanical design, without relay or tubes, Konrad
Zuse developed from 1936 to 1938 the first program-controlled, freely
programmable computer machines. It is programmed by punched tape (35mm film),
already used the dual system (ax ^ 2 b) and dominated Gleitpunktrechnung. The
number of input and output are in the decimal system. The calculator was due to
mechanical defects not fully operational. Due to its pioneering logical concept
is the Z1, together with the Z3, in the professional world often the first,
although very simple, referred computer.
A replica of the Z1 is in the Museum of Technology in
Berlin. It was manufactured in collaboration with Konrad Zuse and is
mechanically much more stable than the original. more ...
1941
Relay calculator Z3 by Konrad Zuse
Relay calculator Z3
Photo: replica with minor variations, Deutsches Museum,
Munich.
The Z3 is the elektromechnische replica of Z1, wherein the
mechanical contacts of the Z1 were replaced by relay. As early as 1938, Zuse
built, the Council of Schreyer following, an arithmetic unit in relay
technology, Z2. In the Z3 then came 600 relay in the calculator and 1400 relay
in the storage plant used. It was mainly used material: the windings of the
relay was unheitlich, and they needed different voltages.
Read the program as in the Z1 via a perforated film strip.
The Z3 was in May 1941, the first full-featured, programmable,
program-controlled binary adding machine. It was destroyed in the war.
Characteristics of the Z3:
dual
Floating
Word length 22 bits (14 bits mantissa, exponent 7 bits, 1
bit sign of the mantissa)
64 words memory
Control over 8-channel paper tape
Addition parallel
Multiplication, division and square root in about 3 seconds
Single-step transfer
Typing on keyboard
Output via Lamp Field
It absence of conditional instructions, the non-variable
program flow does not allow jumps. This is the key function, which is why the
Z3 still is not a general purpose computer. With the binary logic is
conceptually but other computers that have yet to follow, such as the Eniac, superior.
more ...
1944 Relay Calculator MARK I of Aiken, Heinz Nixdorf Museum
Paderborn. Photo: Clemens Weller
Relay calculator MARK I Aiken (exhibit at the Heinz Nixdorf
Museum)
1946
ENIAC - the first "electronic brain"
First tube computer ENIAC Eckert and Mauchly of
1st generation based on tubes data processing systems. First
tube computer ENIAC Eckert and Mauchly of. Von Neumann developed the concept of
universal computer.
1956
2nd generation computers
On transistors based. The development of advanced
programming languages Fortran and
Algol begins.
1965
3rd generation computers
Based on integrated circuits. There arise computer families
that are compatible with each other. The core functions of the computer
controlled by a micro program. The virtual storage principle is introduced.
Undertow. Participants computing system.
1972
4th generation computers
Based on large-scale integrated circuits. Multiprocessor
systems, high-speed storage concepts. Remote data access (dial-up). Database
systems. Standardized operating systems.
1980
5th generation computers
Knowledge-based systems, expert systems, artificial
intelligence development.
