History of Computer Exercise

History of Computers Exercise with answers

1.1. What is meant by the term "non-computational tool"? Give two examples.

A non-computational tool is a device or object used to perform basic calculations or operations without the use of modern electronic or digital computing technology.

Examples:

• Abacus
• Napier’s Bones

1.2. Name any four early non-electronic tools that were used for calculations.

1. Abacus
2. Napier’s Bones
3. Slide Rule
4. Pascaline

1.3. Match the following tools with their inventors or origin:

Tool	Inventor/Origin
Abacus	D. Ancient Chinese
Napier’s Bones	C. John Napier
Pascaline	A. Blaise Pascal
Analytical Engine	B. Charles Babbage

2.1. Using sticks, bottle tops, or pebbles, demonstrate how an abacus might be used to add two numbers (e.g., 2 + 10).

You can simulate an abacus using two rows or columns:

• Use sticks or bottle tops to represent numbers.
• Place 2 pebbles in the first row for the number 2.
• Place 10 pebbles in the same row for the number 10.
• Count all pebbles together:
• 2 + 10 = 12 pebbles.

This simulates how an abacus shifts beads to represent addition.

2.2. Create a simple timeline showing at least 5 key historical computing tools from the abacus to the first generation of computers.

Simple Timeline of Early Computing Tools

1. Abacus – ~2400 BC (Ancient Mesopotamia/China)
2. Napier’s Bones – 1617 (John Napier)
3. Pascaline – 1642 (Blaise Pascal)
4. Analytical Engine – 1837 (Charles Babbage)
5. First Generation Computers – 1940s–1950s (ENIAC, UNIVAC – used vacuum tubes)

3.1. Compare and contrast the abacus with a modern calculator.

Feature	Abacus	Modern Calculator
Technology	Manual, mechanical	Electronic, digital
Power Needed	None	Requires battery or solar power
Speed	Slower (depends on user)	Very fast (instant results)
User Skill	Requires training to operate well	Easy to use with basic knowledge
Usage	Mainly addition, subtraction, etc.	Handles complex math & scientific functions
Portability	Physical, bulky (in older versions)	Compact, lightweight

 Similarities:

®      Both perform arithmetic operations.

®      Both are used in education and commerce.

®      Both help reduce manual errors in calculation.