Etymology of the word "computer"

Origin of the word Computer:

  • Computer is derived directly from the Latin computus and computare.

  • Both Latin words mean the same as the English verb compute:

      • Compute = to determine by mathematical means.

  • Computare = com + putare (Latin root words)

      • Putare means to reckon

      • Com is an intensifying prefix.

    (An intensifying prefix heightens or stresses, but does not change the meaning of the word it modifies

    Example: inflammable)

What is a "computer"
 

Computer:

  • A computer is a "reckoning" or computing machine !!!

  • In fact: a computer is an programmable computing device (that helps humans do their chores)

I.e.: a computer can only perform computing (= calculating) operations !!!

Why was the computer invented ?
 

Precursors inventions to the computer:

  1. Humans had invented computing devices in ancient times.

  2. During the industrial revolution, programmable machines were invented

The computer is in fact a combination of these 2 inventions

The computer was invented by Alan Turing during World War II to help him break the German's Enigma Code:

  • The movie "The Imitation Game" documents Alan Turing's work on his computer to break the Enigma Code.

    Trailer of the movie on YouTube: click here

Computing machines invented by humans - ancient times
 

Toy abacus Chinese abacus
                         
  • # beads in row 1 = unit value
  • # beads in row 2 = 10's value
  • # beads in row 3 = 100's value
  • And so on

 

 

  • # beads in column 1 = unit value
  • # beads in column 2 = 10's value
  • # beads in column 3 = 100's value
  • And so on

  • 1 bead in upper half = 5 beads in lower half
  • Value represented by abacus = 63571

Computing machines invented by humans - Renaissance period
 

Babbage's difference engine Close-up of the mechanics

True history: I have used one of these mechanical calculators in my Dad's grocery store