Evolution of the Computer from Mainframe to Distributed Systems

Abstract: A 10 page paper providing a brief history of computers, beginning in 1944 when IBM's first mainframe was born of collaboration with Harvard University. That machine was fully electromechanical and though capable of computations, can be considered as less powerful than any pocket calculator today. The paper discusses the early portable computers and the first commercially successful personal computers, ending in a discussion of distributed systems including the debate surrounding fat clients vs thin clients, and the still-viable concept of the network computer designed to be for Internet use rather than providing all the capabilities of the PC. Bibliography lists 18 sources.

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Catagory: Internet & Related Issues

Subcatagory: Computers & The Internet

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