Integeated Circuits:The history of computer machine has been closely linked to advancing technology,
including the invention of transistors and the subsequent development of circuits constructed as
single units,called integrated circuits.With these developments,the room-sized machines of the
1940s were reduced over the decades to the size of single cabinets while,the processing power of
computing power of computing machines began to double every two years.As work on integrated
circuitry progressed,many of the circuits within a computer became readily available on the open
market as integrated circuits encased in toy-sized blocks of plastic called chips,
Modern Computer:Desktop A major step toward popularizing computing was the development of desktop
computers.In 1981,IBM introduced its first desktop computer,called the personal computer,or PC,whose
underlying software was developed by a newly formed company known as Microsoft.The PC was an instant
success.Today,the term PC is widely used to refer to all those machines(from various manufactures)
whose design has evolved from IBM's initial desktop computer.At times,however,the term PC is used
interchangeably with the geaneric terms desktop or laptop.Internet As the twentieth century drew to
a close,the ability to connect individual computers in a world-wide system called the Internet was
revolutionizing communication.A British scientist Tim BernersLee proposed a system by which document
stored on computers throughout the Internet could be linked together producing a maze of linked
information called the World Wide Web(shortebed to "Web").To make the information on the Web
accessible,software systems,called search engines,were developed to "sift thorugh"the Web,"
categorize" their findings,and then use the results to assist users researching particular topics.
Major players in this field are Google,Yahoo,and Microsoft.These companies continue to expand their
Web-related activities,often in directions that challenge our traditional way of thinking.
Embedded:As the desktop computers were being accepted and used in homes,the miniaturization of
computing machines continued.Today,tiny automobiles now contain small computers running Global
Positioning Systems(GPS),monitoring the function of the engine,and providing voice command services
for controlling the car's audio and phone communication systems.
Smartphone Perhaps the most potentially revolutionary application of computer miniaturization is
found in the expanding capabilities of portable telephones.Indeed,what was recently merely a
telephone has evolved into a small hand-held general purpose computer known as a smartphone on
which telephony is only one of many applications.These"phones" are equipped with a rich array
of sensors and accelerometers(to detect the phone's orientation and motion),and a number of wireless
technologies is enormous.Indeed,many argue that the smartphones and computers.The potential is
enormous.Indeed,many argue that the smartphone will have a greater effect on society than the PC.
The miniaturization of computers and their expanding capabilities have brought computer technology
to the forefront of today's society has altered the ability of governments to exert control;had
enormous impact;and has repeatedly challenged society's status quo.The result is a proliferation
of subjects surrounding computer science,each of which is now a significant of study in its own
right.Indeed,an introduction to computer science is interdisciplinary undertaking.