Computer Science JSS1 First Term

WEEK 2

Historical development of computer II

Performance Objectives

The student should be able to:

        1. Name the mechanical counting and calculating devices.

Content

Mechanical Counting and Calculating Devices

As a result of the disadvantages of the early counting devices, more advanced mechanical counting and calculating devices were invented. Some of these devices are as follows:

1. The Abacus: The abacus was developed in China about 5000 years ago and it was early used for arithmetic tasks. The abacus is made up of beads threaded on iron rods. The iron rods are fixed to a rectangular wooden frame. It is used for addition and subtraction only as It could not carry out complex mathematics. It was successful that its use spread from China to many other countries. 

Picture showing up the abacus

2. Napier’s Bone: After the.... View More