Name: Anonymous 2008-05-25 19:53
Why is the abacus frequently cited as the earliest computer? It
doesn't satisfy a single definition of a computer. It doesn't
automate anything. It's not a general purpose computer in that
it cannot be programmed. Its output is always the same as
its input. It has a finite memory but no control. IT'S JUST
BEADS AND STICKS! Essentially, an abacus was just a way of
keeping records without paper or a useful number system, but
a computer, I think not.
doesn't satisfy a single definition of a computer. It doesn't
automate anything. It's not a general purpose computer in that
it cannot be programmed. Its output is always the same as
its input. It has a finite memory but no control. IT'S JUST
BEADS AND STICKS! Essentially, an abacus was just a way of
keeping records without paper or a useful number system, but
a computer, I think not.