SCST1133 · Topic 01

Evolution of Computing Systems

See how computing developed from centralised machines to personal, connected, cloud and intelligent systems.

01Introduction to Computer and System
Professional enrichment

Technology changes, but system principles remain

Each generation changes scale and access while retaining the need for processing, storage, communication and control.

Timeline of computing-system evolution
Figure 15. Computing evolved from centralised mainframes to connected cloud, edge and AI systems.

Use history carefully

The timeline is conceptual rather than exhaustive. Focus on how computing location, access, connectivity and scale changed over time.