History of computing

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under History of computing, the JAMB Computer Studies syllabus expects you to study:

• 1. History of computing a. Pre-Computing Age - 19th century i. I Features and components early b computing devices - - b. Computing Devices - 20th Century - - c. The history behind each device - - - - -

Study notes & guidance

Study History of computing using a recommended Computer Studies textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus. Work through the contents listed above one by one, make brief notes in your own words, and then practise as many questions on this topic as you can — in Computer Studies, understanding and steady practice matter far more than memorising. Use the objectives below as a checklist: if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Objectives — candidates should be able to

After studying History of computing, you should be able to:

1. Dentify the various computing devices since the eginning of counting/computing Abacus Slide Rule Napier’s Bones Pascal Calculator Leibnitz Multiplier Jacquard Loom Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine Hollerith Census machine and Burrough’s machine. Discuss the contributions and uses of each of the founders of these devices: - ENIAC - EDVAC - UNIVAC 1 - Desktop Personal Computers, etc

These objectives are from the official JAMB syllabus. Use them as a checklist — if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Source: official JAMB UTME Computer Studies syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.