Did You Know? Facts about the History of Computers
Many of us consider ourselves to be “experts” on the computer if we can use Microsoft Office and can figure out how to work the printer. However, the history of computers has paved the way for many of the modern technological luxuries that we enjoy today. Here’s some highlights from the illustrious history of computers.
The History of Computers
– In 2400 BC, the abacus, the first known calculator, was built in Babylonia. The abacus paved the way for an entirely new generation of counting machines.
– In 300 BC Pingala invented the binary number, which we wouldn’t have computers without, since the computer speaks in binary code….1’s and 0’s.
– Leonardo Da Vinci was a mechanical pioneer. He developed the first mechanical calculator, which brought about the age of automation. Da Vinci’s work in robotics also made him a man well before his time and one of the fathers of the modern microcomputer.
– Charles Babbage designed the first mechanical computer in 1822. He then went on a decade later to invent the Analytical Engine. His inventions made him the founder of the modern computer.
– A machine called the Comptometer, developed in 1884, was operated by pressing keys. This computational device was the foundation of the modern keyboard.
– In 1896 Herman Hollerith founded the Tabulating Machine Company, which later went on to become IBM in 1911. IBM would set the standard for the modern Personal Computer.
– In 1937, Alan Turing developed the concept of the theoretical computing machine.
– In 1939, George Stibitz develops the Complex Number Calculator – a foundation for digital computers. In this same year, William Hewlett and David Packard start Hewlett Packard. Of course, Hewlett Packard would go on to become one of the largest computer companies in the world.
– During WWII, Adolf Hitler used the computer’s predecessor to encrypt messages. These code machines were also used by the United States to decrypt similar messages.
– The term computer “bug” was first used in 1945 by Grace Hopper.
– The first electronic computer is created in Japan by Hideo Yamachito in 1950.
– The first business computer was developed in 1951.
– The computer is made of many silicon chips, which were invented in 1958 by Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce
– The computer mouse was developed in 1963. It got its name from the “tail” at the end.
– E-mail was invented by Ray Tomlinson in 1971. Can you believe that email is actually that old?!
– By 1983, more than 10 million computers were in use in the United States.
– In 1991, the World Wide Web was launched to the public.
Now that you know a general history of computers from the experts at Computer Doc, go and impress your friends with all of your new knowledge!
Did You Know? Facts about the History of Computers