History of Computers

Early Computers

Early Computers Mark I (1944) - This was the very first electronic computer. It was designed by Howard Aiken and Grace Hopper. It could automatically solve differential equations and prepare mathematical tables. Electronical Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) - This was the first all-electric computer. John Eckert and John Mauchly developed the ENIAC in 1946. It was very large and consumed a large amount of electricity. It was not used after 1955. Electronic Discrete Variable Computer (EDVAC) - John Von Neumann developed the EDVAC. It was one of the first computers to use memory to store programs and data.

Bill Gates

He created the computer language known as "Windows." He also made the Personal Computer (PC) popular by bringing it over from Japan.

Joseph Jacquard

He develop a weaving machine that was controlled by punch cards. This invention led to the method of storing information by using punch cards.

John Napier

He developed "Napier's Rods." It was a calculator made from rods. It allowed people to multiple numbers faster.

Steve Jobs

He developed the very first Apple computer from his garage

Herman Hollerith

He invented the "Tabulating Machine." The Tabulating Machine used punch cards to store information. It was later used to tabulate the U.S. Census.

Blaise Pascal

He was a mathematician who developed the "Pascaline." This was the first mechanical adding machine. The Pascaline was a wooden box that could add and subtract by using a series of gears and wheels.

Ada Lovelace

She is considered to be the first computer programmer. She wrote a computer language for the Analytical Engine.

Abacus

This is considered to be the first calculating device. The Chinese developed it in the year 2600 B.C.

Charles Babbage

He is known as the "Father of Computers." He developed the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine. These two machines were powered by steam to move the punch cards and operate the gears. His ideas were later used to design calculators and computers.

The Development of Computers

The Development of Computers Vacuum Tubes (1940's) - They were electronic devices that controlled the flow of electricity in and out of a computer. They looked like long light bulbs. Transistors (1950's) - Transistors replaced the use of vacuum tubes. They controlled the flow of electricity in and out of the computer. They were much more reliable than the vacuum tubes. Integrated Circuits (1960's) - Jack Kirby designed the integrated circuit. A circuit is a tiny chip that contains thousands of tiny circuits. Integrated circuits are about the size of a fingernail and are made from silicone (hard plastic). They allow electricity to flow throughout the computer. Microprocessors (1970's) - Microprocessors were developed by M.E. Hoff. It allowed scientists to put more complex circuits and large memory storage on a very small computer chip.

The Five Generations

The Five Generations of Computers Generation New Technology Years Used Computers Used 1st Vacuum Tubes 1940's - 1950's Mark I - ENIAC - EDVAC 2nd Transistors Late 1950's - Early 1960's IBM - NCR - RCA - UNIVAC 3rd Integrated Circuits Late 1960's - 1970's Mainframe and Minicomputer 4th Microprocessor (CPU) 1980's - 1990's Microcomputers 5th Microprocessor and AI 2000's - ????? Microcomputers and beyond