3.2 Discussion: Putting Ideas Together
Re: 3.2 Discussion: Putting Ideas Together
Re: 3.2 Discussion: Putting Ideas Together
Overall, the trajectory of computers showcases a continuous journey marked by innovations in technology, particularly in semiconductors, driving exponential improvements in speed, power, and versatility, fundamentally transforming computing capabilities and revolutionizing the world
Re: 3.2 Discussion: Putting Ideas Together
Re: 3.2 Discussion: Putting Ideas Together
Perfect infer
Re: 3.2 Discussion: Putting Ideas Together
Reflecting on this progression, it is fascinating to witness how computers have transcended their original purpose. They have become indispensable in our daily lives, enabling us to communicate, create, innovate, and connect in ways that were once unimaginable. As technology continues to advance, the role of computers will likely expand further, shaping the way we work, learn, and interact with the world around us.
Looking ahead, the integration of computers into every aspect of modern life underscores their significance as a fundamental necessity for individuals progressing in today's society. As we embrace the evolving capabilities of technology, we are poised to witness even more profound changes in how computers influence our lives, driving innovation, efficiency, and connectivity to new heights.
INFORMATION LITERACY
An article says that information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, organize, use and communicate information in all its various formats, most notably in situation requiring decision making, problem solving or the acquisition of knowledge.
I think the ability to find and use the information are both the most important parts of information literacy. I'm myself make every endeavor to find information that I need to solve a problem of mine in my life.
So there are two main elements in information literacy. First is ability to find and use the information, second is the function of the information itself, to solve a problem in life. That all.
Re: 3.2 Discussion: Putting Ideas Together
The computers are devices that was made firstly to accomplish calculations, then between the years they have developed. They became more efficient to accomplish more tedious tasks and specialized tasks in the automated way. Their hardware have also changed and developed through the years and centuries.
Re: 3.2 Discussion: Putting Ideas Together
What three things did you already know about computers: Calculation, The first digital electronic calculating machines were developed during World War II and During the ancient times, simple manual devices like the abacus aided people in doing calculations.
It says that the Early computers were only conceived as calculating devices. Since ancient times, simple manual devices like the abacus aided people in doing calculations. I say that computers are very helpful machine or device during the analog or old and modern or digital time. And so, the evolution and history of computer from the early Industrial Revolution up to the Digital Revolution still plays an important role in our generation and society.
Computers, integral to modern life, are electronic devices that process data to perform various tasks. They consist of hardware components such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage devices. These components work in tandem to execute instructions and store information. The evolution of computers has been marked by a relentless pursuit of smaller size, increased speed, and enhanced capabilities. From early room-sized mainframes to today's sleek laptops and powerful desktops, computers have become ubiquitous tools for communication, work, entertainment, and problem-solving. Their impact spans across industries, shaping the way we live, work, and connect in the digital age.
It says:During ancient times computers were used as calculating machines only.
I say:at that time most people couldn't afford it due to its cost-effectiveness.
And so through time process it became an affordable and versatile machine.
Re: 3.2 Discussion: Putting Ideas Together
- Computers evolved from simple calculating devices aided by tools like the abacus.
- Mechanical and electrical devices during the Industrial Revolution automated tasks.
- Electronic calculating machines emerged during World War II.
- Semiconductor breakthroughs, including transistors and MOSFET technologies, led to microprocessors and integrated circuits.
- Moore's Law predicted exponential growth in computing power.
- The Digital Revolution occurred from the late 20th to early 21st centuries.
I Say:
The evolution of computers has been driven by advancements in technology, particularly in semiconductors. These advancements have led to significant improvements in computing power, speed, and versatility, fundamentally transforming the capabilities of computers and revolutionizing various aspects of our world.
And So:
Computers have become indispensable tools in modern society, impacting industries, communication, and innovation. The continuous advancement in technology will likely lead to further transformative changes in the future.
Regarding my classmates' responses, I observed some similarities and differences. Many of them highlighted the importance of semiconductor technology and Moore's Law in driving the evolution of computers, which aligns with my response. However, some classmates emphasized different aspects, such as the role of software development or the impact of computers on specific industries. It was interesting to see the diverse perspectives on the topic.
It Says: A recent study suggests that rising technology access correlates with a decrease in reading comprehension among students.
I Say: While the study highlights a potential correlation, it's important to consider other factors that might be influencing reading comprehension, such as changes in educational methods or the types of content students are reading.
And So: Further research is needed to determine if there's a causal relationship between technology and reading comprehension. We should also explore ways to leverage technology to enhance, not hinder, reading skills.
I knew that computer was known as calculation machine. And the word computer comes from word comput means calculations. I learn the history of computer from the article. Early the computer was used as calculation machine but during second World War industrial revolution the micro computers also developed and in 1980s the processers and voltage of computer increased. Now people use computer for writing searching data from Google and calculation but with modern features
This forum post has been removed
Early computers were initially conceived as calculating devices. The production of integrated circuit chip technology and MOS transistors in the late 1950s led to the development of microprocessors and microcomputers in the 1970s. This technological advancement caused a revolution that has been increasing the speed, power, and versatility of computers ever since, leading to the Digital Revolution. Nowadays, computers are one of the main devices that empower every field of knowledge, including valuable scientific research.
The author mentioned that how the computers become started important in our daily life and different kinds of computers
Furthermore,it is said that how the computers become sophisticated day by day
I don't have access to external discussion forums or classmates' responses. However, I can help you generate "It Says, I Say, And So" responses based on a given text or topic if you provide the necessary information. If you have specific questions or need assistance with a particular task related to generating responses or analyzing a text, feel free to ask!
I agree that computers have come a long way. It's amazing how they're now such a big part of our lives, helping us with so many tasks.
Looking ahead, it's clear that computers will keep playing a big role in our lives. With technology always improving, we can expect even more changes in the future.
I say computers have evolution and help human being to do many things like data analysis, AI, and sophestical calculations
and so computer is nowaday an devices very useful who help us in our job
and computers became larger and more powerful
Nowadays computers are faster and easy to use.
Computers have evolved significantly.
This forum post has been removed
Overall, the trajectory of computers showcases a continuous journey marked by innovations in technology, particularly in semiconductors, driving exponential improvements in speed, power, and versatility, fundamentally transforming computing capabilities and revolutionizing the world
The reading discusses the evolution of computers, highlighting their progression from simple calculating devices to sophisticated machines capable of performing various tasks. It mentions key technological advancements, such as the invention of transistors and integrated circuits, which have played a crucial role in shaping the development of computers. Additionally, the reading emphasizes the profound impact of computers on society, revolutionizing industries, communication, and daily life.
**I Say:**
I found the discussion about the evolution of computers particularly fascinating. It's incredible to think about how far computers have come since their inception, and the role that technological advancements have played in driving this progress. Additionally, the reading reaffirmed my understanding of the significant impact that computers have had on various aspects of modern life. From transforming industries to facilitating communication and enhancing productivity, computers have truly revolutionized the way we live and work.
**And So:**
Reflecting on the insights from the reading and my own knowledge, it's clear that computers will continue to play a central role in shaping the future. As technology continues to advance, we can expect computers to become even more powerful, versatile, and integrated into our daily lives. It's exciting to think about the possibilities that lie ahead as we harness the potential of computing technology to address complex challenges and drive further innovation.
Computers are not to blame. They offer a wide range of benefits, from entertainment and knowledge to inspiration. They have revolutionized how we work and interact, making tasks easier and more efficient.
I Say:
Positive Aspects:
Computers have enabled incredible achievements in various fields, from scientific breakthroughs to artistic creations.
They empower us by providing access to information and resources that were once inaccessible.
They serve as tools for creativity and innovation, sparking new ideas and possibilities.
Computers have connected people across the globe, fostering communication and collaboration on a scale never seen before.
Negative Aspects:
Despite their benefits, computers also pose risks, such as cybersecurity threats and privacy concerns.
They can contribute to social isolation and addiction, as people spend increasing amounts of time in front of screens.
Automation driven by computers has led to job displacement and economic inequality in some sectors.
There's also the risk of overreliance on technology, which can hinder critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
And So:
While computers have their drawbacks, there's hope that we can harness their potential for good.
As technology continues to advance, there's the possibility of creating more secure and ethical computing systems.
Education and awareness are key in ensuring that people use computers responsibly and ethically.
Ultimately, it's up to us to ensure that computers are used as tools for progress and empowerment rather than instruments of harm.
In conclusion, computers are neither inherently good nor bad; it's how we choose to use them that determines their impact on society. By recognizing their potential and addressing their challenges, we can navigate the digital age with wisdom and foresight.
I Say: The transition to digital electronic calculating machines during World War II laid the groundwork for modern computing.
And So: The continuous advancement of technology has led to the exponential growth of computing power and capabilities.
My classmates had similar responses, emphasizing the evolution of computers from simple tools to complex digital machines. Some focused on specific milestones, like the invention of the microprocessor, while others discussed the broader impact of computing on society. Overall, our responses were aligned in recognizing the transformative nature of technological advancements in the field of computing.
I Say: The progression from analog to digital computing marked a significant shift in the capabilities and speed of computers.
And So: The continuous innovation in computer technology, driven by Moore's law and advancements in semiconductor technology, has transformed the way we live and work.
But did you know that the history of computers dates back to the 1800s?
Indeed, the history and evolution of computers is quite extraordinary—and with many early computing technology innovations tied to defense contracts, much of this information were kept secret from the public for decades. In this article, we explore the development and progression of computers.
Mid-1800s-1930s: Early Mechanical Computers
The first computers were designed by Charles Babbage in the mid-1800s, and are sometimes collectively known as the Babbage Engines. These include the Difference Engine No.
1, the Analytical Engine, and the Difference Engine No. 2.
The Difference Engine was constructed from designs by Charles Babbage. Photo by Allan J.
Cronin
These early computers were never completed during Babbage’s lifetime, but their complete designs were preserved. Eventually, one was built in 2002.
While these early mechanical computers bore little resemblance to the computers in use today, they paved the way for a number of technologies that are used by modern computers, or were instrumental in their development. These concepts include of the idea of separating storage from processing, the logical structure of computers, and the way that data and instructions are inputted and outputted.
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The History of Computers in a Nutshell
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William Craig
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The History of Computers in a Nutshell
Computers have wedged themselves into every facet of our lives—they are what we would use as the symbolic representation of the modern world.
But did you know that the history of computers dates back to the 1800s?
Indeed, the history and evolution of computers is quite extraordinary—and with many early computing technology innovations tied to defense contracts, much of this information were kept secret from the public for decades. In this article, we explore the development and progression of computers.
Mid-1800s-1930s: Early Mechanical Computers
The first computers were designed by Charles Babbage in the mid-1800s, and are sometimes collectively known as the Babbage Engines. These include the Difference Engine No.
1, the Analytical Engine, and the Difference Engine No. 2.Difference Engine No. 2
The Difference Engine was constructed from designs by Charles Babbage. Photo by Allan J.
Cronin
These early computers were never completed during Babbage’s lifetime, but their complete designs were preserved. Eventually, one was built in 2002.
While these early mechanical computers bore little resemblance to the computers in use today, they paved the way for a number of technologies that are used by modern computers, or were instrumental in their development. These concepts include of the idea of separating storage from processing, the logical structure of computers, and the way that data and instructions are inputted and outputted.
Z1
Z1 was used to take the U.S. Census in 1890.
Other important mechanical computers are the Automatic Electrical Tabulating Machine—which was used in the U.S. Census of 1890 to handle data from more than 62 million Americans—and the first binary computer: Konrad Zuse’s Z1, which was developed in 1938 and was the precursor to the first electro-mechanical computer.
1930s: Electro-Mechanical Computers
Electro-mechanical computers generally worked with relays and/or vacuum tubes, which could be used as switches.
Some electro-mechanical computers—such as the Differential Analyzer built in 1930—used purely mechanical internals but employed electric motors to power them.
These early electro-mechanical computers were either analog or were digital—such as the Model K and the Complex Number Calculator, both produced by George Stibitz.
Stibitz, by the way, was also responsible for the first remote access computing, done at a conference at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. He took a teleprinter to the conference, leaving his computer in New York City, and then proceeded to take problems posed by the audience.
He then entered the problems on the keypad of his teleprinter, which outputted the answers afterward.
Z3 used floating-point numbers which improved the accuracy of calculations.
It was during the development of these early electro-mechanical computers that many of the technologies and concepts still used today were first developed. The Z3, a descendent of the Z1 developed by Konrad Zuse, was one such pioneering computer.
The Z3 used floating-point numbers in computations and was the first program-controlled digital computer.
Other electro-mechanical computers included Bombes, which were used during WWII to decrypt German codes.
1940s: Electronic Computers
Colossus—whose name was fitting for its size—was developed during World War II.
The first electronic computers were developed during the World War II, with the earliest of those being the Colossus. The Colossus was developed to decrypt secret German codes during the war. It used vacuum tubes and paper tape and could perform a number of Boolean (e.g.
true/false, yes/no) logical operations.
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The History of Computers in a Nutshell
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13 min. read
William Craig
William Craig
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CEO & Co-Founder
Chevron Down Icon
The History of Computers in a Nutshell
Computers have wedged themselves into every facet of our lives—they are what we would use as the symbolic representation of the modern world.
But did you know that the history of computers dates back to the 1800s?
Indeed, the history and evolution of computers is quite extraordinary—and with many early computing technology innovations tied to defense contracts, much of this information were kept secret from the public for decades. In this article, we explore the development and progression of computers.
Mid-1800s-1930s: Early Mechanical Computers
The first computers were designed by Charles Babbage in the mid-1800s, and are sometimes collectively known as the Babbage Engines. These include the Difference Engine No.
1, the Analytical Engine, and the Difference Engine No. 2.Difference Engine No. 2
The Difference Engine was constructed from designs by Charles Babbage. Photo by Allan J.
Cronin
These early computers were never completed during Babbage’s lifetime, but their complete designs were preserved. Eventually, one was built in 2002.
While these early mechanical computers bore little resemblance to the computers in use today, they paved the way for a number of technologies that are used by modern computers, or were instrumental in their development. These concepts include of the idea of separating storage from processing, the logical structure of computers, and the way that data and instructions are inputted and outputted.
Z1
Z1 was used to take the U.S. Census in 1890.
Other important mechanical computers are the Automatic Electrical Tabulating Machine—which was used in the U.S. Census of 1890 to handle data from more than 62 million Americans—and the first binary computer: Konrad Zuse’s Z1, which was developed in 1938 and was the precursor to the first electro-mechanical computer.
1930s: Electro-Mechanical Computers
Electro-mechanical computers generally worked with relays and/or vacuum tubes, which could be used as switches.
Some electro-mechanical computers—such as the Differential Analyzer built in 1930—used purely mechanical internals but employed electric motors to power them.
These early electro-mechanical computers were either analog or were digital—such as the Model K and the Complex Number Calculator, both produced by George Stibitz.
Stibitz, by the way, was also responsible for the first remote access computing, done at a conference at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. He took a teleprinter to the conference, leaving his computer in New York City, and then proceeded to take problems posed by the audience.
He then entered the problems on the keypad of his teleprinter, which outputted the answers afterward.Z3
Z3 used floating-point numbers which improved the accuracy of calculations.
It was during the development of these early electro-mechanical computers that many of the technologies and concepts still used today were first developed. The Z3, a descendent of the Z1 developed by Konrad Zuse, was one such pioneering computer.
The Z3 used floating-point numbers in computations and was the first program-controlled digital computer.
Other electro-mechanical computers included Bombes, which were used during WWII to decrypt German codes.
1940s: Electronic Computers
Colossus
Colossus—whose name was fitting for its size—was developed during World War II.
The first electronic computers were developed during the World War II, with the earliest of those being the Colossus. The Colossus was developed to decrypt secret German codes during the war. It used vacuum tubes and paper tape and could perform a number of Boolean (e.g.
true/false, yes/no) logical operations.Williams Tube
Williams Tube used RAM for its computations.
Another notable early electronic computer was nicknamed “The Baby” (officially known as the Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine). While the computer itself wasn’t remarkable—it was the first computer to use the Williams Tube, a type of random access memory (RAM) that used a cathode-ray tube.
Some early electronic computers used decimal numeric systems (such as the ENIAC and the Harvard Mark 1), while others—like the Atanasoff-Berry Computer and the Colossus Mark 2—used binary systems.
With the exception of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, all the major models were programmable, either using punch cards, patch cables and switches, or through stored programs in memory.
1950s: The First Commercial Computers
The first commercially available computers came in the 1950s. While computing up until this time had mainly focused on scientific, mathematical, and defense capabilities, new computers were designed for business functions, such as banking and accounting.
The J. Lyons Company, which was a British catering firm, invested heavily in some of these early computers.
In 1951, LEO (Lyons Electronic Office) became the first computer to run a regular routine office job. By November of that year, they were using the LEO to run a weekly bakery valuations job.
The UNIVAC was the first mass-produced computer.
The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer developed in the U.S., with its first unit delivered to the U.S.
Census Bureau. It was the first mass-produced computer, with more than 45 units eventually produced and sold.
The IBM 701 was another notable development in early commercial computing; it was the first mainframe computer produced by IBM. It was around the same time that the Fortran programming language was being developed (for the 704).
The IBM 650 would cost you $4 million dollars if you bought it today.
A smaller IBM 650 was developed in the mid-1950s, and was popular due to its smaller size and footprint (it still weighed over 900kg, with a separate 1350kg power supply).
They cost the equivalent of almost $4 million today (adjusted for inflation).
Mid-1950s: Transistor Computers
The development of transistors led to the replacement of vacuum tubes, and resulted in significantly smaller computers. In the beginning, they were less reliable than the vacuum tubes they replaced, but they also consumed significantly less power.
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Stylized old-fashioned personal computer with text 'HISTORY OF COMPUTERS IN A NUTSHELL' on a geometric patterned background.
HOME
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The History of Computers in a Nutshell
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13 min. read
William Craig
William Craig
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CEO & Co-Founder
Chevron Down Icon
The History of Computers in a Nutshell
Computers have wedged themselves into every facet of our lives—they are what we would use as the symbolic representation of the modern world.
But did you know that the history of computers dates back to the 1800s?
Indeed, the history and evolution of computers is quite extraordinary—and with many early computing technology innovations tied to defense contracts, much of this information were kept secret from the public for decades. In this article, we explore the development and progression of computers.
Mid-1800s-1930s: Early Mechanical Computers
The first computers were designed by Charles Babbage in the mid-1800s, and are sometimes collectively known as the Babbage Engines. These include the Difference Engine No.
1, the Analytical Engine, and the Difference Engine No. 2.Difference Engine No. 2
The Difference Engine was constructed from designs by Charles Babbage. Photo by Allan J.
Cronin
These early computers were never completed during Babbage’s lifetime, but their complete designs were preserved. Eventually, one was built in 2002.
While these early mechanical computers bore little resemblance to the computers in use today, they paved the way for a number of technologies that are used by modern computers, or were instrumental in their development. These concepts include of the idea of separating storage from processing, the logical structure of computers, and the way that data and instructions are inputted and outputted.
Z1
Z1 was used to take the U.S. Census in 1890.
Other important mechanical computers are the Automatic Electrical Tabulating Machine—which was used in the U.S. Census of 1890 to handle data from more than 62 million Americans—and the first binary computer: Konrad Zuse’s Z1, which was developed in 1938 and was the precursor to the first electro-mechanical computer.
1930s: Electro-Mechanical Computers
Electro-mechanical computers generally worked with relays and/or vacuum tubes, which could be used as switches.
Some electro-mechanical computers—such as the Differential Analyzer built in 1930—used purely mechanical internals but employed electric motors to power them.
These early electro-mechanical computers were either analog or were digital—such as the Model K and the Complex Number Calculator, both produced by George Stibitz.
Stibitz, by the way, was also responsible for the first remote access computing, done at a conference at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. He took a teleprinter to the conference, leaving his computer in New York City, and then proceeded to take problems posed by the audience.
He then entered the problems on the keypad of his teleprinter, which outputted the answers afterward.Z3
Z3 used floating-point numbers which improved the accuracy of calculations.
It was during the development of these early electro-mechanical computers that many of the technologies and concepts still used today were first developed. The Z3, a descendent of the Z1 developed by Konrad Zuse, was one such pioneering computer.
The Z3 used floating-point numbers in computations and was the first program-controlled digital computer.
Other electro-mechanical computers included Bombes, which were used during WWII to decrypt German codes.
1940s: Electronic Computers
Colossus
Colossus—whose name was fitting for its size—was developed during World War II.
The first electronic computers were developed during the World War II, with the earliest of those being the Colossus. The Colossus was developed to decrypt secret German codes during the war. It used vacuum tubes and paper tape and could perform a number of Boolean (e.g.
true/false, yes/no) logical operations.Williams Tube
Williams Tube used RAM for its computations.
Another notable early electronic computer was nicknamed “The Baby” (officially known as the Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine). While the computer itself wasn’t remarkable—it was the first computer to use the Williams Tube, a type of random access memory (RAM) that used a cathode-ray tube.
Some early electronic computers used decimal numeric systems (such as the ENIAC and the Harvard Mark 1), while others—like the Atanasoff-Berry Computer and the Colossus Mark 2—used binary systems.
With the exception of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, all the major models were programmable, either using punch cards, patch cables and switches, or through stored programs in memory.
1950s: The First Commercial Computers
The first commercially available computers came in the 1950s. While computing up until this time had mainly focused on scientific, mathematical, and defense capabilities, new computers were designed for business functions, such as banking and accounting.
The J. Lyons Company, which was a British catering firm, invested heavily in some of these early computers.
In 1951, LEO (Lyons Electronic Office) became the first computer to run a regular routine office job. By November of that year, they were using the LEO to run a weekly bakery valuations job.UNIVAC
The UNIVAC was the first mass-produced computer.
The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer developed in the U.S., with its first unit delivered to the U.S.
Census Bureau. It was the first mass-produced computer, with more than 45 units eventually produced and sold.
The IBM 701 was another notable development in early commercial computing; it was the first mainframe computer produced by IBM. It was around the same time that the Fortran programming language was being developed (for the 704).
IBM 650
The IBM 650 would cost you $4 million dollars if you bought it today.
A smaller IBM 650 was developed in the mid-1950s, and was popular due to its smaller size and footprint (it still weighed over 900kg, with a separate 1350kg power supply).
They cost the equivalent of almost $4 million today (adjusted for inflation).
Mid-1950s: Transistor Computers
The development of transistors led to the replacement of vacuum tubes, and resulted in significantly smaller computers. In the beginning, they were less reliable than the vacuum tubes they replaced, but they also consumed significantly less power.RAMAC
IBM 350 RAMAC used disk drives.
These transistors also led to developments in computer peripherals.
The first disk drive, the IBM 350 RAMAC, was the first of these introduced in 1956. Remote terminals also became more common with these second-generation computers.
1960s: The Microchip and the Microprocessor
The microchip (or integrated circuit) is one of the most important advances in computing technology. Many overlaps in history existed between microchip-based computers and transistor-based computers throughout the 1960s, and even into the early 1970s.
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Stylized old-fashioned personal computer with text 'HISTORY OF COMPUTERS IN A NUTSHELL' on a geometric patterned background.
HOME
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WEB DESIGN
The History of Computers in a Nutshell
Clock Icon
13 min. read
William Craig
William Craig
Verified badge
CEO & Co-Founder
Chevron Down Icon
The History of Computers in a Nutshell
Computers have wedged themselves into every facet of our lives—they are what we would use as the symbolic representation of the modern world.
But did you know that the history of computers dates back to the 1800s?
Indeed, the history and evolution of computers is quite extraordinary—and with many early computing technology innovations tied to defense contracts, much of this information were kept secret from the public for decades. In this article, we explore the development and progression of computers.
Mid-1800s-1930s: Early Mechanical Computers
The first computers were designed by Charles Babbage in the mid-1800s, and are sometimes collectively known as the Babbage Engines. These include the Difference Engine No.
1, the Analytical Engine, and the Difference Engine No. 2.Difference Engine No. 2
The Difference Engine was constructed from designs by Charles Babbage. Photo by Allan J.
Cronin
These early computers were never completed during Babbage’s lifetime, but their complete designs were preserved. Eventually, one was built in 2002.
While these early mechanical computers bore little resemblance to the computers in use today, they paved the way for a number of technologies that are used by modern computers, or were instrumental in their development. These concepts include of the idea of separating storage from processing, the logical structure of computers, and the way that data and instructions are inputted and outputted.
Z1
Z1 was used to take the U.S. Census in 1890.
Other important mechanical computers are the Automatic Electrical Tabulating Machine—which was used in the U.S. Census of 1890 to handle data from more than 62 million Americans—and the first binary computer: Konrad Zuse’s Z1, which was developed in 1938 and was the precursor to the first electro-mechanical computer.
1930s: Electro-Mechanical Computers
Electro-mechanical computers generally worked with relays and/or vacuum tubes, which could be used as switches.
Some electro-mechanical computers—such as the Differential Analyzer built in 1930—used purely mechanical internals but employed electric motors to power them.
These early electro-mechanical computers were either analog or were digital—such as the Model K and the Complex Number Calculator, both produced by George Stibitz.
Stibitz, by the way, was also responsible for the first remote access computing, done at a conference at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. He took a teleprinter to the conference, leaving his computer in New York City, and then proceeded to take problems posed by the audience.
He then entered the problems on the keypad of his teleprinter, which outputted the answers afterward.Z3
Z3 used floating-point numbers which improved the accuracy of calculations.
It was during the development of these early electro-mechanical computers that many of the technologies and concepts still used today were first developed. The Z3, a descendent of the Z1 developed by Konrad Zuse, was one such pioneering computer.
The Z3 used floating-point numbers in computations and was the first program-controlled digital computer.
Other electro-mechanical computers included Bombes, which were used during WWII to decrypt German codes.
1940s: Electronic Computers
Colossus
Colossus—whose name was fitting for its size—was developed during World War II.
The first electronic computers were developed during the World War II, with the earliest of those being the Colossus. The Colossus was developed to decrypt secret German codes during the war. It used vacuum tubes and paper tape and could perform a number of Boolean (e.g.
true/false, yes/no) logical operations.Williams Tube
Williams Tube used RAM for its computations.
Another notable early electronic computer was nicknamed “The Baby” (officially known as the Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine). While the computer itself wasn’t remarkable—it was the first computer to use the Williams Tube, a type of random access memory (RAM) that used a cathode-ray tube.
Some early electronic computers used decimal numeric systems (such as the ENIAC and the Harvard Mark 1), while others—like the Atanasoff-Berry Computer and the Colossus Mark 2—used binary systems.
With the exception of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, all the major models were programmable, either using punch cards, patch cables and switches, or through stored programs in memory.
1950s: The First Commercial Computers
The first commercially available computers came in the 1950s. While computing up until this time had mainly focused on scientific, mathematical, and defense capabilities, new computers were designed for business functions, such as banking and accounting.
The J. Lyons Company, which was a British catering firm, invested heavily in some of these early computers.
In 1951, LEO (Lyons Electronic Office) became the first computer to run a regular routine office job. By November of that year, they were using the LEO to run a weekly bakery valuations job.UNIVAC
The UNIVAC was the first mass-produced computer.
The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer developed in the U.S., with its first unit delivered to the U.S.
Census Bureau. It was the first mass-produced computer, with more than 45 units eventually produced and sold.
The IBM 701 was another notable development in early commercial computing; it was the first mainframe computer produced by IBM. It was around the same time that the Fortran programming language was being developed (for the 704).
IBM 650
The IBM 650 would cost you $4 million dollars if you bought it today.
A smaller IBM 650 was developed in the mid-1950s, and was popular due to its smaller size and footprint (it still weighed over 900kg, with a separate 1350kg power supply).
They cost the equivalent of almost $4 million today (adjusted for inflation).
Mid-1950s: Transistor Computers
The development of transistors led to the replacement of vacuum tubes, and resulted in significantly smaller computers. In the beginning, they were less reliable than the vacuum tubes they replaced, but they also consumed significantly less power.RAMAC
IBM 350 RAMAC used disk drives.
These transistors also led to developments in computer peripherals.
The first disk drive, the IBM 350 RAMAC, was the first of these introduced in 1956. Remote terminals also became more common with these second-generation computers.
1960s: The Microchip and the Microprocessor
The microchip (or integrated circuit) is one of the most important advances in computing technology. Many overlaps in history existed between microchip-based computers and transistor-based computers throughout the 1960s, and even into the early 1970s.06 10 microcontroller
Micochips allowed the manufacturing of smaller computers.
Photo by Ioan Sameli The microchip spurred the production of minicomputers and microcomputers, which were small and inexpensive enough for small businesses and even individuals to own.
The microchip also led to the microprocessor, another breakthrough technology that was important in the development of the personal computer.
There were three microprocessor designs that came out at about the same time. The first was produced by Intel (the 4004). Soon after, models from Texas Instruments (the TMS 1000) and Garret AiResearch (the Central Air Data Computer, or CADC) followed.
The first processors were 4-bit, but 8-bit models quickly followed by 1972.
16-bit models were produced in 1973, and 32-bit models soon followed.
AT&T Bell Labs created the first fully 32-bit single-chip microprocessor, which used 32-bit buses, 32-bit data paths, and 32-bit addresses, in 1980.
The first 64-bit microprocessors were in use in the early 1990s in some markets, though they didn’t appear in the PC market until the early 2000s.
1970s: Personal Computers
The first personal computers were built in the early 1970s. Most of these were limited-production runs, and worked based on small-scale integrated circuits and multi-chip CPUs.
The Commodore PET was a personal computer in the 70s.
Photo by Tomislav Medak
The Altair 8800 was the first popular computer using a single-chip microprocessor. It was also sold in kit form to electronics hobbyists, meaning purchasers had to assemble their own computers.
Clones of this machine quickly cropped up, and soon there was an entire market based on the design and architecture of the 8800. It also spawned a club based around hobbyist computer builders, the Homebrew Computer Club.
1977 saw the rise of the “Trinity” (based on a reference in Byte magazine): the Commodore PET, the Apple II, and the Tandy Corporation’s TRS-80.
These three computer models eventually went on to sell millions. These early PCs had between 4kB and 48kB of RAM. The Apple II was the only one with a full-color, graphics-capable display, and eventually became the best-seller among the trinity, with more than 4 million units sold.
1980s-1990s: The Early Notebooks and Laptops
One particularly notable development in the 1980s was the advent of the commercially available portable computer.
Osborne 1 was small and portable enough to transport. Photo by Tomislav Medak
The first of these was the Osborne 1, in 1981. It had a tiny 5″ monitor and was large and heavy compared to modern laptops (weighing in at 23.5 pounds). Portable computers continued to develop, though, and eventually became streamlined and easily portable, as the notebooks we have today are.
These early portable computers were portable only in the most technical sense of the word. Generally, they were anywhere from the size of a large electric typewriter to thesize of a suitcase.
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Stylized old-fashioned personal computer with text 'HISTORY OF COMPUTERS IN A NUTSHELL' on a geometric patterned background.
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The History of Computers in a Nutshell
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13 min. read
William Craig
William Craig
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CEO & Co-Founder
Chevron Down Icon
The History of Computers in a Nutshell
Computers have wedged themselves into every facet of our lives—they are what we would use as the symbolic representation of the modern world.
But did you know that the history of computers dates back to the 1800s?
Indeed, the history and evolution of computers is quite extraordinary—and with many early computing technology innovations tied to defense contracts, much of this information were kept secret from the public for decades. In this article, we explore the development and progression of computers.
Mid-1800s-1930s: Early Mechanical Computers
The first computers were designed by Charles Babbage in the mid-1800s, and are sometimes collectively known as the Babbage Engines. These include the Difference Engine No.
1, the Analytical Engine, and the Difference Engine No. 2.Difference Engine No. 2
The Difference Engine was constructed from designs by Charles Babbage. Photo by Allan J.
Cronin
These early computers were never completed during Babbage’s lifetime, but their complete designs were preserved. Eventually, one was built in 2002.
While these early mechanical computers bore little resemblance to the computers in use today, they paved the way for a number of technologies that are used by modern computers, or were instrumental in their development. These concepts include of the idea of separating storage from processing, the logical structure of computers, and the way that data and instructions are inputted and outputted.
Z1
Z1 was used to take the U.S. Census in 1890.
Other important mechanical computers are the Automatic Electrical Tabulating Machine—which was used in the U.S. Census of 1890 to handle data from more than 62 million Americans—and the first binary computer: Konrad Zuse’s Z1, which was developed in 1938 and was the precursor to the first electro-mechanical computer.
1930s: Electro-Mechanical Computers
Electro-mechanical computers generally worked with relays and/or vacuum tubes, which could be used as switches.
Some electro-mechanical computers—such as the Differential Analyzer built in 1930—used purely mechanical internals but employed electric motors to power them.
These early electro-mechanical computers were either analog or were digital—such as the Model K and the Complex Number Calculator, both produced by George Stibitz.
Stibitz, by the way, was also responsible for the first remote access computing, done at a conference at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. He took a teleprinter to the conference, leaving his computer in New York City, and then proceeded to take problems posed by the audience.
He then entered the problems on the keypad of his teleprinter, which outputted the answers afterward.Z3
Z3 used floating-point numbers which improved the accuracy of calculations.
It was during the development of these early electro-mechanical computers that many of the technologies and concepts still used today were first developed. The Z3, a descendent of the Z1 developed by Konrad Zuse, was one such pioneering computer.
The Z3 used floating-point numbers in computations and was the first program-controlled digital computer.
Other electro-mechanical computers included Bombes, which were used during WWII to decrypt German codes.
1940s: Electronic Computers
Colossus
Colossus—whose name was fitting for its size—was developed during World War II.
The first electronic computers were developed during the World War II, with the earliest of those being the Colossus. The Colossus was developed to decrypt secret German codes during the war. It used vacuum tubes and paper tape and could perform a number of Boolean (e.g.
true/false, yes/no) logical operations.Williams Tube
Williams Tube used RAM for its computations.
Another notable early electronic computer was nicknamed “The Baby” (officially known as the Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine). While the computer itself wasn’t remarkable—it was the first computer to use the Williams Tube, a type of random access memory (RAM) that used a cathode-ray tube.
Some early electronic computers used decimal numeric systems (such as the ENIAC and the Harvard Mark 1), while others—like the Atanasoff-Berry Computer and the Colossus Mark 2—used binary systems.
With the exception of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, all the major models were programmable, either using punch cards, patch cables and switches, or through stored programs in memory.
1950s: The First Commercial Computers
The first commercially available computers came in the 1950s. While computing up until this time had mainly focused on scientific, mathematical, and defense capabilities, new computers were designed for business functions, such as banking and accounting.
The J. Lyons Company, which was a British catering firm, invested heavily in some of these early computers.
In 1951, LEO (Lyons Electronic Office) became the first computer to run a regular routine office job. By November of that year, they were using the LEO to run a weekly bakery valuations job.UNIVAC
The UNIVAC was the first mass-produced computer.
The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer developed in the U.S., with its first unit delivered to the U.S.
Census Bureau. It was the first mass-produced computer, with more than 45 units eventually produced and sold.
The IBM 701 was another notable development in early commercial computing; it was the first mainframe computer produced by IBM. It was around the same time that the Fortran programming language was being developed (for the 704).
IBM 650
The IBM 650 would cost you $4 million dollars if you bought it today.
A smaller IBM 650 was developed in the mid-1950s, and was popular due to its smaller size and footprint (it still weighed over 900kg, with a separate 1350kg power supply).
They cost the equivalent of almost $4 million today (adjusted for inflation).
Mid-1950s: Transistor Computers
The development of transistors led to the replacement of vacuum tubes, and resulted in significantly smaller computers. In the beginning, they were less reliable than the vacuum tubes they replaced, but they also consumed significantly less power.RAMAC
IBM 350 RAMAC used disk drives.
These transistors also led to developments in computer peripherals.
The first disk drive, the IBM 350 RAMAC, was the first of these introduced in 1956. Remote terminals also became more common with these second-generation computers.
1960s: The Microchip and the Microprocessor
The microchip (or integrated circuit) is one of the most important advances in computing technology. Many overlaps in history existed between microchip-based computers and transistor-based computers throughout the 1960s, and even into the early 1970s.06 10 microcontroller
Micochips allowed the manufacturing of smaller computers.
Photo by Ioan Sameli The microchip spurred the production of minicomputers and microcomputers, which were small and inexpensive enough for small businesses and even individuals to own.
The microchip also led to the microprocessor, another breakthrough technology that was important in the development of the personal computer.
There were three microprocessor designs that came out at about the same time. The first was produced by Intel (the 4004). Soon after, models from Texas Instruments (the TMS 1000) and Garret AiResearch (the Central Air Data Computer, or CADC) followed.
The first processors were 4-bit, but 8-bit models quickly followed by 1972.
16-bit models were produced in 1973, and 32-bit models soon followed.
AT&T Bell Labs created the first fully 32-bit single-chip microprocessor, which used 32-bit buses, 32-bit data paths, and 32-bit addresses, in 1980.
The first 64-bit microprocessors were in use in the early 1990s in some markets, though they didn’t appear in the PC market until the early 2000s.
1970s: Personal Computers
The first personal computers were built in the early 1970s. Most of these were limited-production runs, and worked based on small-scale integrated circuits and multi-chip CPUs.06 11 commodorepet
The Commodore PET was a personal computer in the 70s.
Photo by Tomislav Medak
The Altair 8800 was the first popular computer using a single-chip microprocessor. It was also sold in kit form to electronics hobbyists, meaning purchasers had to assemble their own computers.
Clones of this machine quickly cropped up, and soon there was an entire market based on the design and architecture of the 8800. It also spawned a club based around hobbyist computer builders, the Homebrew Computer Club.
1977 saw the rise of the “Trinity” (based on a reference in Byte magazine): the Commodore PET, the Apple II, and the Tandy Corporation’s TRS-80.
These three computer models eventually went on to sell millions. These early PCs had between 4kB and 48kB of RAM. The Apple II was the only one with a full-color, graphics-capable display, and eventually became the best-seller among the trinity, with more than 4 million units sold.
1980s-1990s: The Early Notebooks and Laptops
One particularly notable development in the 1980s was the advent of the commercially available portable computer.
06 12 osborne1
Osborne 1 was small and portable enough to transport. Photo by Tomislav Medak
The first of these was the Osborne 1, in 1981. It had a tiny 5″ monitor and was large and heavy compared to modern laptops (weighing in at 23.5 pounds). Portable computers continued to develop, though, and eventually became streamlined and easily portable, as the notebooks we have today are.
These early portable computers were portable only in the most technical sense of the word. Generally, they were anywhere from the size of a large electric typewriter to the size of a suitcase.
06 13 gallivan sc
The Gavilan SC was the first PC to be sold as a “laptop”.
The first laptop with a flip form factor, was produced in 1982, but the first portable computer that was actually marketed as a “laptop” was the Gavilan SC in 1983.
Early models had monochrome displays, though there were color displays available starting in 1984 (the Commodore SX-64).
Laptops grew in popularity as they became smaller and lighter. By 1988, displays had reached VGA resolution, and by 1993 they had 256-color screens. From there, resolutions and colors progressed quickly.
Other hardware features added during the 1990s and early 2000s included high-capacity hard drives and optical drives.
WebFX Logo
Stylized old-fashioned personal computer with text 'HISTORY OF COMPUTERS IN A NUTSHELL' on a geometric patterned background.
HOME
BLOG
WEB DESIGN
The History of Computers in a Nutshell
Clock Icon
13 min. read
William Craig
William Craig
Verified badge
CEO & Co-Founder
Chevron Down Icon
The History of Computers in a Nutshell
Computers have wedged themselves into every facet of our lives—they are what we would use as the symbolic representation of the modern world.
But did you know that the history of computers dates back to the 1800s?
Indeed, the history and evolution of computers is quite extraordinary—and with many early computing technology innovations tied to defense contracts, much of this information were kept secret from the public for decades. In this article, we explore the development and progression of computers.
Mid-1800s-1930s: Early Mechanical Computers
The first computers were designed by Charles Babbage in the mid-1800s, and are sometimes collectively known as the Babbage Engines. These include the Difference Engine No.
1, the Analytical Engine, and the Difference Engine No. 2.Difference Engine No. 2
The Difference Engine was constructed from designs by Charles Babbage. Photo by Allan J.
Cronin
These early computers were never completed during Babbage’s lifetime, but their complete designs were preserved. Eventually, one was built in 2002.
While these early mechanical computers bore little resemblance to the computers in use today, they paved the way for a number of technologies that are used by modern computers, or were instrumental in their development. These concepts include of the idea of separating storage from processing, the logical structure of computers, and the way that data and instructions are inputted and outputted.
Z1
Z1 was used to take the U.S. Census in 1890.
Other important mechanical computers are the Automatic Electrical Tabulating Machine—which was used in the U.S. Census of 1890 to handle data from more than 62 million Americans—and the first binary computer: Konrad Zuse’s Z1, which was developed in 1938 and was the precursor to the first electro-mechanical computer.
1930s: Electro-Mechanical Computers
Electro-mechanical computers generally worked with relays and/or vacuum tubes, which could be used as switches.
Some electro-mechanical computers—such as the Differential Analyzer built in 1930—used purely mechanical internals but employed electric motors to power them.
These early electro-mechanical computers were either analog or were digital—such as the Model K and the Complex Number Calculator, both produced by George Stibitz.
Stibitz, by the way, was also responsible for the first remote access computing, done at a conference at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. He took a teleprinter to the conference, leaving his computer in New York City, and then proceeded to take problems posed by the audience.
He then entered the problems on the keypad of his teleprinter, which outputted the answers afterward.Z3
Z3 used floating-point numbers which improved the accuracy of calculations.
It was during the development of these early electro-mechanical computers that many of the technologies and concepts still used today were first developed. The Z3, a descendent of the Z1 developed by Konrad Zuse, was one such pioneering computer.
The Z3 used floating-point numbers in computations and was the first program-controlled digital computer.
Other electro-mechanical computers included Bombes, which were used during WWII to decrypt German codes.
1940s: Electronic Computers
Colossus
Colossus—whose name was fitting for its size—was developed during World War II.
The first electronic computers were developed during the World War II, with the earliest of those being the Colossus. The Colossus was developed to decrypt secret German codes during the war. It used vacuum tubes and paper tape and could perform a number of Boolean (e.g.
true/false, yes/no) logical operations.Williams Tube
Williams Tube used RAM for its computations.
Another notable early electronic computer was nicknamed “The Baby” (officially known as the Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine). While the computer itself wasn’t remarkable—it was the first computer to use the Williams Tube, a type of random access memory (RAM) that used a cathode-ray tube.
Some early electronic computers used decimal numeric systems (such as the ENIAC and the Harvard Mark 1), while others—like the Atanasoff-Berry Computer and the Colossus Mark 2—used binary systems.
With the exception of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, all the major models were programmable, either using punch cards, patch cables and switches, or through stored programs in memory.
1950s: The First Commercial Computers
The first commercially available computers came in the 1950s. While computing up until this time had mainly focused on scientific, mathematical, and defense capabilities, new computers were designed for business functions, such as banking and accounting.
The J. Lyons Company, which was a British catering firm, invested heavily in some of these early computers.
In 1951, LEO (Lyons Electronic Office) became the first computer to run a regular routine office job. By November of that year, they were using the LEO to run a weekly bakery valuations job.UNIVAC
The UNIVAC was the first mass-produced computer.
The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer developed in the U.S., with its first unit delivered to the U.S.
Census Bureau. It was the first mass-produced computer, with more than 45 units eventually produced and sold.
The IBM 701 was another notable development in early commercial computing; it was the first mainframe computer produced by IBM. It was around the same time that the Fortran programming language was being developed (for the 704).
IBM 650
The IBM 650 would cost you $4 million dollars if you bought it today.
A smaller IBM 650 was developed in the mid-1950s, and was popular due to its smaller size and footprint (it still weighed over 900kg, with a separate 1350kg power supply).
They cost the equivalent of almost $4 million today (adjusted for inflation).
Mid-1950s: Transistor Computers
The development of transistors led to the replacement of vacuum tubes, and resulted in significantly smaller computers. In the beginning, they were less reliable than the vacuum tubes they replaced, but they also consumed significantly less power.RAMAC
IBM 350 RAMAC used disk drives.
These transistors also led to developments in computer peripherals.
The first disk drive, the IBM 350 RAMAC, was the first of these introduced in 1956. Remote terminals also became more common with these second-generation computers.
1960s: The Microchip and the Microprocessor
The microchip (or integrated circuit) is one of the most important advances in computing technology. Many overlaps in history existed between microchip-based computers and transistor-based computers throughout the 1960s, and even into the early 1970s.06 10 microcontroller
Micochips allowed the manufacturing of smaller computers.
Photo by Ioan Sameli The microchip spurred the production of minicomputers and microcomputers, which were small and inexpensive enough for small businesses and even individuals to own.
The microchip also led to the microprocessor, another breakthrough technology that was important in the development of the personal computer.
There were three microprocessor designs that came out at about the same time. The first was produced by Intel (the 4004). Soon after, models from Texas Instruments (the TMS 1000) and Garret AiResearch (the Central Air Data Computer, or CADC) followed.
The first processors were 4-bit, but 8-bit models quickly followed by 1972.
16-bit models were produced in 1973, and 32-bit models soon followed.
AT&T Bell Labs created the first fully 32-bit single-chip microprocessor, which used 32-bit buses, 32-bit data paths, and 32-bit addresses, in 1980.
The first 64-bit microprocessors were in use in the early 1990s in some markets, though they didn’t appear in the PC market until the early 2000s.
1970s: Personal Computers
The first personal computers were built in the early 1970s. Most of these were limited-production runs, and worked based on small-scale integrated circuits and multi-chip CPUs.06 11 commodorepet
The Commodore PET was a personal computer in the 70s.
Photo by Tomislav Medak
The Altair 8800 was the first popular computer using a single-chip microprocessor. It was also sold in kit form to electronics hobbyists, meaning purchasers had to assemble their own computers.
Clones of this machine quickly cropped up, and soon there was an entire market based on the design and architecture of the 8800. It also spawned a club based around hobbyist computer builders, the Homebrew Computer Club.
1977 saw the rise of the “Trinity” (based on a reference in Byte magazine): the Commodore PET, the Apple II, and the Tandy Corporation’s TRS-80.
These three computer models eventually went on to sell millions. These early PCs had between 4kB and 48kB of RAM. The Apple II was the only one with a full-color, graphics-capable display, and eventually became the best-seller among the trinity, with more than 4 million units sold.
1980s-1990s: The Early Notebooks and Laptops
One particularly notable development in the 1980s was the advent of the commercially available portable computer.
06 12 osborne1
Osborne 1 was small and portable enough to transport. Photo by Tomislav Medak
The first of these was the Osborne 1, in 1981. It had a tiny 5″ monitor and was large and heavy compared to modern laptops (weighing in at 23.5 pounds). Portable computers continued to develop, though, and eventually became streamlined and easily portable, as the notebooks we have today are.
These early portable computers were portable only in the most technical sense of the word. Generally, they were anywhere from the size of a large electric typewriter to the size of a suitcase.
06 13 gallivan sc
The Gavilan SC was the first PC to be sold as a “laptop”.
The first laptop with a flip form factor, was produced in 1982, but the first portable computer that was actually marketed as a “laptop” was the Gavilan SC in 1983.
Early models had monochrome displays, though there were color displays available starting in 1984 (the Commodore SX-64).
Laptops grew in popularity as they became smaller and lighter. By 1988, displays had reached VGA resolution, and by 1993 they had 256-color screens. From there, resolutions and colors progressed quickly.
Other hardware features added during the 1990s and early 2000s included high-capacity hard drives and optical drives.06 14 macbookpros
Laptops typically come in three categories, as shown by these Macbooks. Photo by Benjamin Nagel
Laptops are generally broken down into a three different categories:
Desktop replacements
Standard notebooks
Subnotebooks
Desktop replacements are usually larger, with displays of 15-17″ and performance comparable with some better desktop computers.
Standard notebooks usually have displays of 13-15″ and are a good compromise between performance and portability.
Subnotebooks, including netbooks, have displays smaller than 13″ and fewer features than standard notebooks.
2000s: The Rise of Mobile Computing
Mobile computing is one of the most recent major milestones in the history of computers.
Many smartphones today have higher processor speeds and more memory than desktop PCs had even ten years ago. With phones like the iPhone and the Motorola Droid, it’s becoming possible to perform most of the functions once reserved for desktop PCs from anywher.
The Droid is a smartphone capable of basic computing tasks such as emailing and web browsing.
Mobile computing really got its start in the 1980s, with the pocket PCs of the era.
These were something like a cross between a calculator, a small home computer and a PDA. They largely fell out of favor by the 1990s. During the 1990s, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) became popular.
A number of manufacturers had models, including Apple and Palm.
The main feature PDAs had that not all pocket PCs had was a touchscreen interface. PDAs are still manufactured and used today, though they’ve largely been replaced by smartphones.
Smartphones have truly revolutionized mobile computing. Most basic computing functions can now be done on a smartphone, such as email, browsing the internet, and uploading photos and videos.
Late 2000s: Netbooks
Another recent progression in computing history is the development of netbook computers.
Netbooks are smaller and more portable than standard laptops, while still being capable of performing most functions average computer users need (using the Internet, managing email, and using basic office programs). Some netbooks go as far as to have not only built-in WiFi capabilities, but also built-in mobile broadband connectivity options.
WebFX Logo
Stylized old-fashioned personal computer with text 'HISTORY OF COMPUTERS IN A NUTSHELL' on a geometric patterned background.
HOME
BLOG
WEB DESIGN
The History of Computers in a Nutshell
Clock Icon
13 min. read
William Craig
William Craig
Verified badge
CEO & Co-Founder
Chevron Down Icon
The History of Computers in a Nutshell
Computers have wedged themselves into every facet of our lives—they are what we would use as the symbolic representation of the modern world.
But did you know that the history of computers dates back to the 1800s?
Indeed, the history and evolution of computers is quite extraordinary—and with many early computing technology innovations tied to defense contracts, much of this information were kept secret from the public for decades. In this article, we explore the development and progression of computers.
Mid-1800s-1930s: Early Mechanical Computers
The first computers were designed by Charles Babbage in the mid-1800s, and are sometimes collectively known as the Babbage Engines. These include the Difference Engine No.
1, the Analytical Engine, and the Difference Engine No. 2.Difference Engine No. 2
The Difference Engine was constructed from designs by Charles Babbage. Photo by Allan J.
Cronin
These early computers were never completed during Babbage’s lifetime, but their complete designs were preserved. Eventually, one was built in 2002.
While these early mechanical computers bore little resemblance to the computers in use today, they paved the way for a number of technologies that are used by modern computers, or were instrumental in their development. These concepts include of the idea of separating storage from processing, the logical structure of computers, and the way that data and instructions are inputted and outputted.
Z1
Z1 was used to take the U.S. Census in 1890.
Other important mechanical computers are the Automatic Electrical Tabulating Machine—which was used in the U.S. Census of 1890 to handle data from more than 62 million Americans—and the first binary computer: Konrad Zuse’s Z1, which was developed in 1938 and was the precursor to the first electro-mechanical computer.
1930s: Electro-Mechanical Computers
Electro-mechanical computers generally worked with relays and/or vacuum tubes, which could be used as switches.
Some electro-mechanical computers—such as the Differential Analyzer built in 1930—used purely mechanical internals but employed electric motors to power them.
These early electro-mechanical computers were either analog or were digital—such as the Model K and the Complex Number Calculator, both produced by George Stibitz.
Stibitz, by the way, was also responsible for the first remote access computing, done at a conference at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. He took a teleprinter to the conference, leaving his computer in New York City, and then proceeded to take problems posed by the audience.
He then entered the problems on the keypad of his teleprinter, which outputted the answers afterward.Z3
Z3 used floating-point numbers which improved the accuracy of calculations.
It was during the development of these early electro-mechanical computers that many of the technologies and concepts still used today were first developed. The Z3, a descendent of the Z1 developed by Konrad Zuse, was one such pioneering computer.
The Z3 used floating-point numbers in computations and was the first program-controlled digital computer.
Other electro-mechanical computers included Bombes, which were used during WWII to decrypt German codes.
1940s: Electronic Computers
Colossus
Colossus—whose name was fitting for its size—was developed during World War II.
The first electronic computers were developed during the World War II, with the earliest of those being the Colossus. The Colossus was developed to decrypt secret German codes during the war. It used vacuum tubes and paper tape and could perform a number of Boolean (e.g.
true/false, yes/no) logical operations.Williams Tube
Williams Tube used RAM for its computations.
Another notable early electronic computer was nicknamed “The Baby” (officially known as the Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine). While the computer itself wasn’t remarkable—it was the first computer to use the Williams Tube, a type of random access memory (RAM) that used a cathode-ray tube.
Some early electronic computers used decimal numeric systems (such as the ENIAC and the Harvard Mark 1), while others—like the Atanasoff-Berry Computer and the Colossus Mark 2—used binary systems.
With the exception of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, all the major models were programmable, either using punch cards, patch cables and switches, or through stored programs in memory.
1950s: The First Commercial Computers
The first commercially available computers came in the 1950s. While computing up until this time had mainly focused on scientific, mathematical, and defense capabilities, new computers were designed for business functions, such as banking and accounting.
The J. Lyons Company, which was a British catering firm, invested heavily in some of these early computers.
In 1951, LEO (Lyons Electronic Office) became the first computer to run a regular routine office job. By November of that year, they were using the LEO to run a weekly bakery valuations job.UNIVAC
The UNIVAC was the first mass-produced computer.
The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer developed in the U.S., with its first unit delivered to the U.S.
Census Bureau. It was the first mass-produced computer, with more than 45 units eventually produced and sold.
The IBM 701 was another notable development in early commercial computing; it was the first mainframe computer produced by IBM. It was around the same time that the Fortran programming language was being developed (for the 704).
IBM 650
The IBM 650 would cost you $4 million dollars if you bought it today.
A smaller IBM 650 was developed in the mid-1950s, and was popular due to its smaller size and footprint (it still weighed over 900kg, with a separate 1350kg power supply).
They cost the equivalent of almost $4 million today (adjusted for inflation).
Mid-1950s: Transistor Computers
The development of transistors led to the replacement of vacuum tubes, and resulted in significantly smaller computers. In the beginning, they were less reliable than the vacuum tubes they replaced, but they also consumed significantly less power.RAMAC
IBM 350 RAMAC used disk drives.
These transistors also led to developments in computer peripherals.
The first disk drive, the IBM 350 RAMAC, was the first of these introduced in 1956. Remote terminals also became more common with these second-generation computers.
1960s: The Microchip and the Microprocessor
The microchip (or integrated circuit) is one of the most important advances in computing technology. Many overlaps in history existed between microchip-based computers and transistor-based computers throughout the 1960s, and even into the early 1970s.06 10 microcontroller
Micochips allowed the manufacturing of smaller computers.
Photo by Ioan Sameli The microchip spurred the production of minicomputers and microcomputers, which were small and inexpensive enough for small businesses and even individuals to own.
The microchip also led to the microprocessor, another breakthrough technology that was important in the development of the personal computer.
There were three microprocessor designs that came out at about the same time. The first was produced by Intel (the 4004). Soon after, models from Texas Instruments (the TMS 1000) and Garret AiResearch (the Central Air Data Computer, or CADC) followed.
The first processors were 4-bit, but 8-bit models quickly followed by 1972.
16-bit models were produced in 1973, and 32-bit models soon followed.
AT&T Bell Labs created the first fully 32-bit single-chip microprocessor, which used 32-bit buses, 32-bit data paths, and 32-bit addresses, in 1980.
The first 64-bit microprocessors were in use in the early 1990s in some markets, though they didn’t appear in the PC market until the early 2000s.
1970s: Personal Computers
The first personal computers were built in the early 1970s. Most of these were limited-production runs, and worked based on small-scale integrated circuits and multi-chip CPUs.06 11 commodorepet
The Commodore PET was a personal computer in the 70s.
Photo by Tomislav Medak
The Altair 8800 was the first popular computer using a single-chip microprocessor. It was also sold in kit form to electronics hobbyists, meaning purchasers had to assemble their own computers.
Clones of this machine quickly cropped up, and soon there was an entire market based on the design and architecture of the 8800. It also spawned a club based around hobbyist computer builders, the Homebrew Computer Club.
1977 saw the rise of the “Trinity” (based on a reference in Byte magazine): the Commodore PET, the Apple II, and the Tandy Corporation’s TRS-80.
These three computer models eventually went on to sell millions. These early PCs had between 4kB and 48kB of RAM. The Apple II was the only one with a full-color, graphics-capable display, and eventually became the best-seller among the trinity, with more than 4 million units sold.
1980s-1990s: The Early Notebooks and Laptops
One particularly notable development in the 1980s was the advent of the commercially available portable computer.
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Osborne 1 was small and portable enough to transport. Photo by Tomislav Medak
The first of these was the Osborne 1, in 1981. It had a tiny 5″ monitor and was large and heavy compared to modern laptops (weighing in at 23.5 pounds). Portable computers continued to develop, though, and eventually became streamlined and easily portable, as the notebooks we have today are.
These early portable computers were portable only in the most technical sense of the word. Generally, they were anywhere from the size of a large electric typewriter to the size of a suitcase.
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The Gavilan SC was the first PC to be sold as a “laptop”.
The first laptop with a flip form factor, was produced in 1982, but the first portable computer that was actually marketed as a “laptop” was the Gavilan SC in 1983.
Early models had monochrome displays, though there were color displays available starting in 1984 (the Commodore SX-64).
Laptops grew in popularity as they became smaller and lighter. By 1988, displays had reached VGA resolution, and by 1993 they had 256-color screens. From there, resolutions and colors progressed quickly.
Other hardware features added during the 1990s and early 2000s included high-capacity hard drives and optical drives.06 14 macbookpros
Laptops typically come in three categories, as shown by these Macbooks. Photo by Benjamin Nagel
Laptops are generally broken down into a three different categories:
Desktop replacements
Standard notebooks
Subnotebooks
Desktop replacements are usually larger, with displays of 15-17″ and performance comparable with some better desktop computers.
Standard notebooks usually have displays of 13-15″ and are a good compromise between performance and portability.
Subnotebooks, including netbooks, have displays smaller than 13″ and fewer features than standard notebooks.
2000s: The Rise of Mobile Computing
Mobile computing is one of the most recent major milestones in the history of computers.
Many smartphones today have higher processor speeds and more memory than desktop PCs had even ten years ago. With phones like the iPhone and the Motorola Droid, it’s becoming possible to perform most of the functions once reserved for desktop PCs from anywhere.2000s: The Rise of Mobile Computing
The Droid is a smartphone capable of basic computing tasks such as emailing and web browsing.
Mobile computing really got its start in the 1980s, with the pocket PCs of the era.
These were something like a cross between a calculator, a small home computer and a PDA. They largely fell out of favor by the 1990s. During the 1990s, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) became popular.
A number of manufacturers had models, including Apple and Palm.
The main feature PDAs had that not all pocket PCs had was a touchscreen interface. PDAs are still manufactured and used today, though they’ve largely been replaced by smartphones.
Smartphones have truly revolutionized mobile computing. Most basic computing functions can now be done on a smartphone, such as email, browsing the internet, and uploading photos and videos.
Late 2000s: Netbooks
Another recent progression in computing history is the development of netbook computers.
Netbooks are smaller and more portable than standard laptops, while still being capable of performing most functions average computer users need (using the Internet, managing email, and using basic office programs). Some netbooks go as far as to have not only built-in WiFi capabilities, but also built-in mobile broadband connectivity options.Netbooks
The Asus Eee PC 700 was the first netbook to enter mass production.
The first mass-produced netbook was the Asus Eee PC 700, released in 2007. They were originally released in Asia, but were released in the US not long afterward.
Other manufacturers quickly followed suit, releasing additional models throughout 2008 and 2009.
One of the main advantages of netbooks is their lower cost (generally ranging from around US$200-$600). Some mobile broadband providers have even offered netbooks for free with an extended service contract. Comcast also had a promotion in 2009 that offered a free netbook when you signed up for their cable internet services.
Most netbooks now come with Windows or Linux installed, and soon, there will be Android-based netbooks available from Asus and other manufacturers.
The history of computing spans nearly two centuries at this point, much longer than most people realize.
From the mechanical computers of the 1800s to the room-sized mainframes of the mid-20th century, all the way up to the netbooks and smartphones of today, computers have evolved radically throughout their history.
The past 100 years have brought technological leaps and bounds to computing, and there’s no telling what the next 100 years might bring.