History of Computers

By Eric computer class
  • 2500 BCE

    Abacus

    Ancient counting device first used by Babylonians, later improved by Chinese; a precursor to calculators.

  • Napier's Bones

    John Napier invented rods to simplify multiplication/division; early math aid

  • Pascal's Calculator

    Blaise Pascal’s mechanical device added and subtracted numbers up to 8 digits.

  • Jacquard's Loom

    Used punched cards to control weaving—early form of programmable machine.

  • Difference Engine

    Charles Babbage’s design for an automatic calculator using gears.

  • Analytical Engine

    Babbage’s unrealized vision for a programmable computer with memory and input/output.

  • Hollerith Tabulator

    Used punched cards for U.S. Census; major step in automated data processing.

  • Electronic Tube

    Invented by Lee De Forest; allowed electronic signal control and led to early computers.

  • Transistor

    Replaced vacuum tubes; smaller, cooler, more reliable—enabled modern electronics.

  • UNIVAC I

    First commercial business computer in the U.S.; used for census and corporations

  • Integrated Circuit

    Jack Kilby’s chip combining transistors and wiring; launched chip-based computing.
  • Period: to

    4th Generation Computers

    Smaller, faster, cheaper computers that we still use to this day.

  • Intel 4004

    First microprocessor to fit a whole CPU on one chip—made small, affordable computers possible.

  • Microprocessor

    First CPU on a chip; created by Marcian Hoff, powering calculators and early computers.

  • Xerox alto

    First computer with GUI, mouse, and networking; never released publicly

  • GUI

    Let users click on icons and windows instead of typing—made computers easy for everyone to use.

  • Altair 8800

    Popular DIY personal computer; inspired hobbyists like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.

  • Cray-1 Supercomputer

    The first supercomputer sold to the public—could do 150 million calculations per second using supercooled circuits.

  • Apple I

    Built by Steve Wozniak and distributed by Steve Jobs; first Apple computer sold as a fully assembled motherboard.

  • Apple II

    Included color graphics, sound, and keyboard; major leap for home computers.