The Evolution of The Computer

The loom

1801

In France, Joseph Marie Jacquard invents a loom that uses punched wooden cards to automatically weave fabric designs. Early computers would use similar punch cards.

The Turning machines

1936

Alan Turing presents the notion of a universal machine, later called the Turing machine, capable of computing anything that is commutable. The central concept of the modern computer was based on his ideas.

First Attempt to Build Computer

1937

J.V. Atanasoff, a professor of physics and mathematics at Iowa State University, attempts to build the first computer without gears, cams, belts or shafts.

The First Computer able to save information

1941

Atanasoff and his graduate student, Clifford Berry, design a computer that can solve 29 equations simultaneously. This marks the first time a computer is able to store information on its main memory.

First commercial computer

1946

Mauchly and Presper leave the University of Pennsylvania and receive funding from the Census Bureau to build the UNIVAC, the first commercial computer for business and government applications.

First Computer Language

1953

: Grace Hopper develops the first computer language, which eventually becomes known as COBOL. Thomas Johnson Watson Jr., son of IBM CEO Thomas Johnson Watson Sr., conceives the IBM 701 EDPM to help the United Nations keep tabs on Korea during the war.

Computers hit the store

1974

A number of personal computers hit the market, including Scelbi & Mark-8 Altair, IBM 5100, Radio Shack's TRS-80 — affectionately known as the "Trash 80" — and the Commodore PET. 1974-1977

Apple makes first computer

1977

Jobs and Wozniak incorporate Apple and show the Apple II at the first West Coast Computer Faire. It offers color graphics and incorporates an audio cassette drive for storage.

First personal computer

1983

Apple's Lisa is the first personal computer with a GUI. It also features a drop-down menu and icons. It flops but eventually evolves into the Macintosh. The Gavilan SC is the first portable computer with the familiar flip form factor and the first to be marketed as a "laptop."

Games are now on pc

1994

PCs become gaming machines as "Command & Conquer," "Alone in the Dark 2," "Theme Park," "Magic Carpet," "Descent" and "Little Big Adventure" are among the games to hit the market.

Microsoft and Apple go at it

1997

Microsoft invests $150 million in Apple, which was struggling at the time, ending Apple's court case against Microsoft in which it alleged that Microsoft copied the "look and feel" of its operating system.

Wifi is here

1999

The term Wi-Fi becomes part of the computing language and users begin connecting to the Internet without wires

Mac os x

2001

Apple unveils the Mac OS X operating system, which provides protected memory architecture and pre-emptive multi-tasking, among other benefits. Not to be outdone, Microsoft rolls out Windows XP, which has a significantly redesigned GUI.

Youtube is Founded

2005

YouTube, a video sharing service, is founded. Google acquires Android, a Linux-based mobile phone operating system.

MacBook pro made

2006

Apple introduces the MacBook Pro, its first Intel-based, dual-core mobile computer, as well as an Intel-based iMac. Nintendo's Wii game console hits the market.

Ipad

2010

Apple unveils the iPad, changing the way consumers view media and jumpstarting the dormant tablet computer segment

Apple watch and microsoft 10

2015

Apple releases the Apple Watch. Microsoft releases Windows 10.