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The History of Computers
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John Napier
John Napier was a Scottish mathematician and invented Napier Bones, a set of rods that performed complex calculations. -
Joseph-Maire Jacquard
He introduced the use of punch cards by developing a weaving loom that used the punch cards to replicate designs. -
Charles Babbage
He created the Difference Engine which was the first machine the actually approximated the idea of a computer. -
Herman Hollerith
He created a punch card calculator used to count the U.S. Census. Hollerith also later formed the company now known as IBM. -
Lee De Forest
He invented the electronic tube which made possible the development of electronic computers. -
Howard H. Aiken
Aiken developed the first programmed controlled calculator at Harvard University. -
William B. Shockley, Walter H. Brattain, and John Bardeen
The three men were all engineers at Bell Laboratories and developed the transistor.
