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The Jacquard Loom, a pioneer
In the 1600s, different calculating devices were built. Some of them were the Arithmetic Machine and the Step Reckoner. However, the Jacquard loom, a device created to simplify the production of textiles with complex patterns created by Joseph-Marie Jacquard, is considered to be the first information-processing device. -
Jacquard Loom Simulators
Check these videos to see how the Jacquard Loom worked [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awGjOGo_Mis]
[https://vimeo.com/109465210] -
The Arithmometer - The mechanization of calculation
The Arithmometer was built by Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar. As a result of the Industrial Revolution, calculation had to be mechanized. This device allowed addition, substraction, multiplication and division. -
More about the Arithmometer
Investigate more about the Arithmometer on this website [http://www.arithmometre.org/indexEnglish.html]. The menu looks like this device. -
The Analytical Engine
This device was conceived as a digital computer that could perform any calculation. It had a large storage capacity and printing capability. It could also "read" instructions. -
Typewriters
The first typewriter was sold by Remington Arms Company, Inc.It wasn't a computer but it contributed to the development of what we know as such. -
What were early typewriters like?
A video that shows some early typewriters [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n1FDu2GZ8M]. -
The Differential Analyzer, an early computer + The ABC
It was created by Vannevar Bush, an engineer from the MIT. It was an analog calculator that could solve equations. Nine years later, Atanasoff-Berry Computer was built. Its prototype could store information in binary form and perform addition and substraction. -
Colossus
Colossus, a code-breaking machine, was created as part of a British project meant to develop technology to decode messages from the Germans during World War II. It was the first electronic digital computer. -
ENIAC - UNIVAC
It was a specific-purpose computer. It was created as part of a US project. It computed projectile trajectories and performed calculations for the atomic bomb. Then, in 1951, the UNIVAC appeared. It was the first commercial computer and it could be used for business and government applications. -
A prototype of the modern computer
This prototype was presented by Douglas Engelbart. It had a mouse and a graphical user interface. It could be used by the general public. -
Apple
Apple Computers was founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. They built the Apple I. A year later, they presented the Apple II with colour graphics and an audio cassette drive for storage. -
Take a look at the Apple I
Click on the picture and scan the QR code to take a look at this computer. -
One of the first personal computers
IBM presented the Acorn, a personal computer for home and office use with Microsoft's MS-DOS operating system, an Intel chip, two floppy disks and a colour monitor. From then on, other personal computers were produced by Apple, Compaq and Commodore. -
The rest is history (from 1982 to our days)
From 1981 onwards, there were numerous and rapid advances in computing. Microsoft created Windows; the World Wide Web appeared; the Google search engine was created; Wi-Fi became available; laptops appeared. Computers became popular, smaller and more complete. -
Computers are everywhere
Do you know how many computers are sold every year? You can find it out here [https://www.dinero.com/empresas/articulo/cuantos-computadores-se-vendieron-en-el-mundo-para-el-ano-2017/254069]
