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2700 BCE
The Invention of the Abacus
The Abacus was invented by the Babylonians sometime around 2700 BC, and was perfected by the Chinese. It is an arrangement of beads on wires, used for very complex calculations. It works even faster than an experienced accountant using a modern calculator. -
Invention of "Napiers Bones" (John Napier)
In 1614, John Napier (A Scottish mathematician) invented a set of rods, now called "Napier's Bones" that were used to perform difficult calculations. These rods could divide, multiply, square, and even cube numbers. -
Famous Calculations Machine by Blaise Pascal
During the 17th century, Blaise Pascal invented a famous calculation machine that could add, subtract, multiply, and divide. His machine could add numbers up to 8 digits. Eventually, the Pascal computer language was named after this. -
The Weaving Loom: Joseph-Marie Jacquard
In 1801 Joseph- Maire Jacquard invented a weaving loom that used punched cars to replicate designs. His idea of punching cards and feeding them into a loom was a huge step in the direction of computers, even though they weren't invented until after his death. -
The Difference Engine: Charles Babbage
In 1832, Charles Babbage invented the "Difference Engine" which was the first machine that approximated the idea of a computer. It was to be built of gears and levers, and was steam powered. For the same purpose as the previous machines, it was to be used for calculations, however it was never fully completed. -
The Analytical Engine: Charles Babbage
After the Difference Engine, Babbage invented the Analytical Engine sometime around 1834. It was to be a more powerful mechanical computer that stored instructions, used punched cards, worked with 40 digit numbers, and more. But it wasn't able to be constructed as Babbage couldn't receive funding for it, until in 1906 his son attempted to work on the machine. It was never fully completed, but it made way for the progress of computers. -
The Hollerith Machine: Punched Card Calculator
In 1890, Herman Hollerith invented the punched card calculator to count the US Census. It only took him 6 weeks verses before it would take 7 years! Hollerith went on to form the International Business Machines or IBM. -
Electronic Tube: Lee De Forest
In 1906 Lee De Forest invented the Electronic Tube that made the development of electronic computers possible. It is one of the three technological advances that was key in the development of the computer industry, -
Development of Electronic Machines
In 1939, electronic machines were developed for the purpose of breaking German encryption codes during WWII. They were designed for one purpose rather than many but functioned like a computer. -
The Colossus
During 1943, Great Britain developed the Colossus that took over the task of code-breaking. It was very fast! After WWII, the ten computers that were built were all destroyed because the British government was concerned the enemies would use them against the British Empire. -
First Program Controlled Calculator: Harvard Mark
During 1943 at Harvard University, Howard H Aiken developed the first program controlled calculator. It worked from punch cards or paper tape. Super close to a fully operational computer! -
The Integrated Circuit (The Chip)
In 1958 the integrated circuit was invented. It is known as the "third generation" These computers were fast, expensive, and only owned by businesses that could afford it. Its lifespan was only until 1972. -
BASIC Programming Language
The BASIC programming language was available for use when new computers first came out. It was easy to learn and write and it dominated the computer market for many years. -
Microprocessors (Intel 4004 and 8008)
In the early 1970's microprocessors were first developed. These small devices made computers smaller, faster, cheaper, and easier to build. The Intel 4004 was the first microprocessor to be used on a personal computer, and shortly after that the 8008 chip was invented. They were/ and are known as "fourth generation" computers. -
The Alto
In 1973, Xerox invented the Alto which was a computer that could be purchased by individuals or by businesses. It had many of the things computers today have, however it was too expensive to produce so it was never released. Many people still consider it the beginning point of personal computing. -
8080 Chip/ Microprocessor
In 1973, Intel invented the 8080 chip, which formed the basis of most personal computers for the next few years. Gary Kildall created an operating system called CP/M for this chip. -
Computer Kits/ 8008 Chip
Computer kits, such as the Xerox 8008 chip offered by the Scelbi Company, were sold to hobbyists or engineers for personal computing purposes. -
The Altair
The Altair was the most memorable operating system of this time. It was sold for $439! -
High Level Language Compiler: Grace Hopper
Around 1975, Grace Hopper invented a high level language compiler. Hopper served in the Navy, and her work was very important in the early years of computing. She also found the first computer "bug" which ironically was actually a bug causing the problem in her computer. -
The Cray 1
The Cray 1 was the first supercomputer available for purchase. It was based upon physics principals to help it cool. It could do 150 millions calculations per second, while today our supercomputers are more than 1000 times faster. -
Apple I and Apple II
In 1976 and 1977, Steve Wozniak and Steve jobs invented the Apple I and the Apple II microcomputers. The Apple II was the first computer to have so much popularity, and in the first year millions had been sold. Apple also produced the Macintosh or the Mac which became very popular for personal use. -
PET: Commodore Buisness Machines
In early 1977, Commodore Business Machines introduced PET, its first personal computer. Eventually they produced more personal computers such as the C64 and the C128. They were very affordable! -
The TRS-80/ Atari
The TRS-80 computer by Radio Shack was introduced and was well received by the public as it was less expensive than the Apple computers. Along with that, the Atari was a company that offered different personal computers in the same time frame with some of the same functions. -
The 8086 Microprocessor
In 1978 Intel released the 8086 microprocessor, which was 16-bit and it involved the computing power of 29,000 transistors. It added more power and speed to personal computing! -
The IBM PC
During the late 1970's and early 1980's the IBM released its first PC. It wasn't fast, colorful, or exciting but many businessmen bought them. Over the years as tech grew, they became much more popular and well made. -
Microsoft
Bill Gates and Paul Allen, with their company Microsoft, bought rights to QDOS which was an existing operating system, modified it and released it with the IBM PC. Instead of selling it to IBM after their request, they licensed it to users for a fee and shortly became very wealthy. Since then they have released WORD, EXCEL, and Windows and continue to profit off of these excellent programs.