The History of Computers

The History of Computers

In order to fully understand the history of computers and computers in general, it is important to understand what it is exactly that lead up to the invention of the computer. After all, there was a time when the use of laptops, P.C.s, and other machines was unthinkable. Way back in the fourth century B.C., the abucus was an instrument used for counting in Babylonia. Many scholars believe that it likely started out as pebbles being moved over lines drawn in the dirt and then evolved into a more complex counting tool (Aspray 7). About 1200 years later, Roman numerals were finally introduced, along with the idea of the zero and other mathematical basics. This helped lay the foundation for several different men who had findings that would eventually lead us to the beginnings of computers and computing. Though they are often referred to as scholars, many of these intellectuals were most likely just merely the nerds of their time. Take Wilhelm Schickard and Blaise Pascal of the 17th century, for example. Both of these men had enough time on their hands to individually build two of the first mechanical calculators in history. Unfortunately, Schickard calculator never even made it past the model stage and Pascal machine had several snags of its own; nevertheless, both of their discoveries helped lead to more advanced computing. The next so-called geek to make his way into the computing spotlight was Charles Babbage. In 1842, he developed ideas for a computer that could find the solution to a math problem. His system was rudimentary, using punch-cards in the computation; however, his ideas were far from basic. In fact, the analysis of his Analytical Engine includes fundamentals of computer programming, including data analysis, looping, and memory addressing (History).

So things started rolling and in no time, we arrived in the 20th century and many new

advances in computing came with time. The discoveries became more and more significant and computers became more and more advanced. In 1943, a computer used in Britain for code-breaking was created, followed by the 1945 completion of the Electronic Numerical Integrator Analyzor and Computer, which was used in the United States to assist in the preparation of firing tables for artillery. Computers really began to prove useful even in situations that we never thought possible, like in war and protection.