When Was the Computer Invented?

Nobody knows for certain when the first computer was invented, though there are many precursors to the modern computer. Many of them operate on mechanical rather than electronic principles. The computers invented prior to the 20th century were not digital and most were not programmable. The history of computers can be traced as far back as 3000 BC.

History

The earliest known computer is the abacus. This simple device used small beads or stones placed in the grooves of a counting board made of wood, metal or stone. German astronomer Wilhelm Schickard invented the first mechanical calculating machine in 1623. However, Charles Babbage is considered the true father of the modern computer. He designed the "Difference Engine" around 1820. He also designed an "Analytical Engine" which could be programmed with punch cards.

Function

A computer has four basic functions. They are input, output, processing and storage. In older computers, data was typically stored on removable media such as punch cards or magnetic tape. The same media were used to input the information into the computer. Early computers could output data through mechanical dials or print-outs. The first electric computers processed data using vacuum tubes. These were later replaced with transistors, which were more efficient and took up less space.

Features

Computers are not merely calculators. While they can perform calculations, they are capable of processing non-numerical data as well. Both ancient and modern computers are capable of processing data to achieve a desired result. The Jacquard loom, invented by Joseph-Marie Jacquard, was a device which used punch cards to automate the weaving process. Even the player piano qualifies as a computer. It accepts input in the form of punch cards. The information is then processed by vacuum tubes. The output is music created through a mechanical process.

Geography

Although the abacus is attributed to China, it was actually invented in Babylonia. Since ancient times, people worldwide have contributed to the invention of the modern computer. Many advances took place in Europe, especially in France, Germany and the British Isles. In 1941, Konrad Zuse of Germany invented the first computer which was both electronic and digital. However, most of the advances of modern computing took place in the United States. Bell Laboratories produced the first transistors in 1947. Americans John Presper Eckert and John Mauchley invented both the ENIAC and UNIVAC computers. The Intel corporation developed the Intel 4004, the world's first microprocessor, in 1971. The IBM corporation is credited with popularizing the personal computer for home use in 1981 with the introduction of the IBM 5150. However, there were other personal computers available as early as the mid-1970s.

Types

The earliest mechanical computers require no electricity to function. These computers are powered by methods such as foot pedals or steam. Electronic computers, which use either wired circuits or integrated circuit boards to process information, are powered by electricity. Many early electronic computers were analog computers. These computers processed variable yet continuous signals such as frequencies and temperatures. Digital computers, which came along later, use discrete calculations to represent data. A binary computer uses only the numbers 1 and 0 to process information. All modern computers are electronic, digital and binary.