Who Designed the First Computer?

There are many answers to this question depending on the definition of computer. In the nineteenthth century mathematicians and inventors were working on plans for devices to perform automatic mathematical calculations. Actual working digital computers had to wait until the twentieth century for development and implementation.

Early History

In 1837 Charles Babbage described a digital computer called the analytical engine. Thomas Fowler demonstrated a primitive wooden computer using sliding rods in 1841.

First Electronic Computer

John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry built the first electronic computer between 1937 and 1942. In 1973 a federal judge overturned the patent held by J. Presper Eckert, Jr., and John W. Maunchly for their 1946 Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC).

First Solid State Computer

Remington Rand developed this in 1958. It had 100 times the capacity and 10 times the speed of ENIAC but occupied one sixth the space.

First Personal Computer

John Blankenbaker produced the Kenback-1 in 1971, although the term "personal computer" itself was coined in 1975 by Ed Roberts when he developed the Altair 8800.

First Successful Personal Computer

The Apple II in 1977 became the first really accepted mass-produced personal computer. It and its predecessor, the Apple I, were developed by Steve Wozniak with input from Steve Jobs.

Resources

• U.S. Army Report on ENIAC